Kim Kyu-jong
A versatile South Korean entertainer who transitioned from K-pop idol with SS501 to a respected musical theatre actor.
Born 1987 (age 39)·South Korean entertainer·Birthday: February 24·Millennials
Biography
Kim Kyu-jong entered the public eye as the youngest member of the boy band SS501, which rode the first major wave of the Korean Hallyu phenomenon in the mid-2000s. With his gentle vocals and polished dance skills, he helped the group achieve massive popularity across Asia. When the group's activities slowed, Kyu-jong deliberately pivoted away from the pop idol track, seeking a more enduring artistic path. He found it on the stage. His theatrical debut in 'Goong: The Musical' was a risk that paid off, leading to a series of leading roles in Korean musicals like 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Gwanghwamun Sonata.' This transition required rigorous vocal training and a new performative discipline, which he embraced fully. While maintaining a connection to his music roots through solo albums and occasional group reunions, Kyu-jong has successfully redefined himself as a serious musical theatre performer, earning respect in a demanding industry far removed from the glare of idol fandom.
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.
Kim was born in 1987, 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 Kim Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a member of the influential K-pop boy band SS501, which achieved major commercial success across Asia in the 2000s.
- Successfully transitioned to musical theatre, playing the lead role of Lee Shin in 'Goong: The Musical.'
- Released a solo mini-album, 'Turn Me On,' in 2011, showcasing his individual musical style.
- Performed in multiple acclaimed musical productions, including 'The Three Musketeers' and 'Gwanghwamun Sonata.'
Did You Know?
He is known for being particularly skilled at cooking among his fellow SS501 members.
He completed his mandatory military service as a conscripted policeman.
He starred in the Taiwanese drama 'Break Up Club' in 2011, expanding his acting career internationally.
He is a licensed barista.
“Our stage is a place where we give our energy to connect with people.”
