ArtistSpace Bohemian
Kim Jong-wan
Kim Jong-wan (김종완) is the vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of South Korean alternative rock band NELL (넬). Born December 24, 1980 in Seoul, he has been a defining figure in Korean indie music since NELL debuted in 2001. Formed by four students in Seoul's Sinchon-dong area, NELL signed to Seo Taiji's Goesoo Indigene label in 2002, moved to Woollim Entertainment in 2006, and later established their own Space Bohemian imprint. Jong-wan's range extends beyond NELL: in 2012, G-Dragon featured him on "Today" from the chart-topping One of a Kind EP; in 2017, Epik High recruited him for "Gaehwa" from We've Done Something Wonderful. NELL's 2014 studio album Newton's Apple ranked second on Billboard's 10 Best K-Pop Albums list, Billboard citing Jong-wan's "clever and honest songwriting" as the record's core strength. On the 2026 solo album OFF THE MAP by Kim Sung Kyu of INFINITE, Jong-wan composed and wrote the title track "When I Think About You" (널 떠올리면), a cinematic ballad that anchored the record. With over 524,000 monthly Spotify listeners as a solo artist, he remains one of Korean rock's most in-demand collaborators.
1 articles5 creditsDebut: January 1, 2001South Korean
Gallery
Kim Jong-wan of NELL. Photo: Republic of Korea (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0)
Discography
2026
OFF THE MAPMini Album
Composer, Lyricist (title track)Kim Sung Kyu
2017
We've Done Something WonderfulCollaboration
Featured Vocalist (Gaehwa)Epik High
2014
Newton's AppleAlbum
Vocalist, SongwriterNELL
2012
One of a KindCollaboration
Featured Vocalist (Today)G-Dragon
2001
Reflection ofAlbum
Vocalist, SongwriterNELL
Fans Also Ask
Who is Kim Jong-wan?
Kim Jong-wan (김종완) is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of South Korean alternative rock band NELL (넬). Born December 24, 1980 in Seoul, he has been a defining figure in Korean indie and rock music since NELL debuted in 2001. He is also a sought-after collaborator, having worked with G-Dragon, Epik High, and Kim Sung Kyu.
What band is Kim Jong-wan in?
Kim Jong-wan is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of NELL (넬), a South Korean alternative rock band formed in 1999 and debuted in 2001. NELL was discovered by Seo Taiji and signed to his Goesoo Indigene label in 2002 before moving to Woollim Entertainment in 2006. In 2016, NELL established their own independent label, Space Bohemian.
Did Kim Jong-wan collaborate with G-Dragon?
Yes. In 2012, G-Dragon featured Kim Jong-wan on Today, a track from his chart-topping solo EP One of a Kind. Jong-wan has also been featured by Epik High on Gaehwa from their 2017 album We've Done Something Wonderful, and composed the title track When I Think About You for Kim Sung Kyu's 2026 solo album OFF THE MAP.
What is NELL's label Space Bohemian?
Space Bohemian is the independent record label that NELL established in March 2016 after ending their contract with Woollim Entertainment. The move gave the band full creative and business autonomy. Space Bohemian is based in Seoul and operates as both NELL's label and Kim Jong-wan's base as a solo songwriter and producer.
What is NELL known for?
NELL is known for their gloomy, atmospheric alternative rock sound and introspective lyrics. Their fourth studio album Separation Anxiety topped Korean real-time album charts, while Newton's Apple (2014) ranked second on Billboard's 10 Best K-Pop Albums of the year. With over 524,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Kim Jong-wan is one of Korean rock's most in-demand songwriting voices.
