Who is ALICE EJ? The Untold Story Behind The K-pop Star (2024)

ALICE EJ emerged as a notable addition to the K-pop scene when she joined the girl group ALICE in February 2020, marking a significant milestone in her musical journey. Currently under IOK Company, EJ (김은지) debuted alongside Chaejeong with the group's fourth mini album, Jackpot.

The 27-year-old vocalist, whose real name is Kim Eun-ji, brings her unique INTJ personality and academic background to the group, having graduated from Dong-A University of Media and Arts with an associate's degree in K-Pop. Her story becomes even more interesting as she joined what was previously known as ELRIS, which underwent a complete rebranding to ALICE in April 2022 after transferring to IOK Company.

From Trainee to K-pop Star: EJ's Pre-ALICE Journey

Initially, Kim Eunji's journey toward K-pop stardom began with her strong educational foundation. After completing her general high school education, she made a decisive move to pursue her musical aspirations by transferring to Lira Art High School's Practical Music Department in her third year.

Furthermore, her dedication to vocal training became evident through her enrollment at the Star Incubating Center Power Vocal in Jung-gu, Seoul. Her academic journey continued at Dong-A University of Broadcasting and Arts, where she majored in K-POP within the Broadcasting Entertainment Department.

During her training period, EJ showcased remarkable persistence in pursuing her dreams:

Trained under STL Entertainment
Attempted Hunus Entertainment auditions seven times before finally succeeding
Focused on developing both vocal and performance skills

Notably, a significant milestone in EJ's pre-debut journey was her participation in the Busan One Asia Festival (BOF) 2019. The festival, a prestigious Hallyu event combining Korean culture with K-pop concerts and exhibitions, provided EJ valuable exposure to the industry. The event featured prominent artists including MAMAMOO, (G)I-DLE, and Super Junior, offering her firsthand experience of professional performances before her eventual debut.

This period of preparation and persistence ultimately led to her successful addition to ALICE in February 2020, marking the beginning of her official K-pop career.

Joining ALICE (Former ELRIS) in 2020

A significant shift occurred in the K-pop landscape as Hunus Entertainment announced the addition of two new members to ELRIS. Accordingly, EJ and Chaejeong joined the group on February 12, 2020, expanding the lineup to seven members.

The group underwent substantial changes subsequently. In December 2021, ELRIS transferred to IOK Company. Moreover, a major transformation took place on April 11, 2022, as the group rebranded itself as ALICE. This rebranding process included:

New social media accounts
Fresh group identity
Updated musical direction

Specifically, EJ established herself in crucial roles within ALICE:

Lead Vocalist
Lead Rapper
Star Symbol Representative

The addition of EJ and Chaejeong brought positive changes to the group's dynamics. Research shows that successful group dynamics rely heavily on equitable collaboration and comfortable environments. In ALICE's case, the new members contributed to enhanced team productivity through their specialized roles and abilities.

The group's structure evolved further as Chaejeong assumed the leadership position in April 2022. This reorganization helped create a more cohesive unit, as studies indicate that clear role distribution and positive interdependence are essential for group success.

EJ's Musical Evolution with ALICE

Since joining ALICE, EJ has carved out a distinctive position as both Lead Vocalist and Lead Rapper, showcasing her versatility across multiple musical styles. Throughout her tenure, she has particularly excelled in delivering powerful vocal performances while maintaining her sharp rap delivery.

EJ's musical journey with ALICE has been marked by several notable releases:

The debut mini-album "Jackpot" in February 2020
"Dance On" single album in October 2022
"Show Down" in April 2023
The final single "Milky Way" in May 2024

Consequently, her dual role as vocalist and rapper has significantly shaped ALICE's sonic identity. Additionally, EJ's performances at prestigious venues have solidified her reputation, particularly their appearance at the Korea University festival, where she demonstrated her electrifying stage presence during the "Gentleman" performance.

Throughout her time with ALICE, EJ has maintained her position as a key member of the group's vocal line. Her contributions have been essential in shaping the group's sound, especially after their rebranding from ELRIS to ALICE. As the group evolved, so did EJ's artistic expression, consistently delivering memorable performances that resonated with their fanbase, known as BLRIS.

The culmination of EJ's musical journey with ALICE came with their final release, "Milky Way," where she once again demonstrated her growth as both a vocalist and performer. Her ability to seamlessly transition between singing and rapping has remained one of her most distinctive qualities as a performer.

Behind the Scenes with Kim Eunji

Behind the scenes, Kim Eunji (EJ) leads a structured life centered around her commitments as an ALICE member. Notably, she maintains a balanced lifestyle, pursuing hobbies like exploring restaurants and swimming between her professional obligations.

Life as an ALICE member

Although recent changes have affected the group's dynamics, with five members departing in May 2024, EJ continues to demonstrate dedication to her role. Nonetheless, she remains one of the two members still active in ALICE, alongside Chaejeong.

Practice routines and preparation

EJ's preparation routine encompasses:

Vocal exercises and rap practice sessions
Regular swimming for physical fitness
Restaurant exploration during breaks
Continuous skill development in both singing and rapping

Relationship with fellow members

The group dynamics underwent significant changes after several departures. Undoubtedly, the most notable shifts occurred when:

Sohee retired after marriage
Do-A, Yukyung, Yeonje, and Karin departed following contract expirations

Similarly to other K-pop groups, ALICE maintained close relationships among members. The group faced a particularly challenging period in September 2022 when EJ experienced a personal loss, demonstrating the supportive nature of their relationships as she took time to mourn with her family.

FAQS

Here are some frequently asked questions about pursuing a career in K-pop, based on experiences similar to ALICE EJ's journey:

Q: How do aspiring K-pop idols balance training and education? Indeed, many trainees manage both commitments simultaneously. As opposed to choosing between education and training, successful trainees often maintain their studies while pursuing their dreams.

Q: What does the typical training schedule look like? Certainly, the training process is rigorous. A typical schedule includes:

Vocal and dance practice sessions
Language lessons (particularly Korean for international trainees)
Performance evaluations
Physical fitness training

Q: Is prior experience in performing arts necessary? Important to realize, while prior experience can be beneficial, it's not always mandatory. In fact, many successful idols, coupled with their determination, developed their skills primarily during their training period.

Q: Can international aspirants become K-pop idols? The K-pop industry has become increasingly open to international talent. However, dedication to learning Korean culture and language is essential for success in the industry.

Q: What are the key factors in becoming a successful trainee? The journey requires unwavering dedication, physical stamina, and mental resilience. Successful trainees often demonstrate exceptional time management skills and maintain a strong support system throughout their training period.