Hongjoong is not the kind of artist who stays in one lane. As the leader of ATEEZ, he has built a reputation for fearless creativity, balancing high-energy performances with meticulous songwriting and a vision that reaches far beyond the stage. Since his teenage years, he has been chasing music with a mix of precision and boldness, turning ideas into anthems that resonate across continents. Whether he is producing for other artists, reinventing classic tracks in his solo series, or stepping into the world of fashion, Hongjoong approaches everything with the same restless curiosity, which makes him the definition of a changemaker in the entire K-Pop industry. His story is one of persistence, innovation, and the belief that great art is about more than just following trends.

First Steps into Music

Kim Hongjoong was born in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, and from early on, he wanted to create the playbook himself, not follow one. Music wasn’t just a hobby; it was the thing that pulled him in and kept him up at night. By 16, he had already writtten his first song, tinkering with melodies and lyrics like a puzzle he couldn’t put down. At 17, he made a bold move that would set the tone for his enntire career: sending a mixtape and a handwritten letter to a smaller company, KQ Entertainment, pitching himself as their in-house composer.

That single act changed everything. KQ saw his talent immediately and brought him in as their very first trainee in 2015. For six months, he trained alone…no peers, no competition, just him, his ambition, and the practice room. This solo grind shaped his independence, discipline, and work ethic, setting him apart from most rookies who enter a system with a group from day one. Eventually, other trainees joined, but Hongjoong had already laid the groundwork for the leader he would become. His early work, including the self-written song “From” and his role in the KQ Fellaz American Training series filmed in Los Angeles, gave fans a preview of his drive and artistry before ATEEZ’s official debut. Then, came the performance videos. KQ Fellaz's performance videos began to go very viral on platforms like YouTube and World Star Hip-Hop during this time, and many thought they would continue as a dance group, but different plans were in the works, and the world was not ready for who was about to dominate.

Debut and Leadership in ATEEZ

ATEEZ officially debuted on October 24, 2018, and from the start, Hongjoong was at the helm. As leader, main rapper, and one of the group’s primary songwriters and producers, he set the tone for their sound and identity.

His specific style as a performr and artist blends high-energy stage presence with sharp, storytelling rap that hits just as hard in emotinal ballads as it does in explosive anthems. As of July 2025, Hongjoong has over 165 songs registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), an impressive catalog that includes fan favorites like “Aurora,” “Pirate King,” “Wonderland,” “HALA HALA,” “Good Lil Boy,” “Sunrise,” “Celebrate,” “MATZ,” and “Guerrilla.” Each track carries his signature approach: detailed concepts, layered arrangements, and an ability to take listeners on a full cinematic journey in three to four minutes.

Mentorship and Work with xikers

Hongjoong’s influence reaches far beyond ATEEZ. When KQ Entertainment debuted their junior group, xikers, in 2023, he was instrumental in shaping their sound. Not only did he produce and compose every track ontheir debut projet, but he also worked closely with the members, especially the rap line, helping them refine their skills and understand the deeper aspects of artistry, from writing lyrics to delivering a performance with intent.

Younger artists like Minjae have openly expressed how much they admire him, and his mentorship style is a mix of tough love and encouragement. It’s clear that Hongjoong doesn’t just want to make great music himself; he wants to build a future where the next generation of artists can stand on their own feet creatively, and that is clearly echoed by his actions, not just words.

Solo Work and the “BY. HONGJOONG” Series

While his group work keeps him busy, Hongjoong’s solo projects show a whole different side of his artistry. His ongoing “BY. HONGJOONG” series, which began in 2019, is a passion project that reimgines world classics from artists like David Bowie, Linkin Park, and Michael Jackson. The most dynamic thing about this series is the fact that Hongjoong reworks the production, writes new Korean lyrics, and injects his own interpretation into the song’s core, making each one feel fresh and personal, and actually shows artistry and intention behind what he wants to show to the world.

His original solo tracks, “A Walker” (2023), “Why Do You Love” (2024), and “NO1” (2025, part of ATEEZ’s Golden Hour: Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’), are deeply introspective. They explore themes of identity, purpose, and emotional resilience, showing his ability to write music that resonates on a personal level while still being complex.

Global Collaborations

Hongjoong’s creativity has also led him into global music spaces. In January 2025, he linked up with Palestinian-American artist Odetari for “SMB,” a track that fused Korean and American styles into something sleek and experimental with sigilkore as the featured genre. He co-wrote the song, performed on it, and delivered a verse that sparked conversation for its layered meaning. Fans even speculated about sutle commentary on industry politics due to what Hongjoong and the rest of the ATEEZ members have faced since their debut. It was his first true global collaboration, and it showed his reach beyond Asia.

Six months later, in July 2025, Hongjoong featured on a new version of UK singer-songwriter Bradley Simpson’s “Almost.” His contribution, lyrics, lush harmonies, and emotional nuance helped bridge Western and Korean pop sensibilities, earning praise from both fans and critics.

He’s also worked in the domestic scene, including a 2024 hit with Chungha, “EENIE MEENIE,” where he wore three hats: featured artist, co-writer, and composer.

Fashion and Visual Identity

Hongjoong’s artistry doesn’t stop at music; he’s just as intentional with how he presents himself visually. Known for his bold fashion choices and custom-reformed clothing, he often takes existing pieces and reworks them into something completely unique. His looks aren’t just style statements; they’re extensions of the stories he tells in his music.

He’s been spotted at major fashion events, including Paris Fashion Week with the likes of Balmain and Paul Smith’s Fall 2025 runway show, and continues to experiment with personal style in a way that challenges traditonal idol image norms. His Instagram and variety show appearances give fans behind-the-scenes glimpses of both his style process and his day-to-day life.

Impact Over Influence

As of August 14, 2025, Kim Hongjoong is more than just a leader in a successful K-Pop group; he’s a cultural force that is shifting K-Pop as we know it. His work has pushed the boundaries of what a K-Pop idol can be: not just a performer, but a songwriter, producer, mentor, fashion innovator, and global collaborator. Whether he’s on stage commanding a crowd, in the studio building a track from scratch, or guiding younger artists toward their own creative breakthroughs, Hongjoong operates with the same mindset he had at 17: fearless, determined, and unwilling to settle.

Check Out These Tracks

“Selfish Waltz”
“Wake Up”
“NO.1”
“Blind”
“Take Me Home”

The Impactful Changemaker That Is Kim Hongjoong