Profile
- Birth name
- Kim Hong-joong (김홍중)
- Birthday
- 1998-11-07
- Zodiac
- Scorpio
- Height
- 172 cm
- Blood type
- B
- MBTI
- INFP
- Nationality
- South Korean
- Position
- Leader, Main Rapper
- Groups
- ATEEZ
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About
Short bio
Hongjoong is the leader, rapper, and main producer of ATEEZ, known for his sharp stage presence, songwriting talent, and creative direction.
Background
Hongjoong (홍중) was born in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, and grew up with one older brother. From an early age, music production and performance became central to his life. While still in high school, he spent so much time in the studio that he reportedly barely attended regular classes, choosing instead to refine songwriting, recording, and composition skills.
Before debuting with ATEEZ, Hongjoong appeared as a contestant on the survival show MIXNINE, where his stage presence and expressive performance style drew attention from choreographers and trainers. His name, often interpreted as “to be the center of the broad world,” aligns closely with the leadership role he would later embody in ATEEZ.
Within the group, Hongjoong is frequently described as the “strict yet dorky dad” — balancing discipline and responsibility with humor and playful quirks. Beyond performance, he plays a major role in creative direction, lyric writing, and production, helping shape ATEEZ’s musical identity from debut onward.
Fun facts
Hongjoong was born in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
He has one older brother.
He attended SIMS Academy, where he further developed musical skills.
He competed on the survival show MIXNINE prior to debut.
During MIXNINE, he ranked 7th in the Just Dance showcase and later 42nd overall.
His name is commonly interpreted as “to be the center of the broad world.”
His musical role models include Zico and G-Dragon.
He began working seriously on music in high school, often prioritizing studio time over classes.
Hongjoong has studied English by watching shows like Modern Family on Netflix.
He once revealed that he wanted to become an idol to express energy and positively influence others.
He is known for loving Minions, even owning themed slippers — leading members to nickname him “Korean Big Minion.”
Trainers and choreographers have praised his facial expressions and stage charisma.
He has reportedly composed or contributed to around 40 songs for ATEEZ.
Hongjoong once recorded a single song over 1,300 times to perfect it.
He has expressed a desire to travel with members to create memories and take photos together.
He has mentioned wanting to collaborate with fans (ATINY) and even create an album including their names.
In interviews, he has emphasized that ATEEZ had an international mindset even during trainee days.
He has shared that he usually writes music for the whole team rather than solo projects.
He is known among members as both strict and playful, enforcing practice discipline while joking around off stage.
Fans often notice his small hands, a detail that became a lighthearted inside joke.
💬 Fan Perception & Community Sentiment
Within the fandom ATINY, Hongjoong is frequently viewed as the creative backbone of ATEEZ — someone who balances artistry with responsibility. Fans often highlight:His expressive stage presence and intense eye contact
His dedication to songwriting and production
The contrast between serious leadership and playful humor
His visible effort to communicate with international fans
He is also praised for being detail-oriented and perfectionistic, traits reflected in stories of multiple recording attempts and meticulous rehearsal habits.
