Biography of Jay

Kim Jinhwan, popularly known by his stage name Jay, is a South Korean singer under 143 Entertainment. He is the main vocalist, the lead dancer, and the leader of the boy band iKon. The band initially consisted of seven members: Jay, Song, Bobby, B.I, DK, Ju-ne, and Chan. Later, B.I departed from the group in 2019. His solo debut was on 21 June 2023, with the digital single ‘Paradise’.

Early Life and Education

Kim Jinhwan was born on 7 February 1994 in Jeju Island, South Korea. Born into a creative family, his mother is a violinist and has mastery over various foreign languages. He has a sister who is six years older than him. He completed his education at Jejuseo Middle School.

Career

Jay participated in the reality survival show ‘WIN: Who is Next’ as a contestant under Team B. He continued as a trainee under YG Entertainment as Team A won the program. The following year, Team B appeared in the 2014 reality survival show ‘Mix & Match’, which determined the final members of iKon.

He made his debut as a member of iKon with the release of their first full-length album ‘Welcome Back’ on 15 September 2015. iKon, the South Korean boy band was formed in 2015 by YG Entertainment. Originally the band had seven members: Jay, B.I, Song, Bobby, DK, Ju-ne and Chan. B.I left the group on 12 June 2019 and Jay was appointed as iKON’s new group leader.

On 30 December 2022, YG Entertainment announced that iKon has decided not to renew their contracts. Even so, the members would still continue to promote as a group. On 25 June 2023, 143 Entertainment announced that he would release his solo debut on 21 June 2023 with the lead single ‘Paradise’. He released his first mini album on 18 July 2023 titled ‘Blue Moon’.

Achievements

As an emerging artist, Kim Jinhwan is focused on his contributions to the band and is a starter artist in the field of solo artistry. He is dedicated to building a career for himself and is concentrated on his future endeavours.

Military Life

On 7 July 2023, Jay officially announced through Instagram his enlistment in the military.  He enrolled on 20 July 2023 and will be discharged on 19 April 2025. He would serve as a social service worker. As he got enlisted, he had to cancel his solo Japanese tour, which was scheduled to take place in Osaka and Yokohama between 24–28 July 2023.

Personal Life

Jay was caught up in the dating rumour with former AOA member Jimin in 2015. Neither YG Entertainment nor FNC Entertainment released any official statement to deny or confirm the issue.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Jay has a net worth of around $5-7 million US dollars.

The majority of his income comes from his contribution to the band and the group also earns from several brand endorsements. He is in the initial phase of establishing himself as a solo artist and is committed to his progressiveness and advancement in his career.

Interesting Facts about Jay

1. One of his popular nicknames is ’13cm fairy’.
2. Jay appeared in Taeyang‘s ‘Ringa Linga’ MV.
3. He can play the guitar.
4. He loves swimming.
5. He’s closest to Bobby and B.I.
6. YG says he is the next Taeyang.
7. He loves wine.
8. Jinhwan lived in the Philippines for seven months before he debuted.
9. Jinhwan can also imitate girl groups’ facial expressions.
10. He was a part of Team B on WIN.
11. The members said he is very flirtatious with fans.
12. He has a sister who is 6 years older to him.

FAQs

1. Who is the leader of iKON?
   Jay.
2. When did iKON disband?
   On 30 December 2022, after seven years, the members of iKon departed from YG Entertainment following the completion of their contracts.
3. Which iKON member is in the military?
   Jinhwan or Jay officially started his military enlistment on 20 July 2023.
4. How old is Jay?
   As of 2023, he is 29 years old.
5. What is Jay’s Instagram ID?

   gnani_____