1. Early Life and Education
Jinjin, born Park Jin-woo on March 15, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, embarked on his journey into the entertainment industry from a young age, demonstrating a keen interest and talent in performing arts. His early life was marked by dedicated training and a strong educational foundation that supported his artistic development.
1.1. Education
Jinjin received his formal education at Hanlim Multi Art School, where he focused on Practical Dance and graduated with top honors. His commitment to dance extended beyond formal schooling, as he also attended the NY Dance Academy located in Ilsan (part of Goyang), where he actively participated in numerous dance competitions to hone his skills. Prior to high school, he completed his elementary education at Hansu Elementary School and his middle school at Hansu Middle School. Furthering his academic pursuits, Jinjin is currently enrolled in the Broadcasting and Entertainment Department at Global Cyber University. During his formative years, he also cultivated other talents, learning to play the drums from the sixth grade and developing proficiency in street dance.
2. Career
Jinjin's career in the entertainment industry began with intensive training, leading to his debut as a K-pop idol and subsequently expanding into various fields including music production, acting, and hosting.
2.1. Pre-debut Activities
Jinjin spent two years as a trainee under Fantagio, the agency that would later launch Astro. He was the fifth trainee to be officially introduced through the "Fantagio iTeen Photo Test Cut," an early public glimpse of future artists. Before their official debut, Jinjin, along with the other five members of Astro, gained early acting experience by starring in the web drama To Be Continued in 2015, which was produced by Fantagio.
2.2. Debut with Astro and Group Activities
On February 23, 2016, Jinjin officially debuted as the leader and main rapper of the six-member boy group Astro. The group released their first extended play (EP), Spring Up, featuring five songs including the title track "Hide & Seek." Astro continued to release a series of successful albums, including their first full album All Light in January 2019, and the EP Gateway in May 2020. Jinjin actively participated in the group's musical output, contributing to the rap lyrics for almost all of Astro's songs since their debut. During Astro's "2nd ASTROAD To Seoul "Starlight"" concert held on December 22-23, 2018, Jinjin performed his self-composed song "Mad Max," which was later included in the concert's DVD, released in June 2019. In December 2022, Jinjin renewed his contract with Fantagio, solidifying his continued commitment to the group and agency.
2.3. Solo Activities and Collaborations
Beyond his group activities, Jinjin has engaged in numerous individual endeavors and collaborations, showcasing his versatility as a performer and producer. In July 2016, he featured in Eric Nam's "Can't Help Myself" during its performance stages. He also appeared in tvN Asia's "Wok the World," a travel variety show filmed in Hong Kong in November 2018.
In January 2019, Jinjin, alongside fellow Astro member MJ, co-composed "Bloom," a B-side track on Astro's first full-length album, All Light. Their collaborative efforts continued in March 2019 when they participated in Celuv TV's travel variety show Go Together, Travel Alone, filmed in Saipan and later released as a DVD. In July 2019, Jinjin and MJ competed in OGN's Game Dolympics. In May 2020, Jinjin composed "Lights On," a side track for Astro's seventh EP, Gateway.
In March 2021, Jinjin expanded into podcasting, co-hosting Unboxing for Dive Studios alongside Pentagon's Kino. Demonstrating his production prowess, he was credited as a composer, lyricist, and arranger for "Villain," a single included in the debut mini-album of the boy group Trendz in December 2021. In October 2023, Jinjin released the project single "Wave in my heart" featuring Yunhway, through KozyPop. Fantagio confirmed on January 7, 2025, that Jinjin will hold his first solo concert, "JIN LAB Vol1. Find Your Groove," beginning February 16 in South Korea.
2.3.1. Jinjin & Rocky Unit Activities
In December 2021, Fantagio announced the formation of Astro's second sub-unit, Jinjin & Rocky, composed of Jinjin and Rocky. The duo made their debut on January 17, 2022, with the extended play Restore. Jinjin and Rocky were deeply involved in the creation of this album, undertaking roles from songwriting to overall production. However, the unit's activities concluded when Rocky did not renew his contract with Fantagio and subsequently left Astro in February 2023.
2.3.2. JIN LAB Project
Jinjin launched his personal music endeavor, the 'JIN LAB Project', in 2024, through which he releases new music regularly. The project highlights his skills as a songwriter and producer, often featuring self-composed tracks. The first song from this project, "Good Enough," was released on March 20, 2024. This was followed by the digital single "Fly" on April 19, a heartfelt duet with the late Moonbin, which Jinjin co-wrote and co-composed as a gift for fans missing Moonbin. Subsequent releases from the 'JIN LAB Project' include "For me" featuring MRCH (May 20), "Self-esteem" (June 28), "You" (July 29), "Farewell Letter" (August 31), "Carry On" (September 28), "Here" (October 25), "Runaway" (November 30), and "Beat that Drum" (December 27).
3. Musical Works
Jinjin has made significant contributions to music both as a lead artist and through his extensive involvement in songwriting and production for Astro and other artists.
3.1. As Lead Artist
Jinjin has released several solo tracks and participated as a lead artist in various projects:
| Title | Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Like a King" (feat. Superbee, MyunDo) (prod. Dok2) | 2018 | FM2018_12Hz | |
| "Mad Max" | 2018 | The 2nd ASTROAD to SEOUL DVD | From Astro's 2nd concert |
| "Lazy" (feat. Choi Yoo-jung of Weki Meki) | 2022 | Restore | From Jinjin & Rocky unit album; appeared on Download Chart |
| "All Day" | 2022 | Drive to the Starry Road | Appeared on Download Chart |
| "Wave in my heart" (feat. Yunhway) | 2023 | Non-album single | From 'JIN LAB Project'; appeared on Download Chart |
| "Good Enough" | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 1. | Appeared on Download Chart |
| "Fly" (with Moonbin) | 2024 | Non-album single | Appeared on Download Chart |
| "For me" (날 위해nal wihaeKorean) (feat. MRCH) | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 2. | Appeared on Download Chart |
| "Self-esteem" (자존감jajongamKorean) | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 3. | |
| "You" | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 4. | |
| "Farewell Letter" (이별택배ibyeoltaekbaeKorean) | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 5. | |
| "Carry On" | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 6. | |
| "Here" | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 7. | |
| "Runaway" | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 8. | |
| "Beat that Drum" | 2024 | JIN LAB Project 9. |
3.2. Songwriting and Production Credits
Jinjin has extensively contributed to the lyrics, composition, and arrangement of numerous songs, primarily for Astro, but also for other artists. His involvement highlights his growth as a musical producer.
| Year | Album | Song | Lyricist Participation | Co-lyricists | Composer Participation | Co-composers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Spring Up | 숨바꼭질 (Hide & Seek) | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae |
| 풋사랑 (First Love) | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| 모닝콜 (Morning Call) | No | Seo Yong-bae, Park Woo-sang | No | Seo Yong-bae, Park Woo-sang | ||
| 장화 신은 고양이 (Cat's Eye) | No | Park Woo-sang | No | Park Woo-sang | ||
| Summer Vibes | 불꽃놀이 (Fireworks) | No | Seo Yong-bae, Park Woo-sang | No | Seo Yong-bae, Park Woo-sang | |
| 숨가빠 (Breathless) | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| 성장통 (Growing Pains) | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| 북극성 (Polaris) | No | Park Woo-sang | No | Park Woo-sang | ||
| 내 멋대로 (My Style) | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| Autumn Story | Lonely | Yes | Lee Gi-yong-bae, Rocky | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | |
| 고백 (Confession) | Yes | Lee Gi-yong-bae, Rocky | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| 사랑이 (Love) | Yes | Lee Hu-sang, Mingki, Rocky | No | Lee Hu-sang, Mingki | ||
| 물들어 (Colored) | Yes | Park Woo-sang, Rocky | No | Park Woo-sang | ||
| 별 (Star) | Yes | Lee Gi-yong-bae, Rocky | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| 2017 | Winter Dream | 붙잡았어야 해 (Should've Held On) | Yes | OBROS, Kim Jwa-yeong, Rocky | No | OBROS, Kim Jwa-yeong |
| Cotton Candy | Yes | Lee Gi-yong-bae, Rocky | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| You & Me (Thanks AROHA) | Yes | Astro | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| Dream Part.1 | Dreams Comes True | Yes | Lee Gi-yong-bae, Rocky | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | |
| Baby | Yes | Jinli (Full8loom), Rocky, Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul (Full8loom), CODE 9 | No | CODE 9 | ||
| 니가 웃잖아 (When You Smile) | Yes | Jinli, Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul, Rocky | No | Jinli, Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul | ||
| 너라서 (Because It's You) | Yes | Jinli, Rocky | No | Jinli, Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul | ||
| Dream Night | Yes | OBROS, Rocky | No | OBROS, CHKmate | ||
| I'll Be There | Yes | OBROS, OBROS2, mia, Rocky | No | OBROS, OBROS2 | ||
| 다 거짓말 (All Lies) | Yes | Lee Gi-yong-bae, Rocky | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| Every Minute | Yes | Seo Ji-eum, Rocky | No | Stephan Elfgren, Chris Meyer | ||
| Dream Part.2 | With You | No | Rocky, Jinli (Full8loom) | No | Jake K (ARTiffect), Jinli, Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul (Full8loom) | |
| 니가 불어와 (Crazy Sexy Cool) | Yes | 100%Seojeong (Jam Factory), Rocky | No | Adrian McKinnon, LDN Noise | ||
| Butterfly | Yes | Choi Hyeon-jun, Jeong Ho-hyeon (e.one), Rocky | No | Choi Hyeon-jun, Jeong Ho-hyeon | ||
| Run | No | Jinli (Full8loom) | No | Jinli, Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul (Full8loom) | ||
| 어느새 우린 (Better With You) | Yes | Rocky, Lee Gi-yong-bae | No | Lee Gi-yong-bae | ||
| 2018 | Rise Up | 너잖아 (Always You) | Yes | Bull$EyE (Bulsai), Ildanyeopchagi, BLACK EDITION (1), YOSKE | No | Eastwest, Bull$EyE (Bulsai), Ildanyeopchagi, Design88, YOSKE |
| 너의 뒤에서 (By Your Side) | Yes | Oreo (Lee Gi, C-no, Woongkim), Astro | No | Lee Gi, C-no, Woongkim | ||
| 외친다 (Call Out) | Yes | OBROS, zomay, Rocky, Bello, real-fantasy | No | OBROS, zomay, Bello, real-fantasy | ||
| 내 곁에 있어줘 (Stay With Me) | Yes | Bilyeorakosti | No | 220, Makkae | ||
| Real Love | Yes | Jinli (Full8loom), Rocky | No | Jake K (ARTiffect), Jinli (Full8loom), Younggwang-ui Eolguldeul (Full8loom) | ||
| Merry-Go-Round (Christmas Edition) | Merry-Go-Round | Yes | Eastwest, Astro, Maxine | No | Eastwest, Maxine, Yeul | |
| 2019 | All Light | Starry Sky | Yes | 코랑이KorangiKorean, 문한미루Mun Han-miruKorean (220VOLT), Rocky | No | 문한미루Mun Han-miruKorean (220VOLT), 코랑이KorangiKorean |
| All Night (전화해) | Yes | Jo Yun-gyeong, Rocky | No | LDN Noise, Kyler Niko | ||
| Moonwalk | Yes | Jo Yun-gyeong, Rocky | No | Choi Jin-seok, Jakob Mihoubi, Rudi Daouk | ||
| Treasure | Yes | 100%Seojeong (Jam Factory), ZUPITER (Flying Lab), Rocky, ZUPITER(Flying Lab) | No | Lee Ju-hyeong (MonoTree), Inner Child | ||
| Role Play | No | 문한미루Mun Han-miruKorean (220volt), D.Ham (디함DihamKorean) (220volt), Mirror Boy (미러보이MireoboiKorean) (220VOLT) | No | 문한미루Mun Han-miruKorean (220volt), Mirror Boy (미러보이MireoboiKorean) (220VOLT) | ||
| 1 In A Million | Yes | Eastwest, Rocky, Maxine | No | Eastwest, 91.6, Maxine, Yeul | ||
| Love Wheel | Yes | Lee Mi-so, ZNEE, Rocky | No | David Amber, Andy Love | ||
| Heart Brew Love | Yes | Dr.JO, Rocky | No | Al Swettenham, Kyler Niko, Obi Mhondera | ||
| Merry-Go-Round | Yes | Eastwest, Astro, Maxine | No | Eastwest, Maxine, Yeul | ||
| 피어나 (Bloom) | Yes | MJ, Rocky | Yes | MJ, Village | ||
| Blue Flame | Blue Flame | Yes | Hwang Yu-bin, Rocky | No | VO3E, Tiyon 'TC' Mack | |
| Go&Stop | Yes | Peterpan, Ttoraibak | No | Ttoraibak, Peterpan, Bae Jae-woo, Super Human | ||
| 다야 (All About You) | Yes | Kim Min-gu, GRVVITY, Rocky | No | GRVVITY, TIME, Kim Min-gu | ||
| 찬바람 불 때면 (When The Wind Blows) | Yes | Rocky | No | Rocky, AVANTGARDE (아방가르드Abang-gardeKorean) | ||
| You're my world | Yes | CR KIM, Kim Su-bin (AIMING), Rocky | No | CR KIM, Kim Su-bin (AIMING), Ma Jeong-hun (617/Cheat Keys), Kim Jeong-yeop (617/Cheat Keys) | ||
| 2020 | ONE&ONLY | ONE&ONLY | Yes | Astro, OBROS, zomay | Yes | OBROS, zomay, BigGun, Erskineville, Rocky, MJ |
| GATEWAY | Knock(널 찾아가) | Yes | Lee Seu-ran, Giwon (Flying Lab), Mun Yeo-reum (Jam Factory), Rocky | No | Brian U, MarkAlong (THE HUB), Noerio (THE HUB), Charlotte Wilson (THE HUB), Frankie Day (THE HUB), Rajan Muse (THE HUB), Chanti (THE HUB), Ayu (THE HUB), Makeumine | |
| 내 이름을 부를 때 (When You Call My Name) | Yes | Coach & Sendo, Yuki, Rocky | No | Coach & Sendo | ||
| SOMEBODY LIKE | Yes | MosPick, Rocky | No | MosPick | ||
| We Still | Yes | Ju Seo-jin (Flying Lab), Erik Lidbom, CR KIM, Kim Su-bin (AIMING), Rocky | No | Erik Lidbom, CR KIM, Kim Su-bin (AIMING) | ||
| 12시간 (12 Hours) | Yes | Mirror Boy (미러보이MireoboiKorean) (220VOLT), D.Ham (디함DihamKorean) (220VOLT), 문한미루Mun Han-miruKorean (220VOLT), Rocky | No | Mirror Boy (미러보이MireoboiKorean) (220VOLT), D.Ham (디함DihamKorean) (220VOLT), 문한미루Mun Han-miruKorean (220VOLT) | ||
| 빛이 돼줄게 (Lights On) | Yes | StarB ($MILE), ORAE, Rocky | Yes | StarB ($MILE), ORAE | ||
| Non-album single | 아니 그래Ani GeuraeKorean (No, I Don't) | Yes | Cha Eun-woo, Rocky, OBROS | No | Rocky, OBROS, zomay | |
| Non-album single | We Still (Be With U) | Yes | Ju Seo-jin, Erik Lidbom, CR KIM, Kim Su-bin, Rocky | No | Erik Lidbom, CR KIM, Kim Su-bin | |
| 2021 | All Yours | Dear My Universe | Yes | Park Woo-sang, Rocky | No | Park Woo-sang, SKINNER BOX |
| Butterfly Effect | Yes | Hwang Yu-bin | No | $UN, ROYAL DIVE | ||
| ONE | Yes | Ellie Suh(153/Joombas), Lee Jae-ni(153/Joombas), Val Del Prete(153/Joombas), JJ Evans, Rocky | No | Val Del Prete(153/Joombas), JJ Evans, Willie Weeks | ||
| Someone Else | No | PENOMECO (페노메코PenomekoKorean), DAMIAN (다미안DamianKorean) | No | Flow Blow, Louise Frick Sveen, Albin Nordqvist | ||
| SNS | No | ROYAL DIVE, JOMALXNE, iHwak, Rocky | No | ROYAL DIVE, JOMALXNE, iHwak | ||
| All Good | Yes | Kim Chan (Flying Lab), Chaoreuda (Flying Lab), Ju Seo-jin (Flying Lab), Sam Carter, Rocky | Yes | Sam Carter, Nomasgood | ||
| All Stars | Yes | Hwang Eun-bit (Flying Lab), Hwa Im-hyeon (Flying Lab), ZUPITER (Flying Lab), Oh Ye-jin (Flying Lab), Jeong Chae-yeon (Flying Lab), Rocky | No | THE PROOF, Harold Philippon | ||
| 우리의 계절 (Our Spring) | Yes | Rocky, OBROS, Nomasgood | No | Rocky, OBROS, Nomasgood | ||
| Stardust | Yes | Rick Bridges(X&), Kigen(X&), Rocky | No | Kigen(X&), Rick Bridges(X&) | ||
| 별비 (Gemini) | Yes | MJ, Park Sang-min, SAMIN, Rocky | No | MJ, Park Sang-min, SAMIN |
4. Appearances
Jinjin has a diverse portfolio of appearances across various media, including television dramas, web series, variety shows, and radio and podcast programs.
4.1. Drama
Jinjin has taken on roles in both television and web-based dramas:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | To Be Continued | Jinjin | Web drama; aired on MBC Every1 |
| 2016 | My Romantic Some Recipe | Guest role (Episode 6) | |
| 2017 | Sweet Revenge | Jinjin | Web drama |
| 2019 | Soul Plate | Angel Ariel | Web drama |
| 2024 | What Should We Eat Today? | Japan-Korea co-produced television drama |
4.2. Variety Shows
Jinjin has appeared in several television variety programs, showcasing his personality and entertainment skills:
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Astro OK! Ready | |
| 2017 | Idol Men | Appeared with Astro |
| 2016 | Show Me The Money (Season 5) | |
| 2017 | After School Club | Episodes 202, 219, 240, 291 with Astro |
| 2017 | Weekly Idol | Episodes 256, 279, 307, 434 with Astro |
| 2017 | Astro - The Show FanPD | Fan-organized show |
| 2018 | Cheering Team-Basketball Edition | KBS my K |
| 2018 | Yu Huiyeol's Sketchbook | Episode 427 with Astro |
| 2018 | Wok the World - in Hong Kong | Main Cast; aired on tvN Asia (November 26, 2018 - January 7, 2019) |
| 2019 | Go Together, Travel Alone | Main Cast; aired on TV Chosun (May 18 - June 22) |
| 2019 | Game Dolympics 2019: Golden Card | OGN |
| 2019 | Sugar Man 2 | Episode 86 with Astro, Red Velvet |
| 2020 | Hidden Track 2 | Appeared with Astro (May) |
| 2021 | ASTRO's 1001 Nights | Appeared with Astro |
| 2021 | Astro Zone | Appeared with Astro |
4.3. Web Shows
Jinjin has also been active in web-based variety shows and other online content:
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | X: Endline, New Beginning | Cast Member |
| 2022 | X: New World | Cast Member |
4.4. Radio Shows
Jinjin has participated in various radio programs as both a host and a guest:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | KBS Cool FM - Raise the Volume | Guest | Appeared with Cha Eun-woo and Yoon San-ha (April 15) |
| 2021 | SBS Power FM - Love Game | Guest | Appeared with MJ (April 17) |
| 2021 | Arirang Radio - Super K-Pop | Guest | Appeared with Yoon San-ha (April 19) |
| 2023-2025 | Idol Korean | DJ | Hosted from October 2, 2023, to February 28, 2025 |
4.5. Podcasts
Jinjin has explored the podcast format, serving as a host and guest:
| Year | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Eric Nam's Kpop Daebak show | Guest |
| 2021 | Unboxing w/ Jinjin & Kino | Co-host |
5. Theater
Jinjin has expanded his acting career into musical theater, taking on significant roles:
| Year | English Title | Role | Venue/Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Dream High | Jason | Kwanglim Art Center BBCH Hall (May 13 - July 23) |
| 2023 | Winter Wanderer | Hyuntae | KEPCO Art Center (December 16, 2023 - February 25, 2024) |
| 2024 | Crash Landing on You | Gu Seung-jun / Alberto Gu | Tokyo Yomiuri Hall (February 8 - February 28) |
| 2025 | Dream High | Son Samdong | Theater H (April 11 - April 27) |
6. Public Image and Reception
Jinjin is widely recognized for his multifaceted talents within the K-pop industry, particularly as a proficient producing idol, rapper, composer, and producer. His consistent involvement in Astro's musical direction, especially his contributions to rap lyrics and production, has solidified his reputation as a "producing idol." In January 2020, Jinjin was ranked 57th among the top 100 artists with the most copyrighted self-composed songs registered with the KOMCA (Korean Music Copyright Association). This recognition underscores his significant behind-the-scenes musical contributions. Furthermore, in June 2020, he was voted 3rd in a public poll for the top 10 best male rappers, reflecting his strong standing among fans and the wider online community. While generally maintaining a positive public image, Jinjin experienced a brief health concern in February 2022, leading to a temporary deferment of some schedules for rest and recovery.
7. Awards and Nominations
Jinjin's awards and nominations primarily stem from his activities as a member of Astro. Comprehensive information regarding the group's collective achievements, including awards and nominations, can be found on Astro's main Wikipedia article. As of the provided information, no specific individual awards or nominations for Jinjin were listed.
8. External Links
- [http://www.fantagio.kr/musicians/%EC%A7%84%EC%A7%84/ Jinjin on Fantagio]
- [https://www.instagram.com/ast_jinjin Jinjin on Instagram]
- [https://m.weibo.cn/u/7464010041 Jinjin on Weibo]
- [https://www.youtube.com/@JINJIN_JINLAB Jinjin's JIN LAB Project on YouTube]