Kim Ji-woong: K-Pop Idol, Actor, and ZEROBASEONE Star

Kim Ji-woong is a Korean entertainment up-and-comer who is known for his charming stage presence, acting ability, and strong bond with the audience. With membership in well-known K-pop group ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) and new web drama actor, Kim Ji-woong has created a unique niche in both music and acting. Through a career of losses, bitter victories, and unyielding perseverance, he’s become a beacon of inspiration for a generation of young fans.

You may have encountered him through Boys Planet, his K-drama appearances, or his rollercoaster of highs and lows in a number of idol groups, but Kim Ji-woong’s story is one of how patience and perseverance do really pay off. From early days of struggles in disbanded groups to captivating millions of fans with his talent and charisma, his metamorphosis is nothing short of phenomenal. This inside story of his life and career will explore his modest beginnings, his present fame, and what the future is like for this multi-faceted artist.

Quick Bio

Who is Kim Ji-woong?

Kim Ji-woong is a South Korean idol and actor who was born on December 14, 1998, in North Gyeongsang Province. He rose to national and international fame as a Boys Planet finalist, placing 8th and winning a position in the K-pop group ZEROBASEONE. With ZB1, Ji-woong helped debut one of the most successful fourth-generation K-pop groups, whose music and fashion sense have captivated fans around the world.

Apart from singing, Ji-woong is also a good actor. He gained acclamation for his performances in web dramas The Sweet Blood (2021), Kissable Lips (2022), and Roommates of Poongduck 304 (2022). His ability to switch between dramatic characters and light-hearted roles has earned him one of the most shining actor-idols of his generation. His tale is not only about talent but also about a persistence that fans greatly value.

Early Life

Kim Ji-woong was raised in a tight-knit family with strong service and discipline roots—his father was a member of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. He had two brothers, an older brother and a younger brother 10 years younger than him. Despite the conservative upbringing, Ji-woong was an obvious arts enthusiast from childhood, imitating music performances and copying entertainers on television.

While his parents did not initially believe in his dreams of pursuing a career as an entertainer, Ji-woong was persistent. He pursued his love for acting and singing and actually did go on to attend auditions and be trained by several entertainment agencies. His childhood had been spent on small things which he learned about himself, and it was while he was still young that the spark of performance actually took hold. That passion would serve him well later in his wild ride to stardom.

Career Beginning

The professional career of Ji-woong began in 2016 when he became a performer in the K-pop group INX under the stage name Jinam. The group disbanded after a year, and the members filed a case against their agency for abuse and exploitation of contract terms. The court ruled in their favor, but the failure impeded the pace of Ji-woong and enforced harsh difficulties on his working existence in the industry.

Determined not to give up, he joined other lesser-known groups like ATEEN and B.I.T., but those endeavors also failed due to agency mismanagement. Ji-woong continued to experiment with different ways of staying in the spotlight, eventually winning Burn Up: Challenge to Billboard in 2020 and releasing a single titled “Sick of Love.” These early career failures demonstrated his perseverance, but his persistence paved the way for success later in life.

What Is Kim Ji-woong Up To Now?

Kim Ji-woong’s biggest achievement to date was in 2023, when he debuted in Boys Planet, a survival show aimed at molding a new world boy group. His calm charisma, strong singing voice, and emotional vulnerability resonated with fans and led to him being ranked 8th and part of ZEROBASEONE. With ZB1, Ji-woong has participated in chart-topping music releases, variety shows, and major K-pop festivals.

Today, he divides his time between group promotions and acting. His romantic web dramas have been a particularly huge hit, establishing him as a household name across listeners beyond K-pop. Ji-woong is versatile and professional on stage and screen, proving that he’s not just handsome to look at—rather, he’s a well-rounded artist with an exciting future ahead.

Kim Ji-woong’s Physical Appearance

Standing at 181 cm (5’11”) and weighing about 65 kg (143 lbs), Kim Ji-woong is known for his tall and slender build and dramatic appearances. His facial expressions and well-defined features result in him being a strong presence on screen, and he is a favorite among both the entertainment and fashion circles. His confident stance and smooth manner of movement also highlight his stage presence and idol training.

Fashionwise, Ji-woong tends to marry streetwear with sleek Korean minimalism. From high-fashion fashion editorials to off-duty style, his look is always sleek, elegant, and endearing. What fans also admire is how he likes to experiment with haircuts and accessories, showing a fearless sense of personal style that sets him apart.

Net Worth

Although Kim Ji-woong’s exact net worth has not been disclosed, industry estimates suggest his earnings have risen dramatically since joining ZEROBASEONE. With sources of income from group activities, music royalties, acting, endorsement contracts, and social media endeavors, his financial profile is on a sharp incline.

His guestings on variety shows and endorsements have also raised his visibility and earning power. With his dual career as actor and singer, and with ever-expanding fan base, Ji-woong is set to be one of the best-paid fourth-gen idols. Given good management and continued success, his portfolio of wealth will grow in the future.

Social Media

Kim Ji-woong is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he communicates with fans in the form of personal messages, selfies, behind-the-scene photos, and advertisement messages. His profile @official_kimjiwoongie currently has over 1 million fans and continues growing at a higher rate with every appearance or endeavour.

Social networking has been a part of Ji-woong’s persona. He posts messages of gratitude to fans, promotion of his group’s activities, and spontaneous peeks into his life. Whether it is a brief message of gratitude or an announcement for a new drama, fans look forward to every post as the direct link to their favorite star.

Future Prospects and Vision

Forward-thinking, Kim Ji-woong has talked about wishing to do more complex acting work and to keep working as a musician. He would like to experiment with other genres, rather than just romantic dramas, and even hinted at desires to do action or psychological thrillers. Not being afraid to challenge himself creatively is a huge commitment to long-term artistry.

For ZEROBASEONE, Ji-woong sees the group going global and leading future global tours and collaborative efforts. Fans look forward to him taking on more leadership roles and creative involvement in music production or acting choices. His dream is clear: to become a versatile artist with a lasting legacy in Korean entertainment.