Kim Ji Hoon was a South Korean singer-songwriter, producer, actor, presenter, and former member of TWO TWO (투투), GANG (갱), and DUKE (듀크). He graduated from Inchang High School and later obtained an associate's degree in Practical Music from Myongji College.

He wanted to become a singer since he was 6 years old and was part of the school's choir. One of his teachers exposed him to other music genres, and he was later part of a heavy-metal band and a classic rock band while in high school and university. He first appeared on TV in 1990 when he was a contestant in the 3rd KBS Youth Creative Song Festival. He was eliminated just before the final because he forgot part of the lyrics of the song he was singing.

In 1991, he joined Oh Ji Hun and Yoo Hyun Jae and became part of a band called originally TRAFFIC LIGHT. They performed at university festivals and other small venues before they added a female vocalist and re-branded as TWO TWO, as all members were 22 years old at the time. They officially debuted in May 1994 with their self-titled studio album. The lead single, "One And A Half" became a huge success and is recognized as one of the best songs of that era.

The grueling schedule began taking a toll on his health as his lung capacity began decreasing, and he had to carry a small oxygen tank to all group activities. He was also able to sleep only 3 hours per day, so he began suffering from mood swings. TUTU went on hiatus when Oh and Yoo enlisted in the military, but the agency, Fitness (휘트니스), brought guest musicians, and he resumed activities in July 1995.

His last activity with TWO TWO came in January 1996, before he enlisted for his mandatory military service. The agency re-launched the group as NEW TWO TWO with a different lineup. After his discharge, he debuted as a solo artist but was not able to promote as his manager stole money from him and did not find him any promotional activity. Then, in early 1998, he joined two other singers and created the project group GANG. They released several covers and remakes of famous songs before ending their activities.

He re-debuted in 1999 when he joined Kim Seok Min (who was part of NEW TWO TWO) and launched the duo DUKE. Their debut album was not a success initially as the lead single, "Easy", was a hardcore rock song that was not allowed to air on public television. So, unable to showcase their music for 6 months after they debuted, he decided to change the lead single to "Starian", taking advantage of the techno craze in South Korea. Their popularity fluctuated over the years until they decided to disband in July 2007 after their last album was a commercial failure.

He then continued his career as a solo artist, singing OSTs for several dramas, and also ventured into acting and as an entertainer. In 2009, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison (suspended for 2 years) and fined after he was arrested for possession and consumption of ecstasy.

He was banned by MBC and other networks and never returned to TV. He began suffering from severe depression and had to take medication for it. On December 12, 2013, he was found dead in the bathroom of a hotel room in Seoul at the age of 40. He hung himself with a t-shirt placed on the shower stall, and the police ruled the investigation a suicide. He was laid to rest in Bundang Memorial Park.

(Source: MyDramaList) Edit Biography