[7][8] While juggling his career at a major corporate company, Kang continued to pursue his musical interests as the main vocalist and guitarist with PITTA, a rock band he had formed together with his friends as college students.

Initially he commuted back and forth between Seoul and Busan during filming but ultimately took a year-long sabbatical from his job with the option of returning should Phantom Singer 2 not work out.

[11] Prior to the final of Phantom Singer 2, Kang was grouped together with Bae Doo-hoon, Cho Min-kyu and Ko Woo-rim to form Forestella.

[2] He participated in various televised music competitions, like King of Mask Singer, where he was eliminated in the first round, but showcased a wide vocal range.

[15] On April 13, 2024, Kang married Busan MBC weathercaster Jung Min-kyung, whom he started dating prior to Phantom Singer 2.