iKON (Kim Donghyuk) Biography, Background, Education, Net Worth 2025, And Career

Profile:

Stage Name: DK (디케이), formerly Donghyuk (동혁)

Birth Name: Kim Dong-hyuk (김동혁), originally Kim Dong-dong (김동동)

Birthday: January 3, 1997

Nationality: South Korean

Because of his kind disposition, contagious grin, and diverse skill set, DK has been dubbed "DongDongie," "Sunshine Dong," and "Dong-To-Pi" (which translates to "Donghyuk gets sulky again"), all of which highlight his sensitive yet fun attitude. According to his colleagues, he is iKON's "light bulb," bringing positivity and charisma to the group.

Background:

Born in Seoul, South Korea, on January 3, 1997, Kim Donghyuk grew up with his younger sister, Esther, who is presently pursuing her studies in the United States. Donghyuk's emotional openness was formed by the death of his father, an auto mechanic, who died when he was eight years old. After initially opposing his desire to pursue a career in entertainment, his mother—a nurse—became supportive of his love of dance and music.

Donghyuk shown exceptional intelligence and leadership in his early years, holding the positions of class president and student council president in elementary and junior high school. Peers thought he could succeed in any sector, thus they questioned his choice to become an idol because of his academic prowess. But Donghyuk's passion for the performing arts—especially dance and music—led the way.

During middle school, Donghyuk spent two years living in Atlanta, Georgia, as an exchange student. This experience was a pivotal period in his life. There, his homestay family gave him the English name Ezra Christian Daniel Kim, and he fell in love with basketball. He improved his English and was exposed to a variety of cultural influences during his stay in the United States, both of which influenced his later artistic approach.

Education:

Kim Donghyuk's academic career is a testament to his intelligence and willpower. He was an exceptional student who excelled in literature, the arts, and academics. He also participated extensively in extracurricular activities like basketball, tennis, and soccer. His ability to manage obligations was demonstrated by his leadership as president of the student council.

But being a K-pop artist meant making compromises. In spite of his hectic job, Donghyuk showed his dedication to education by passing his high school equivalency exam after dropping out of school to concentrate on his idol training. His dance and performance abilities were further refined throughout his stay at DEF Dance School and after training under well-known entertainment companies.

Career:

Early Beginnings and Training:

Kim Donghyuk's love of dancing and music was the first step on his path to fame. He first tried out as a rapper after becoming a fan of BIGBANG's G-Dragon, which attracted the interest of South Korea's "Big 3" entertainment companies: SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. After placing first at JYP's 9th Open Audition in 2012, he trained for a short time under JYP before attending a private casting call and joined YG Entertainment in November of the same year.

Donghyuk, a YG trainee, competed to make his iKON debut by joining Team B on the 2013 survival show WIN: Who Is Next. His skill and genuine emotions were evident even if Team B lost. He took part in Mix & Match in 2014, solidifying his position in the group as the final member chosen for iKON's ultimate lineup. Industry veterans including Taeyang and Song Mino praised his singing and dance development during these performances.

iKON and Group Success:

On September 15, 2015, iKON made their debut under YG Entertainment with the single "My Type," which peaked at number three on the Gaon Chart. With singles including "Rhythm Ta," "Apology," and "Dumb & Dumber," their debut album, Welcome Back, peaked at number three in Japan and at the top of the South Korean charts. With their 2018 single "Love Scenario," which took home Song of the Year at several award events and cemented their place as a top K-pop artist, iKON's success continues.

As the lead dancer and backup vocalist for iKON, DK's crisp, fluid dancing moves and steady falsetto were essential to the group's sound. Additionally, he became a producer and choreographer, helping to write the lyrics for Bobby's solo album Love and Fall and assisting with the arrangements for iKON's Xmas Live performance. With credits on songs like "Follow the Wind Called You" from the 2020 album i DECIDE and several tracks on the 2022 mini-album FLASHBACK, DK has been one of iKON's primary producers since 2020, working alongside Bobby.

iKON signed with 143 Entertainment in December 2022 after departing YG Entertainment, keeping the rights to their name, logo, and songs. Now formally going by his stage name, DK continued to support iKON's endeavors, including the release of their 2023 album Take Off.

Solo Career:

On February 15, 2024, DK released his full-length album Nakseo[㈀], which had nine tracks, including "Grooving," as well as collaborations with Punch ("Dickey") and Bobby ("Still In My"). On February 7, the pre-release single "LTNS" was released. On June 24, 2024, the single "Umbrella" was released, and on August 1, a Japanese version was made available. His solo work, which combines R&B, hip-hop, and ballads, demonstrates his flexibility and has received accolades for its high caliber of production and emotional depth.

Modeling and Fashion:

DK branched out into the fashion industry in 2022, making his modeling debut at the Concept Korea Spring/Summer 2023 show during New York Fashion Week for the Korean brand UL:KIN. He displayed his toned body and love of street fashion by walking the runway in eco-friendly outfits. In addition, DK and UL:KIN debuted their joint collection, "iKonic," realizing a lifetime ambition of being involved in the international fashion scene. He is known as iKON's fashionista because of his fashionable demeanor and passion for shopping.

Other Ventures:

DK is a born MC because of his charm and eloquence. Alongside Song Yunhyeong, he was a special DJ on MBC FM's Idol Radio in 2020. He has also hosted events such as Hongki Kiss the Radio with B.I. Additionally, he demonstrated his vocal skills by competing on King of Masked Singer (Episode 177). His engaging demeanor is shown by his ability to interact with fans on sites like Weverse and V Live, frequently alongside Bobby.


As part of his required military service, DK joined the Army Military Band on July 28, 2025, and is anticipated to be discharged in January 2027. Although his activities have been put on hold due to this break, fans are anxiously awaiting his return for iKON's much-anticipated group reunion.

Acting:

Although DK is best recognized for his musical abilities, he has had a small yet significant acting career. In his roles in iKON's music videos, including "Love Scenario" (2018), "Killing Me" (2018), and "Airplane" (2015), he brought emotional depth to the group's narratives through his expressive performances. These parts, which are listed on websites such as IMDb, highlight his talent for telling stories through acting, which he developed during his training in dance.

DK has not yet explored acting roles outside of music videos, in contrast to his bandmate Ju-ne, who has acted in K-dramas such as True to Love and Twinkling Watermelon as well as the movie Again 1997. His charisma, emotional expressiveness, and MC experience, however, point to the possibility of further acting endeavors. Given his adaptability and enthusiasm in a variety of artistic endeavors, fans surmise that DK may pursue acting after serving in the military.

Kim Donghyuk Net Worth 2025:

Kim Donghyuk's projected net worth in 2025 is $5 million, mostly from his solo endeavors, modeling, producing work, and music career with iKON. His profits have increased dramatically as a result of his contributions to iKON's chart-topping albums, his solo album Nakseo, and his fashion initiatives with UL:KIN. His diverse roles and increasing industrial impact are reflected in his net worth.

Personal Life and Fun Facts:

DK has earned the title of "President of iKONICs" for his fan interaction and his aegyo, or charming emotions. He has earned the moniker "CFW," or "Crazy for Wine," for his passion for street fashion, wine, and sports like ping pong and soccer. In addition, he likes to read and write prose; one of his works has reportedly been published.

Talents:

DK's talents include playing the drums, guitar, and piano in addition to singing and dancing. Professionals like Anthony Lee and Vinh Nguyen of Kinjaz have commended his choreographic abilities, and his falsetto is a distinguishing feature in iKON's music.

Legacy and Future:

The transformation of Kim Donghyuk from a talented student to a K-pop celebrity is a good example of adaptability and tenacity. In addition to his solo music and modeling career, his talents to iKON as a dancer, vocalist, and producer demonstrate his versatility. His acting career is currently restricted to music videos, but his expressive skills point to the possibility of future TV or movie appearances. Fans expect DK to rejoin iKON for a group comeback in 2025 as he completes his required military service, as well as individual endeavors that highlight his developing artistic abilities. Kim Donghyuk is still a well-liked figure in K-pop thanks to his brilliance, charisma, and commitment, and he is expected to do even more in the years to come.