Kim Ho Joong is a South Korean classically trained singer who focuses on trot music. He attended Gyeongbuk Arts High School for one year before transfering and later he graduated from Gimcheon Arts High School. He then enrolled in the Department of Vocal Music at Hanyang University but dropped out. From an early age, he was a problematic child always fighting in school but got interested in classical music after listening to Luciano Pavarotti singing "Nessun Dorma". He began taking vocal lessons but, due to his poor background, could only afford one lesson per week. After getting in more trouble, it was the death of his grandmother who changed him and put him in the right path.
In 2008, he won the Sejong Music Competition and the National Suri Music Competition singing "Nessun Dorma" and his video was so popular, he was invited to appear in the show "Star King" in 2009. He lived in Germany for some time to continue training in classical music. He officially made his debut in 2013 with the digital single "My Person".
The 2013 movie "My Paparotti" is allegedly based on his life but it has never been made official by the movie company. He began appearing in several shows and gained more popularity after competing in "Mr. Trot" in 2020 but was involved in several illegal betting and gambling scandals which caused an appearance on "Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend" to be completely edited out of the broadcast. He was found guilty of gambling but managed a deferred sentence. To avoid controversy, he decided to complete his military service as a social worker and was enrolled from September 2020 until June 2022. He has now returned to making appearances on several TV shows as he tries to restore his public image and reputation.
(Source: Korean = Namu Wiki || Translation = MyDramaList)
