Kim Hojoong Profile 2026: Age, Bio, Net Worth & News
Kim Hojoong (김호중) is a South Korean classical crossover and trot singer who rose to national fame following his fourth-place finish on the TV Chosun hit competition show Mr. Trot in 2020. Known for his powerful tenor vocals and ability to bridge classical music with popular Korean trot, he quickly became one of the most talked-about solo artists in the country.
However, his career has been overshadowed by a 2024 drunk driving hit-and-run incident that led to a prison sentence. In June 2026, Kim was released on parole after serving over two years. This article covers his biography, career timeline, music achievements, and the latest developments surrounding his legal case and release.
Who Is Kim Hojoong?
Kim Hojoong (김호중) is a South Korean singer known for blending opera, classical crossover, and trot music. His distinctive vocal tone and emotional performances earned him a loyal fan base across multiple generations.
Unlike many Korean artists who debut through idol groups, Kim developed his reputation as a solo vocalist. His performances often combine classical techniques with popular Korean music, allowing him to appeal to both traditional music listeners and younger audiences.
Overview
Table of Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Kim Hojoong was born on October 2, 1991, in Ulsan, South Korea. Specific details about his family—including his parents and whether he has siblings—have not been publicly disclosed. Kim has generally kept his private life out of the spotlight, and no verified information is available regarding his family background.
He completed his mandatory military service as a public service worker and was discharged on June 9, 2022.
Career Timeline
2013-2019: Early Career
Kim Hojoong debuted as a singer in 2013. His early years in the industry were relatively quiet, and he remained largely unknown to the general public during this period. He released his first known song, “나의 사람아” (My Person), in 2013.
2020: Breakthrough on Mr. Trot
Kim’s career transformed when he competed on TV Chosun’s Mr. Trot, a wildly popular singing competition for trot singers. His classical crossover style—blending operatic tenor vocals with traditional trot—set him apart from other contestants. He finished in fourth place, but the exposure catapulted him to stardom.
Following the show, he released his debut studio album Our Family (우리家) on September 5, 2020, under Think Entertainment. The album was a commercial success, selling over 539,000 copies and earning double platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).
Later that year, on December 11, 2020, he released The Classic Album | I – My Favorite Arias through Warner Music Korea. The album also peaked at number one on the Gaon Album Chart.
2021-2023: Continued Success and Military Service
Kim continued building his career with singles and EPs, including “You and Me” (2020) and the Panorama album for Think Entertainment. However, his military service as a public service worker interrupted his active promotions. He was discharged on June 9, 2022.
In 2024, he released the EP A Life (세상).
2024-2026: Legal Troubles and Incarceration
On May 9, 2024, Kim was involved in a drunk driving incident in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. He struck a taxi parked on the opposite side of the road and fled the scene. What followed was a series of attempts to cover up the crime:
- He instructed his manager to falsely surrender and claim responsibility.
- He engaged in “sul-tagi”—drinking additional alcohol after the accident to manipulate blood alcohol test results.
- His agency removed the memory chip from the vehicle’s dashcam.
Kim was arrested on May 24, 2024. He was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison. Both Kim and the prosecution appealed, but the second trial upheld the original sentence. He withdrew his Supreme Court appeal, finalizing the sentence.
He served his sentence at the Seoul Detention Center before being transferred to Somang Correctional Facility in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province.
2026: Parole Release and Latest News
Parole Granted
On June 30, 2026, Kim Hojoong was released on parole after serving approximately 2 years and 1 month of his 2.5-year sentence. He was originally scheduled for release in November 2026 but was granted parole about five months early.
The parole review considered his exemplary conduct in prison as a contributing factor. He had previously been deemed ineligible during a Christmas pardon review in December 2025.
Handwritten Apology
Upon his release, Kim posted a handwritten letter titled “To My Longed-for Family” on his fan cafe. In it, he wrote:
“After serving 2 years and 6 months of a 2-year-6-month sentence, I was deemed eligible for parole review in June 2026 and was released into the world today, June 30.”
He added:
“Rather than feeling the freedom and liberation of leaving prison, I will take on greater responsibility, reflect deeply, and fulfill the remaining sentence period.”
Kim also stated his intention to focus on surgery for his ankles and rehabilitation treatment following his release.
Despite his apology, public reaction has been largely cold. Many online commenters have expressed that he should not be allowed to return to the music industry.
Music Achievements
Melon Hall of Fame – 5 Billion Streams
On the same day his parole was announced, news broke that Kim had surpassed 5 billion cumulative streams on the music platform Melon. This achievement earned him entry into Melon’s “Gold Club” —a title awarded to artists with between 5 billion and 10 billion streams.
Kim became the sixth artist to join this exclusive club, following:
Observers noted this as an exceptional record for a solo singer rooted in trot and classical vocals in a market dominated by idol groups.
Discography Highlights
Net Worth and Assets (2026)
Despite his incarceration, Kim Hojoong’s financial position has reportedly strengthened.
According to industry sources, Kim holds approximately a 7.43% stake in Art MNC (formerly known as Saenggak Entertainment). This stake is estimated to be worth around 5 billion KRW (approximately 3.4 million USD).
Art MNC has diversified beyond traditional artist management into a “comprehensive lifestyle group,” reporting revenue of 13 billion KRW and a net profit of 5 billion KRW in the 2025 settlement.
However, some critics have questioned the valuation, noting that the company‘s total capital is approximately 3.6 billion KRW, suggesting the claim that Kim’s 7.43% stake is worth 5 billion KRW may lack sufficient basis.
Philanthropy
Kim has been involved in charitable activities:
- March 2022: Donated 500 pieces of Geumsan Aesthetic Red Ginseng products (worth 67.5 million won) to Sky Garden under the Welfare Foundation of Love.
- February 2023: Donated 50 million won to support relief efforts for the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake through the UNICEF Korea Committee.
Interesting Facts
- Classical crossover pioneer: Kim blends operatic tenor vocals with traditional Korean trot music, a rare combination in the Korean music industry.
- Military service: He completed his mandatory service as a public service worker and was discharged on June 9, 2022.
- Melon record holder: He is only the sixth artist ever to surpass 5 billion streams on Melon, joining BTS, IU, and EXO.
- Shareholder: He owns a significant stake in his former agency, now Art MNC.
- Opera training: His classical album The Classic Album I – My Favorite Arias showcases his operatic training.
FAQ About Kim Hojoong
1. Who is Kim Hojoong?
Kim Hojoong (김호중) is a South Korean classical crossover and trot singer who rose to fame after finishing fourth on TV Chosun’s Mr. Trot in 2020.
2. How old is Kim Hojoong?
Kim Hojoong was born on October 2, 1991. in 2026, he is 34 years old (turning 35).
3. What is Kim Hojoong’s height and weight?
Kim Hojoong is approximately 174 cm (5’8″) tall and weighs approximately 89 kg (196 lbs).
4. What are Kim Hojoong’s most famous songs?
His notable releases include “You and Me” (2020), the album Our Family (우리家) (2020), The Classic Album I – My Favorite Arias (2020), and the EP A Life (세상) (2024).
5. What happened to Kim Hojoong in 2024?
In May 2024, Kim was involved in a drunk driving hit-and-run incident in Gangnam, Seoul. He fled the scene, instructed his manager to falsely surrender, and attempted to cover up the crime. He was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison.
6. When was Kim Hojoong released from prison?
Kim Hojoong was released on parole on June 30, 2026, after serving approximately 2 years and 1 month of his sentence.
7. What is Kim Hojoong’s net worth in 2026?
Kim Hojoong’s stake in Art MNC is valued at approximately 5 billion KRW (around 3.4 million USD).
8. Has Kim Hojoong won any awards?
Kim achieved entry into Melon’s “Gold Club” for surpassing 5 billion streams, becoming the sixth artist to do so after BTS, Lim Young-woong, IU, EXO, and Seventeen.
9. What is Kim Hojoong’s agency?
Kim Hojoong is signed under Think Entertainment. He also holds a stake in Art MNC, the company formerly known as Saenggak Entertainment.
10. Does Kim Hojoong have any tattoos?
There is no publicly confirmed information about Kim Hojoong having tattoos.
Summary
Kim Hojoong’s journey is one of dramatic highs and devastating lows. From a classical crossover singer who captured the nation’s heart on Mr. Trot to a convicted felon serving time for a drunk driving cover-up, his story reflects both the heights of K-pop success and the consequences of poor decisions. on July 2026, he is out on parole, facing a divided public and an uncertain future in the music industry.
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