Yoo Kang-min, widely known by his stage name Kangmin, is the youngest member of the South Korean boy group VERIVERY. As of April 2026, Kangmin is 23 years old. He was born on January 25, 2003, in Busan, South Korea. Since his debut under Jellyfish Entertainment in 2019, he has transitioned from being the group’s "ending fairy" maknae to a respected solo artist and a veteran of high-stakes survival competitions.

Quick Facts and Birth Details of Yoo Kang-min

Understanding Kangmin’s age requires looking back at his early start in the K-pop industry. Born in early 2003, he entered the scene when he was just 15 years old (internationally).

  • Date of Birth: January 25, 2003
  • Current Age (2026): 23 years old
  • Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
  • Birthplace: Geumgok-dong, Buk-gu, Busan, South Korea
  • Nationality: South Korean

Kangmin’s journey is particularly notable because he grew up in the public eye. Fans who followed VERIVERY since their pre-debut reality show, "Now VERIVERY," have witnessed his physical and artistic growth over seven years of active career participation.

The Physical Profile and Visual Impact of Kangmin

Beyond his age, Kangmin has always been recognized for his striking visuals, often referred to as the "Visual Center" of VERIVERY.

Height and Physique

Kangmin stands at approximately 173–174 cm (about 5'8"). While not the tallest member in the industry, his proportions and stage presence make him a dynamic performer. In the earlier years of his career, he was known for a youthful, "puppy-like" appearance, characterized by his large eyes and heart-shaped mouth. However, by 2026, his image has matured significantly, reflecting his transition into solo artistry.

Blood Type and Personal Traits

He has O-type blood, which in Korean culture is often associated with outgoing, energetic, and confident personalities. Despite being an only child, Kangmin developed a deep sense of brotherhood with his six fellow VERIVERY members, particularly the group's leader, Dongheon, who played a significant role in his early training.

The Artistic Evolution: From Maknae to Soloist

Kangmin’s career is a testament to the rigorous "idol system" and the rewards of persistence. To understand who he is at 23, one must look at the milestones he achieved during his teenage years.

The Debut with VERIVERY (2019)

Kangmin officially debuted on January 9, 2019, with the EP VERI-US and the lead single "Ring Ring Ring." At the time of debut, he was just shy of his 16th birthday. Despite having trained for only eight months—a relatively short period compared to many of his peers—he was selected as the group's lead dancer, sub-vocalist, and sub-rapper.

His "ending fairy" moment during the "Ring Ring Ring" performances went viral in South Korea, establishing him as a top-tier visual of the fourth generation. His ability to maintain a bright, energetic persona while executing complex choreography became his trademark.

Education and Graduation

During the height of VERIVERY’s early success, Kangmin balanced his career with his studies at the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art School. He graduated from the Department of Practical Dance in February 2022. His graduation was a major event for the fandom, marking the end of his "schoolboy" era and the beginning of his full-time adult career.

Survival Shows and Career Turning Points

A significant portion of Kangmin's career has been defined by survival competitions, which tested his limits and expanded his fanbase.

Road to Kingdom (2020)

In 2020, Kangmin and VERIVERY participated in Mnet’s Road to Kingdom. Though he was only 17 at the time, he showed immense growth. The show required the group to rearrange their songs and create theatrical performances. Kangmin’s performance in stages like "Photo" and "Thunder" proved that he could handle dark, intense concepts just as well as the bright ones from his debut.

Boys II Planet (2025)

Perhaps the most pivotal moment in his recent career was his participation in the 2025 survival show Boys II Planet. Alongside fellow members Dongheon and Gyehyun, Kangmin re-entered the trainee competition scene to prove his enduring relevance.

Throughout the show, Kangmin was consistently ranked as a "visual poster" by other contestants. However, he focused on shedding the "just a visual" label. He delivered powerful vocal performances and demonstrated leadership qualities he hadn't shown in VERIVERY as the maknae. He eventually reached the finale, ranking 9th overall. While he narrowly missed the final lineup for the project group Alpha Drive One, the exposure solidified his position as a powerhouse solo contender.

2026: The Year of "Free Falling" and Solo Success

Following the conclusion of Boys II Planet and a brief hiatus to reorganize, Kangmin made his highly anticipated solo debut on March 26, 2026.

Solo Single Album: Free Falling

The single album Free Falling marked a departure from the synchronized group performances of VERIVERY. The title track, "Free Falling," is a sophisticated synth-pop song that highlights his airy yet stable vocal tone.

The concept of the album revolves around the theme of "growth through vulnerability." For a 23-year-old who has spent his entire youth in the spotlight, the lyrics resonated deeply with fans, discussing the pressures of fame and the courage to start anew. The music video, shot on location in Jeju Island, emphasized his matured visuals and contemporary dance skills.

Fan Meetings and Global Reach

In 2025 and 2026, Kangmin expanded his solo reach with fan meetings titled "Yoo Got Me" and "Brilliant Time." He held successful events in Shanghai and Seoul, proving that his popularity transcends the group dynamic. At these events, he performed unreleased tracks and shared personal stories from his time as a trainee, creating a deeper bond with his fans, known as VERRERs.

Television Presence and Hosting Credits

Kangmin has always been a "variety show ace" due to his quick wit and charming personality.

Show Champion MC (2020–2022)

From 2020 to 2022, Kangmin served as a fixed MC for MBC M's Show Champion. Alongside ASTRO’s Moon Bin and Yoon San-ha, he was part of the beloved "Seok-San-Kang" trio. This role was crucial for his development, as it required him to be articulate and comfortable in live broadcasting environments for over two years. His chemistry with the older MCs helped him shed some of his shyness, making him a sought-after guest for other variety programs.

Acting Ventures: Snap and Spark

In 2023, Kangmin took on the role of Joo Seon-jae in the web drama Snap and Spark. Playing a high school student, he was able to use his real-life experiences of balancing school and fame to bring depth to the character. The drama received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of Gen Z's relationship with social media, and Kangmin was praised for his natural acting and emotional range.

Personal Life and "TMI" Facts

To truly know Kangmin is to look at the small details that make up his daily life. Despite his busy schedule, he maintains several hobbies and interests that keep him grounded.

  • Pets: He is a devoted owner of a Maltese dog named Yuki. Yuki often appears in his vlogs and social media updates, and Kangmin has mentioned that playing with Yuki is his primary way of relieving stress.
  • MBTI: His MBTI type is INFP (The Mediator). This explains his thoughtful, creative, and sometimes shy nature. While he is energetic on stage, he is known to be more reserved and reflective in private.
  • Food Preferences: He is a fan of simple, hearty meals. Some of his favorites include the Shanghai Burger from McDonald's, Nugabar (a Korean ice cream), and Ansungtangmyun (ramen). Interestingly, he is not very good at eating spicy food.
  • Hobbies: In his spare time, he enjoys watching dramas and reading webtoons. He has also expressed a strong interest in soccer, a sport he enjoyed playing before his trainee days.
  • Role Models: He has frequently cited VIXX’s Leo and BTS’s V as his inspirations. From Leo, he learned about vocal discipline and stage presence, while he admires V’s ability to tell a story through facial expressions and unique fashion choices.

The Future of Yoo Kang-min

Now that he has reached the age of 23, many industry analysts are looking at what is next for Kangmin. With a successful solo debut under his belt and a strong foundation with VERIVERY, his career path is versatile.

There is a strong possibility that he will continue to balance solo music releases with acting roles. His performance in Snap and Spark suggests that he has the potential to become a "representative acting-dol" of his generation. Furthermore, as VERIVERY enters a new chapter with members fulfilling their mandatory military services (starting with Dongheon), Kangmin will likely take on more responsibility in maintaining the group’s brand and connection with fans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Kangmin's official position in VERIVERY?

Kangmin is the lead dancer, sub-vocalist, sub-rapper, and the maknae (youngest member) of VERIVERY. He is also considered the group’s main visual.

When did Kangmin debut as a solo artist?

Kangmin officially debuted as a soloist on March 26, 2026, with the single album Free Falling.

Was Kangmin on Boys Planet?

Kangmin participated in the 2025 version of the show, titled Boys II Planet. He performed exceptionally well, finishing in 9th place in the finale.

Where is Kangmin from?

He was born in Busan, South Korea. He often uses his Busan dialect (satoori) in casual settings, which fans find charming.

What is Kangmin's real name?

His birth name is Yoo Kang-min (유강민). He uses his first name, Kangmin, as his mononymous stage name.

Summary

In 2026, VERIVERY's Kangmin is 23 years old, standing at a crossroads of maturity and continued innovation. Since his birth on January 25, 2003, he has evolved from a 15-year-old rookie into a multifaceted entertainer with experience in music, hosting, acting, and survival competitions. His recent solo debut with Free Falling and his impressive run on Boys II Planet have proven that his age is just a number; his talent and work ethic are what define his longevity in the competitive K-pop industry. Whether he is performing on stage with VERIVERY or standing alone under the spotlight, Yoo Kang-min remains one of the most compelling figures of his generation.