YEJI

Early Life

Hwang Ye-ji, known mononymously as Yeji, was born on May 26, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, and spent her childhood in Jeonju. From a young age, she aspired to be a singer, inspired by her older sister who introduced her to dance through choreography from the Wonder Girls. This encouragement led her to enroll in a local dance academy, setting the stage for her future in music. Yeji later attended Jeonju Commercial Information High School, where she honed her artistic skills.

Career

Yeji's journey in the music industry began in 2015 when she became a trainee at JYP Entertainment after auditioning with Twice's hit song "Like Ooh-Ahh." She made her first appearance as a backup dancer in the drama "Second 20s" and later showcased her talent on the reality show "Stray Kids" in 2017. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she participated in SBS's "The Fan," where she was dubbed "JYP's secret weapon" by 2PM's Junho, generating significant buzz ahead of her debut.

On January 20, 2019, Yeji was announced as the leader of the girl group Itzy, which debuted on February 12, 2019, with their single album "It'z Different" and the hit song "Dalla Dalla." Her leadership and charisma quickly earned her recognition, as she topped the Korean Business Research Institute's brand reputation ranking for individual girl group members in August 2019. Yeji has continued to shine as a solo artist, releasing her debut EP "Air" in March 2025 and participating in various performances, including a cover of "Break My Heart Myself" alongside Ryujin in 2022.

Legacy

As a prominent figure in K-pop, Yeji has made significant contributions to the genre through her leadership in Itzy and her solo endeavors. Her artistic journey reflects her dedication to music and dance, inspiring many young artists in South Korea and beyond. With her continued growth and influence, Yeji is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry.