Hong Isaac

Hong was born on 12 May 1988.{{Cite web |url=https://www.salgoonews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=37667 |script-title=ko:싱어게인3 우승자 홍이삭, 소름돋는 과거 수준에 프로필 재조명(+나이 결혼 인스타) |date=22 January 2024 |website={{ill|Salgoo News|ko|살구뉴스}}|first=Ji-hee|last=Kim|access-date=9 February 2025 |language=ko}} Both of his parents are Protestant missionaries,{{cite news |last=Yim|first=Seung-hye |title=K-music audition show 'Sing Again' highlights soulful talent |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-02-13/entertainment/television/Kmusic-audition-show-Sing-Again-highlights-soulful-talent/1978780 |access-date=October 9, 2024 |newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily|publisher=JoongAng Holdings, Ltd.|date=13 February 2024}} which led to him learning English while attending an international elementary school in Papua New Guinea for three and a half years.{{cite news |date=5 January 2024|script-title=ko:싱어게인3 58호 가수 홍이삭은 누구? |url=https://www.themission.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=70049 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=The Mission |language=Korean |work=더미션 }} This period of Hong's life had an impact on the music he later produced: "Learning music at church from a young age has had a significant influence... This was during my time in Papua New Guinea".{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Alliya |title=Interview: A Sneak Peek into the Life & Work of South Korean Singer Isaac Hong |url=https://halsugprod.com/blog/interview-a-sneak-peek-into-the-life-and-work-of-south-korean-singer-isaac-hong |access-date=7 October 2024 |publisher=Halsug |date=5 October 2023}}

Hong attended Isabel Middle School in Busan,{{cite web |title=Isabel Middle School Home Page |url=https://school.busanedu.net/isabelle-m/main.do |website=Isabel Middle School |access-date=28 January 2025}} and went to Handong International School in Pohang for high school.{{cite web |title=Hnadong International School Home Page |url=https://his.sc.kr/en/home-eng/ |website=Handong International School |date=13 February 2022 |access-date=28 January 2025}} In 2007, Hong entered Handong Global University to study Journalism and Information studies. He was a member of the university's song writing club, NEO.{{cite news |last=Park |first=Ki-Ja |date=9 January 2024 |script-title=ko:노래마다 홀리한 홍이삭 "내 중심엔 하나님, 그 안에서 자유할 것" |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20240109n00810 |access-date=11 October 2024|website=Nate News|publisher=Nate|language=ko}} In 2009, he dropped out of Handong Global University and chose to attend Berklee College of Music, majoring in Music Education.{{cite news |last=Leary |first=Edward |title=Exclusive Interview: Issac Hong Shares Success of 'Queen of Tears,' Meeting Kim Soo Hyun + Performances at KCON |url=https://www.mymusictaste.com/news/exclusive-interview-issac-hong-shares-success-of-queen-of-tears-meeting-kim-soo-hyun-performances-at-kcon,10434/ |access-date=9 October 2024 |publisher=My Music Taste |date=July 2024}} He attended the university for three semesters starting in 2010, before taking a leave of absence due to "large enrolment fees and the burden of malocclusion surgery".{{cite news |last=Ahn |first=Chan-yong |date=3 April 2024 |script-title=ko:[안찬용의 플레이리스트]홍이삭의 “사랑은 하니까” |url=https://www.igoodnews.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=75952 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=Igood News |language=ko}}

Hong made his broadcast debut in 2013 by winning a bronze medal with his self-composed song "봄아" (English Translation: Spring) at the 24th Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest ({{Langx|ko|제24회 유재하 음악경연대회}}).{{cite web |title=CJ Cultural Foundation successfully hosts the 33rd Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest to discover 20 outstanding musicians |url=https://english.cj.net/cj_now/view.asp?bs_seq=15204 |website=CJ Now | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129061827/https://english.cj.net/cj_now/view.asp?bs_seq=15204 |access-date=3 October 2024| archive-date=29 January 2023}}

In 2014, following his participation in the 24th Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest, Hong featured on the album released in celebration of the contest and joined various concerts promoting the album. The release of this album marked Hong's official debut in the music industry, as his song was published under the label Music&New as part of the commemorative album. Hong also participated in writing, composing, and arranging the album's group song, "One Step Behind" ({{Langx|ko|한걸음 뒤에 서면 보이는 것들}}, {{Lit|Things you can see when you stand one step behind}}).{{cite web |title=KOMCA Search |url=https://www.komca.or.kr/foreign2/eng/S01.jsp |website=KOMCA |access-date=9 October 2024}} In 2015, Hong released his first 24-minute extended play titled As Time Passes By with the same title track. The release of this EP marks Hong's solo debut as a musician; it is the first musical work published solely under his name.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

In 2016, Hong appeared on Mnet show I Can See Your Voice season 2. He featured in the season's 12th episode, which aired on January 7, as a "good" singer.{{cite news |date=29 January 2016 |script-title=ko:교사선교사 부모 둔 '너목보' 실력자 홍이삭 "군대 갑니다"...스타인헤븐 [출처] |url=https://www.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0010271155 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=KMIB |language=ko}} He made an appearance during the Evidence round, and was nicknamed "Primitive Soul from the Jungle". Following his appearance on I Can See Your Voice, Hong joined the Republic of Korea Armed Forces to fulfil his mandated service between 25 January 2016 and 26 October 2017 as an Army Sergeant.{{cite news |date=8 January 2018 |script-title=ko:[시선강탈] '너목보2' 신혜성, 방청객 사인CD 증정 '약속 지키는 남자' |url=http://www.tvdaily.co.kr/read.php3?aid=14522085461050915019 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=TV Daily |language=ko}} On 1 April 2018, Hong started a YouTube channel called 차곡차곡 ({{Lit|Step by Step}}) where he broadcast himself writing and composing songs in real time.{{cite AV media |title=차곡차곡 |url=https://youtube.com/@chagokchagok?si=KW8P77z-GND2xaG_ |via=YouTube |access-date=3 October 2024}}

Beginning in April 2019, Hong "garnered popularity after participating in the first season of Superband (TV program) on JTBC.{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Yong-Jun |title=Singer-songwriter Hong Isaac to release English album 'everland' |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/04/13/entertainment/kpop/Korea-Kpop-CJ/20230413180328248.html |access-date=9 October 2024 |publisher=Korea JoongAng Daily |date=13 April 2023}} Hong first appearance on the show is in Episode 2, during the audition round. Hong performed his original song "Spring", while singing and playing acoustic guitar. From episodes 3 until 9, Hong joined and created various bands, winning two out of three rounds. In Episode 10, Hong placed seventh out of nine teams, with his team's highest judge score being 90 and lowest being 78.{{cite news |last=Jo |first=Yoon-sun |date=14 June 2014 |script-title=ko:[종합] '슈퍼밴드' 윤종신 눈물 심사평→조 한 극찬 받은 아일X하현상 'Creep' |url=https://sports.chosun.com/entertainment/2019-06-14/201906140100105580007245 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=Sports Chosun|publisher=ChosunMedia|language=ko}} Hong joined his final team, Moné, making it to the show's finals. Moné finished the show in fourth place.{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Hye-jin |date=12 July 2019 |script-title=ko:호피폴라 '슈퍼밴드' 최종 우승, 루시·퍼플레인·모네 순 [종합] |url=http://www.tvdaily.co.kr/read.php3?aid=15629396761472383019&gopc=1 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=TV Daily |language=ko}}

The same year, Hong released the singles "You Liked Me in My Dreams" and "Campfire", as well as the song "Ruin", which was released on the Original Sound Track for the Korean television show Strangers from Hell). Hong made his first appearance on Dreaming Radio, a radio program broadcast on MBC FM4U and hosted by the Korean music producer Park Kyung. Throughout 2019, he maintained a regular presence on the show, appearing 11 times that year. On the 6 December 2019, Hong released an EP titled The Important Little Things. The EP is 15 minutes long and comprises four songs. On the 31 December, Hong did his first interview (with Studio Flo).{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

In 2020, Hong released the single "Without You" and featured on the soundtrack of The Uncanny Counter with the song "Close Your Eyes". He made his acting debut as a guest actor in Lee Ji-Hyung's musical play The Home and also appeared on JTBC's show Hidden Singer 6 Episode 12 as a member of the show's celebrity panel.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} Hong also participated in the making and production of the musical film Da Capo{{cite news |last1=Kermode |first1=Jennie |title=Da Capo (2020) Film Review |url=https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/da-capo-2020-film-review-by-jennie-kermode |access-date=9 February 2025 |publisher=Eye for Film |date=3 April 2021}} ({{Langx|ko|다시 만난 날들}}, {{Lit|The days we met again}}){{cite news |title=Guitarist Jang Ha-eun Holds 'Bungeoppang Concert' "Genius Guitarist" will be performed on December 22nd. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/culture/11196803 |access-date=9 February 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=17 December 2024}}), which was released on the 22nd of September 2020,{{cite news |last=Seghedoni |first=Serena |title=Da Capo Film Review: School of K-Rock |url=https://loudandclearreviews.com/da-capo-glasgow-film-festival-review/ |access-date=7 October 2024 |publisher=Loud and Clear Reviews |date=27 February 2021}} as both an actor and a music director.{{cite news |last=Iyengar |first=Nadini |title=Interview: A Sneak Peek into the Life & Work of South Korean Singer Isaac Hong |url=https://halsugprod.com/blog/interview-a-sneak-peek-into-the-life-and-work-of-south-korean-singer-isaac-hong |access-date=9 October 2024 |publisher=Halsug |date=5 October 2023}} Da Capo was the opening film of the 16th Jecheon International Music & Film Festival.{{cite news |last=Kwak |first=Yeon-soo |title=Jin Goo, Gong Seung-yeon to host Jecheon film fest opening |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/09/398_294151.html |access-date=7 October 2024 |newspaper=The Korea Times|publisher=Dongwha Enterprise|date=10 August 2020}} As part of this project, Hong released his first album titled Da Capo on 22 September 2020.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

In 2021, Hong released the song "Kiss Me, Kiss Me"{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jan |title=Music Scene: Get grooving to tunes of love |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/music-scene-get-grooving-to-tunes-of-love |access-date=9 February 2025|newspaper=The Straits Times|publisher=SPH Media|date=10 February 2021}} as a soundtrack for Lovestruck in the City, "Pain" for Happiness soundtrack.{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Jae-won |date=3 December 2021|script-title=ko:홍이삭, '해피니스' 두 번째 OST 주자로 나선다 |url=http://m.sportsworldi.com/view/20211203504096 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=Sports World |language=ko}}".

On 4 September 2021, Hong appeared on KBS show Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend. He appeared in Episode 521, winning against Song So-hee with Jeon In-kwon's song "Don't You Worry". Hong lost to Im Tae-kyung overall. He also completed narration and interviews for Hong Jin-kyung's show Hong Jin-kyung's glorious life as a devotee throughout 2021, with his first appearance being in Episode 10 (which was aired on 24 September 2021).{{cite news |date=24 June 2022 |script-title=ko:홍이삭, '탑건: 매버릭' 마일즈 텔러 단독 인터뷰 |url=https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20220624_0001919346|agency=Newsis|access-date=11 October 2024|language=ko}}

In 2022, Hong released the song "Can't Run Away" as the soundtrack of Through the Darkness (TV series).,{{cite news |last=Hong |first=Seong-hoon |work=내외뉴스통신 |date=29 January 2022 |script-title=ko:홍이삭, '악의 마음을 읽는 자들' OST 'Can't Run Away' 발매 |url=http://www.nbnnews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=654488 |access-date=11 October 2024 |agency=NBN News Agency |language=ko}} "Dive in" as part of Military Prosecutor Doberman{{'}}s OST{{cite news |last=Son |first=Bong-seok |date=5 April 2022 |title='슈퍼밴드' 출신 홍이삭, '군검사 도베르만' OST Part 4 'Dive in' 발매 |url=https://m.sports.khan.co.kr/amp/view.html?art_id=202204051727003&sec_id=540201 |access-date=11 October 2024 |newspaper=Kyunghang Shinmun|publisher=Kyunghyang, Co|language=ko}} and "I Think I Know" for My Liberation Notes.{{cite news |title=Arti Lirik Lagu I Think I Know Hong Isaac, OST My Liberation Notes |url=https://lapakkorea.com/arti-lirik-lagu-i-think-i-know-hong-isaac-ost-my-liberation-notes/ |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=Lapak Korea |date=14 May 2022|language=id}} Hong also released "Since today", which was followed by a pair of singles grouped under the title "Stay" ({{Langx|ko|있을게}}) named "Stay" and "Rain". Following these releases, Hong made his first appearances on Korean music broadcast shows, performing his single "Stay".{{cite news |last=Cha |first=E |title=Watch: Blackpink Takes 1st Win For "Pink Venom" On "Show Champion"; Performances By Choi Ye Na, BAE173, And More |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1542095wpp/watch-blackpink-takes-1st-win-for-pink-venom-on-show-champion-performances-by-choi-ye-na-bae173-and-more |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Soompi |date=24 August 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=L |title=Watch: The Boyz Takes 1st Win For "Whisper" On "Music Bank"; Performances By TWICE, IVE, NewJeans, And More |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1542421wpp/watch-the-boyz-takes-1st-win-for-whisper-on-music-bank-performances-by-twice-ive-newjeans-and-more |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Soompi |date=26 August 2022}}{{Unreliable source?|date=April 2025}}

On 4 March 2022, it was announced that Hong signed an exclusive contract with the entertainment company Achim Archive.{{cite news |last=Jeon |first=Hyo-Jin |script-title=ko:'슈퍼밴드' 홍이삭, 김필 소속사와 전속계약 |url=https://sports.donga.com/article/all/20220304/112151365/1 |access-date=11 October 2024|newspaper=The Dong-a Ilbo|date=4 March 2022 |publisher=Dong-a Ilbo, Co.|language=ko|issue=4 March 2022}}{{cite news |last=Kim |first=S |title=Update: 2AM's Jo Kwon Parts Ways With CUBE Entertainment After 7 Years + Signs With New Agency |url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1668457wpp/2ams-jo-kwon-parts-ways-with-cube-entertainment-after-7-years |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Soompi |date=17 June 2024}} From 9 June to 8 November 2022, Hong hosted the radio show Hong Isaac's Gleaning - How to become a lyricist ({{Langx|ko|홍이삭의 이삭줍기 - 작사가 되는법}}).{{cite web |script-title=ko:홍이삭의 이삭줍기 - 작사가 되는법 |url=https://5easy.ebs.co.kr/aujisik/detail/427444|publisher=Education Broadcasting System|access-date=4 October 2024|language=ko}} The show was broadcast by EBS FM and has a total of 10 episodes. Hong also reappeared on KBS' show Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend and reunited with the Yoo Jae Ha Music Contest as the 33rd Contest's co-host alongside Choi Yu-ree.{{cite web |title=CJ Cultural Foundation successfully hosts the '33rd Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest'...to discover 10 outstanding musicians |url=https://english.cj.net/cj_now/view.asp?bs_seq=15204|publisher=CJ EnM| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129061827/https://english.cj.net/cj_now/view.asp?bs_seq=15204 |access-date=3 October 2024| archive-date=29 January 2023}}

On 29 January 2023, Hong appeared on Episodes 388 and 389 of MBC's show, King of Mask Singer, as Possibly Masked King Dumpling. In the first round, Hong competed against I am so touched (by the) Japchae (who was revealed to be Mija) where the pair sang "I Have a Girl" by Park Jin-young. Hong won the first round, receiving 79 votes vs Mija's 20. In the second round he performed "In Dream" by Lena Park against 'Sister-In-Law With High Self-Esteem' (who was later revealed to be Moon Hee-Ok), who performed "Hymn of Dreams" by Sim Soo-bong. Hong received 38 votes, losing to his opponent who received 61 votes.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}} The same year, Hong released the song "Wind" ({{Langx|ko|휘}}) which featured on the OST of the South Korean television series Kokdu: Season of Deity.,{{cite news |last=Yoo |first=Jeong-min |date=10 February 2023|script-title=ko:'슈퍼밴드' 출신 홍이삭, '꼭두의 계절' OST 가창... 11일 '휘' 공개 |url=https://enews.imbc.com/News/RetrieveNewsInfo/373220 |access-date=11 October 2024|website=eNews|language=ko}} "Give Me That Night" as part of the OST for South Korean television series My Perfect Stranger,{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jeong-Hyeok |date=6 June 2023 |script-title=ko:'슈퍼밴드' 출신 홍이삭, '어쩌다 마주친, 그대' OST '그 밤을 내게 줘요' 발표...80년대 분위기 물씬 |url=https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/enter_general/2023/06/06/ZG2JQVQU67WXG3BRQ3GWGAO2QE/ |access-date=11 October 2024|newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo|publisher=ChosunMedia|language=ko}} and released a song for the OST of Perfect Shot (Opening) called "Shoot At Me". Hong returned to I Can See Your Voice as a guest panelist for the tenth episode. He also appeared in Episode 1, performing a cover of "Permission to Dance" by BTS as the opening for Season 10 alongside various other past participants.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

Hong was selected as a musician to take part of CJ Cultural Foundation's program Tune-Up as part of the 22nd selection group. This program, which "aims to support rookie and indie musicians producing, recording and promoting their music", allowed Hong to produce the EP everland alongside Jazz pianist Jin Soo-young.{{cite news |last=Cho |first=Yong-Jun |title=Singer-songwriter Hong Isaac to release English album 'everland' |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2023/04/13/entertainment/kpop/Korea-Kpop-CJ/20230413180328248.html |access-date=9 October 2024 |newspaper=Korea JoongAng Daily|publisher=Dongwha Enterprise|date=13 April 2023}} On April 26, 2023, the EP was released after "six months of close-knit collaboration" with Jazz pianist Jin Soo-young.{{cite news |last1=Choi |first1=Ji-won |title=[Herald Interview] Hong Isaac and Chin Sooyoung's jazzy conversation over piano in 'Everland' |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230426000896 |access-date=9 October 2024 |publisher=Korea Herald |date=27 April 2024}} The two musicians met through a mutual connection who suggested that they were musically compatible.{{cite news|title=Interview: Korean Artist Isaac Hong On Creating Art With Chin Sooyoung |url=https://hype.my/2023/328527/interview-isaac-hong-chin-sooyoung/ |access-date=9 October 2024 |publisher=Hype|date=5 June 2023}} The EP is a 22-minute listen featuring six songs, which are mostly sung in English. A pre-release of the EP's title track "(N)everland" came out as a Korean version of the EP's title track 'everland' on April the 6th 2023, announcing the collaboration between Hong and Soo-young.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

Hong opened his second YouTube channel on on 30 October 2023 named mm음[音], where he normally uploads short documentaries of his life as a musician (which also cover behind the scenes work both him and his team complete).{{cite web|script-title=ko:[mm음[音] ] |url=https://www.youtube.com/@mmxeqs/featured |via=YouTube}}{{Better source needed|date=February 2025}}

From 26 October 2023 to 18 January 2024, Hong appeared on JTBC's third season of their show Sing Again{{cite news |last=Jo |first=Ji-young|title=Lee Seung-yoon → Kim Ki-tae → What's next after Hong Isaac?Singer Gain 4 production confirmed... Broadcasting in the second half of this year |url=https://www.sportschosun.com/k-drama/2025/02/official-lee-seung-yoon-kim-ki-tae-whats-47975 |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Sports Chosun|publisher=ChosunMedia|date=7 February 2025}} as ‘Singer Number 58’ the "Eternal singer with no expiration date".{{cite news |last=Jin |first=Hyang-hee|title=Hong Isaac won the final "Sing Again 3" by receiving a high score in the public referendum even on the stage of off-beat. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/hot-issues/10924695 |access-date=7 October 2024|newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=19 January 2024}} During the audition round, Hong performed Choi Yu-ree's song "Forest", passing with all eight judges pressing the 'Again' button.{{cite news |date=19 January 2024 |script-title=ko:'싱어게인3' 홍이삭, 소수빈이 있어 행복했다[서병기 연예톡톡] |url=https://biz.heraldcorp.com/view.php?ud=20240119000347 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=Herald Corporation|language=ko}} From Episode 5 to 11, Hong competed in four rounds, winning all of them. During the first part of the final round, (which aired in Episode 12) Hong received the song, "I Love You"{{cite news |last1=Ji |first1=Seunghun |title=The top 10 concert of "Sing Again 3" ended its Seoul performance with a successful audience of 10,000. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/musics/10961147 |access-date=9 February 2025 |publisher=Maeil Business Newspaper |date=11 March 2024}} (which was produced by the Korean producer Kim Do-Hun). Hong's highest individual judge score was 100 (received from Code Kunst), his lowest individual judge score was 94 (received from Kim Eana and Lee Hae-ri), his total score was 773, which meant he ranked third out of seven contestants. During the second part of the final round (Episode 13), Hong performed "Song of the Wind" by Cho Yong-Pil.{{cite news |last=Jin |first=Hyang-hee|title="Sing again Season 3 - Unknown Singers" will finally determine the final winner. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/hot-issues/10923931 |access-date=9 February 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=18 January 2024}} His highest individual judge score was 97 (received from Kim Eana), his lowest individual judge score was 92 (received from Baek Ji-young), his total judge score was 761, which ranked him sixth out of seven contestants.{{citation needed|date=February 2025}}

The show's winner was announced at the end of Episode 13's broadcast, where they also received the grand prize of 300,000,000 KRW. Hong got a score of 212.20 for Online early voting (first out of seven),{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Jung-youn |title=How 'Sing Again' stays a hit brand in a sea of audition shows |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3312546 |access-date=9 February 2025 |newspaper=The Korea Herald|publisher=Herald Corporation|date=25 January 2024}} 839.78 for Part 1 of the final (first out of seven), 282.85 for Part 2 of the final (sixth out of seven) and 1604.36 for the Real-Time voting score (first out of seven). Thus, Hong finished with an accumulated score of 2939.19{{cite news |last=Jin |first=Hyanghee |title=Hong Isaac won the final "Sing Again 3" by receiving a high score in the public referendum even on the stage of off-beat. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/hot-issues/10924695 |access-date=10 October 2024 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=19 January 2024}} (around 1000 points more than second place), placing him in first and making him the show's winner.{{cite news |last=Shin |first=Young-eun |title=All tickets for JTBC's "Sing Again 3" TOP10 Seoul concert were sold out. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/hot-issues/10925506 |access-date=9 February 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=20 January 2024}}

In 2024, Hong released the single, "Because There Is Love" (produced by Choi Yu-ree{{cite news |last=Ji |first=Seung-hun |title=Singer-songwriter Choi Yu-ri has become the first artist of the new label "Nave".|url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/musics/10966769 |access-date=9 February 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=18 March 2024}} who he has interacted and worked with on multiple occasions),{{cite news |last=Geum |first=Bit-na |title=Singer Hong Isaac makes a full-fledged musical move after winning Sing Again 3. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/entertain/10953635 |access-date=7 October 2024 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=29 February 2024}} featured on the OST for season two of Gyeongseong Creature with his song "Gradation in Light",{{cite news |last=Kim |first=Seong-hee |date=6 October 2024 |script-title=ko:홍이삭, 39주차 써클차트 종합 217위...브랜드가치 가수 61위·스타서베이 종합 50위 |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20241006n07638?mid=n1101 |access-date=11 October 2024 |publisher=Nate|language=ko}} and released the song "Fallin'"{{cite news |last=Lee |first=Jung-yeon|title=[Music in drama] Rekindle a love that slipped through your fingers |url=https://m.koreaherald.com/article/3381997 |access-date=9 February 2025 |publisher=The Korea Herald |date=1 May 2024}} as a soundtrack to Queen of Tears.{{cite news |last=Lee|first=Eun-ha|title='Queen of Tears' drama unveils star-studded OST lineup including Seventeen's BSS, Heize, Crush, and more |url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2024/03/queen-of-tears-drama-unveils-star-studded-ost-lineup-including-seventeens-bss-heize-crush-and-more |access-date=9 February 2025|website=AllKpop|date=5 March 2024}} Said soundtrack "further skyrocketed his fame" as the TV show, and in turn the soundtrack, gained popularity. Hong was invited to perform at the 2024 KCON (music festival) held in Chiba, Japan over from 10 until 12 May.{{cite news |last=Grover |first=Ashima |title=2024 KCON Japan: Cha Eunwoo, Red Velvet, ILLIT, NCT Wish join weekend concert lineup; check schedule, streaming details |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/2024-kcon-japan-cha-eunwoo-red-velvet-illit-nct-wish-join-weekend-concert-lineup-check-schedule-streaming-details-101715193747270.html |access-date=7 October 2024 |newspaper=Hindustan Times|publisher=HT Media|date=9 May 2024}} He also performed at the KCON in Los Angeles, America, on July 26–28th.{{cite magazine|last=Kim |first=Regina |title=KCON LA 2024 Brings Kdrama Stars; Plus, KCON Germany And MAMA Awards |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/reginakim/2024/08/03/kcon-la-2024-brings-kdrama-stars-plus-kcon-germany-and-mama-awards/ |access-date=7 October 2024 |magazine=Forbes|date=3 August 2024}} These performances "on international stages...put his name on the map".{{cite news |last=Manfredi |first=Lucas |title=KCON LA 2024 to Air Main Stage Concert on the CW |url=https://www.thewrap.com/kcon-la-the-cw-2024-broadcast-partnership-kpop/ |access-date=9 February 2025 |publisher=TheWrap|date=11 July 2024}}{{cite news |last=Sen |first=Sushmita |title=What Are KCON LA 2024 Dates, Time & Are Tickets Still Available? |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1810026-kcon-la-2024-dates-time-tickets |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Coming Soon |date=23 July 2024}}{{cite news |title=CJ ENM Unveils Exciting Lineup for KCON LA 2024 |url=https://kpopconcerts.com/k-pop-concerts/cj-enm-unveils-exciting-lineup-for-kcon-la-2024/ |access-date=9 February 2025 |website=Kpop Concerts |date=5 June 2024}}

In 2025, Hong released the single 'Lovers'.{{cite news |last=Ji |first=Seung-hun|title=Singer Hong Isaac will return with his new song "Lovers." |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/musics/11226426 |access-date=28 January 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=24 January 2025}} He made his second appearance on KBS' show Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend. He appeared in Episode 688, in which he competed against Jeon Yu-Jin with Kim Kwang-seok's song "On the Street". Hong won against Jeon Yu-Jin during the first round, and was declared 688 Episode's final winner.{{cite news |last=Jin |first=Ju-hee|title=The "2025 New Year's Plan Part 1 : Kim Hae-sook," prepared by "Immortal Masterpiece" in support of the Blue Snake Year in 2025, gave viewers an unforgettable start with touching emotion and ever-changing fun. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/entertain/11215664 |access-date=28 January 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=12 January 2025}} On 20 January, Hong began recruitment for his first official fan club, announcing that his fans were referred to as "Toast".{{cite news |last1=Ji |first1=Seunghun |title=Singer Hong Isaac began recruiting his first official fan club ahead of the release of his new song. |url=https://www.mk.co.kr/en/musics/11222553 |access-date=30 January 2025 |newspaper=Maeil Business Newspaper|publisher=Maekyung Media Group|date=20 January 2025}}

• Seoul Museum of Art 'Music + Museum Night' - 'Obsession' Music Director
• Seoul Arts Centre Creative Music 'All That Shanghai' - Nierl (Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic){{cite news |date=11 December 2020|script-title=ko:[인터뷰]홍이삭 "뮤지컬 배우 도전... 제 음악 더 깊어질 것 같아" |url=https://www.fnnews.com/news/202012111345086384 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=FN News |language=ko}}
• First and second fan signing events were held 17 and 31 March 2024 in celebration of the release of 'Because There Is Love'
• Participated in writing the lyrics for and composing "Good Neighbours by Your Side" from Good Neighbors Effect Soung Source on May 31, 2024
• Participated in Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power's project 'Blooming Together' on 31 May 2024

:1.{{note|a}} Hong's first all-English album

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hong, Isaac}}

Category:21st-century South Korean singer-songwriters

Category:Berklee College of Music alumni

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people