Kim Jin-woo: The journey from a fisherman's boy to the "Little Prince" of K-pop

From a boy from a remote fishing village to the "flower boy" of the YG empire, Kim Jin-woo's ( WINNER ) journey is an epic tale of unwavering determination and overcoming all limitations. He has proven his enduring talent through golden milestones and his efforts to reach the pinnacle of artistic achievement.

The dream of crossing the ocean for a boy from the fishing village of Imjado Island.

Kim Jin-woo was born and raised on Imjado Island in Jeolla Nam Province, a peaceful land where the lives of the people are mainly tied to fishing boats. As the son of a seasoned captain, he was destined to follow in his father's footsteps and dedicate himself to the vast ocean, but his heart was drawn to the dazzling lights of the capital. His decision to leave the small island for Seoul at the age of eighteen was a risky one, as he had no support other than his own belief. Armed with genuine sincerity, he accepted all kinds of hard work to fund his passion, embarking on a challenging yet hopeful journey of a young man daring to pursue his dreams.

A long-time and resilient trainee at YG Entertainment.

Jin-woo's journey at YG Entertainment is a story of incredible perseverance, as he held the title of the longest-serving trainee in the WINNER project. In a harsh environment where innate talent was always prioritized, he chose to use absolute diligence to compensate for his initial shortcomings in performance skills. The tears and immense pressure of the survival program WIN Who Is Next molded Jin-woo into a resilient individual, a "genie" in the practice room, often practicing through the night until dawn. It was this never-give-up spirit that earned him recognition from even the most demanding mentors and made him an indispensable part of the ultimately winning group.

Rookie monsters and the explosion of angelic beauty in K-pop.

Upon their official debut in August 2014, WINNER immediately created a global sensation, becoming the fastest boy group to win a music show trophy in history at the time, achieving it in just 5 days. Kim Jin-woo, with his handsome looks like a character straight out of a comic book, quickly became the focus of media attention and the perfect face to attract a massive fanbase. Their debut album, 2014 S/S, topped the Billboard World Albums chart, not only solidifying their status as a rookie powerhouse but also showcasing Jin-woo's light, sweet lead vocals as a delicate musical element that balanced the powerful rap sections of the group.

A brilliant resurgence and a lasting impression with the hit song Really Really.

After lineup changes that forced the group to temporarily suspend activities for a long time, Jin-woo demonstrated the leadership of an older brother by helping the other members regain their spirits and create the greatest comeback of their career. Their return with the hit song "Really Really" in 2017 brought WINNER back to the pinnacle of glory, achieving 100 million streams and becoming the national hit song of the year. Jin-woo's emotionally charged vocal segment in this song created a sensation on social media, helping him prove that he not only possesses good looks but also musical talent that can naturally and sincerely touch the hearts of millions of listeners.

Pushing boundaries with dance drama and an impressive independent career.

Not content with just being an idol, Jin-woo surprised everyone by becoming the first idol to take on the lead role in the contemporary dance piece "The Little Prince" by the Korean National Dance Company. This challenge demanded a superb combination of body technique and the ability to express deep emotions without words, completely dispelling the stereotype of him being just a pretty face in the eyes of professionals. In 2019, his solo debut with the song "Call Anytime," "Jinu's Heyday," further solidified his strong personal appeal by topping iTunes charts in 13 countries, proving he is a versatile artist capable of shining brightly whether in a group or performing solo on stage.

The legacy of kindness and the future of a true star.

Behind the glitz and glamour of the stage, Kim Jin-woo is also beloved for his golden personality and sincere lifestyle, always caring for the community through quiet charitable activities for children and impoverished rural areas. After completing his military service in 2021, he returned with a more mature and composed image and continued to win over audiences through promising television drama projects. His journey from a fisherman's boy to a top star is an inspiring lesson in perseverance, proving that even a late bloom can possess a vibrant and enduring beauty if we are brave enough to pursue our dreams to the very end.

Kim Jin-woo's journey of over a decade is not just about achieving record-breaking numbers, but also about finding his true self as an artist amidst the harsh realities of time. He has proven that in the entertainment world full of fleeting glamour, sincerity and unwavering determination remain the most enduring values ​​to retain fans. Currently, whether at the height of his glory or quietly dedicating himself behind the scenes, the "Little Prince" of Imjado Island still maintains the same pure soul and unwavering will he had when he first arrived in Seoul. Kim Jin-woo's story will undoubtedly be remembered as a beautiful symbol of faith, reminding us that as long as we don't give up, each individual can write their own legend.

Lisa (Blackpink) visits a temple in China, her appearance is strikingly different, fans almost didn't recognize her. An Huy16:56:08 28/01/2026In stark contrast to her dazzling and energetic stage performance of "Athlete Kai Tak" a few days ago, Lisa (Blackpink) surprised fans with a different look during her personal trip to Hong Kong (China).