Yesung
A foundational voice of Super Junior whose emotive, rock-influenced vocals defined the group's ballads and carved a unique solo path.
Born 1984 (age 42)·South Korean singer-songwriter·Birthday: August 24·Millennials
Biography
Yesung, born Kim Jong-woon, entered the spotlight not as a typical K-pop idol but as a vocalist of raw, unmistakable texture. As a main vocalist of Super Junior, one of the genre's most influential groups, his powerful voice became the emotional anchor for their sweeping ballads, especially within the sub-unit Super Junior-K.R.Y. While the group embraced high-energy pop, Yesung's artistic identity leaned into darker, more introspective rock and alternative influences. His solo work, beginning with the EP 'Here I Am' in 2016, allowed this side to flourish, marked by dramatic productions and deeply personal lyrics. Beyond music, he proved a versatile entertainer, taking on roles in musical theatre, radio hosting, and variety shows, all while maintaining a slightly mysterious, artistic persona that endeared him to fans who valued depth over sheer spectacle.
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.
Yesung was born in 1984, 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 Yesung Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Yesung's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
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
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
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
2014Turned 30
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
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a main vocalist of Super Junior in 2005, a group that pioneered the large-scale 'idol band' model in K-pop.
- Released his first solo mini-album 'Here I Am' in 2016, showcasing his rock-influenced musical style.
- Starred in multiple musicals, including 'The Days' and 'Spamalot', receiving praise for his stage presence.
- Served as a fixed panel member on the popular Korean variety show 'Secretly Greatly'.
- Hosted the radio program 'Super Junior Kiss the Radio' for several years, connecting directly with fans.
Did You Know?
He is an avid photographer and has held public photo exhibitions of his work.
Yesung is known for his love of reptiles and has owned pet snakes.
He designed a character called 'Smeraldo' which he uses in his solo merchandise and concepts.
Before his official debut, he was a trainee under SM Entertainment for over five years.
“Even if I'm lacking, I want to be a singer who can move people with sincerity.”
