Biography of Jinu
Kim Jin-woo celebrated by his stage name Jinu is a famous South Korean singer, actor and a member of Winner. The South Korean boy band comprises four members: Jinu, Hoony, Mino and Seungyoon under YG Entertainment. On 12 August 2014, the band debuted on the full-length album “2014 S/S”. He marked his solo performance with the single album “Jinu’s Heyday” on 14 August 2019.
Early Life and Education
Jinu was born on 26 September 1991 in Imja Island, Sinan County, South Jeolla, South Korea. He spent his childhood days mostly with his family in Mokpo. He had two sisters and he is the middle child. Kim Jin-woo was looked after mostly by his grandmother to whom he is attached the most. His father was often busy with his line of business as the captain of a fishing boat and the sailing cycle.
During his senior year of high school, he was fascinated and inspired by the late veteran actress Choi Jin-sil, who fostered his interest and passion for acting. This leads him to join an acting institute in Mokpo. His ardent passion made him enroll at Joy Dance Academy for vocal and dance lessons and other branches owned by popular artists like Seungri of Big Bang, BTS’ J-Hope and Mijoo of Lovelyz.
Jinu was scouted by the celebrity and attended the private audition under YG Entertainment in Seoul. He waited six months before his recruitment and got into its trainee program in 2010. He has appeared for multiple auditions, and casting calls besides YG Entertainment.
Career
In the course of his training, Jinu served as a backup dancer for the 2011 YG Family Concert. To boost his confidence he was trained with rap lessons for three months. In 2013, he participated as a contestant in “WIN: Who is Next?” under YG Entertainment. He was placed as the eldest and longest-trained member of “Team A”.
Team A consists of other prominent members like  Lee Seung-hoon, Song Min-ho, Kang Seung-yoon and Nam Tae-hyun. Team A won the show and formed the band Winner. His training period ended with his official debut on 17 August 2014. The band had its grand success and was dubbed “monster rookies”.
Kim Jin-woo made his acting debut by starring in the web drama “Magic Cellphone” in 2016 as Oh Tae Ji. He acted as the supporting cast for the web series “Love for a Thousand More” (2016) starring his bandmate Kang Seung-yoon and Hawng Seung-eon. The drama navigates the modern romance heartache and the depth of love over a thousand years. The drama was a big success with 5 million views in December 2016.
Kim Jin-woo was the lead role in the production of “The Little Prince” in 2016 by the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company. The production was directed and choreographed by Ahn Ae-soon. She specially choose Jinu as he befitted the character the best and for his zeal towards dance. The experience helped him in his professional advancement in music and dance, connecting himself to the natural rhythm and beat. Kim Jin-woo was the first K-pop idol to participate in a contemporary dance production.
His prominence and recognition spiked with his first role as a part of the regular cast for the travel-reality show Wizard of Nowhere (2017–2018). He was nominated at the 2017 MBC Entertainment Awards for the “Rookie Award”. His other entertainment acknowledgements include: Live a Good Life (2018) with Kwon Hyun-bin and Yoo Byung-jae, Legendary Big Fish (2019) and Scene’s Quiz (2019).
Five years into his music career, he marked his solo artistry debut in 2019 with his single album “Jinu’s Heyday”. His solo debut happened before he was required to begin his mandatory military enlistment. The album’s lead single “Call Anytime” was collaboratively written and featured by his bandmate Mino. The band’s debut anniversary and his first music show were aired on 17 August of the same year on Show! Music Core.
Achievements
The fastest popular band Winner has won numerous awards and nominations. The band topped the Billboard World Album Chart, domestic Gaon Chart, topped Melon five years straight. They have a multitude of accolades in the Asian region for their achievements in music, fashion, and overall popularity for events such as the Melon Music Awards, MTV Asia Music Gala, and Style Icon Awards. Here are some of his notable achievements:
- Kim Jin-woo was placed as the eldest and longest-trained member of “Team A”.
- Kim Jin-woo was the first K-pop idol to participate in a contemporary dance production.
- He was nominated at the 2017 MBC Entertainment Awards for the “Rookie Award”.
Military Life
Kim Jin-woo is the first member of Winner to enlist in the military service. He completed his four weeks of basic military training at the Nonsan Army Training in South Chungcheong Province. Following his military duty as a public service worker. He was discharged on 31 December 2021.
Personal Life
Information gathered from multiple sources reveals Jinu is single and is not dating anyone. He is focused on building his career and solo artistry and likes to keep his personal life private.
Net Worth and LifestyleÂ
Jinu’s net worth is estimated at around $ 2-3 million US dollars.
The majority of his income comes from him being a professional singer. With the continuous success of the band Winner, the members are recognised and popular internationally. Kim Jin-woo who is also famous for his solo artistry is renowned for his unequivocal styles, compositional skills and alluring personality.
Kim Jin-woo has collaborated with various fundraising programs like Ice Bucket Challenge, and Naver Happy Bean Campaign and has donated huge million sums to the victims of natural disasters and people who are struggling with serious health conditions.
Awards
- V Live Awards (2019)
Global Artist Top 12 (2019) - V Live Awards (2019)
Artist Top 10 (2019) - Sports DongA Awards (2017)
The Flower Path of the Year (2017) - Style Icon Awards (2016)
Awesome K-Style (2016) - Style Icon Awards (2014)
Awesome K-Style (2014) - Style Icon Awards (2014)
New Icons (2014) - SBS Gayo Daejeon (2014)
Best New Artist (2014) - A-Awards (2014)
Contemporary (Mont Blanc Homme) Award (2014)
Interesting Facts about Jinu
- His favourite hobbies are swimming, watching drama and playing games.
- Kim Jin-woo is the oldest member of the group.
- He has a strong resemblance to Japanese actress Kiritani Mirei.
- When it comes to memorizing lyrics and dance steps he takes the longest.
- He has been called the ‘Face Genius’ of YG Entertainment because of his visuals.
- He is allergic to cat fur.
- Kim Jin-woo has 2 Sphynx cats, Bay and Ray.
- He is the first K-pop idol to be part of contemporary dance production.
FAQs
- When is Jinu’s birthday?
September 26 - How old is Jinu?
As of 2023, he is 32 years old. - What is Jinu’s Instagram ID?
woooojin0408Â - Who is Jinu’s girlfriend?
Jinu is single and currently is not in any relationship.
