Kihyun (MONSTA X) Biography: Background, Net Worth 2025, Career, and Military

Profile:

Stage Name: Kihyun

Birth Name: Yoo Ki-hyun (유기현)

Nationality: South Korean

Birth Date: November 22, 1993

Birth Place: Goyang, South Korea

Kihyun is a well-liked character in K-pop because of his kind disposition, dimples, and diverse skill set. His lively and charming personality is reflected in his nicknames, which include Kyeon, Gwihyoni, and Hamchi.

Background:

Along with his parents and an older brother who lives in Japan, Kihyun was born on November 22, 1993, in Goyang, South Korea, into a family of four. Kihyun was captivated to music as a child, influenced by performers such as SG Wannabe and Harry Styles. He demonstrated his grounded background by working part-time at a noodle shop and going on a mission trip abroad before pursuing a career in entertainment. Despite his initial reluctance to enter the industry, Kihyun eventually joined Starship Entertainment after being persistently persuaded by a now-former employee.
The foundation for Kihyun's future success was laid by his early musical exposure and innate vocal ability. He was able to succeed in the cutthroat K-pop industry thanks to the encouragement of his family and his own willpower.

Education:

Kihyun developed his musical and performance abilities at the esteemed Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts (DIMA), from which he graduated. He gained a solid foundation in vocal skills and stage presence from his schooling at DIMA, which he later demonstrated in his work with MONSTA X and as a solo performer. Kihyun completed his elementary and secondary schooling in his hometown of Goyang prior to enrolling at DIMA.

Career:

MONSTA X and Debut

In December 2014, Kihyun made his debut on Mnet's survival show No.Mercy, marking the beginning of his career. He secured his position as MONSTA X's lead vocalist by showcasing his vocal skills in a competition with other trainees. The band, which was founded under Starship Entertainment, released their debut EP, Trespass, on May 14, 2015. Kihyun demonstrated his songwriting abilities early on by contributing lyrics to the EP.
With albums like The Clan Pt. 2.5: The Final Chapter (2017) and All About Luv (2020), which peaked at number five on the US Billboard 200, MONSTA X—known for their strong hip-hop, EDM, and pop fusion—gained international notoriety. Kihyun received a lot of appreciation for his consistent live singing, especially throughout the group's difficult choreography.

Solo Debut and Songwriting:

On March 15, 2022, Kihyun released his first solo album, Voyager. On October 24, 2022, he released his first mini-album, Youth. His solo work, which included pop-rock and ballad elements, demonstrated his versatility. Kihyun also wrote and composed songs like "(COMMA)" and "Cause of You," which are included in MONSTA X's catalogue.

OSTs and Collaborations:

Many drama soundtracks have featured Kihyun's vocals, such as "Attractive Woman" (with Jooheon) for Orange Marmalade (2015).
She Was Pretty's "One More Step" (2015)
"Love Virus" for What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018), featuring Seola from Cosmic Girls
Welcome's "Again Spring" (2020)

His reputation as a talented vocalist has been cemented by his ability to express emotion through OSTs. In order to demonstrate his versatility, Kihyun also covered songs like "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons and "Middle of the Night" by MONSTA X.

Television and Radio:

Kihyun's allure goes beyond just her songs. In 2016, he participated in King of Mask Singer as "Tell Them I'm the Dragon King," defeating Namjoo of Apink in the opening round. He hosted Mon Happy Radio with Minhyuk on Vlive and was an MC for MBC Dramanet's Tasteful Beauty Plus. His captivating charm was further emphasised by his performances on programs such as Night Studio and Music Universe K-909.

Achievements:

Kihyun has been nominated for several honours, including the 2022 Brand Customer Loyalty Award's Most Influential Live Streaming Show DJ and the 2023 Korea First Brand honours' Most Anticipated Male Solo Artist. With Kihyun's help, MONSTA X has received 53 honours, including recognition from the Asia Artist Awards and the APAN Music Awards.

Military Service:

On August 22, 2023, Kihyun joined the 25th Infantry Division at Yangju army camp in North Gyeonggi Province as an active-duty soldier, fulfilling the requirements of mandatory military service. He served with diligence and received multiple honours for his dedication. After Shownu, Minhyuk, and Joohoney, Kihyun was released on February 21, 2025, making him the fourth member of MONSTA X to finish duty. Kihyun sent an emotional statement to supporters upon his release, saying, "Over the past year and a half, I have performed my assigned duties more diligently than anyone else." I sincerely appreciate you waiting for me. In March 2025, he held a free fan gathering and a live broadcast on MONSTA X's YouTube account to commemorate his comeback. In February 2024, the Korean military publication Kookbang Ilbo featured an article about his service.

2025 Net Worth:

Kihyun's estimated net worth in 2025 is in the range of $3 million to $5 million. His revenue comes from:

MONSTA X Activities: Global tours, sponsorship agreements with companies like Sprite and Skechers, and album sales (NO LIMIT, for example, sold over 450,000 copies in 2021).
Solo Projects: Revenue from OSTs, Youth, and Voyager.
Other endeavours include live concerts, radio appearances, and television appearances.

Kihyun's solo endeavours and songwriting credits contribute to his personal income.