Kim Ji-woong

2016–2018: Debut with INX, disbandment, and agency lawsuit

Kim made his debut as a singer in 2016 as a member of the South Korean boy group, INX, under the stage name Jinam.^[7] The group disbanded at the end of 2017 and in 2018, they filed a lawsuit against their agency asking for their exclusive contract to be terminated under claims of mistreatment. The Seoul District Court favored the group in the verdict, voiding the contract between them and their agency.^[8]

2018–2020: Ateen, B.I.T, and Burn Up: Challenge to Billboard

After the disbandment of his previous group, Kim joined pre-debut boy group Ateen under the stage name "King". The group was supposed to promote in South Korea after releasing with the single "Boku wa Chotto Chigau" in Japan on September 1, 2018,^[9] but the plan never got realized. Six out of the ten members of the group sued the CEO of their company for sexual assault.^[10] The group disbanded in 2019 after the group won the lawsuit and their contract was terminated.

After the disbandment, Kim worked as a model in Vietnam, Taipei and China Fashion Week.^[11] Following this, Kim and fellow former Ateen members Segun, Joel and Rookie, joined the pre-debut group B.I.T. The group only promoted in Japan and disbanded in August 2020.^[12]

Following the disbandment of B.I.T, Kim participated in the 2020 reality survival show Burn Up: Challenge to Billboard. He won first in the male category and soon released the single "Sick of Love" together with Kim Min-jung, who placed first in the female category.^[13]

2021–2025: Acting debut, Boys Planet, and debut with Zerobaseone

In 2021, Kim made his acting debut with his first leading role in Naver TV's web series The Sweet Blood, which is adapted from the webtoon The Sweet Girl.^[14]

In 2022, Kim acted in the BL web series Kissable Lips.^[15] Kim then acted in the web series Roommates of Poongduck 304 which is based on a novel by Noh Ga-jeong.^[16] The series gained a significant amount of attention and ranked 1st for the BL genre on the South Korean streaming service "Watcha."^[17] On December 29, Kim was unveiled as a contestant on Mnet's reality competition show Boys Planet.^[18]

On March 19, 2023, singer Holland announced on his social media accounts that Kim will be featured in the music video of his song titled "Number Boy" for his newest album of the same name which was released on March 30.^[19][20] On April 20, Kim placed 8th with a total of 1,338,984 points in the final episode of Boys Planet, allowing him to debut with the winning group, Zerobaseone.^[21] He re-debuted in July 2023 with their first mini album "Youth in the Shade."

In May, Kim played as Lee Ji-woong in the series The Good Bad Mother.^[22]

2026–present: "Closer"

On July 14, 2026, it was announced that Kim Ji Woong will be releasing his first digital single "Closer", the same day at 12PM (KST). The self-written song is an R&B/Soul track dedicated to fans, conveying a message of gratitude to those who have remained steadfast by his side through the years.^[23]

Singles

Soundtrack appearances

Songwriting credits

More information Title, Year ...

List of songs, showing year released, artist name, and name of the album

Title	Year	Artist	Album	Lyricist	Ref.
"Say My Name"	2023	Boys Planet	Boys Planet - Artist Battle		[24]
"내 곁에 (Stand by me)"[c]	2024	Himself	Non-album single		[25]
"1214°C" [d]	2025		Non-album single		[26]
"Closer"	2026		Non-album single		[27]

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Film

Television series

Web series

Television shows

Web shows

Music videos

Endorsements and collaborations

Fashion

Kim worked as a model in Vietnam, Taipei and China Fashion Week. He has also appeared on the covers of several fashion magazines, including BNT pictorial, CeCi China, Arena HOMME+, MEN Noblesse and Marie Claire Korea.

Philanthropy

Kim has participated in various philanthropic activities. In 2021, Jiwoong donated the worst fire incident in Turkey experienced in decades. In 2024 he donated to the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation, which supports children's dreams, protects them from rainstorms, and helps them reach their full potential. On March 27, 2025, he donated ₩10 million to wildfire victims to aid recovery efforts for communities affected by large-scale wildfires across Ulsan, North Gyeongsang, and South Gyeongsang. This was especially meaningful to him as it happened near his birthplace of Pohang.^[45] On August 19, 2025, also donated ₩10 million to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to support victims of torrential rains and flooding in the greater Seoul area. On June 2, 2026, he donated ₩10 million to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. The donation will go toward a program that helps the children celebrate special occasions.^[46]