Hyungwon Biography: Background, Education, Net Worth 2025, Career, and Military Service

Profile:

Stage Name: Hyungwon (형원)

Birth Name: Chae Hyung-won (채형원)

Birthday: January 15, 1994

Hyungwon is well known for both his expressive dancing abilities and his arresting visuals, which are frequently referred to as the "visual" of MONSTA X. His humorous demeanor and animated replies have earned him the moniker "Meme King," and they are highly favored by his followers, or Monbebes, on social media.

Background:

Growing up in Gwangju, South Korea, Hyungwon became passionate about dance and music from an early age. Kyungwon, his younger brother, has already served his time in the military. During his early years, Hyungwon worked at his parents' travel firm, which encouraged his passion for travel. Hyungwon, who is known as "Dooly" at school because of his plump cheeks, has become a prominent figure because of his endearing demeanor and self-assurance in his beauty, especially his thick lips and eyelashes. He is also well-known for his peculiarities, which include his self-reportedly bad penmanship, his penchant for black underpants, and his dread of animals with more than eight legs.

Education:

Hyungwon trained with fellow MONSTA X members Minhyuk and I.M. at the Joy Dance – Plug In Music Academy in Seoul, where he refined his dancing abilities. Although there aren't many specifics regarding his academic education, his experience at the academy was crucial in helping him get ready for his K-pop career. His position as the lead dancer for MONSTA X was made possible by his commitment to dance and performance. [] (Monsta-x Hyungwon's profile, age, real name, background, and net worth in 2023)

2025 Net Worth:

Hyungwon is expected to have a net worth of about $3 million by 2025. His fortune is derived from a variety of sources, such as his solo endeavors, modeling, brand sponsorships, DJ work under the stage name DJ H.ONE, and his music career with MONSTA X. The worldwide success of MONSTA X contributes to Hyungwon's financial success. His revenues are also boosted by his participation in well-known events like KCON and Ultra Music Festival Korea, as well as brand partnerships with businesses like Adidas and Calvin Klein.

Career:

In 2014, Hyungwon started his modeling career by appearing in fashion shows for companies including Ceci and W Hotel, which marked the beginning of his rise to fame. His big break came in December 2014 when he competed to get a seat in Starship Entertainment's new boy group on Mnet's reality survival show *No.Mercy*. On May 14, 2015, Hyungwon made his triumphant debut with MONSTA X. Their debut EP, *Trespass*, peaked at number five on the Gaon Album Chart.

Hyungwon has contributed to MONSTA X's record as a member, which features songs like "Love Killa" (2020) and "GAMBLER" (2021). With nine Korean albums certified platinum and four Japanese singles certified gold, the group has gained considerable notoriety for its fierce and aggressive style that combines pop, EDM, and hip-hop.

Under the alias DJ H.ONE, Hyungwon made his DJing debut in 2017 with the song "BAM!BAM!BAM!" starring Jooheon of MONSTA X. He gave performances at prestigious gatherings such as Ultra Music Festival Korea and KCON Japan. Collaborations helped him grow his DJing career. One such collaboration was "Nobody Else," which he co-wrote with Justin Oh for MONSTA X's *Fatal Love* album in 2020. The song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.

A supporting part in the 2017 KBS2 drama *Please Find Her* marked the beginning of Hyungwon's acting career, which followed with a starring role in the 2021 drama *Fly Again*. He costarred with Lee Shin-young and Xiumin from EXO in the TVING drama *CEO-dol Mart* in 2023. Additionally, he made an appearance in K. Will's 2016 song video, "You Call It Romance," where he received recognition for his moving performance.

Hyungwon started helping with composition and production in 2020, most notably for "Nobody Else," demonstrating his flexibility as a musician. In September 2020, he debuted his own online series, *Chae’s Drift*, and appeared in YouTube series like as *Inssa Oppa* (2021–2022). He founded Shownu X Hyungwon, the first subunit of MONSTA X, in 2023. They released the EP *The Unseen*, which featured the lead single "Love Me a Little," which he co-produced.

Hyungwon hosted the Asia Star Entertainer Awards (ASEA) 2025 after being released from the military in 2025. He also took part in MONSTA X's 10th anniversary digital album *NOW PROJECT vol.1*, which included re-recorded songs from 2021–2023 with all six members. Additionally, the group will play at KCON LA 2025 and host *Connect X*, their tenth anniversary event, in Seoul and Japan.

Military Service:

On November 14, 2023, Hyungwon enlisted in the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division in Gapyeong County as an active-duty soldier, subject to required military service. In June 2024, he received a promotion to corporal for his outstanding service in the Army Band. Just one day before MONSTA X's tenth debut anniversary, on May 13, 2025, he was released from service, becoming the fifth member to do so following Shownu, Minhyuk, Joohoney, and Kihyun. The youngest member, I.M., has not yet joined. "MONBEBE, I missed you," Hyungwon wrote in a touching greeting to fans upon his release. I was able to complete my duty in excellent health because MONBEBE waited for me. MONBEBE, let's continue to see each other for a very long time. On May 17, 2025, he held a free fan gathering called "Hyungwon's Greenhouse" and a YouTube broadcast to commemorate his comeback.