Kim Jae-hwan, born on May 27, 1996, is a singer more popularly known as a former member and main vocalist of the now-defunct male idol group Wanna One. He entered the industry after ranking fourth in the second season of survival reality show Produce 101. Following his activities with Wanna One, Jaehwan debuted as a solo artist with the release of his first extended play (EP), Another, in May 2019.
Early life
Jaehwan was born in Seoul, South Korea. He attended Howon University.
Early Career
Jaehwan’s introduction in the industry was when he placed as a semifinalist on Korea’s Got Talent 2 in 2012.
In 2016, he was invited to appear on a new music program about amateur singers facing off professionals called Vocal War: God’s Voice. He won with his performance of the song “Autumn in Front of the Post Office” by Yoon Do-hyun.
2017 to 2018: Produce 101 and Wanna One
Jaehwan joined the survival show Produce 101 Season 2, which aired on Mnet from April 7 to June 16, 2017. He registered as an individual trainee and received a B mark in the judge’s initial evaluation. He placed 27th on the first episode of the program and worked his way up to the top 11. He finished the show in 4th place and officially debuted as part of the project group Wanna One through their Wanna One Premier Show-Con on August 7, 2017 at Gocheok Sky Dome. He released the mini-album 1×1=1 (To Be One) as part of the group and actively promoted until December 2018.
Jaehwan officially ended his promotions as a Wanna One member during the group’s final concert, “Therefore,” which was held across four days beginning January 24, 2019 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Following his promotions with Wanna One, Jaehwan signed with Swing Entertainment, the same label that managed the group. He released his debut extended play (EP), Another, featuring the title track “Begin Again,” on May 20, 2019. He won his first music show win with the song.
