While many K-pop idols dream of entering the entertainment industry, PO seems to have had all the advantages right from the start. Born into a wealthy family and often labeled a “rich idol” by Korean media, the former B Block member has never had to rely on fame for financial security.
Yet despite possessing undeniable talent, PO spent years struggling to stand out in the fiercely competitive entertainment industry. Now, after a long journey through music, variety shows and acting, he is finally receiving global recognition.
Born Pyo Ji-hoon on February 2, 1993, PO first gained attention as the youngest member of Block B, the seven-member group that debuted in 2011. Known for their rebellious hip-hop image and unconventional style, Block B quickly differentiated themselves from many idol groups of their generation. Within the group, PO worked as a rapper and maknae, bringing a unique presence through his deep, raspy voice and charismatic persona on stage.
While not always the member who received the most spotlight, PO became memorable for his signature rap tone, which added depth to many of Block B’s biggest hits, including: Very Good, H.E.R., Toy, NalinA. His combination of imposing physique, deep voice and confident stage presence helped him carve out a recognizable identity within the group.
In addition to Block B’s group activities, PO also participated in the Block B subunit BASTARZ alongside B-Bomb and U-Kwon. The subunit’s edgier, more experimental concept allowed him to showcase more of his musical personality than he often could with the entire seven-member lineup. PO has also released several solo songs, including: MEN’z NIGHT, Comme des Garçons, Promise.
Despite these efforts, his solo music career never achieved the level of mainstream success enjoyed by many of his K-pop peers. While respected by fans, PO has often remained a relatively overlooked figure in an increasingly crowded industry.
Outside of entertainment, PO often attracted attention due to his rich background. Korean media often called him a “chaebol idol,” a “rich idol,” or someone who was “born with a silver spoon.”
During television appearances, PO acknowledged that he grew up in a comfortable environment. He revealed that his father worked in a company linked to duty-free shopping, although he has repeatedly denied exaggerated rumors about his family’s wealth. One story that often resurfaces involves the fact that his father gave him an imported luxury car after he graduated from high school, a detail that further fueled public perceptions of his privileged upbringing. Adding to the fascination surrounding his family background, PO’s uncle is reportedly a well-known psychiatrist in South Korea. Due to these circumstances, many fans have jokingly described him as an artist who pursued entertainment solely out of passion rather than necessity.
Although her idol career never reached the heights some expected, PO gradually found a new path through television and acting. His natural humor and likable personality made him a popular figure on variety shows, while his acting skills gained increasing recognition over time. He has built an impressive resume through projects such as: Hotel del Luna, Good Partner and Teach You a Lesson.
Unlike many idols who struggle to transition into acting, PO has steadily expanded her range and earned praise for her on-screen presence. His performance in Good Partner also earned him industry recognition, proving that he was more than just an idol trying his luck in another field.
Recently, PO has become a hot topic once again thanks to his role in Teach You a Lesson, a high school-themed drama that has generated major buzz on Netflix. As the series gains international popularity, fans have begun to revisit Block B’s old performances and rediscover PO’s former career. For many new viewers, it came as a surprise that the actor gaining attention today first debuted as a K-pop rapper more than a decade ago. The renewed interest highlighted how far he has come: from an underrated idol, often overshadowed within a popular group, to a versatile entertainer earning accolades from audiences around the world.
PO’s story goes beyond the narrative of birth into privilege. While his family background has long attracted public attention, his career demonstrates years of tenacity in multiple fields of entertainment. His music career may never have fully exploded, but his steady growth in variety shows and acting has allowed him to build a lasting presence in the industry.
Today, PO is no longer known simply as the youngest member of Block B or as a wealthy celebrity pursuing a hobby. Instead, he is increasingly recognized as a multifaceted entertainer who has finally found his place and his audience on a global stage.
Sources: K14
