Who Is Naoi Rei? The Untold Story of IVE's Japanese Rapper

Naoi Rei stands out as the first Japanese idol to debut under Starship Entertainment, making her mark in the K-pop industry as a bilingual rapper and singer. Born in Nagoya, Japan, she joined IVE in December 2021 after three years of intensive training, contributing significantly to the group's immediate success.

As IVE's main rapper, Rei has notably participated in writing lyrics for several hit songs, including "After Like" and "Kitsch." Furthermore, her journey from passing the Loen Friends Global Audition in Japan to achieving her first music show win just seven days after debut showcases her remarkable trajectory in K-pop. In fact, despite facing health challenges in 2023 that led to a temporary hiatus, she has emerged stronger, even launching her own YouTube reality show "Follow Rei."

Early Life and Background of Naoi Rei

Initially settling in Nagoya's Aichi Prefecture, Naoi Rei began her journey in a family that would later shape her artistic path. Her household consists of her parents and an older sister born in 2002, creating a close-knit family environment that supported her early creative pursuits.

The Naoi family name carries particular significance in Japanese culture, as it's considered highly uncommon. Moreover, this rare surname has historical connections to Japan's imperial era, when such distinctive family names were traditionally granted by the Emperor.

Her mother played a pivotal role in shaping Rei's musical trajectory, particularly through her enthusiasm for K-pop group TVXQ. This early exposure to Korean entertainment laid the foundation for Rei's future career aspirations. Additionally, her grandfather contributed to her artistic development, gifting her a cherished pair of headphones that became one of her most valued possessions.

Growing up, Rei developed a diverse range of interests and talents. She excelled in several areas:

Drawing portraits (without formal training)
Swimming
Creating jewelry and decorative items

Her musical influences span across different artists and genres, specifically:

Joy from Red Velvet (her role model)
Lee Hi
Jay Park

Before pursuing her K-pop dreams, Rei demonstrated remarkable academic dedication, eventually attending the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) with a focus on applied music. This educational path aligned perfectly with her growing passion for performance and musical expression.

Throughout her childhood, Rei maintained strong connections to her Japanese heritage while nurturing her growing interest in Korean culture. Her mother continues to support her journey, regularly sending Japanese snacks to her dormitory in Korea, symbolizing the enduring bond between her past and present life.

Journey to K-pop Stardom

In April 2018, a pivotal moment arrived in Rei's life as she stepped into the Loen Friends Global Audition in Japan. Though she had minimal preparation, her confidence shone through as she performed Red Velvet's "Happiness" for the judges. Her distinct voice immediately caught their attention, marking the beginning of her K-pop journey.

Subsequently, at just 15 years old, Rei made the life-changing decision to relocate to South Korea in May 2018. This bold move demonstrated her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams, accordingly leaving behind her familiar life in Japan to embrace a new culture and environment.

The training period at Starship Entertainment proved both challenging and transformative. For approximately three and a half years, Rei dedicated herself to:

Intensive vocal and dance training
Korean language studies
Performance skills development

Throughout her training period, she faced the additional challenge of mastering the Korean language. Nonetheless, she showed remarkable determination by avoiding reliance on translators, choosing instead to immerse herself fully in the learning process.

Her persistence paid off as she became the first Japanese idol to debut under Starship Entertainment. The company recognized her potential early on, noting her unique vocal qualities and dedication to improvement throughout the training period.

The journey from aspiring trainee to K-pop idol wasn't just about perfecting performance skills. It also involved adapting to a new educational environment, as she enrolled in the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the Applied Music Department. This academic pursuit complemented her artistic training, providing a well-rounded foundation for her future career.

Debut with IVE in 2021

On November 2, 2021, Starship Entertainment announced their first girl group debut since WJSN, marking a new chapter in K-pop history. Soon after, the company revealed their six members one by one, with Naoi Rei being introduced as the fifth member on November 7, 2021.

Member Introduction and Group Formation

The complete lineup featured An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Jang Won-young, Liz, Rei, and Leeseo. Certainly, the group's formation generated significant buzz, particularly due to the inclusion of former IZ*ONE members Yujin and Wonyoung.

First Single 'ELEVEN' Impact

The group's debut single album "Eleven" arrived on December 1, 2021, consisting of the title track and a b-side titled "Take It". The release proved to be a remarkable success, achieving several notable milestones:

Reached #9 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart
Secured #2 position on the Circle Digital Chart
Set a record for highest first-week album sales among girl group debuts

Initial Public Reception

The group's broadcast debut occurred on December 3, 2021, through KBS2's Music Bank. Altogether, their impact on the industry was immediate and substantial. On December 8, exactly one week after their debut, IVE secured their first music show win on MBC M's Show Champion. This achievement made them the fastest girl group to win first place since debut.

Their success continued as "Eleven" accumulated an impressive 13 music show wins. Meanwhile, the group achieved a remarkable feat by earning the triple crown on three major music shows:

KBS2's Music Bank
MBC's Music Core
SBS' Inkigayo

The industry recognition extended beyond chart success, as Insider later named IVE's "Eleven" as one of the best debut songs in K-pop history. For Rei, this period marked her successful transition from trainee to idol, with her favorite part being the 'heaven' choreography section in their debut song.

Rei's Role in IVE

As IVE's main rapper, Naoi Rei has established herself as a multifaceted artist who contributes significantly to the group's musical direction. Her dedication to crafting authentic rap verses has resulted in writing credits for numerous hit songs:

"ROYAL"
"After LIKE"
"Kitsch"
"Hypnosis"
"NOT YOUR GIRL"
"Next Page"

Position as Main Rapper

Notably, Rei forms the rap line alongside fellow member Gaeul. Her distinctive approach to rap writing spans multiple languages, as evidenced by her practice sessions where she composes verses in English, Korean, and Japanese. Furthermore, her precise Korean pronunciation, especially remarkable for a non-native speaker, has earned her widespread recognition in the industry.

Vocal Contributions

Beyond her rap abilities, Rei has proven herself as a capable vocalist. Undoubtedly, her unique raspy tone and excellent pitch control have positioned her as the third-strongest singer in IVE, following vocalists Liz and An Yujin. Her versatility shines through in her "killing parts" of IVE's title tracks, where she demonstrates stable pitch and skillful note bends.

Performance Style and Stage Presence

Throughout her time with IVE, Rei's performance style has undergone noticeable evolution. Although early feedback noted some stiffness in her movements, she has consistently worked to refine her dance technique. Consequently, her dedication to improvement became evident during the "Kitsch" promotions, where she displayed enhanced fluidity and core strength.

Her stage presence is characterized by:

Powerful delivery of rhythmic rap verses
Clean execution of choreography
Distinctive facial expressions that enhance performances
Unique visual appeal that captures audience attention

Similarly, her commitment to growth extends beyond performance aspects. She has developed a reputation for writing thoughtful rap lyrics that resonate with audiences, demonstrating her artistic depth. Her contributions to IVE's music emphasize themes of confidence and boldness, which she believes listeners can apply to their own lives.

Musical Style and Artistry

First of all, Rei's distinctive approach to music creation sets her apart in the K-pop industry. Her artistic journey encompasses both rap composition and vocal performance, creating a unique blend that contributes to IVE's signature sound.

Rap Writing Process and Style

Rei's dedication to songwriting has resulted in an impressive portfolio of self-written rap verses for IVE tracks, notably:

"ROYAL"
"After LIKE"
"Kitsch"
"Hypnosis"
"NOT YOUR GIRL"
"Next Page"

Her rap writing process stands out for its precision and authenticity, with each verse carefully crafted to maintain powerful, rhythmic delivery. Indeed, her diction in Korean rap verses has earned particular praise from industry professionals, despite Korean not being her native language.

Musical Influences and Inspiration

Rei draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical genres and artists. Her listening preferences primarily revolve around R&B, hip-hop, and jazz. Furthermore, she finds inspiration in established artists such as Lee Hi and Jay Park.

The young rapper's musical palette extends to contemporary artists, as she actively follows the work of:

Doja Cat
DPR IAN
ENHYPEN
Dua Lipa
TWICE
Red Velvet

Language Versatility in Performances

One of Rei's most remarkable abilities is her proficiency in writing and performing in multiple languages. She skillfully crafts lyrics in Japanese, Korean, and English, demonstrating exceptional linguistic versatility. This trilingual capability allows her to connect with a broader audience and adds depth to IVE's musical offerings.

Her vocal style brings a distinctive quality to IVE's songs, often described as having a mysterious or dangerous vibe. This unique characteristic, combined with her rap abilities, creates an intriguing contrast within the group's musical dynamics. Notably, her voice has been praised for its distinctive quality, often described as "singing in cursive" by fans and critics alike.

Through her artistic contributions, Rei continues to evolve as both a rapper and vocalist. Her commitment to musical growth is evident in her consistent involvement in songwriting and her willingness to explore different vocal styles.

Personal Growth and Challenges

Moving to South Korea at age 15 marked the beginning of numerous challenges for Naoi Rei. Her determination to succeed, however, would prove instrumental in overcoming these obstacles.

Adapting to Life in Korea

Upon arriving in Seoul, Rei faced the immediate challenge of mastering the Korean language. Rather than relying on translators, she chose to immerse herself fully in learning Korean. This bold approach, coupled with her dedication to practice, enabled her to achieve remarkable progress in a relatively short time.

Presently, her linguistic abilities have evolved to the point where she can write her own rap verses in Korean. This achievement becomes even more notable considering she started with minimal knowledge of the language just a few years ago.

Health Hiatus and Recovery

In April 2023, Rei encountered a significant health setback. After experiencing concerning symptoms, including:

Heart palpitations

Following medical consultation, doctors recommended immediate rest and treatment. Starship Entertainment announced her temporary hiatus from group activities on April 11, 2023, prioritizing her health and recovery. This decision came at a crucial time, coinciding with IVE's release of their debut studio album 'I've IVE'.

Ultimately, after focusing on rest and medical treatment, Rei made a successful return to group activities in May 2023. This month-long break proved essential for her recovery and demonstrated the company's commitment to their artists' well-being.

Balancing Japanese and Korean Identity

Throughout her journey, Rei has masterfully balanced her Japanese heritage with her Korean career. As the first Japanese idol to debut under Starship Entertainment, she has broken new ground while maintaining strong connections to both cultures.

Her bilingual abilities have become a significant asset, allowing her to communicate effectively in both Japanese and Korean. This linguistic versatility not only enhances her performance capabilities but also helps her connect with fans from different cultural backgrounds.

The young artist continues to receive support from her family in Japan, with her mother regularly sending Japanese snacks to her dormitory, creating a touching bridge between her two worlds. Her success story serves as inspiration for other foreign artists pursuing careers in K-pop, proving that cultural differences can be transformed into unique strengths.

Solo Activities and Projects

Throughout 2023, Rei expanded her presence beyond group activities, launching several successful solo ventures that showcased her versatility as an entertainer.

'Follow Rei' Reality Show

In May 2023, Rei launched her own reality show titled "Follow Rei" on YouTube. The series, which aired from May 11 to June 22, 2023, comprised six engaging episodes. First airing on Thursdays at 7 PM KST, the show primarily focused on Rei exploring trendy locations popular among Korea's MZ generation. The series notably featured various content formats, including mukbang episodes, with special appearances from guests like Gangnam in 2024.

Brand Endorsements

Rei's influence in the beauty and fashion industry became apparent through several prestigious partnerships. Her brand portfolio includes:

Bonajour - Natural and vegan cosmetics (March 2022)
FCMM (2022)
Peach C (2022)

A remarkable milestone in her modeling career came with her selection as the cover face for Vogue Japan's December 2022 issue. This achievement was particularly noteworthy as she became only the second K-pop idol, after BLACKPINK's Lisa, to grace the cover of this prestigious magazine.

Personal Content Creation

Beyond her reality show, Rei demonstrated her songwriting abilities by creating original content. She wrote an original song titled "Hiiigh" which was released on their YouTube channel. Her creative contributions extended to IVE's discography, where she participated in writing lyrics for several tracks:

"After LIKE"
"Hypnosis"
"Kitsch"
"Next Page"
"NOT YOUR GIRL"
"ROYAL"

In spring 2023, Rei faced a temporary setback when health concerns necessitated a brief hiatus. On April 11, she suspended activities after experiencing heart palpitations and stuffiness. Thankfully, after focused recovery time, she made a triumphant return to group activities on May 26, 2023. Her comeback coincided with IVE's Japanese promotions for their first EP, "WAVE," where she received overwhelming support from both Korean and international fans.

Impact as a Japanese Idol

Making history as a pioneering figure, Naoi Rei stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of K-pop's global reach. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first Japanese idol to debut under Starship Entertainment has paved the way for future international artists.

Breaking Barriers in K-pop

Rei's journey represents a significant milestone in cross-cultural entertainment. Her remarkable ability to write and perform in multiple languages has established new standards for international idols in the industry. Notably, she has demonstrated exceptional prowess in:

Writing original lyrics in three languages
Maintaining precise Korean pronunciation
Creating content that resonates across cultural boundaries

Representation of Japanese Artists

As a cultural ambassador, Rei has achieved several groundbreaking milestones that highlight her influence. Primarily, her appearance on the cover of Vogue Japan in December 2022 marked her as the second K-pop idol to receive this honor. This achievement underscores her role in bridging the entertainment industries of Japan and Korea.

Her success extends beyond mere representation. Through her reality show "Follow Rei," she has offered insights into the life of a Japanese idol in Korea, creating authentic connections with audiences from both countries. Remarkably, her ability to maintain her cultural identity while excelling in K-pop has inspired aspiring international artists.

Connection with International Fans

Rei's impact on the global stage is evident through her diverse fanbase. Her multilingual capabilities enable her to connect with fans across different regions, fostering a unique bond with international audiences. Through various platforms, she has demonstrated her ability to:

Communicate effectively in Japanese and Korean
Share cultural experiences through personal content
Create music that transcends language barriers

Her influence extends beyond performance, as she actively participates in writing lyrics for IVE's songs, incorporating elements that appeal to a global audience. This creative involvement has earned her recognition as a multifaceted artist who contributes significantly to the group's international success.

The young idol's journey from Nagoya to becoming a prominent figure in K-pop illustrates the changing dynamics of the industry. Her success has opened doors for future Japanese artists while setting new standards for international idol development. Through her achievements, Rei continues to demonstrate that cultural differences can become unique strengths in the global entertainment landscape.

FAQS

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Naoi Rei and their answers:

Why did Rei take a break from IVE activities in 2023? In April 2023, Rei experienced health concerns including heart palpitations and chest tightness. After medical consultation, doctors recommended immediate rest and treatment. Therefore, Starship Entertainment announced her temporary hiatus from group activities to prioritize her recovery.

How long was Rei's health hiatus? The hiatus lasted approximately one month, beginning on April 11, 2023. After focusing on rest and medical treatment, she made a successful return to group activities in May 2023.

What makes Rei unique in the K-pop industry? As the first Japanese idol to debut under Starship Entertainment, Rei brings distinctive qualities to the industry through her:

Trilingual abilities (Japanese, Korean, and English)
Self-written rap verses for multiple IVE songs
Unique vocal tone often described as "singing in cursive"

What are Rei's primary responsibilities in IVE? Rei serves as:

Main rapper
Lead dancer
Sub-vocalist
Contributing songwriter for several tracks

How does Rei maintain her health now? Following her health hiatus, Rei has implemented a structured approach to maintaining her well-being:

Regular medical check-ups
Balanced rest periods between activities
Proper nutrition and exercise routines

What support does Rei receive from her family? Her family maintains strong connections through:

Regular communication
Care packages from her mother containing Japanese snacks
Visits during holiday periods when possible

How does Rei balance her Japanese heritage with her K-pop career? She maintains this balance through:

Active use of both Japanese and Korean languages
Cultural representation in various content
Connection with both Japanese and Korean fans through social media

What are some of Rei's notable achievements? Her accomplishments include:

Writing credits on multiple IVE songs
Successful YouTube reality show "Follow Rei"
Cover feature on Vogue Japan (December 2022)

These insights into Rei's journey provide a deeper understanding of her role in IVE and her growth as an artist in the K-pop industry.