Kim Mingyu, known mononymously as Mingyu, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and model, best recognized as a member of the K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN under Pledis Entertainment.
As the lead rapper, sub-vocalist, and visual of the group’s Hip-Hop Team, he captivates audiences with his melodic rap style, charismatic stage presence, and multifaceted talents in music, fashion, and visual arts.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Kim Min-gyu
- Stage Name: Mingyu
- Born: April 6, 1997
- Age: 29 years old
- Birthplace: Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Nationality: South Korean
- Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Model
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm)
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kim
- Siblings: Kim Minseo
- Spouse: Not married
- Children: None
- Relationship: Single
- Net Worth: $1.5 million to $3 million USD
Early Life and Education
Kim Mingyu is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and model. He was born on April 6, 1997, in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kim, who are part of the Kwangsan Kim clan.
Of Korean ethnicity, his religious beliefs are not publicly disclosed, though Christianity is common in South Korea. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 2 inches, making him the tallest member of SEVENTEEN, Mingyu grew up with a younger sister, Kim Minseo, whom he describes as beautiful and a skilled cook.
His name, meaning “precious gemstone that shines like a star,” reflects his vibrant personality. Mingyu attended Anyang Buan Elementary School, Burim Middle School, and Seoul Broadcasting High School, graduating in 2016 with a focus on Broadcasting Content.
He later enrolled at Dong-A Broadcasting Arts University, majoring in K-Pop, which complemented his musical aspirations. During middle school, he played on the soccer team, competing nationally, and in high school, he was the bassist in the school band, fostering his early love for music.
Career
Mingyu was street-cast by Pledis Entertainment in 2011 during his second year at Burim Middle School, attending the audition in jeans and flip-flops and passing by singing the national anthem. After four years of training, he debuted with SEVENTEEN on May 26, 2015, with the EP 17 Carat, which landed on Billboard’s 10 Best K-Pop Albums of 2015.
As the lead rapper and sub-vocalist of the Hip-Hop Team, alongside S.Coups, Wonwoo, and Vernon, he has contributed to over 45 songs, showcasing his melodic rap style in tracks like “Expression Management” and “LOTTO Remix”.
Mingyu directed and edited SEVENTEEN‘s “Snap Shoot” music video and designed the group’s mascot, BongBongie, earning the nickname “BongBong’s Dad.” He served as an MC for SBS’s Inkigayo from 2018 to 2019 and has appeared in variety shows and cameo roles, including a Thai sitcom Luang-ta Maha-chon.
His modeling career includes ambassadorships for Lancôme (2022), Innisfree (2023), L’Occitane (2024), Unove (2024), Allo Bank (2024, with Wonwoo), Snickers (2025), and campaigns with Cartier, Marni, Dior, and Calvin Klein.
In 2021, he released the digital single “Bittersweet” with Wonwoo and Lee Hi, topping iTunes charts in ten regions. Mingyu‘s artistic contributions extend to visual art, with his painting “Growing Pains” displayed at SEVENTEEN‘s 2018 exhibit “17’s Cut.”
Awards and Nominations
- MAMA Awards: Album of the Year (Daesang) (Winner, 2024) – For SEVENTEEN‘s SPILL THE FEELS, shared with group members.
- MAMA Awards: Artist of the Year (Daesang) (Winner, 2024) – Shared with SEVENTEEN for their collective impact.
- V LIVE Awards: Global Top 10 (Winner, 2018) – Shared with SEVENTEEN, notable for Mingyu breaking the trophy during the live broadcast.
- No individual nominations are documented, but his contributions to SEVENTEEN‘s group awards highlight his impact.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @min9yu_k
Personal Life
Mingyu is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and model. He is single, unmarried, and has no children. He prioritizes privacy in his personal life, with no confirmed romantic relationships, though he has expressed a preference for dating someone tall, kind-hearted, and older.
His hobbies include soccer, basketball, drawing, calligraphy, and assembling action figures. A left-handed optimist with an ENTJ/ENFJ MBTI, Mingyu is SEVENTEEN‘s “mood maker,” known for his clumsy yet charming personality, earning nicknames like “Housewife Mingyu” for his cooking and cleaning skills.
He has two pet dogs, Aji and Ddoongchi.
Discography
With SEVENTEEN (Selected Albums):
- 17 Carat (EP, 2015)
- Boys Be (EP, 2015)
- An Ode (2019)
- SPILL THE FEELS (2024)
Singles:
- “Bittersweet” (with Wonwoo, feat. Lee Hi, 2021)
- “Glimpse of Us” (2024)
Collaborations:
- “Moon” (with ASTRO and various artists, 2025)
Songwriting Credits:
- Contributed to over 45 SEVENTEEN songs, including “Expression Management,”“LOTTO Remix,”“BEAUTIFUL,”“IF I,” and “TRAUMA.”
Net Worth
Mingyu is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and model. His net worth is estimated to be between $1.5 million and $3 million USD. His income stems from SEVENTEEN‘s music sales, with albums like An Ode selling over 700,000 copies in its first week, and global tours.
Additional earnings come from songwriting royalties, variety show appearances, and high-profile brand endorsements with Lancôme, Innisfree, L’Occitane, Unove, Snickers, and luxury fashion houses like Dior and Cartier.