Hong Jin-young Biography: Age, Net Worth, Height, Father, Sister, Career, Controversy, Beauty Brand

Hong Jin-young is a South Korean trot singer whose rise to popularity began with her solo debut in 2009 through the song “Love Battery.” That release introduced her vibrant style to a wide audience.

Over time she has also become known for her frequent appearances on variety shows and her distinctive presence in the trot genre.

More recently, she expanded into entrepreneurship, establishing her own beauty brand and launching a cosmetics company.

Profile

• Full name: Hong Jin-young
• Date of birth: August 9, 1985
• Age: 40 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Gwangju, South Korea
• State of origin: Gwangju
• Nationality: South Korean
• Profession: Singer (trot), entertainer, entrepreneur
• Height: 167 cm
• Weight: 45 kg
• Eye color: Black
• Hair color: Dark brown
• Parents: Father: Hong Geum-Woo
• Siblings: One older sister
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: Buddhism
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Net worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life and Education

Hong Jin-young, now aged 40, was born on August 9, 1985, in Gwangju, South Korea.

She has an older sister and her father, Hong Geum-Woo, served as a professor at Chosun University.

She spent her childhood in Gwangju, within a Korean cultural environment, and as indicated in one source, practices Buddhism.

She attended Chosun University, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce, followed by a Master’s in Trade (2009) and a PhD in Business Administration (2012).

Both her graduate degrees were later revoked due to a plagiarism investigation.

Personal Life

There is no publicly available information concerning Hong Jin-young’s spouse, marriage, children, divorce, or extramarital affairs.

Career

Hong Jin-young began her career in entertainment as a member of the girl group SWAN in 2007.

Her solo breakthrough came in 2009 when she released the trot single “Love Battery,” which propelled her into the spotlight.

She released other notable songs such as “My Love” (2010) and “Boogie Man” (2013).

Her first mini-album, Life Note, was released in November 2014, featuring the song “Cheer Up,” in which Nam Goong Min appeared as her virtual spouse in the music video.

She has been a frequent presence on variety shows like Immortal Songs 2, King of Mask Singer, We Got Married (2014), and My Little Old Boy (from 2018).

In 2023, she launched her beauty brand Chic Blanc Co, positioning herself as CEO and presenting her products at the 2024 Cosmo Beauty Expo.

She also heads IM Forten Co., Ltd., which oversees her beauty and entertainment businesses, including the Hong Shot brand (est. 2018), and is preparing for an IPO potentially in 2026.

Net Worth

Hong Jin-young’s net worth is estimated in a range between US $1 million to $5 million.

Her primary income sources include music sales, variety show appearances, endorsements, and her beauty business ventures.

Controversy

In November 2020, she was accused of plagiarism regarding her master’s thesis, reportedly scoring 74 percent similarity on the Copy Killer checker.

Chosun University subsequently concluded that her master’s and doctoral dissertations were plagiarized, and revoked both degrees in December 2020.

She publicly apologized in December, stating she would return her degrees and expressed remorse.

A former professor also claimed up to 99 percent of the dissertation was plagiarized.

Social Media

• Instagram: sambahong
• X: Sambahong
• TikTok: sambahong85
• YouTube: channel “쌈바홍”

Filmography

• Sexy Teacher (2006)
• Yeon Gaesomun (2006)
• Lights and Shadows (2011)
• My Secret Hotel (2014)

Discography

• “Love Battery” (2009; solo debut song)
• “My Love” (2010 single)
• “Boogie Man” (2013 single)
• Life Note (2014 mini-album)