Biography
Who is Yesung?
Early life and education
Yesung was born in Seoul, South Korea, on August 24, 1984. His birth name was Kim Jong-woon, though he eventually changed it to Kim Kang-hoon. He grew up in Cheonan, located in South Chungcheong Province. As a young person, he showed a strong interest in vocal performance. In 1999, he participated in a local singing contest in Cheonan and earned a gold medal.
His mother, Im Bo-kyung, helped him pursue his interests by signing him up for an audition with SM Entertainment in 2001. He impressed the judges with his vocal abilities and signed a contract as a trainee that same year. The stage name Yesung was created by his agency, derived from a Korean phrase meaning the vocal cords of an artist. He is a tenor. He also attended Chungwoon University for his higher education.
Musical career
Yesung officially joined the entertainment industry in 2005 as part of the twelve-member project group Super Junior 05. The group performed their first single, Twins, on a television music program in November of that year. Shortly after, the group released their first album. By 2006, the group dropped the suffix from their name and continued as Super Junior. The singer became a key part of the group's various sub-units.
In late 2006, he formed Super Junior-K.R.Y. With fellow members Ryeowook and Kyuhyun, focusing on R&B ballads. He also joined the sub-unit Super Junior-H in 2008. Beyond group projects, he participated in SM Entertainment's collaborative project, SM The Ballad, starting in 2014. He has been a consistent presence in the South Korean music scene for nearly two decades.
Acting and solo work
The performer has an extensive resume in musical theatre and screen acting. He debuted as a film actor in the 2007 production Attack on the Pin-Up Boys, playing a high school student. His musical theatre career includes roles in Namhansanseong, where he played a servant, and Hong Gil Dong, where he starred in the title role. He also appeared in the production Spamalot as Sir Galahad.
In addition to acting, Yesung has recorded numerous songs for television dramas. One well-known contribution was the track It Has to be You for the drama Cinderella's Sister in 2010. He also sang Waiting For You for the series Paradise Ranch. He launched his career as a solo artist in 2016 with the release of his first extended play, titled Here I Am. His work often involves ballads that show his vocal range.
Radio and business
Outside of singing and acting, the artist has worked as a radio personality. From 2006 to 2007, he hosted the program M.I.R.A.C.L.E for You, which featured his bandmates as guests. He also worked as a radio DJ on Super Junior's Kiss the Radio in 2011, filling in for bandmate Eunhyuk. He has also appeared as a host on variety programs, including the music show MUZIT in 2010.
Beyond entertainment, Yesung has explored business ventures. He and his younger brother, Kim Jong-jin, opened a café called Mouse Rabbit Coffee in 2012. This venture followed their previous experience with other franchises like Babtols and Handel & Gretel. His life involves balancing these various professional roles while maintaining a long-term career in the Korean entertainment industry.
Birthday and age
Yesung was born on August 24, 1984, which makes Yesung 42 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Yesung shares the date with 64 other famous people.
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