Joy Red Velvet: From Small Town Girl to K-pop Sensation [Artist Story]

Joy Red Velvet's journey to stardom began uniquely in 2014, as she was the only member not introduced through SM Entertainment's pre-debut training team. Since her debut with Red Velvet's "Happiness," the singer born as Park Soo-young has carved an impressive path in the entertainment industry.

From topping iTunes charts in 26 countries with her solo album "Hello" to winning acclaim for her acting debut in "The Liar and His Lover," Joy has proven herself as a multifaceted performer. Notably, her influence extends beyond music, as she ranks consistently high in brand power rankings and has become a prominent figure in both the fashion and beauty industries.

Early Life in Jeju: The Making of Joy

Born on September 3rd, 1996, Park Soo-young, now known as Joy, opened her eyes to the world on the picturesque Jeju Island, South Korea's beloved holiday destination. As the eldest of three sisters, she spent her early years surrounded by the island's natural beauty, although her memories of this period remain limited as her family relocated to Seoul during her childhood.

Growing Up in a Musical Household

Initially drawn to the rhythms of traditional Korean music, young Park Soo-young developed a particular fondness for modern trot music. Her family played a significant role in nurturing her artistic inclinations, with several relatives encouraging her participation in various performing arts activities. This supportive environment laid the groundwork for her future career in entertainment.

First Encounters with Performing

A defining moment in Joy's artistic journey occurred during her second year of middle school. During a grade school festival, she performed Cherry Filter's "Flying Duck," receiving overwhelming praise that sparked her passion for singing. Subsequently, her friends recognized her potential and suggested she pursue professional auditions.

Moving to Seoul for Education

The family's relocation to Dobong-gu, Seoul, marked a pivotal change in Joy's life. While adjusting to life in the capital city, she maintained her connection to performing arts. Interestingly, before entering the K-pop industry, she had considered an entirely different career path as a dog trainer. Moreover, her early exposure to the entertainment industry included modeling aspirations, as she studied various poses and expressions under her family's guidance.

This period of transition culminated in 2012 when she participated in the SM Global Audition in Seoul. Her successful audition marked the beginning of her journey toward becoming a member of Red Velvet, although her path would differ from her future groupmates. After two years of dedicated training, a vocal coach bestowed upon her the stage name "Joy," setting her apart as the only member who would join Red Velvet without being introduced through SM Rookies.

The Path to Red Velvet

The year 2012 marked a pivotal moment in Park Soo-young's life as she stepped into SM Entertainment's Global Audition in Seoul. This audition program, designed to discover talented individuals regardless of nationality or background, became her gateway to the K-pop industry.

SM Global Audition Journey

For young Park Soo-young, the SM Global Audition represented more than just an opportunity—it was a defining moment. "I felt like my life would be ruined if I didn't do well in the audition," she reflected, describing it as her first true test of perseverance. Her determination paid off as she successfully passed the competitive selection process, earning a coveted spot as an SM trainee.

Training Period Challenges

Following her successful audition, Joy embarked on a two-year training journey. This period proved particularly noteworthy as she had one of the shortest training durations among Red Velvet members:

Seulgi: 7 years
Irene: 5 years
Joy: 2 years
Wendy: 1.5 years

Throughout her training, Joy focused intensively on vocal development. Furthermore, it was specifically during this period that a vocal coach bestowed upon her the stage name "Joy", a moniker that would become synonymous with her bright personality.

Debut Preparation

The final phase of Joy's journey to Red Velvet began in early 2014. Specifically, she spent six months preparing for the group's debut song "Happiness". On July 29, 2014, SM Entertainment officially introduced Joy as Red Velvet's fourth member. The group's formation process spanned approximately one and a half years before their eventual debut.

The culmination of these efforts arrived on August 1, 2014, as Red Velvet made their official debut with "Happiness". Joy's position as the only member who hadn't been previously introduced through SM's pre-debut team made her journey particularly unique, adding an distinctive element to the group's formation story.

Joy's Musical Evolution

Within Red Velvet, Joy's distinctive vocal color sets her apart as a sub-vocalist with exceptional emotional expression capabilities. Her clear, dewy voice adds a unique dimension to the group's sound, often taking on the role of adding melodic highlights with her jade marble-like tone.

Developing Her Unique Vocal Color

Joy's greatest vocal strength lies in her rich emotional expression and solid vocal foundation. Her voice, characterized by its clarity and stability, has earned widespread recognition among listeners. Additionally, her vocal parts in Red Velvet have steadily increased, securing her position as the member with the second-most lines after Wendy and Seulgi.

Growth as a Performer

Throughout her career, Joy has demonstrated remarkable vocal growth. Consequently, her live performances have shown significant improvement, especially since the group's 2019 overseas tour. Her breakthrough moment came with the OST "Introduce me to a good person" for "Hospital Playlist," which achieved impressive success by ranking 6th in the Melon daily ranking and 8th in the monthly ranking.

Solo Debut with 'Hello'

In 2021, Joy marked a significant milestone as Red Velvet's second member to release a solo album. Hello showcased her artistic versatility through six carefully selected remakes from the 1990s and 2000s. The album's achievements include:

Reaching #1 on iTunes Album charts in 26 countries
Entering the Top 5 of the US iTunes Album Chart
All six tracks debuting on the Gaon Digital Chart
Five tracks entering Billboard's K-Pop Hot 100

The title track "Hello," a modern rock remake of Park Hye-kyung's 2003 release, highlighted Joy's cool vocals harmonized with cheerful brass arrangements. Similarly, "Je T'aime" demonstrated her versatility through its colorful classical arrangement and elegant string melody. Overall, the album earned praise for Joy's delicate expressiveness and clear tone, successfully maintaining the original songs' essence while adding her unique interpretation.

Breaking Into Acting

Taking a bold step beyond her musical success, Joy ventured into acting in 2017, marking the beginning of a remarkable parallel career path. Her acting debut came through the lead role in The Liar and His Lover, where she portrayed Yoon So-rim.

First Leading Role Success

In her debut drama, Joy demonstrated natural talent as she brought the character of Yoon So-rim to life. Her performance earned immediate recognition, leading to the Newcomer Award at the OSEN Cable TV Awards. Indeed, her commitment to the role extended beyond acting, as she contributed six OSTs to the music-based drama.

Drama Breakthrough Moments

After her successful debut, Joy took on increasingly challenging roles. In 2018, she secured the main role of Eun Tae-hee in Tempted, which showcased her growing versatility as an actress. Her compelling performance earned nominations for Best Actress and Rookie of the Year at the MBC Drama Awards.

The actress continued to expand her repertoire with significant roles in:

The One and Only (2021) - portraying Seong Mi Do
Once Upon A Small Town (2022) - playing Ahn Ja Young

Each role demonstrated her evolving range as an actress, with critics praising her ability to convey vulnerability, pain, and strength with equal measure. Her performance in Once Upon A Small Town particularly highlighted her capacity to capture both brightness and emotional depth.

Balancing Music and Acting

Joy has masterfully managed her dual career paths, treating both pursuits with equal dedication. Rather than viewing them as separate endeavors, she approaches both acting and singing as complementary forms of artistic expression. Her experience in musical performance has undoubtedly enhanced her ability to connect with audiences through acting, creating a synergistic relationship between her two passions.

The success of this balanced approach became evident as Joy continued to maintain her presence in both fields. Meanwhile, her acting projects have been strategically timed to complement her musical commitments with Red Velvet, ensuring neither career suffers at the expense of the other.

Variety Show Queen

Beyond her musical and acting endeavors, Joy Red Velvet's natural flair for entertainment has established her as a prominent figure in South Korea's variety show landscape. Her journey through television entertainment showcases yet another dimension of her artistic versatility.

Natural Entertainment Skills

As one of Red Velvet's most entertaining members, Joy possesses an innate ability to create engaging moments through her quick wit and authentic reactions. Her bright personality and sharp sense of humor have made her a sought-after guest on numerous shows. Accordingly, her reactions have become a highlight of many programs, often working in perfect harmony with fellow Red Velvet member Yeri.

Memorable Show Moments

Joy's television presence reached new heights through several significant appearances. First, she served as an assistant MC on Ice Cream TV during Red Velvet's early days. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she was selected as a fixed MC for JTBC's Sugar Man Season 2, where she formed an impressive partnership with veteran host Yoo Jae-seok.

Some of her most notable variety show achievements include:

Fixed cast member on Handsome Tigers (2020)
Main host of Get It Beauty 2019 alongside Jang Yoon-joo
Regular appearances on Pajama Friends (2018)

Host to Guest Evolution

The progression of Joy's variety show career demonstrates her growing confidence and skill. In 2019, she took on the role of main host for Asia's most popular beauty program, Get It Beauty. Her chemistry with co-hosts and guests earned recognition, leading to her winning the Best Female Variety Idol at the Brand Customer Loyalty Awards.

Throughout her appearances, Joy has shown remarkable adaptability, whether participating in Salty Tour where she displayed mother-daughter chemistry with Park Myung-soo, or teaching viral dance moves during casual appearances. Her ability to connect with both senior entertainers and fellow idols has made her a versatile presence in the variety show circuit.

Most recently, Joy has expanded her repertoire through Handsome Tigers, where her role as a manager showcased her ability to handle both entertainment and leadership responsibilities. The show's PD highlighted her casting was influenced by her impressive chemistry with Seo Jang-hoon, demonstrating how her natural entertainment skills continue to create new opportunities.

Personal Brand Development

In the realm of fashion and beauty, Joy's influence extends far beyond her musical achievements. As a prominent figure in South Korea's entertainment industry, her personal brand has evolved through strategic partnerships and authentic self-expression.

Fashion Icon Status

First thing to remember, Joy's fashion journey gained significant momentum in 2021 when Italian luxury brand Tod's appointed her as their official Korean ambassador. In light of this partnership, creative director Walter Chiapponi praised her "youthful energy and sensuous talent". Her fashion philosophy resonates deeply with her personality, as she views fashion as "armor that makes me feel safe, protected, and confident".

Primarily known for her sweet and vintage chic style, Joy's wardrobe features prestigious brands including Tod's, Gucci, Celine, and Michael Kors, often incorporating floral, tweed, and plaid patterns. Her fashion influence reached new heights when she attended New York Fashion Week as a VIP guest for Michael Kors, marking her presence in the global fashion scene.

Commercial Success

Joy's commercial portfolio has grown impressively through the years. Her brand endorsements include:

Beauty brands: eSpoir (2019-present), Aveda (2020)
Fashion collaborations: Calvin Klein Korea (2021)
Lifestyle brands: Barrel (2023), Fresh (2023)

Coupled with her growing influence, Joy's commercial success extends beyond fashion. Her impact on brand partnerships became evident when products marketed by her experienced rapid sellouts. Her versatility as a brand ambassador has attracted diverse companies, from luxury fashion houses to lifestyle brands, establishing her as a valuable commercial asset.

Public Image Management

Nevertheless, Joy's approach to public image management stands out for its authenticity. In response to pressure about maintaining an "idol-like appearance," she firmly stated, "The person on stage is me, and the person off stage is also me". As opposed to conforming to industry standards, she has chosen to showcase her genuine personality, even when faced with criticism about her image evolution.

Her dedication to authenticity has paid off, as evidenced by her consistent high rankings in brand power measurements. Through careful balance of commercial partnerships and personal expression, Joy has crafted a public image that resonates with both brands and audiences, maintaining her position as one of South Korea's most influential entertainers.

Behind the Spotlight

Beneath the glittering stage lights and public appearances, Park Soo-young maintains deep connections with her loved ones and cherishes moments of solitude. Her life away from the cameras reveals a multifaceted personality that extends far beyond her stage persona as Joy.

Relationship with Family

As the eldest of three sisters, Joy maintains a strong bond with her siblings, Park Ji-yeong and Park Min-ji. Her relationship with her mother holds particular significance, evidently demonstrated through touching moments like her mother's surprise visit with flowers to her workplace. Primarily, Joy finds comfort in family connections, often turning to her sisters for emotional support and stress relief.

Off-camera Personality

Essentially different from her bright stage presence, Joy admits to being naturally reserved in her private life. Prior to debut, she rarely smiled and was occasionally labeled as standoffish. Her stage name, bestowed by a vocal trainer, serves as a reminder to share happiness with others. Presently, Joy approaches her public image with remarkable authenticity, stating firmly, "The person on stage is me, and the person off stage is also me".

Joy's perfectionist nature shapes her approach to work, as she strives for excellence in every performance. Certainly, this dedication occasionally manifests as self-criticism, particularly when facing unexpected challenges. A notable example involves her reaction to fireworks during performances, stemming from a previous traumatic experience.

Hobbies and Interests

Away from the spotlight, Joy pursues various interests that reflect her genuine personality. Her passions include:

Watching movies and singing
Collecting lip balm
Training dogs and watching dog-training videos
Following Red Velvet-related content

Basically, Joy maintains her fitness through a balanced approach, choosing to eat preferred foods in moderation while incorporating regular exercise and Pilates into her routine. Her musical preferences extend beyond K-pop, as she enjoys artists like Ariana Grande, MeloMance, and Gummy.

Her love for animals, particularly dogs, runs deep. Joy owns a beloved pet named Haetnim, who has gained popularity through an Instagram account (@haetnimee). This passion for animals once led her to consider becoming a dog trainer before entering the entertainment industry.

Straightaway after busy schedules, Joy finds solace in solitary activities. She particularly enjoys exploring places alone or engaging in heartfelt conversations with her sisters as methods of stress relief. These moments of personal time allow her to maintain balance amidst her demanding career.

FAQS

Fans frequently seek answers about Joy Red Velvet's personal and professional life. Here are some commonly asked questions that provide deeper insights into the artist's journey.

What is the current status of Joy's health? In December 2023, Joy shared details about her health challenges. After discussions with SM Entertainment, she decided to focus on recovery for the remainder of the year. Despite taking a break earlier in 2023, she acknowledged that her health hadn't fully improved. In fact, Joy mentioned her determination to build stamina, stating "I've burned out all of the muscle that I gained in the past two years".

How does Joy approach dating and relationships? Generally, Joy maintains a unique perspective on relationship dynamics. In fact, she revealed her non-jealous nature regarding situations that others might find concerning. Hence, when asked about the famous "Perilla Debate" scenario, she firmly stated, "I don't think it's a big deal if he helps". Typically, she approaches relationship matters with remarkable maturity and rationality.

What are Joy's musical influences and preferences? As revealed in Billboard's 20 Questions, Joy's musical journey began with purchasing TVXQ's CD. Usually, she enjoys diverse musical genres and artists. In fact, before pursuing her K-pop career, she considered becoming a kindergarten teacher due to her love for children.

How does Joy interact with her fans? Primarily, Joy maintains transparent communication with her fanbase. Therefore, when facing health challenges, she chose to be honest with fans, stating, "I want nothing else but to be 100% there for you all". Her commitment to authenticity extends to addressing concerns about her appearance and well-being.

What are Joy's future plans? Looking ahead to upcoming activities, Joy has expressed her commitment to return stronger. Therefore, she clarified, "That doesn't mean I'm going to go on a full hiatus like last time!". Usually, she focuses on building physical strength and maintaining her health for future schedules.

How does Joy balance her various career aspects? Joy demonstrates remarkable versatility across different entertainment sectors. Hence, when asked about her professional bucket list in Billboard's interview, she emphasized doing what her heart desires in her truest form. Typically, this approach has guided her success across music, acting, and variety shows.

What makes Joy unique among K-pop artists? Joy stands out through her authentic approach to stardom. Therefore, her perspective on being a "queen" involves "setting your own standard and accomplishing your goals without comparing yourself to other people or their standards". This mindset has shaped her distinctive presence in the industry.