From Shinhwa, Kim is the fourth member to go solo, following Lee Min-woo, Shin Hye-sung, and Jun Jin.

[6] Kim was one of several Korean celebrities praised by the Japanese media for giving generous donations for flood victims in 2006.

When asked about an incident early in his career where he injured his nose, he confessed that he had undergone plastic surgery to change its shape.

[8] Kim released his debut solo album, Kimdongwan Is, on July 5, 2007, which featured collaborations with his fellow Shinhwa members, including Lee Andy rapping in the song "Loving Summer", Shin Hye Sung singing a duet with Kim in "The One Left Alone", and Eric rapping in "My Love".

[9] The other members have contributed to the album as well, with Lee Min Woo writing, composing and arranging the song "My Love" and Jun Jin helping him with choreography.

Kim enlisted for mandatory military service in November 2008, at an army training camp in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province[12] He was discharged on 17 December 2010, after serving 24 months as an administrative worker at the Seodaemun-gu District Office.

Lee Youk-sa was a poet during the Japanese Colonial Period who died in prison at the age of 40, leaving behind a collection of some 40 works of poetry.

[23] In April 2015, after the earthquake in Nepal, Kim was reported to have donated ₩36,000,000 (equivalent to approximately $33,660 USD) towards the relief fund.