Kim Hyun Ah (김현아)

Hyuna, a prominent figure in the K-pop industry, was born on June 6, 1992, in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea . She embarked on her educational journey at Choongam Middle School and later attended Korea High School of Music and Arts. Demonstrating early promise in the arts, Hyuna was granted special admission to Konkuk University, where she pursued a degree in Contemporary Arts .

Her career in the music industry began in 2006 when she was introduced as a member of the Wonder Girls, managed by JYP Entertainment. Hyuna's role as the main rapper was first showcased in the group's debut mini-album, The Wonder Begins, released in February 2007 . Despite her promising start, she left the group in July of the same year due to health concerns, specifically chronic gastroenteritis and fainting spells, which led her parents to prioritize her health over her burgeoning career .

In 2008, Hyuna joined Cube Entertainment, and by May 2009, she was set to debut as part of the new girl group, 4Minute, which officially debuted with the single "Hot Issue" on June 15 of that year . This marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, which would see her evolve into a solo artist and a fashion icon, collaborating with various artists and contributing significantly to the K-pop industry.

HyunA, born on June 6, 1992, in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea, embarked on her educational journey at Choongam Middle School and later attended Korea High School of Music and Arts . She furthered her studies at Konkuk University, where she graduated in Contemporary Arts and received special admission due to her potential in the arts. HyunA's personal life has been marked by significant relationships, including her engagement to E'Dawn in 2022, although they later separated in November of the same year. Recently, she announced her upcoming marriage to Yong Jun-hyung, scheduled for October 2024 .

HyunA initially debuted with the Wonder Girls in 2007 but left due to health issues. She re-debuted with 4Minute in 2009 and launched her solo career in 2010. Over the years, HyunA has battled health challenges, including depression, panic disorder, and vasovagal syncope, which she publicly disclosed to raise awareness.

HyunA is active on social media, where she engages with a vast number of followers. She utilizes these platforms to share personal updates, including significant health revelations and relationship announcements, which have garnered widespread attention and support from her fans.

2007: Hyuna debuted with Wonder Girls, but left due to health issues and joined 4Minute under Cube Entertainment.

2009: 4Minute's debut with "Hot Issue" marked the beginning of a defining era.

2010: Hyuna launched her solo career with the single "Change," which achieved significant chart success.

2011: Release of "Bubble Pop!" which made Hyuna the first female K-pop solo artist to reach 100 million views on a YouTube music video.

2012: Featured in Psy's "Gangnam Style," and released the hit single "Ice Cream" from her EP Melting.

2016: Following 4Minute's disbandment, Hyuna continued her solo career, releasing multiple successful albums.

2017-2018: Formation and activities of Triple H, followed by her departure from Cube Entertainment .

2019-2022: Signed with P Nation, released several hits including "Flower Shower," and later left the label.

2023-2024: Signed with At Area and announced plans for upcoming EP Attitude .

First Solo Milestones: Hyuna's debut single "Change" charted at number two on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, establishing her as a solo artist.

Viral Success: Her track "Bubble Pop!" sold over three million digital copies and its music video reached 100 million views, setting a record for K-pop solo artists.

Collaborative Ventures: Hyuna's projects with other artists, including the duo Trouble Maker and the group Triple H, were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.

International Recognition: Featured in the global hit "Gangnam Style," which significantly boosted her international profile.

Continued Success: Despite leaving major labels like Cube Entertainment and P Nation, Hyuna has maintained a successful career, marked by her innovative music and bold performances.

Hyuna has had a prolific music career, marked by a series of successful albums and singles that have significantly shaped her status in the K-pop industry. She has released ten extended plays (EPs), a collaboration EP, one single album, and numerous singles as a lead artist, showcasing her versatility and appeal across various music styles.

Her solo career took off with her debut EP "Bubble Pop!" in 2011, which included the title track selling over three million digital copies. This track made Hyuna the first female K-pop solo artist to achieve 100 million views on a single music video on YouTube. Following this, her second EP "Melting," released in 2012, featured the hit single "Ice Cream" which further cemented her place in the music scene. Subsequent releases such as "A Talk" and "A+" included popular singles like "Red" and "Roll Deep," respectively, continuing her streak of hits. In 2018, after leaving Cube Entertainment, she joined P Nation where she released "Flower Shower," marking her seventh top-ten entry on the US Billboard World Digital Song Sales.

Hyuna's music videos are known for their bold aesthetics and dynamic choreography, significantly contributing to her global recognition. The video for "Bubble Pop!" was particularly pivotal, not only for its catchy tune but also for its vibrant visuals that helped it reach an unprecedented number of views for a solo K-pop artist at the time. Her collaboration in the music video for "Gangnam Style" also deserves mention, as it remains one of the most viewed K-pop videos globally. Other notable videos include "Red" and "Ice Cream," each known for their distinctive themes and Hyuna's charismatic performance, which have been instrumental in defining her visual and musical style.

Hyuna's collaborations have significantly shaped her career trajectory, highlighting her versatility as an artist. She embarked on her solo career in 2010 and quickly gained recognition with her first extended play Bubble Pop! in 2011. The title track from this EP sold more than three million digital copies and became the first video by a female K-pop solo artist to reach 100 million views on YouTube. That same year, Hyuna formed the duo Trouble Maker with former Beast member Hyunseung, releasing the hit single "Trouble Maker". Their collaboration was well-received, and they later continued their success with the release of "Now" in 2014, which topped multiple major music charts in Korea and achieved an All-Kill on Instiz.net.

In 2017, Hyuna was involved in forming the trio Triple H with Pentagon members Hui and E'Dawn. This group marked a funky, charismatic offshoot from her previous projects, blending styles and showcasing strong chemistry among the members. Additionally, in 2021, Hyuna and Dawn released their duet extended play 1+1=1, further exemplifying her ability to collaborate effectively.

Hyuna's presence in music videos has been pivotal in her rise to fame. Notably, she appeared in Psy's viral music video for "Gangnam Style" in 2012, which became the most viewed K-pop music video at the time and significantly enhanced her global recognition. Psy specifically selected Hyuna for this video during the initial production stage, which speaks to her impactful persona and performance skills. Following the success of "Gangnam Style," Psy released "Oppa Is Just My Style" featuring Hyuna, adding her vocals to this worldwide hit.

Her early collaborations also include working with Lee Gi-kwang on the song "2009" for his debut album and appearing in the music video for his single "Dancing Shoes" in 2009. Additionally, she featured in Brave Brothers' song "Bittersweet" released in the same year. These appearances and collaborations not only highlight her adaptability as an artist but also her significant contributions to the K-pop industry's global appeal.

Hyuna's public image is distinctively shaped by her unique music and bold fashion choices, setting her apart from the typical good-girl persona seen in many South Korean female idols. Her fashion evolution from the sexy diva image in "Bubble Pop!" and "Red" to her recent eclectic styles in "Flower Shower" and "Nabillera" consistently impresses and captivates her audience. She is known for her vibrant, kaleidoscopic looks that often feature a mix of vintage and modern pieces, demonstrating her ability to blend contrasting colors and textures into eye-catching outfits. Her Instagram account (@hyunah_aa) showcases her in-your-face style, filled with colorful, spirited, and fun-seeking ensembles that reflect her personal flair.

Hyuna's solo career is marked by provocative performances and music videos, sparking debate and differing opinions among the Korean public. While she is celebrated internationally for her bold and confident image, she also faces criticism within Korea for challenging the conservative norms of the society. Despite this, her impact on Korean pop culture remains significant, and she continues to be a polarizing figure, admired by many for her courage to express herself freely. Hyuna's style, often deemed controversial, resonates with a global audience that appreciates her authenticity and bravery in a culture that typically favors more conservative expressions.

Hyuna has a meaningful tattoo on her left shoulder that reads, "My mother is the heart that keeps me alive". She is also renowned for her ability to imitate Pikachu, showcasing her playful personality. Hyuna's favorite animal is the harp seal, which reflects her unique and quirky nature.

Hyuna's journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, where she faced numerous rejections, having tried out for 50 auditions to become an actress before finally passing the JYP audition on her first attempt. Despite her initial struggles, Hyuna has formed significant friendships within the industry. She remains close friends with Sunny from Girls' Generation and shares the same birthday as BEAST's Dongwoon, both attending Konkuk University. Additionally, Hyuna's resilience is evident as she has openly discussed her battles with depression, panic disorder, and vasovagal syncope, which she has been managing for nearly a decade.

Hyuna's foray into acting and other media ventures showcases her versatility beyond the music stage. Notably, she collaborated with Lee Gi-kwang on his debut album "First Episode: A New Hero," contributing to the song "2009" and appearing in the music video for "Dancing Shoes," released on March 30, 2009. Her involvement in the music industry extends to features in other songs as well, such as Brave Brothers' "Bittersweet," which was released on August 18.

Hyuna's presence on television includes her own reality show titled "Hyuna's Free Month." This program provided a glimpse into various aspects of her daily life, offering fans an intimate look at her personal and professional routines.

In the realm of film, Hyuna made a cameo appearance in the thriller "Midnight FM," alongside 4Minute member Jihyun, adding to her portfolio of acting roles on October 14, 2010. This appearance highlighted her ability to cross over from music to acting, demonstrating her broad appeal and talent.

HyunA signed an exclusive contract with the hip hop label AT AREA, founded by the producing duo GroovyRoom. This label is home to several notable artists, including HyunA's ex-boyfriend and solo artist DAWN. AT AREA stated that their decision to sign HyunA was based purely on her capabilities and presence as an artist, without consideration of her private matters with DAWN.

In a significant personal development, HyunA and singer-songwriter Yong Junhyung announced their relationship in January 2024. By July, they confirmed their plans to marry, with a wedding scheduled for October 2024. This decision came after HyunA's public split with former partner Dawn in November 2022. The couple made their relationship Instagram official earlier in the year by sharing a picture together, signifying their commitment. HyunA's label, AT AREA, and Junhyung's agency, Black Made, have both expressed their support for the couple's future, asking for blessings and support from fans as they embark on this new chapter of their lives.

Hyuna's journey in the K-pop industry has been marked by her resilience and willingness to explore diverse musical styles and concepts. Her openness about personal struggles, such as dealing with panic disorder, depression, and vasovagal syncope, has not only humanized her but also highlighted her strength. Despite these challenges, she continues to engage her fans with vibrant and innovative music. Hyuna's recent move to AT AREA in 2023 promises a new chapter of creative freedom and potential collaborations, signaling ongoing evolution in her illustrious career. As she navigates through personal and professional landscapes, her influence and legacy in the K-pop world remain profound and inspiring.