Son Ho-young
A foundational member of the seminal K-pop group g.o.d. who successfully reinvented himself as a solo balladeer and musical theater star.
Born 1980 (age 46)·Musical artist·Birthday: March 26·Generation X
Biography
Son Ho-young was part of the fabric of a generation's youth as a member of g.o.d., one of South Korea's most beloved first-generation idol groups. Debuting in 1999, he was known for his warm vocals and bright demeanor, helping propel the group to massive, nation-defining success with hits like 'Lie' and 'One Candle.' When g.o.d. went on hiatus, Ho-young didn't fade away; he meticulously built a second act. He launched a solo career, trading pop anthems for emotive ballads that showcased a more mature side of his voice. Parallel to this, he dove into musical theater, earning acclaim in productions like 'Grease' and 'Gwanghwamun Sonata,' proving his artistic range. His enduring presence on variety shows like 'Immortal Songs' has cemented his status as a versatile and respected entertainer long after his idol peak.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Son was born in 1980, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Son Was Born
The biggest hits of 1980
#1 Movie
The Empire Strikes Back
Best Picture
Ordinary People
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Son's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1980Born
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1985Started school
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1993Became a teenager
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1996Could drive
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1998Could vote
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Turned 21
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2010Turned 30
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
2020Turned 40
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 46 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a main vocalist of g.o.d., a group that won the Daesang (Grand Prize) multiple times and sold millions of records.
- Released successful solo albums, including 'Yes' and 'The Artist,' establishing his career outside the group.
- Forged a successful parallel career as a leading man in Korean musical theater productions.
Did You Know?
He holds dual citizenship in South Korea and the United States, having spent part of his childhood in Los Angeles.
He is a licensed bartender and once operated a bar in Seoul.
He participated in the reality show 'Law of the Jungle' and was praised for his survival skills.
“Singing 'Lie' with our fans felt like healing the whole country.”
