Kim Dong-han
A South Korean singer-songwriter who forged his own path from reality show contender to confident solo artist and group leader.
Born 1998 (age 28)·South Korean entertainer·Birthday: July 3·Generation Z
Biography
Kim Dong-han's entry into the spotlight was through the high-pressure crucible of 'Produce 101 Season 2' in 2017, where his talent secured him a spot in the project group JBJ. Rather than fading after its dissolution, he leveraged that momentum to carve a distinct solo identity. His 2018 debut EP 'D-Day' showcased not just his polished performance skills but his growing hand in songwriting, presenting a blend of intense dance pop and melodic R&B. This solo chapter established him as more than a reality TV alumnus; he was an artist with his own vision. Later, he seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role as a founding member of the boy group WEi, demonstrating an adaptability and resilience that defines modern K-pop careers. His journey reflects the industry's new paradigm: multifaceted entertainers building lasting careers through multiple creative avenues.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Kim was born in 1998, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1998
#1 Movie
Saving Private Ryan
Best Picture
Shakespeare in Love
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Kim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1998Born
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2003Started school
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2011Became a teenager
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
2014Could drive
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2016Could vote
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2019Turned 21
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 28 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Successfully debuted as a solo artist with the EP 'D-Day' in 2018 after gaining fame through 'Produce 101'.
- Co-wrote and co-composed tracks for his solo work, including the title song "SUNSET" from his second EP.
- Re-debuted as a leader and main dancer of the boy group WEi in 2020, charting new music show wins.
Did You Know?
He is a former member of the project group JBJ, formed from the 'Produce 101 Season 2' contestants.
Kim Dong-han is skilled in taekwondo, having practiced it for over a decade.
He made his acting debut in the 2019 web drama "Love Revolution."
“I want to show a new side of myself that I haven't shown before.”
