Young K
A multi-talented musician who became the lyrical backbone of Day6, crafting anthems of youth and heartache that resonated deeply with a global audience.
Born 1993 (age 33)·South Korean singer·Birthday: December 19·Millennials
Biography
Kang Young-hyun, known universally as Young K, moved from Seoul to Toronto as a child, a cross-cultural shift that would later infuse his music with a broad, relatable perspective. He returned to South Korea to chase a dream, joining JYP Entertainment as a trainee. Rather than debuting in a typical idol group, he found his home as the bassist, vocalist, and primary lyricist for Day6, a band that carved out a unique space in K-pop with its live instrumentation and rock-driven sound. Young K's gift was his pen; he wrote the majority of the band's Korean lyrics, translating complex emotions of doubt, love, and resilience into powerful, sing-along choruses. His fluency in English led him to also write lyrics for the band's English versions and releases, bridging the gap for international fans. Beyond Day6, his solo work and radio hosting reveal a thoughtful artist committed to genuine connection, making him not just a performer but a trusted voice for his generation.
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.
Young was born in 1993, 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 Young Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Young's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
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
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Has written the lyrics for the vast majority of Day6's Korean discography, including hits like 'You Were Beautiful' and 'Time of Our Life'.
- Released his first solo EP, 'Eternal', in 2021, showcasing his personal musical style beyond the band.
- Served as a DJ for the KBS Cool FM radio show 'Kiss The Radio' (Day6's Kiss The Radio).
- Earned a Song of the Year award at the 2021 Korean Music Awards for Day6's 'Zombie'.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in English, having lived in Canada for several years during his youth.
Young K attended the prestigious Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, majoring in English.
He initially auditioned for JYP Entertainment as a rapper.
He has written English lyrics for other K-pop artists, including Got7.
“Even if it’s a small light, I want to be a person who can shine that light on someone.”
