Kim Hongjoong: ATEEZ’s Captain – Biography, Profile, Net Worth 2025, Career, and Brother

Profile:

Stage Name: Hongjoong (홍중)

Birth Name: Kim Hong Joong (김홍중)

Birthday: November 7, 1998

Nationality: South Korean

Fans and members frequently refer to Hongjoong as "Hong-leader," "Mini-Hong," or "Korean Big Minion." He is well-known for his high-pitched rap style, contagious enthusiasm, and innovative contributions to ATEEZ's music. Because of his severe yet compassionate manner, he is regarded as the group's "dad." His leadership earned him the moniker of "Captain," which alludes to the pirate-themed concept of the organization.

Early Life and Background:

In Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Hongjoong was born and reared with his parents and older brother, Bumjoong. His name, which means "to be the center of the wide world," is a fitting reflection of his leadership destiny. Hongjoong's love of music was evident from an early age; at 16, he wrote his first song. His desire to pursue a career in music was inspired by his mother's encouragement that he could accomplish anything if he set his mind to it.
Due to his commitment to music creation, he was frequently absent from Leonardo's Kindergarten, Gwiin Elementary School, Daehan Middle School, and Dongan High School. Later, Hongjoong enrolled at Global Cyber University, where she majored in entertainment and broadcasting. He developed his musical abilities while attending SIMS Academy. He was inspired to combine rap, performance, and songwriting by his early influences, which included Block B, G-Dragon, and Zico.
Hongjoong made a daring move when he sent a letter and mixtape to KQ Entertainment at the age of 17, stating his intention to work as an in-house composer. In 2015, KQ hired him as their first trainee after being impressed by his talent. He trained by himself for six months before other people joined. His path to becoming the leader of ATEEZ began with this.

Career:

Hongjoong's many skills as a rapper, singer, composer, producer, and fashion innovator are demonstrated by his career. His participation in the survival show MIXNINE in 2017 marked a turning point in his career; he placed seventh in the Just Dance showcase but 42nd overall. His fan following grew as a result of his exposure on the show, even if he didn't win.

Pre-Debut and ATEEZ Formation:

Hongjoong trained at the Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles alongside seven other members of KQ Entertainment's pre-debut group, "KQ Fellaz": Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho. In July 2018, Hongjoong's self-composed song "From" was published, and they appeared in the online series KQ Fellaz American Training. Later, the group's name was revealed to be ATEEZ, which stands for "A TEEnager Z," signifying their appeal to young people.

Debut and Rise to Fame:

The lead songs "Pirate King" and "Treasure" from ATEEZ's mini-album Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, which was released on October 24, 2018, marked their debut. The majority of the songs were co-written by Hongjoong, demonstrating his skill as a songwriter. The EP reached its highest position at number 12 on Billboard's World Album Chart and number 7 on the Gaon Album Chart. ATEEZ immediately distinguished themselves with their high-energy performances and distinctive pirate concept.
In addition to Japanese releases, ATEEZ has released four studio albums, eleven EPs, and a large number of singles in Korean since their start. The Circle Album Chart was topped by albums such as Treasure EP.Fin: All to Action (2019), Zero: Fever Part.1 (2020), and The World EP.1: Movement (2022), the latter of which became a million-seller. As of March 2025, Hongjoong had over 153 tracks registered under his name with the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), demonstrating the importance of his compositional efforts. He has worked with musicians like Odetari and Chungha and written and produced music for ATEEZ.

Notable Achievements:

Performances Around the World: In 2024, ATEEZ became the first K-pop boy band to play at Coachella and headlining Mawazine in Morocco. They have sold out gigs in Seoul, the U.S., Europe, and Asia during their global tour.
Awards: ATEEZ took home the Grand Honor's Choice (daesang) at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards and the Worldwide Fans' Choice award at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (2019, 2020, 2023). These honors are mostly due to Hongjoong's leadership.
Media & Hosting: Hongjoong participated on KBS2's Moving Voices in Germany (2024–2025) and co-hosted MBC's Idol Radio Season 3 with Yunho (2022–2023).
Solo Projects: He demonstrated his flexibility by releasing versions of songs such as Michael Jackson's "Beat It" and Linkin Park's "Numb" under his "BY. HONGJOONG" series.

Fashion and Social Impact:

Hongjoong is a fashion innovator who frequently challenges gender stereotypes and reforms clothing with his daring style. He was dubbed the "Balmain Prince" after making his debut for Balmain at Paris Fashion Week in 2023. In 2025, he went to the Paul Smith and Jacquemus shows. He has indicated a desire to start his own clothing brand.
By painting his pinky nail, Hongjoong, a fervent supporter of the Polished Man campaign, raises awareness about child maltreatment. Together with ATINY, he has raised more than $30,000. Additionally, he has given the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation and World Vision millions of won, including ₩60 million for the Global 6K for Water campaign in 2024.

2025 Net Worth:

Hongjoong's music career, songwriting royalties, endorsements, and design endeavors are the main drivers of his estimated $3–$6 million net worth in 2025. A major factor is ATEEZ's worldwide success, which includes sold-out globe tours and album sales of over seven million globally. His profits are further supported by his partnerships and KOMCA credits. His varied cash streams are reflected in his estimated monthly salary of $50,000 to $60,000, however exact statistics vary.

Brother and Family:

Although Hongjoong's parents are not publicly known, he comes from a loving family. He has often thanked them for their support, stating that they are his "main source of strength." In interviews, he emphasizes his strong relationship with his family and their pride in his accomplishments.
Though little is known about his career, his older brother Bumjoong is an actor and modern dancer. Because of their similar looks, fans have made lighthearted guesses about their likeness, once speculating that Bumjoong might be actor Kim Woo Bin. According to what Hongjoong has revealed, he and Bumjoong met at the KQ Entertainment audition without each other's knowledge. Their mutual love of the arts is highlighted by this story.

Personal Life and Fun Facts:

Interests and Hobbies: Hongjoong loves leather jackets and loose pants, watches Modern Family to learn English, and has a fondness for minions (she even owns minion slippers). He enjoys Balmain's Olivier Rousteing, The Vamps, and 5SOS.
Personality: He is enthusiastic, imaginative, and thoughtful, and he frequently imagines ATEEZ's future as an INFP. He is well-known for his small hands, gummy smile, and tendency to misplace AirPods.
Music Devotion: Prior to his debut, Hongjoong wrote 40 songs and recorded one song 1,395 times. "I don't make solo songs; I make songs for ATEEZ," he says, emphasizing his focus on group music.
Tattoos: "NO 1 LIKE ME" is inked on his inner right arm, and "faith" with wings is inked on his ankle.