Joshua (American singer)
An American singer who crossed an ocean to become a beloved vocalist and performer in the heart of South Korea's music scene.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American singer·Birthday: December 30·Millennials
Biography
Born Joshua Hong in Los Angeles, his journey from California to Seoul is a testament to the global pull of K-pop. He was discovered by a talent scout while attending a concert, leading him to move to South Korea as a teenager to train under Pledis Entertainment. After years of rigorous preparation, he debuted in 2015 as a member of Seventeen, a group famed for its self-producing ethos and intricate choreography. As part of the vocal team, Joshua's clear tone and warm stage presence helped shape the group's harmonious sound. His bilingual background and gentle demeanor have made him a crucial bridge, connecting the group to international audiences and embodying the transnational nature of modern pop culture.
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.
Joshua was born in 1995, 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 Joshua Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Joshua's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a vocalist in Seventeen, a group that has achieved multiple number-one albums on South Korea's Circle Chart.
- Performed as part of Seventeen's sold-out world tours, including major stadium shows across Asia and North America.
- Contributed to writing and composing credits on several tracks within Seventeen's extensive discography.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Christian and has spoken about how his faith guides him.
Before becoming a trainee, he played the violin for several years.
He is known for being particularly close with fellow Seventeen member Jeonghan.
“I want my voice to be a bridge between the music I grew up with and the music I make now.”
