Jo Kwon
A South Korean singer and entertainer who captivated audiences as the charismatic leader of ballad group 2AM and later as a daring musical theater actor.
Born 1989 (age 37)·South Korean singer and actor·Birthday: August 28·Millennials
Biography
Jo Kwon first entered the public eye as a trainee on television, his distinctive personality and powerful vocals setting him apart even before his official debut. As the leader of 2AM, one half of the collaborative project One Day, he helped steer the group to success with emotive ballads that dominated Korean charts in the late 2000s. Kwon, however, defied the typical idol mold. His flamboyant and often hilarious variety show appearances revealed a fearless entertainer, while his subsequent solo work and foray into musical theater showcased serious artistic ambition. He took on challenging roles in productions like 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and the Korean adaptation of 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie', earning respect for his transformative stage performances. His career is a study in contrasts, balancing the precise idol industry with the raw demands of live theater.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jo was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jo Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jo's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the leader of 2AM, whose hit song 'Can't Let You Go Even If I Die' achieved a 'Perfect All-Kill' on Korean music charts.
- Starred as Jamie New in the Korean production of the hit musical 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie'.
- Won the Best Male Vocal Award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in 2010 as part of 2AM.
- Successfully launched a solo career with the EP 'I'm Da One' in 2012.
Did You Know?
He is known for his exceptional impersonations, particularly of singer Beyoncé.
He was a contestant on the reality show 'Dancing with the Stars' and won its second season.
He is close friends with many artists from his generation, including members of the group SHINee.
He served his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean army.
“I'm not a singer who dances, I'm a dancer who sings.”
