Kim Won-pil (Korean: 김원필; born April 28, 1994),[1][2] also known by his mononym Wonpil, is a South Korean singer, pianist, keyboardist and synthesizer. He is the keyboardist of pop rock band Day6 and its sub unit Even of Day under JYP Entertainment. His debut album Pilmography debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart in February 2022.
Early life
Wonpil was born in Incheon, South Korea. His parents run a piano academy so he was familiar with piano since a young age, and he learned how to play it by himself.[3]
After signing with JYP Entertainment, Wonpil was part of JYP trainees' dance team with Young K, but was later chosen to be part of the company's first band, and, together with Jae, Young K, Sungjin and Junhyeok, he formed the acoustic ensemble 5LIVE.[4]
In 2014, he appeared in the program WIN: Who Is Next?, which saw the trainees of JYPE and YG Entertainment compete against each others.[2][5] In 2015, after the joining of sixth member Dowoon, Wonpil eventually debuted as a member of rock band Day6 on September 7,[6] in which he plays the synthesizer and the keyboard.[7]
In August 2020, JYP Entertainment announced that Wonpil, along with DAY6's member Young K and Dowoon, would debut as the first sub-unit Even of Day.[8] He and Young K made a short appearance in web series Let Me Off The Earth in October;[9] then in November, he appeared in BOL4's new music video "Dancing Cartoon".[10]
In March 2021, Wonpil made his musical theatre debut in Midnight Sun, produced by Shinswave.[11] After finishing the musical, it was reported that he was in talks to star in web drama Best Mistake 3,[12] and in October, the news was confirmed.[13]
On December 8, Wonpil featured in Korean indie duo 1415 title song "naps!" from the EP of the same name.[14] On the same day, it was reported that he was preparing his solo debut for early 2022.[15] Later JYPE confirmed releasing his first studio album, Pilmography, on February 7, 2022.[15]
On January 24, 2022, JYPE began promoting Wonpil's solo debut with a mood film and the lead single title, "Voiceless". The voice track list, concept photos, interview film, teasers of the music video and live album sampler video were released respectively.[16]
On February 28, 2022, it was confirmed that Wonpil will expand the first solo concert by two more rounds, including the day before the military enlistment.[17]
Personal life
On February 23, 2022, Wonpil announced that he would be serving in the Republic of Korea Navy, and would enlist in the military on March 28, 2022.[18] On October 31, 2023, Wonpil was discharged from military service without further requirement for return.[19]
^"Did You Wake Up?" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 53 and 142 on the Gaon BGM Chart and the Gaon Download Chart, respectively.[23][24]
^"Meet Me When the Sun Goes Down" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 74 and 147 on the Gaon BGM Chart and the Gaon Download Chart, respectively.[25][26]
^"Like a Fire" did not enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 181 on the Gaon Download Chart.[27]
References
^"Day6 Wonpil:: 네이버 인물검색". people.search.naver.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
^Choi, Jin-shil (September 13, 2013). "'WIN' JYP 연습생 공개 '프리스타일 느낌있네'". Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
^Lee Hye-lim (February 28, 2022). "DAY6 원필, 첫 콘서트 전석 매진...입대 전 추가 공연" [DAY6 Wonpil's first concert sold out... Additional performances before enlistment] (in Korean). NEWSIS. Retrieved February 28, 2022 – via Naver.
^Ko Seung-ah (February 24, 2022). "데이식스 원필, 3월28일 해군 입대..."팬들 못봐 아쉬워" 눈물" [DAY6's Wonpil to enlist in the Navy on March 28th... "It's a pity I can't see the fans" tears] (in Korean). News1. Retrieved February 24, 2022 – via Naver.