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Kihyun
South Korean singer From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Yoo Ki-hyun (Korean: 유기현, born November 22, 1993), known mononymously as Kihyun, is a South Korean singer and songwriter. He is a member of the South Korean boy group Monsta X under Starship Entertainment. He made his solo debut with the single album Voyager in 2022,[4] in addition to having recorded numerous original soundtracks for South Korean television dramas.[5]
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Early life
Kihyun was born in Seoul, South Korea on November 22, 1993.[6][7] He came from a family of four, which includes his father, mother, an older brother, and himself.[8] Kihyun is also a graduate from Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts.[9]
Career
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2014–2015: Debut and career beginnings
In December 2014, Kihyun competed in the Mnet survival show No.Mercy.[10] Kihyun, along with the six other finalists from the show debuted as Monsta X, a hip-hop idol group that under Starship Entertainment, with the EP Trespass on May 14, 2015.[11] In 2015, through the survival show, he was featured on two songs for the show's soundtrack: "Pillow" with Soyou and Giriboy on January 14,[12] and "0 (Young)" with Giriboy, Mad Clown, Jooyoung, and other remaining trainees in No.Mercy on February 4.[13]
In May 2015, Kihyun and fellow Monsta X member Jooheon, released an original soundtrack "Attractive Woman" for KBS2's Orange Marmalade.[14] In October, he released his first solo song for the soundtrack "One More Step" for the MBC TV's drama She Was Pretty.[15][16]
2016–2020: Original soundtracks and solo activities
Kihyun appeared as a contestant on King of Mask Singer with the name "Tell Them I'm the Dragon King" on January 3, 2016. He won the first round against Namjoo, known as "Good Daughter Shim Cheong". On the second round of the competition, he lost to Lim Jeong-hee, known as "Rolled Good Fortune", with the difference of three votes.[17]
In April, Kihyun became an MC for MBC Dramanet's Tasteful Beauty Plus. He participated with Son Tae-young and Kim Ji-min, as one of the beauty information and tips experts.[18]
In October 2016, he sung the acoustic version of "The Tiger Moth" for the soundtrack of MBC TV's drama Shopping King Louie.[19] Then, in June 2017, he sang for another soundtrack, with the release of "I've Got A Feeling" for SBS TV's drama Suspicious Partner.[20] In May 2018, he again partnered with fellow Monsta x member Jooheon for a soundtrack, recording the song "Can't Breathe" for MBC's Partners for Justice[21] and in June, he also recorded "Love Virus" for tvN's drama What's Wrong with Secretary Kim together with Seola.[16][22]
For Monsta X's album All About Luv, Kihyun participated in writing and producing on three songs: "Who Do U Love?" featuring French Montana (and its remix by will.i.am), "Middle of the Night", and "Beside U".[23] He had previously co-written "I Do Love U" from Take.1 Are You There? with three other members, as well as co-written and produced the song "No Exit" for their debut EP Trespass.[24]
In April 2020, Kihyun released a song for the soundtrack of KBS2's Welcome, titled "Again Spring",[25] and then a song for KBS2's Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, titled "To Be With You", on October 7.[26] In October, Kihyun had a solo stage for M Studio on M Countdown, where he performed a cover of the song "Bad" by Christopher.[27][28]
2021–2023: Solo debut with Voyager and other solo activities
In February 2021, Kihyun released a song for the soundtrack of the drama Replay: The Moment, titled "O.M.O.M.".[29] He was praised for his work in the drama, particularly his voice was able to express the "sweetness and softness" that complemented the drama.[30]
In August, Kihyun appeared as a special guest on Naver Now's Night Studio, where he sang covers of several songs, including "Middle of the Night" by Monsta X and "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons, with a live band.[31] He also became a new DJ for Naver Now's Midnight Idol, alongside group member I.M.[32]
In September, Kihyun appeared again as a contestant on King of Mask Singer's special duet episode for the 2021 Chuseok holiday. Kihyun also paired up with a co-label solo artist Jeong Se-woon as the "Cheongdam-dong Sworn Brothers". They lost in the first round against MeloMance's Kim Min-seok and actor Kim Woo-seok as the "Brave Brothers".[33][34]
He made his solo debut on March 15, 2022 with the single album Voyager, along with the lead single of the same name.[35][36][37] For the album, Kihyun co-wrote lyrics for the song ", (Comma)" with Brother Su.[24] Kihyun tested positive for COVID-19 on March 30.[38]
On August 4, Kihyun released a song for the soundtrack of the webcomic After School Lessons for Unripe Apples, titled "Is This Love".[39]
In September, Kihyun made his first solo performance outside of South Korea, performing in the music festival KPOP LAND 2022, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.[40] He then performed at KCON 2022 Japan, held at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.[41]
On October 24, he released his first EP Youth, along with the lead single of the same name.[42][43] He co-wrote another song with Brother Su for the album, titled "'Cause of You".[24] On October 25, Kihyun was selected as the host for Naver Now's new live show PLAY!, starting on November 7.[44]
On November 12, he released a song for the soundtrack of the new SBS' Friday-Saturday drama The First Responders, titled "Fire".[45]
In January 2023, Kihyun had a pictorial and an interview for the fashion magazine Arena Homme + Korea.[46]
In April, he became a panelist for JTBC's current affairs and liberal arts program Han Moon-cheol's Black Box Review.[47] On April 16, Kihyun and Joohoney participated in the soundtrack of TVING's original Our Game: LG Twins, titled "Awake". It is a song about overcoming difficulties by cheering each other on and raising hope, which combines rock and hip hop, and contains a moving theme of turning adversity upside down.[48] They also participated in the opening pitch before the LG Twins's game against the Doosan Bears.[49]
On May 7, he released a song for the soundtrack of the television series Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, titled "Full Moon".[50] On May 28, Kihyun performed at the Peak Festival 2023, held at Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul.[51]
In June, he attended the 2023 Seen Festival in Hội An, Vietnam.[52] On June 22, Kihyun attended the Korea-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Night, held at Vietnam National Convention Center, as "K-pop Representative Singer". It was a place to enjoy K-pop and V-pop together, to strengthen cultural consensus between the two countries and promote friendship for the future generations.[53]
2023–present: Military enlistment and return
Kihyun enlisted for his mandatory military service as part of the military band, with 25th Infantry Division at Yangju army base in North Gyeonggi Province on August 22, 2023.[54][55] In February 2024, he was featured in the Korean military magazine Kookbang Ilbo.[56]
Kihyun was officially discharged on February 21, 2025.[57][58] In March 2025, he held a free fan event after his military discharge.[59]
Kihyun participated in a tribute song "Moon", released by Astro for their member Moonbin, alongside fellow Monsta X members Minhyuk and I.M, as well as Viviz, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Hello Gloom, Rocky, Yoojung, Doyeon, Chani, Bang Chan, Moon Sua. It was released on April 19, on the two-year anniversary of Moonbin's death.[60]
On May 25, Kihyun performed at the Peak Festival 2025, held at Nanji Hangang Park in Seoul.[61] On June 28, he performed at the Someday Festival, in commemoration of its 10th anniversary, held at KINTEX in Ulsan.[62]
On July 25, he released the song "Surf" for the soundtrack of the drama The Winning Try.[63]
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Artistry
Musical style and influences
Kihyun has been described to possess a soulful pop rock voice that is "refreshing yet sexy". He is also noted for his high-pitched ad libs.[64][65]
Kihyun had cited singer Harry Styles as his role model.[64]
Public image and impact
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Kihyun has been known for his singing ability, recording numerous television dramas soundtracks and vocal cover videos of various genres. As the main vocalist of Monsta X, he has always captivated the K-pop fans by showing off his unwavering live skills despite the group's unique strong performances,[66] which also earned him the honorifics "K-pop God" and "Vocal God".[66][64][65][67]
In October 2019, an official statement from Kakao M revealed that Monsta X, which Kihyun is assigned, received 7,906 shares (about ₩1,000,000,000) of it to resolve issue rights to strengthen solidarity with affiliates and entertainers. The group is one of many Kakao M-affiliated artists who received stocks from the company, of which according to reports, is also preparing to rejoin Korea Exchange through a re-IPO.[68]
In July 2022, he was voted as "Emotional Vocal Tone King Idol", with a vote rate of 30.62% out of a total of 297,873 votes after fierce competition among many candidates, including Mamamoo's Wheein, Kim Jae-hwan, and BTS' Jimin.[69] Kihyun was also consistently placed in Tumblr's "Most Popular K-pop Stars", ranking 41st in 2018,[70] 43rd in 2019,[71] 59th in 2020, 76th in 2021, and 75th in 2022. He was also consistently ranked in the "Individual Boy Group Members Brand Power Ranking" published by the Korean Corporate Reputation Research Institute, with the highest ranking at 24th in June 2020.[72]
In September 2022, Architect Professor Yoo Hyun-jun expressed his gratitude to Kihyun for watching Sherlock Hyun-jun videos on YouTube during a delayed flight. Because of this, "Sherlock Hyun-jun" became a real-time trend on Twitter and the number of YouTube subscribers also increased, exceeding 470,000.[73]
He had inspired the group Blitzers for his "cool expression" on stage.[74]
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Other ventures
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Arts and photography
In 2016, Kihyun alongside Minhyuk held a special exhibition "Moment in November" at the Space Art 1 in Jung-gu, Seoul from November 26 to 27. Under the theme of "moment", this exhibition consists of Kihyun's photos and Minhyuk's calligraphy and drawings. A space was also prepared for them to see the before and after Monsta X's debut photos, undisclosed polaroids, childhood photos, their cherished items, as well as events for fans, due to the warm response from domestic and foreign fans and to repay the support they showed during the group's activities.[75]
In 2018, Kihyun held a special exhibition "Moment of November 2018 with Kihyun" at The Space Gallery in Gangnam, Seoul for three days from July 6 to 8. This exhibition is held for the first time in two years, which consisted of photos and works taken by him under the theme of "moment", with about 3,000 domestic and foreign visitors coming to the exhibition. It was unfolded with various photos, cherished items, and events including the appearances of the members and their childhood, plus a special space to share precious memories with his fans to commemorate the third anniversary of Monsta X's debut.[76]
In 2023, Kihyun published his first solo photobook The Moment of November, which records the current him in fans' memories, before enlisting on August 22,[77] as well as exhibition and pop-up store at Cafe OAOA in Seongdong-gu, Seoul from August 7 to 15.[78]
Endorsements
In December 2021, Kihyun collaborated with the newly-established Filipino clothing brand RNDM, with him being its brand ambassador and co-creative director.[79]
In May 2022, Kihyun became the new muse for the Korean unisex street brand AQOstudiospace's 2022 summer collection, which held various promotions, such as SNS participation and exclusive photocards events.[80] In June, he became a model for the Korean cosmetics and skincare brand the SAEM through the Korean star and style magazine AtStyle.[81] On August 22, Kihyun became a model for the Korean lifestyle beauty brand Lalafranc through the Korean fashion, beauty, and life magazine Singles.[82]
Philanthropy
In November 2016, proceeds from the 2-days special exhibition "Moment in November" were donated in the names of Kihyun, Minhyuk, and fan club, Monbebe.[75]
In January 2021, he donated ₩10,000,000 to the Good Neighbors, a charity organization that helps low-income families in South Korea, which will be used for support kits containing hygiene products for the girls.[83]
In December 2022, Kihyun donated his cherished items to the Korean general news agency News 1's "Bazaar of Love" and all its proceeds will be donated to Severance Hospital for the treatment and care of children from low-income families and with severe, rare, and incurable diseases.[84]
In June 2025, he introduced the Taegeukgi keyring, a product produced by the Korean company Infresh, which supports the Korean War Veterans.[85]
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Discography
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Extended plays
Single albums
Singles
As lead artist
As featured artist
Collaborative singles
Other charted songs
Soundtrack appearances
Music videos
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Filmography
Television shows
Web shows
Radio shows
Music video appearances
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Bibliography
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Songwriting
All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association, unless stated otherwise.[24]
Awards and nominations
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See also
Notes
- "Moon" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but appeared at number 61 on the component Download Chart.[94]
- "Rain" did not enter on the Digital Chart but appeared at number 28 on the component Download Chart.[96]
- "Bad Liar" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 19 on the component Download Chart.[97]
- "Stardust" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 22 on the component Download Chart.[97]
- "Where Is This Love" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 20 on the component Download Chart.[97]
- "'Cause of You" did not enter on the Circle Digital Chart but appeared at number 25 on the component Download Chart.[97]
- Co-organized by the Korean Customers Council and Brand Keys, this event recognizes the most influential brands in society and culture, as determined through consumer research.[110]
- Hosted by the Korea Consumer Brand Committee and the Korea Consumer Forum, the Korea First Brand Awards based its winners on a nationwide South Korean survey.[113]
References
External links
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