ArtistKQ Entertainment
Hongjoong
Kim Hong-joong (김홍중), known as Hongjoong, is the leader, captain, main rapper, vocalist, and primary composer of ATEEZ under KQ Entertainment. Born November 7, 1998, in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, he is one of K-pop fourth generation most prolific songwriter-producers.
Hongjoong joined KQ Entertainment after sending a letter and mixtape to the label expressing interest in becoming an in-house composer -- drawn initially by his admiration for Block B. He became the company first trainee before appearing on the JTBC survival show Mix Nine in 2017, placing seventh on a showcase performance before elimination.
He debuted with ATEEZ on October 24, 2018, with the EP Treasure EP.1: All to Zero, taking on the captain position and establishing himself as the creative engine behind the group. As of March 2026, he has 178 songs credited under his name on the KOMCA. His output includes the project series BY. HONGJOONG (2019 to 2025), in which he covered and rearranged classics by David Bowie, Prince, Michael Jackson, Linkin Park, and others with original lyrics.
Beyond music, Hongjoong donated 50 million won to the Korean Childhood Leukemia Foundation through proceeds from his photo exhibition Walker A. In March 2026, he was appointed honorary global ambassador for World Vision, formalizing three years of personal involvement with the Global 6K for Water campaign -- a humanitarian walking event supporting access to clean water for children in low-income regions.
1 articles4 creditsDebut: October 24, 2018South Korean
Gallery
Hongjoong of ATEEZ, June 2024 / Adri-aen Reyes / CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Discography
Brand Partnerships
2026
World Vision Global 6K for WaterEndorsement
Honorary Global AmbassadorWorld Vision
Other Credits
2018
ATEEZGroup
Leader, Main Rapper, ComposerATEEZ
Fans Also Ask
Who is Hongjoong from ATEEZ?
Hongjoong (Kim Hong-joong, 김홍중) is the leader and captain of ATEEZ, the eight-member South Korean boy group under KQ Entertainment. Born November 7, 1998 in Anyang, he serves as the group main rapper and is responsible for composing and producing much of ATEEZ discography, with 178 KOMCA-credited songs as of March 2026.
What is Hongjoong role in ATEEZ?
Hongjoong is ATEEZ captain (leader), main rapper, vocalist, and primary composer. He is widely credited as the creative core of the group, writing and producing across their full discography since debut in October 2018.
What is the BY. HONGJOONG project?
BY. HONGJOONG is a solo cover series Hongjoong ran from December 2019 to February 2025. Across eight releases, he covered and rearranged classics by David Bowie (Space Oddity), Prince (Purple Rain), Michael Jackson (Black or White and Beat It), Linkin Park (Numb), Oasis (Wonderwall), and others, adding original Korean lyrics and personal arrangements.
Is Hongjoong a World Vision ambassador?
Yes. In March 2026, Hongjoong was officially appointed as an honorary global ambassador for World Vision, formalizing three years of personal involvement with the Global 6K for Water campaign -- a humanitarian walking event that raises funds for children clean water access in low-income regions.
What is Hongjoong Instagram?
Hongjoong personal Instagram account is @no1likeme8_8, opened in June 2024 alongside the other ATEEZ members who all launched individual accounts at the same time.
