Hidden Facts About IVE's Wonyoung: Age, Height & More [2024 Guide]

Winking 43 times in just 10 seconds isn't the only remarkable thing about IVE's Wonyoung. At just 20 years of age in 2024, this K-pop sensation has already achieved what many artists dream of in a lifetime.

Standing at 173 cm tall and weighing 47 kg, Wonyoung's journey from being the youngest contestant on Produce 48 to becoming a prominent member of IVE showcases her exceptional talent. While her impressive 107 cm legs have caught attention, she's equally known for her multilingual abilities, speaking Korean, English, and basic Japanese. Notably, her influence extends beyond music, generating an estimated $3 million in media value for Miu Miu during Paris Fashion Week.

Jang Wonyoung's Early Life Story

Born in Ichon-dong, Seoul, South Korea, on August 31, 2004, Jang Wonyoung grew up in a musically inclined family. Her father works as a music teacher, while her older sister, Jang Da-ah, pursued acting and signed with King Kong by Starship.

From an early age, Wonyoung demonstrated exceptional academic prowess. Her childhood activities included:

Flute, piano, and violin lessons
Swimming training
Mathematics and English tutoring

Initially aspiring to become either an announcer or a lawyer, Wonyoung maintained outstanding academic performance throughout her early years. Subsequently, she proved her academic excellence by achieving perfect scores in Korean, English, and Mathematics during her middle school qualification exam.

Her educational journey began at an English-speaking kindergarten, which laid the foundation for her strong English language skills. Furthermore, she attended Seoul Shinyonsan Elementary School before enrolling in Yonggang Middle School. Additionally, due to her growing career commitments, she transitioned to homeschooling in April 2019 after thorough discussions between her parents and management agencies. Specifically, this decision allowed her to balance her academic pursuits with her emerging entertainment career. Her academic journey primarily culminated with her graduation from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) on February 9, 2023, where she majored in practical music.

The Truth About Wonyoung's Height

First of all, Jang Wonyoung's remarkable height has been a subject of fascination since her debut. Starting at 169 cm during her IZ*ONE days, she experienced significant growth over the years, reaching 173 cm by 2021.

Wonyoung's Height Evolution

Her height progression shows steady growth throughout her career. In 2018, official measurements on Idol Room confirmed her height at 169 cm. Moreover, within three years, she gained an additional 4 cm, establishing her as one of the taller female idols in the industry.

Wonyoung's Height Comparison

Standing at 173 cm, Wonyoung towers above many of her peers. Her height becomes particularly noticeable when compared to other celebrities:

Height Impact on Career

Consequently, Wonyoung's height has significantly influenced her career trajectory. Her tall stature enhances her stage presence, making her stand out during performances. This physical attribute has also opened doors in the modeling industry, leading to numerous brand endorsements and fashion show appearances.

Despite occasional speculation about her actual height, Wonyoung maintains her official measurement of 173 cm, which places her at eye level with the average South Korean man. Her proportions and height have become defining features of her public image, contributing to her success in both entertainment and fashion industries.

Wonyoung's Nationality and Heritage

First and foremost, Jang Wonyoung's nationality and heritage have sparked considerable public interest. Born in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, she holds Korean citizenship and carries a Korean passport.

Wonyoung's Korean Roots

According to official records, Wonyoung is legally Korean and has spent her entire life in South Korea. Her commitment to Korean culture became evident in 2022 when she proudly wore a traditional phoenix 'binyeo' hairpin at Paris Fashion Week, expressing her intent to showcase Korean beauty internationally.

Taiwanese Connection

In fact, various sources have reported potential connections to Taiwan. Taiwanese media suggested that her father, though ethnically Korean, grew up in Taiwan. Nevertheless, these claims remain unconfirmed by both Wonyoung and her management company.

Cultural Identity

As a result of ongoing speculation about her heritage, Wonyoung has maintained a dignified silence regarding her family background. Her representation of Korean culture remains strong, as demonstrated through her:

The phoenix hairpin controversy in 2022 highlighted her role as a cultural ambassador, where she actively promoted Korean cultural elements on international platforms. Her management company has consistently maintained privacy regarding her family background, choosing to focus on her achievements as an artist.

Wonyoung's Pre-debut Journey

A chance encounter on the way to a school ceremony marked the beginning of Wonyoung's journey into K-pop stardom. In 2017, a Starship Entertainment staff member spotted her exceptional potential.

Early Training Days

Following her discovery, Wonyoung embarked on an intensive training period that lasted 1 year and 2 months. At just 12 years old, she became one of the youngest trainees at Starship Entertainment. Her natural talent and striking visuals soon earned her recognition among the training staff.

Starship Entertainment Discovery

The scouting process proved remarkably successful, primarily because of Wonyoung's innate qualities. Her exceptional height and proportions, coupled with textbook visuals, made her stand out. Essentially, these attributes aligned perfectly with the company's vision for future talent.

Pre-debut Preparations

Altogether, Wonyoung's pre-debut journey culminated in her participation in Produce 48. On May 11, 2018, she was officially announced as a contestant. Her evaluation grades consistently remained at 'B' level, showcasing her steady progress. The show's producers nicknamed her the 'Giant Baby' due to her unique combination of youthful features and impressive height.

Produce 48 Success Story

On June 2018, at merely 13 years old, Jang Wonyoung stepped onto the Produce 48 stage, marking the beginning of her remarkable journey.

Wonyoung's Audition Journey

Throughout the competition, Wonyoung maintained a consistent B grade in both initial and re-evaluation assessments. Alongside fellow contestants, she showcased her talents in the "Love Potion" performance team with Kim Na Young, Honda Hitomi, Shiroma Miru, and Kim Do Ah.

Center Position Achievement

The finale on August 31, 2018, which coincidentally fell on Wonyoung's birthday, brought unexpected results. Among 96 contestants from South Korea and Japan, Wonyoung secured the coveted center position. The show's format allowed Korean viewers to vote for their preferred members, regardless of nationality caps.

Record-Breaking Votes

The voting results demonstrated Wonyoung's immense popularity:

Primarily, her victory stemmed from a combination of text voting during the live show and online votes collected between August 25 and 31. Each text message counted as seven votes, with only one text permitted per phone number. This achievement made her the youngest center in the show's history.

IZ*ONE Era Achievements

Throughout her tenure with IZ*ONE from 2018 to 2021, Jang Wonyoung established herself as a pivotal member of the group.

Wonyoung's Role in IZ*ONE

After securing first place in Produce 48, Wonyoung served multiple roles within IZONE, including sub-vocalist, sub-rapper, lead dancer, and center. Her contribution to the group's debut mini-album "COLORIZ" helped secure immediate commercial success. Primarily, her position as center brought significant attention to their performances, leading to multiple New Artist of the Year awards.

Notable Performances

The group's achievements under Wonyoung's center position included:

Group Dynamics

Living arrangements played a crucial role in fostering strong relationships among members. Wonyoung maintained her own room in Dorm 2, which allowed her to balance personal space with group activities. Throughout their time together, she demonstrated exceptional academic dedication, simultaneously managing her idol career and studies. The group's chemistry remained strong until their final performance on April 29, 2021.

Their success extended beyond Korea, with Japanese singles like "Suki to Iwasetai" achieving Platinum certification. Eventually, fans initiated the "Parallel Universe" project, raising ₩1,000,000,000 in an attempt to prevent the group's disbandment.

IVE Debut and Success

After IZ*ONE's disbandment, Starship Entertainment revealed Wonyoung as a member of their new girl group IVE on November 4, 2021. The group made their official debut on December 1, 2021, with the single album "Eleven".

Wonyoung's IVE Position

Although IVE does not designate official roles, Wonyoung serves as the group's center. Her commanding stage presence positions her as a key figure, primarily opening and closing performances. In addition, she has expanded her artistic contributions by writing lyrics for multiple tracks, including "Mine," "Shine with Me," "OTT," and "Blue Heart".

Group Chemistry

The group's name, derived from "I have," emphasizes showing confidence to their audience. Their bond extends beyond performances, as demonstrated by unique member pairings. Wonyoung shares special chemistry with Gaeul, known as "danjangz," based on their height differences and similar food preferences.

Career Milestones

First time in Music Bank's history, Wonyoung renewed her MC contract. Her achievements with IVE include:

Meanwhile, her influence extends beyond music, as she continues to balance group activities with individual endeavors. The group's success stems from their emphasis on being confident and bold, influencing listeners positively.

Hidden Language Skills

Mastering multiple languages stands as one of Jang Wonyoung's distinctive talents. Her linguistic journey began at an English-speaking kindergarten, where she adopted the English name "Vicky".

Wonyoung's English Proficiency

Her early exposure to English yielded remarkable results, as demonstrated by her perfect score in English during middle school qualification exams. Currently, she watches American dramas without subtitles, showcasing her advanced comprehension skills. Her confident English communication became evident during her conversation with Tyler Rasch, where she impressed audiences with natural pronunciation.

Japanese Language Journey

Through self-study and interactions with IZ*ONE's Japanese members, Wonyoung developed strong Japanese language skills. Her dedication to accuracy surfaced during the 2023 Asia Artist Awards, where she personally revised incorrect Japanese translations in her script. Japanese netizens have praised her pronunciation, noting its native-like quality.

Multilingual Performances

The 2023 Asia Artist Awards highlighted Wonyoung's linguistic versatility as she hosted the event in three languages. Her language abilities enhance her performances:

Beyond hosting duties, she assists fellow IVE members with Japanese choreography explanations. Her multilingual capabilities have proven invaluable for international fan engagement and cross-cultural communication.

Unknown Musical Talents

Beyond her linguistic abilities, Jang Wonyoung's musical journey began with diverse instrument training. Her early education included lessons in flute, piano, and violin.

Wonyoung's Instrument Skills

Rather than focusing solely on dance and vocals, Wonyoung's musical foundation stems from her childhood instrument training. These early lessons shaped her understanding of rhythm and melody, contributing to her current performance capabilities.

Vocal Development

Primarily known for her unique vocal tone, Wonyoung underwent significant vocal development with Starship Entertainment's trainers. Her dedication to improvement became evident through:

Dance Expertise

Indeed, Wonyoung's dance journey reflects continuous growth. Her performances showcase strong arm control and facial expressions, albeit with areas for technical improvement. Professional choreographers have noted her dedication to learning, as she consistently asks questions to enhance her performance quality.

Overall, her work ethic stands out, with former dance trainer Jang Mi highlighting how Wonyoung "always gave her best". Her commitment to improvement manifests through constant practice and professional approach to rehearsals, notwithstanding occasional criticism regarding specific performances.

Secret Beauty Routine

Maintaining flawless skin requires dedication, and IVE's Wonyoung follows a meticulous beauty routine.

Wonyoung's Skincare Secrets

First and foremost, Wonyoung's essential skincare tip involves continuous serum application throughout the day. Unlike traditional routines, she applies serum multiple times daily to maintain skin moisture balance. Her commitment to hydration extends to using specific products:

Fitness Regimen

Primarily, Wonyoung maintains her physique through pilates and flying yoga, exercising five times weekly for 60-70 minutes. Her dedication to flying yoga has yielded impressive results, burning over 300 calories per hour. Therefore, her flexibility has improved significantly, enabling her to perform splits and 360-degree leg turns.

Diet Habits

Henceforth, Wonyoung's nutrition plan focuses on protein intake and intuitive eating. Her dietary approach includes:

Regular protein monitoring for muscle recovery
Intermittent fasting patterns
Balanced meals without strict restrictions

Her agency supports flexible food choices, allowing her to enjoy high-calorie foods like pasta and cream risotto. Furthermore, she maintains energy through regular vitamin supplements and considers pistachios her favorite snack.

Fashion Icon Status

From youthful innocence to sophisticated elegance, Jang Wonyoung's fashion journey mirrors her artistic growth.

Wonyoung's Style Evolution

Starting with soft, girly looks during her IZ*ONE debut at age 14, Wonyoung's style gradually shifted toward structured and mature outfits. Presently, her fashion choices lean toward minimalistic and chic aesthetics, often featuring monochromatic outfits and tailored fits.

Brand Endorsements

First and foremost, Wonyoung's influence in the fashion industry spans multiple prestigious brands:

Fashion Influence

Her impact extends beyond traditional boundaries, primarily evidenced by her Miu Miu partnership generating significant social media engagement. On China's Xiaohongshu platform, Wonyoung's name has garnered more than 3 billion mentions. At Paris Fashion Week, she showcased her versatility by combining vintage and modern elements, wearing a floral-patterned dress complemented by sophisticated accessories. Her fashion choices consistently demonstrate an ability to blend classical designs with contemporary trends, cementing her status as a fourth-generation fashion icon.

Behind-the-Scenes Personality

Behind every glamorous stage appearance lies Jang Wonyoung's remarkable dedication to her craft and genuine personality traits.

Wonyoung's Work Ethic

Above all, her professional approach stands out through meticulous attention to detail. She actively participates in choreography refinements, sending inquiries for improvements. Her commitment extends to correcting Japanese translations in scripts independently. Even with multiple solo schedules, she maintains perfect attendance at daily dance practices.

Relationship with Members

In reality, Wonyoung shares unique bonds with her groupmates. Her relationship with IVE's members reflects both professional respect and personal care:

Off-camera Behavior

As opposed to her poised public image, Wonyoung reveals herself as exceptionally outgoing in private settings. She actively initiates conversations and approaches others first, displaying no shyness in social situations. Her natural personality combines energy with strong people skills, while maintaining boundaries between personal and professional life. Former staff members praise her respectful demeanor, citing instances where she helped clean stages after performances.

Entertainment Show Appearances

Stepping into the spotlight as a television personality, Jang Wonyoung's charisma shines through numerous entertainment show appearances.

Music Bank MC Role

First of all, Wonyoung's journey as Music Bank's host began in October 2021. Her exceptional performance earned her the Best Couple Award at the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards alongside co-host Sunghoon. After sixteen months of dedicated service, she concluded her role in January 2023.

Variety Show Highlights

Her television presence extends across multiple platforms, with notable appearances including:

Interview Moments

Primarily, Wonyoung's interview style reflects her growing maturity. During the 2024 Music Bank Global Festival, she demonstrated her hosting prowess by leading conversations with international artists. Furthermore, her ability to engage audiences earned praise from industry insiders, who described her as "the most dependable idol MC for major events".

Her consistent success in hosting major K-pop celebrations, particularly the Music Bank Global Festival for three consecutive years, showcases her reliability. Korean online communities have noted her "flawless hosting performances" and "natural charisma", solidifying her position as a respected figure in entertainment broadcasting.

Social Media Influence

Social media platforms serve as a digital stage for Jang Wonyoung's growing influence, with her Instagram presence leading the charge.

Instagram Milestones

Primarily launching her Instagram account on May 24, 2021, Wonyoung's digital footprint has expanded remarkably. Her follower count reached 14,032,174 by January 2025, with an impressive growth rate of 1.54% monthly. Her content portfolio comprises 362 posts, maintaining an excellent engagement rate of 8.47%.

Fan Engagement

The interaction between Wonyoung and her followers demonstrates exceptional metrics:

Her content categories span fashion trends, luxury fashion, and lifestyle, resonating strongly with her global audience. Her posts frequently generate substantial discussions, with seven posts surpassing one million likes.

Digital Impact

Firstly, Wonyoung's social media influence extends beyond mere numbers. Her global ranking stands at 184 worldwide, while in Japan, she ranks 9th overall and 2nd in the lifestyle category. Her content has sparked various trends, including the "#Wonyoungism" movement on TikTok, accumulating 1.4 million posts. Her digital presence has proven valuable for brand collaborations, with companies like Miu Miu, FRED, and Innisfree seeking partnerships.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Setting multiple records across various platforms, IVE's achievements under Wonyoung's leadership continue to accumulate impressively.

Music Show Wins

IVE has secured 58 music show wins as of January 2025. Their journey began with "ELEVEN," which earned them their first win on Show Champion, making them the fastest girl group to achieve this milestone in just seven days after debut. Their music show victories span across major programs:

Award Show Victories

Ultimately, Wonyoung's individual achievements shine through her consecutive Asia Artist Awards appearances. She secured the 'Asia Celebrity' award for two consecutive years and markedly earned the prestigious 'Queen of AAA' title. Her exceptional contributions led to her fourth consecutive year of hosting the Asia Artist Awards.

Commercial Success

Evidently, Wonyoung's influence extends beyond entertainment. In a significant legal victory, she won a 100 million KRW lawsuit against defamation, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining professional integrity. The court ordered compensation at an annual interest rate of 12%, establishing a precedent for protecting artists' rights. Her success story includes hosting the KBS Year End Festival for three consecutive years, solidifying her position as a respected industry figure.

Unknown Hobbies and Interests

Discovering solace in simple pleasures, Jang Wonyoung embraces a variety of private interests away from the spotlight.

Private Pastimes

At home, Wonyoung finds comfort in her post-shower routine, dedicating time to watching diverse content. Her viewing preferences span multiple genres:

Collection Habits

Primarily focused on artistic expression, Wonyoung's creative side emerged early through art school entrance exam preparations. Her artistic inclinations continue through adult coloring books, which serve as a therapeutic outlet between schedules. Similarly, she maintains a regular schedule for nail art and pedicures.

Personal Interests

Generally gravitating toward literary pursuits, Wonyoung recently revealed her passion for reading philosophical works. Her book selections include "Reading Schopenhauer at 40" and "The Analects". Afterward, she discovered a deep interest in baking, inspired by her favorite childhood anime "Yumeiro Patissiere". This interest manifests in frequent bakery visits, where she particularly enjoys bread and pastries. On one memorable occasion, she sought comfort in a bakery after falling down stairs, only to find her favorite macarons sold out.

Food Preferences and Habits

Beyond the glitz of stardom, culinary preferences shape Jang Wonyoung's daily life, revealing a side rarely seen by fans.

Favorite Cuisines

Ordinarily gravitating toward hearty flavors, beef stands as Wonyoung's preferred dish. Her palate appreciates spicy food, typically complemented by fresh ingredients. For desserts, she shows a distinct preference for tarts over traditional cakes, reflecting her refined taste.

Eating Habits

Regularly monitoring protein intake remains a priority in Wonyoung's diet. Her eating pattern includes:

Occasionally practicing intermittent fasting, she maintains flexibility in her food choices. Her approach focuses on intuitive eating and portion control, balancing nutrition with enjoyment.

Restaurant Recommendations

Frequently visiting trendy spots, Wonyoung demonstrates expertise in discovering exceptional dining venues. Her recommendations include a brunch cafe near Ttukseom Station, where she particularly endorses the corn crumble. At mmn cafe, she favors their signature onion soup and carrot cake. Primarily known for her food knowledge, she regularly shares restaurant suggestions with acquaintances, establishing herself as a reliable source for culinary recommendations.

Special Skills and Talents

Songwriting prowess emerges as one of Jang Wonyoung's standout talents, with her recent contribution to IVE's "Blue Heart" addressing industry challenges faced by female idols.

Unique Abilities

Undoubtedly, Wonyoung's specialty in girl's hip-hop sets her apart. Her songwriting portfolio expanded with tracks like "Mine," "Shine with Me," and "OTT". Her creative process draws inspiration from personal experiences, explicitly addressing hyperscrutiny of female idols in the industry.

Hidden Talents

Former dance trainer Jang Mi praised Wonyoung's exceptional ability to quickly grasp choreography. Her dedication manifests through:

Performance Skills

Certainly, Wonyoung's unique vocal tone distinguishes her performances. Her commitment to improvement reflects in constant practice sessions and professional rehearsal approach. Her dynamic stage presence integrates expressive choreography, primarily focusing on clean execution and memorable point moves. Through intensive schedules, including international flights within days, she maintains consistent performance quality.

Global Recognition

Fundamentally, Jang Wonyoung's influence transcends geographical boundaries, with her impact resonating across multiple continents and cultures.

International Fanbase

Primarily centered in Asia, Wonyoung's popularity soared on China's Douyin platform, where her dance challenge generated 4.34 billion views. Her influence extends to Chinese social media, where fans raised substantial funds for her birthday celebrations. European audiences embraced her during KPOP.FLEX in Frankfurt, Germany, where her airport interaction video amassed over 5 million views on TikTok.

Worldwide Impact

Her global recognition manifests through prestigious brand partnerships. As Miu Miu's ambassador, Wonyoung represents the brand at major international events. Her impact on luxury fashion includes:

Cultural Ambassador Role

Subsequently, Wonyoung's role extends beyond entertainment, as she actively promotes Korean culture internationally. At Paris Fashion Week, she proudly wore a traditional phoenix 'binyeo' hairpin, showcasing Korean beauty to global audiences. Her influence spans multiple sectors, from entertainment to literature, with books she mentions climbing to bestseller status. Ultimately, her position as a cultural ambassador strengthens through her multilingual abilities and respectful representation of Korean heritage at international events.

Brand Value and Endorsements

Rising as a prominent figure in advertising, Jang Wonyoung's brand value continues to soar across multiple industries.

Commercial Success

Primarily emerging as a trainee model for Pepsi Korea in 2018, Wonyoung's commercial journey expanded rapidly. Her influence in advertising earned recognition from Maeil Business Newspaper, which declared her "a blue chip in the advertising world". Subsequently, her HapaKristin lens collaboration sold out during a three-day presale across Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian websites.

Brand Ambassador Roles

Her prestigious brand portfolio spans multiple sectors:

Marketing Impact

Hence, Wonyoung's influence extends beyond traditional metrics. Her partnership with KIRSH demonstrated immediate impact when a pajama set she wore sold out online the same day. Thus, her marketing power spans various industries, from beauty brands like Amuse to outdoor fashion with Eider. Her versatility shines through collaborations with luxury brands such as Bvlgari's Divas' Dream collection, while maintaining strong connections with casual fashion through partnerships like SJSJ and Rolarola.

Personal Life Balance

Managing a demanding career at age 20, Jang Wonyoung balances multiple commitments with remarkable composure.

Work-Life Management

Balancing intensive schedules requires strategic planning. Her philosophy emphasizes personal well-being over work pressures. A recent episode of "Totally Lucky Vicky Janang" revealed her approach: "Work is important, but you are the most precious". Her management style focuses on maintaining equilibrium between professional obligations and personal time.

Stress Relief Methods

Physical activity forms the cornerstone of her stress management routine. Her wellness regimen includes:

Daily Schedule

Ordinarily, her day begins with early morning preparations, often starting at 7 a.m. for Music Bank recordings. Between schedules, she prioritizes proper rest, aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep. Her evening routine includes a refreshing shower followed by thorough skincare.

Primarily, she maintains resilience through positive thinking, stating, "Who doesn't get hit? But I take it healthy, and I try not to lose myself". Her packed agenda recently sparked discussions when fans noted her December schedule spanning multiple countries. Despite concerns about her demanding routine, she consistently delivers high-quality performances while prioritizing self-care.

FAQS

Curious minds frequently seek answers about IVE's center position holder. Here are the most searched questions about Jang Wonyoung.

Ordinarily, fans inquire about her skincare routine, which she addresses through regular content on Allure Korea. Typically, questions about her daily life receive thoughtful responses, demonstrating her commitment to fan engagement.

Fundamentally, Wonyoung's approach to public curiosity reflects her professional mindset. She balances transparency with maintaining appropriate boundaries, particularly regarding personal matters. Her responses often emphasize gratitude toward supporters while preserving her privacy.