Hwiyoung
휘영 · 김영균 (Kim Young-kyun)
Kim Young-kyun — Sub Rapper · Lead Dancer
November 5, 1999 Korean 179 cm 61 kg Type B INFP Taurus
Hwiyoung of SF9 is the group's sub rapper and lead dancer, a member known for pairing a cool, broad-shouldered visual with a surprisingly soft, emotionally sensitive heart. Born Kim Young-kyun on May 11, 1999, in Busan, he debuted with SF9 on October 5, 2016, and later proved his rap credentials by competing on Mnet's "High School Rapper 2" in 2018. Inside the group, Hwiyoung is affectionately called the "happy virus" for his warmth and humor, even though his sharp jawline and calm demeanor often make him look more serious than he is. In 2023, he stepped into a new chapter as a soloist, releasing his digital single "Drive5," followed in 2024 by his first solo single album, "Traveling Fish," which let him showcase songwriting and a more personal artistic voice outside SF9's group concept. A self-professed gentleman who exercises daily and channels his emotions into kickboxing and drawing, Hwiyoung has built a reputation as one of SF9's most versatile members: rapper, dancer, actor, and now an increasingly confident solo artist. Whether he's delivering a punchy verse, showing off his kickboxing-honed physique, or opening up about his feelings in an interview, Hwiyoung continues to earn FANTASY's affection one honest moment at a time, proving there's always more to discover behind his cool exterior.
Story
Biography
Who Is Hwiyoung? SF9’s Sub Rapper With A Soft Heart
Hwiyoung is a South Korean rapper, dancer, and solo artist, best known as a member of the boy group SF9 under FNC Entertainment. Born Kim Young-kyun on May 11, 1999, in Busan, South Korea, he debuted with SF9 on October 5, 2016, and has since carved out a reputation as one of the group’s most emotionally honest members. Let’s dig into Hwiyoung’s profile, career, and personality in detail.
From Trainee To SF9’s Sub Rapper
Hwiyoung trained under FNC Entertainment before officially debuting as part of SF9 on October 5, 2016. As the group’s sub rapper, he brought a distinctive rap tone and sharp stage presence that made him stand out even among a group already packed with talent. In 2018, he further proved his rapping skills by competing on Mnet’s popular survival show “High School Rapper 2,” giving fans a look at his skills outside the SF9 group format.
Personality: The “Happy Virus” With A Gentle Side
Despite his broad shoulders and cool visual, members describe Hwiyoung as a true gentleman — someone who exercises daily, keeps a kickboxing routine for both fitness and stress relief, and enjoys quiet hobbies like drawing and watching films. Fellow member Inseong has called him the group’s “happy virus” for his ability to lighten the mood, while Hwiyoung himself has admitted to being emotionally sensitive, even tearing up while watching the film “Train to Busan.”
Going Solo: Drive5 And Traveling Fish
Hwiyoung expanded his artistry beyond SF9 by launching a solo career. He released his first solo digital single, “Drive5,” on August 13, 2023, followed by his debut solo single album, “Traveling Fish,” on June 20, 2024. These solo releases gave him room to experiment musically and put his songwriting instincts front and center, separate from SF9’s group concepts.
Fun Facts About Hwiyoung
- His stage name comes from a phrase meaning “very bright moonlight.”
- He is a 1999-liner, often surprising fans given his mature visual.
- He’s close friends with fellow member Chani.
- His hobbies include kickboxing, drawing, and movie appreciation.
Between his sharp stage presence in SF9 and his emerging identity as a soloist, Hwiyoung
keeps proving there is a lot more depth behind his cool, composed exterior — exactly why FANTASY keeps
rooting for him.
Profile
Basic Information
| Stage Name | Hwiyoung |
| Full Birth Name | Kim Young-kyun (김영균) |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1999 |
| Birthplace | Busan, South Korea |
| Hometown | Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea |
| Nationality | Korean |
| Height | 179 cm (5'10.5") |
| Weight | 61 kg (134 lbs) |
| Blood Type | B |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| MBTI | INFP |
| Education | Hanlim Multi Art School |
| Agency | FNC Entertainment |
| Debut | October 5, 2016 (SF9, "Feeling Sensation"); Solo debut August 13, 2023 ("Drive5") |
| Languages | Korean |
| Nicknames | Cold City Guy, Crybaby, Happy Virus |
| Hobbies | Kickboxing, drawing, watching movies, exercising |
| Favorite Color | Not officially confirmed |
| Ideal Type | Not officially confirmed |
Membership
Groups & Positions
SF9
FNC Entertainment
Sub Rapper Lead Dancer
October 2016 – Present
The Lineup
Group Members — SF9
Youngbin
Leader · Lead Rapper · Lead Dancer
Inseong
Main Vocalist
Jaeyoon
Vocalist · Sub Rapper
Dawon
Lead Vocalist · Lead Dancer
Zuho
Main Rapper · Lead Dancer
Taeyang
Sub Vocalist · Main Dancer
Hwiyoung
Sub Rapper · Lead Dancer
This Idol
Chani
Main Dancer · Sub Rapper · Face of the Group · Maknae
Rowoon
Former Member — Lead Vocalist, Visual, Center (2016-2023)
Journey
Career Timeline
2016
Debuted with SF9
Officially debuted as a member of SF9 with the single album "Feeling Sensation" on October 5, 2016.
2016
Acting activities begin
Began taking on acting roles alongside SF9's group promotions.
2018
"High School Rapper 2"
Competed as a contestant on Mnet's rap survival show "High School Rapper 2."
2023
Solo debut: "Drive5"
Made his solo debut with the digital single "Drive5," released August 13, 2023.
2024
Solo single album: "Traveling Fish"
Released his debut solo single album "Traveling Fish" on June 20, 2024, expanding his artistry beyond SF9.
Music
Discography
🎵
Drive5
Digital Single
2023
🎵
Traveling Fish
Single Album
2024
💜
Feeling Sensation
Single Album
2016
💜
Burning Sensation
EP
2017
💜
Breaking Sensation
EP
2017
💜
Knights of the Sun
EP
2017
💜
Sensational Feeling Nine
Studio Album (Japan)
2017
💜
MAMMA MIA!
EP
2018
💜
Sensuous
EP
2018
💜
Narcissus
EP
2019
💜
RPM
EP
2019
💜
Illuminate
Studio Album (Japan)
2019
💜
9loryUS
EP
2020
💜
Special History Book
EP
2020
💜
First Collection
Studio Album
2020
💜
Golden Echo
Studio Album (Japan)
2020
💜
Turn Over
EP
2021
💜
Rumination
EP
2021
💜
The Wave Of9
EP
2022
💜
The Piece Of9
EP
2023
💜
Sequence
EP
2024
💜
Fantasy
EP
2024
💜
D.W.B.H
EP (Japan)
2024
💜
Love Race
EP
2025
💜
About Love
EP
2026
🎧
Fanfare
Digital Single
2016
🎧
O Sole Mio
Digital Single
2017
🎧
Easy Love
Digital Single
2017
🎧
Now or Never (Japanese Ver.)
Japanese Single
2018
🎧
RPM (Japanese Single)
Japanese Single
2019
🎧
Good Guy (Japanese Ver.)
Japanese Single
2020
🎧
Savior
Digital Single (UNIVERSE Music Project)
2021
Recognition
Awards & Achievements
Music Show #1 – "Trauma" (with SF9)
Music Bank
2021
Best Dance Performance – Male Group Nominee – "Good Guy" (with SF9)
Melon Music Awards
2020
Did You Know?
Trivia & Fun Facts ✨
★
Born Kim Young-kyun on May 11, 1999, in Busan, South Korea.
★
His hometown is Midang-ri, Bongyang-eup, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea.
★
His stage name Hwiyoung comes from a phrase meaning "very bright moonlight."
★
He is a 1999-liner, which surprises many fans given his mature, sharp visual.
★
He studied at Hanlim Multi Art School before debuting.
★
He debuted with SF9 on October 5, 2016, with the single album "Feeling Sensation."
★
In 2018, he competed as a contestant on Mnet's survival show "High School Rapper 2."
★
Fellow member Inseong has called him the "happy virus" of the group.
★
He is described by members as a true gentleman with broad shoulders.
★
He exercises every day as part of his personal routine.
★
His hobbies include kick-boxing, drawing, and movie appreciation.
★
He is known for wearing colorful, monochromatic outfits, according to member Dawon.
★
His charm point is often said to be his Adam's apple.
★
He can crack his bones, especially in his elbow, as a party trick.
★
He is emotionally sensitive and has cried while watching the film "Train to Busan."
★
His favorite genre of music is rap and hip-hop.
★
He is close friends with member Chani within SF9.
★
Fellow member Jaeyoon has said Hwiyoung dislikes exercising despite doing it daily (a running joke among members).
★
He made his solo debut on August 13, 2023, with the digital single "Drive5."
★
He released his first solo single album, "Traveling Fish," on June 20, 2024.
★
He is credited as a songwriter on several of his own solo tracks.
★
He has an attractive smile that members often point out as one of his charms.
★
He particularly enjoys rainy weather.
★
He has high morale and a generally upbeat attitude on set and during promotions.
★
Hwiyoung has also taken on acting work alongside his music career.
★
He was noted by fans for his versatility as rapper, dancer, and now soloist.
★
He values authenticity, often incorporating his real feelings into his solo music.
★
His social media presence includes an active X (Twitter) account under @0_rbsl.
The Fandom
Fan Club & Fan Name 💜
Official Fan Name
FANTASY
SF9's official fandom name, decided by fan vote on January 12, 2017. FANTASY is a backronym standing for Future, Accompany, Next, Together, Affect, SF9, You — a promise that the group and their fans will walk into the future side by side.
Official Fan Color
Fantasia Hologram
Unveiled on October 5, 2018 (SF9's 2nd debut anniversary), Fantasia Hologram is described by the group as "a color with a profound and mysterious charm that only SF9 and FANTASY can create" — a shifting, pastel-prism shimmer rather than one flat shade.
Official Light Stick
Jigu Bong (Earth Stick)
Released alongside the Fantasia Hologram color on October 5, 2018, the Jigu Bong ("Earth Stick") is a black wand topped with an icy-blue crystal gem, running on 3 AAA batteries with steady, blink, and flicker modes. A brighter Ver. 2, offered in black or white, followed in 2020 with improved luminous power.
Fan Community Platform
FNC Fancafe · Universe
SF9 connects with FANTASY mainly through FNC Entertainment's official Daum Fancafe for membership content and the Universe app, alongside their official SNS channels.
Stay Connected
Social Media
Photos
Gallery 📷
