Kim Ryeo-wook
A crystalline vocal powerhouse from Super Junior who carved a distinct path as a solo artist and musical theater star, captivating audiences with his emotional depth.
Born 1987 (age 39)·South Korean singer-songwriter·Birthday: June 21·Millennials
Biography
Kim Ryeo-wook, known simply as Ryeowook, stepped into the global spotlight as the youngest member of the monumental boy band Super Junior. While the group's high-energy performances defined an era of K-pop, Ryeowook's voice provided its soaring, emotional anchor. His technical control and pure tone made him a cornerstone of the group's vocal subunit, Super Junior-K.R.Y., and opened doors to musical theater, where he earned critical acclaim. In 2016, he confidently stepped out on his own with his debut solo EP 'The Little Prince', a body of work that reflected his artistic sensitivity beyond the idol machine. Ryeowook's journey illustrates the evolution of a pop idol into a respected, multifaceted vocal artist commanding both stadiums and intimate stages.
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 main vocalist of Super Junior, one of South Korea's most influential and long-running boy bands.
- Released his first solo EP 'The Little Prince' in 2016, showcasing his songwriting and vocal artistry.
- Established a successful parallel career as a musical theater actor, starring in productions like 'The Brothers Were Brave' and 'Gone With the Wind'.
- Was part of the first group of Korean artists to be featured on Chinese postage stamps in 2015.
Did You Know?
He is a licensed barista and once operated a small cafe van.
He is known for his exceptional cleanliness and organizational skills, even among his bandmates.
He composed and wrote lyrics for several songs on Super Junior's albums, including 'One Fine Day' and 'The Girl Is Mine'.
“A voice is an instrument you must tune every single day, with care and without excuses.”
