Kang Dong-ho, better known by the stage name Baekho, is a South Korean singer-songwriter. He debuted in 2012 as the main vocalist of South Korean boy band NU’EST. He is also known for competing in the 2017 series Produce 101 Season 2.
Career
Pre-debut
Baekho became a Pledis Entertainment trainee after being scouted by the company in 2010. He became more well known after he appeared in After School's music video for the single "Play Ur Love". In 2011, he and bandmate JR appeared on the KBS talk showHello Counselor and were revealed by After School's Kahi as two of the members of NU'EST. Prior to debuting, Baekho made appearances in labelmates' music releases as a member of Pledis Boys. He was a backup dancer for After School Blue's "Wonder Boy", and featured in Pledis Entertainment's Christmas release "Love Letter".
2012–present: NU'EST
On March 15, 2012, Baekho debuted as a main vocalist of NU'EST. His stage name was chosen by labelmate Uee, because of his resemblance to Slam Dunk character Hanamichi Sakuragi. In 2013, Baekho appeared in the television drama Jeon Woo-chi. In early 2014, he was diagnosed with vocal fold nodules. However, he decided to continue performing with NU’EST while receiving treatment. Pledis Entertainment announced in November that he would be taking a temporary hiatus from all group activities. His doctors advised that he completely rest his voice and underwent vocal cord surgery. In February 2016, it was reported that he had completely recovered. In 2017, Baekho participated as a contestant on Produce 101 Season 2 under his full name for a chance to debut in Wanna One. After performing a cover of BTS's "Boy in Luv" on the show, he gained the nickname of 'sexy bandit' from online commenters. In the position-based challenge, he covered Black Pink's "Playing with Fire", and the view count of his fancam reached one million views within three days. He was also noted by commenters for his stable voice in the music removed performance. After he was eliminated in the final episode, he and the remaining NU'EST members began promoting as the sub-group NU'EST W from 2017 to 2018. Baekho's struggles with weight and exercise earned him a reputation of being a "fit idol." After a fan sent a photo of him in a gym to Men's Health Korea, the editorial team invited him to be the cover of the magazine's November 2018 issue. He once again appeared in Men's Health Korea for its January 2020 issue.
Personal life
On March 10, 2020, Baekho, together with members JR, Minhyun and Ren, enrolled at Hanyang University Institute for Future Talents as freshman in Practical Music Course.
In June 2017, a former acquaintance alleged anonymously online that in 2009, when she and Baekho were both in middle school, she had been molested by him on the bus on their way home from cram school. She pressed charges against Baekho later that month, while Pledis denied the allegations and filed a counter suit in response. Pledis also filed a complaint against the accuser for violating the laws on information communication network and information protection. The police forwarded the case to prosecutors in September 2017. On April 16, 2018, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office dismissed the case, citing lack of evidence. Baekho was ultimately found not guilty and was acquitted of all charges.
