Bobby (iKON)
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| Bobby (iKON) | |
|---|---|
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| Name | Bobby |
| Birth name | Kim Ji-won |
| Birth date | 21 December 1995 |
| Birth place | Seoul |
| Occupation | Singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Labels | YG Entertainment, iKON |
| Associated acts | iKON, iKON |
Bobby (iKON) Kim Ji-won, known professionally as Bobby, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is a member of the boy band iKON and has also established a solo career, participating in television programs, music festivals, and collaborative projects across South Korea, Japan, and China. Bobby's work spans hip hop, R&B, and pop, with notable participation in talent shows and award ceremonies.
Early life and education
Bobby was born in Seoul and raised in Daegu, later spending part of his childhood in Los Angeles, California, where he attended local schools and trained in music alongside peers from communities linked to Korean Americans, K-pop trainees, and underground hip hop. His formative years involved exposure to artists and institutions such as Dr. Dre, Eminem, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, and Nas, influencing his interest in rap and production while connecting him to networks tied to YG Entertainment scouting and audition processes. Bobby returned to South Korea to pursue training, interacting with figures from YG Entertainment, SM Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment trainee systems, and he enrolled in programs associated with performing arts education common among celebrity trainees.
Career
Bobby first gained public attention through participation in the survival program Show Me the Money 3, where he competed alongside contestants like Microdot, BewhY, Mad Clown, Zion.T, and producers from AOMG and Illionaire Records. Following the program, he debuted with iKON under YG Entertainment, joining members including B.I, Junhoe, Yunhyeong, Donghyuk, Jay, and Chan and promoting in markets such as Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, and Bangkok. iKON's releases and tours connected them to events like the Melon Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, Seoul Music Awards, and festivals alongside acts like BIGBANG, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, and WINNER. Bobby has also appeared on variety shows and reality programs produced by networks including Mnet, SBS, KBS, and tvN, collaborating with artists and entertainers from RAIN, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and PSY.
Musical style and influences
Bobby's musical style blends elements of hip hop, R&B, and pop music, reflecting influences from artists and movements such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Korean hip hop pioneers. Production choices and songwriting reference techniques associated with producers like Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Scott Storch, and Korean producers linked to YG Entertainment's sound. His lyrical themes intersect with traditions in trap music, boom bap, and contemporary K-pop balladry, drawing comparisons in interviews and critiques to patterns found in works by Epik High, Dynamic Duo, Dok2, and The Quiett.
Solo work and collaborations
As a solo artist, Bobby released mixtapes and albums that featured collaborations with artists and producers from labels such as YG Entertainment, AOMG, Illionaire Records, and international collaborators tied to United States hip hop scenes. He has worked with figures including Zion.T, Mino, Tablo, Beenzino, Simon D, and producers associated with The Black Label and YG Producer Team. Bobby's solo projects have been promoted in venues and platforms like YouTube, MelOn, Spotify, and live stages at award shows including the Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards.
Public image and philanthropy
Bobby's public image combines a rapper persona with participation in television programs and charitable activities; he has been featured in media coverage by outlets covering events such as the Asia Artist Awards and campaigns linked to public figures and institutions in South Korea and abroad. He has taken part in philanthropic efforts and fundraising initiatives that align him with causes supported by celebrities who have collaborated with organizations like UNICEF, Korea Foundation, and charity concerts alongside artists from SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. His image has also intersected with discussions involving talent agency practices, media representation, and fan engagement through platforms like V Live and Weibo.
Discography
Bobby's discography includes solo releases, mixtapes, singles, and albums in conjunction with iKON; notable entries and collaborations have appeared on charts maintained by Gaon Music Chart, Oricon Chart, and international streaming charts such as Billboard's World Albums. His recorded works feature credits with artists including B.I, Junhoe, Zion.T, Mino, and producers tied to YG Entertainment and The Black Label.
Awards and nominations
Bobby has received awards and nominations as both a member of iKON and as a solo artist, recognized at ceremonies like the Mnet Asian Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, Seoul Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and regional honors such as the Japan Gold Disc Award and various year-end listings curated by outlets like Billboard Korea and Naver Music.
Category:South Korean rappers Category:K-pop singers Category:1995 births Category:Living people