6 Apink Members Profile: Hidden Facts Revealed (2024 Update)

Since their debut in April 2011, Apink members have established themselves as one of K-pop's most enduring girl groups, accumulating an impressive 53 music show wins throughout their career.

What started as a seven-member ensemble has evolved into a powerful quintet, consisting of: Hayoung, Chorong, Naeun (left in 2022), Eunji, Bomi, Namjoo, and Yookyung (left in 2013). Throughout their journey, the members of Apink have showcased their versatility across nine Korean EPs, five Korean studio albums, and three Japanese studio albums, earning recognition at prestigious events like the Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards.

Apink's Original Members

The formation of Apink began with a meticulous selection process at Cube Entertainment, where officials initially chose 11 trainees for evaluation. The company's vision for creating a distinctive girl group led to a systematic approach in member selection and training.

Pre-debut Training Period

The training duration varied significantly among members. Bomi, who joined the agency first, underwent three years of training. In contrast, Eunji's exceptional vocal talent earned her a spot in the group after merely two months of training. The order of members joining the agency reflects their diverse paths: Bomi arrived first, followed by Naeun, Namjoo, Chorong, Hayoung, and finally Eunji.

Debut Member Lineup

The original lineup consisted of seven members: Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Jung Eunji, Kim Namjoo, Oh Hayoung, Hong Yookyung, and Son Naeun. Each member brought unique qualities to the group. The company strategically introduced these members through various channels:

Son Naeun was revealed first, appearing in Beast's music videos
Park Chorong joined next as the group's leader
Oh Hayoung was announced as the third member
Jung Eunji showcased her vocals through a Twitter video
Hong Yookyung demonstrated her piano skills in an online reveal
Yoon Bomi and Kim Namjoo were introduced through Apink News

Member Selection Process

The selection process involved multiple stages, starting with the initial presentation of 11 trainees at the 'Cube Stars Party' in August 2010. Subsequently, four trainees were eliminated through evaluations, leaving seven members under the temporary name 'Pink Color.' The group underwent further refinement when one member withdrew, prompting the company to launch additional auditions specifically for a main vocalist position.

The pre-debut period included strategic exposure through various activities. The members appeared in Beast's "Beautiful" music video in November 2010, and their journey was documented in the reality show Apink News, hosted by established K-pop artists. This preparation culminated in their official debut on April 19, 2011, with "Seven Springs of Apink".

Apink Members' Age and Experience

Park Chorong leads Apink as the eldest member, born on March 3, 1991. The age distribution among current members spans five years, with Oh Hayoung, born on July 19, 1996, completing the lineup as the youngest.

Age Order in the Group

The members' age hierarchy follows a distinct pattern, starting with Park Chorong at 33 years old. Yoon Bomi and Jung Eunji, both born in August 1993, share the second position at 31 years old. Kim Namjoo, at 29 years old, and Oh Hayoung, at 28 years old, round out the current lineup.

Years of Experience

Notably, each member's journey reflects different training durations. Chorong's leadership qualities emerged during her pre-debut period, particularly after her JYP Entertainment audition experience in 2009. Moreover, her role as a leader has evolved, as she mentions focusing more on listening to members' opinions and silently observing their growth.

Industry Background

The members' professional development showcases their versatility. Particularly, Chorong has distinguished herself as the most prolific songwriter among the members, beginning with the group's first fan song "April 19th". Additionally, the group's image underwent significant evolution, starting with an innocent concept that set them apart from other girl groups' prevalent sexy concepts.

Their industry experience reflects in their adaptability, as demonstrated by their successful concept transformation with "I'm So Sick". Consequently, this change boosted their confidence and marked a significant leap forward in their artistic development. The members' commitment to maintaining their group identity while embracing growth has contributed to their longevity in the competitive K-pop industry.

Apink Sub-Units Evolution

Throughout their career, Apink has explored various musical collaborations through official sub-units, each showcasing distinct artistic directions. The group's venture into sub-unit activities began with the formation of Apink BnN in 2014.

BnN Formation and Success

Apink BnN, featuring Bomi and Namjoo, made their debut on June 27, 2014, with the digital single "My Darling". The unit's name sparked initial speculation among fans, with some anticipating Naeun's involvement instead of Namjoo. Prior to BnN's formation, both members had already demonstrated their versatility through collaborations - Bomi featured in M.I.B's "Let's Talk About Us," whereas Namjoo joined Phantom for their "Seoul Lonely" promotions.

CHOBOM Unit Activities

Eight years after BnN's debut, Apink introduced their second official sub-unit. CHOBOM, comprising Chorong and Bomi, marked a significant milestone as the group's first sub-unit to release a complete album. The unit's name cleverly combines the members' names while also meaning 'early spring' in Korean.

CHOBOM's debut single album "Copycat" launched on July 12, 2022, featuring three tracks: the title song "Copycat," "Oscar," and "Feel Something". The unit distinguished itself with a playful concept, presenting a different charm from Apink's main group activities.

Furthermore, CHOBOM has maintained active engagement with fans. Their recent announcement of the 2024 Fan Meeting tour 'MATCH IN SEOUL' scheduled for October 5, 2024, at Sungshin Women's University marks their return after a two-year hiatus. The fan meeting will feature two shows at 2 PM and 7 PM.

Other Special Units

Beyond official sub-units, Apink members have participated in various collaborative projects. A notable example includes Eunji's collaboration with label mate Huh Gak on "Break Up to Make Up," which achieved first place on Gaon's weekly digital chart. These special collaborations have allowed members to showcase their individual artistic capabilities while maintaining their group identity.

Park Chorong (Leader) Profile

As a third-degree black belt in Hapkido, trained for eight years under her father's guidance, Park Chorong brings unique discipline to her role as Apink's leader. Her martial arts background altogether shaped her systematic approach to group management.

Chorong's Journey to Leadership

In February 2011, Chorong accepted the responsibility of leading Apink, presently acknowledging that being a leader at a young age presented significant challenges. Her early struggles included irregular diet patterns and frequent hospital visits due to stress management issues. Nevertheless, she transformed these challenges into strengths, developing a leadership style focused on open communication and careful observation of members' growth.

Chorong's Role in Apink CHOBOM

After establishing herself as Apink's cornerstone, Chorong expanded her artistic horizons through CHOBOM, the group's first official sub-unit with Bomi. Her involvement in the unit showcased her dedication, essentially contributing to detailed presentations covering concepts, costumes, and music video directions. The unit's formation marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to display different charms while maintaining Apink's core identity.

Hidden Facts About Chorong

Beyond her public persona, several distinctive aspects define Chorong's character:

Her songwriting portfolio stands out among Apink members, beginning with the fan song "April 19th" and expanding to include tracks like "0419," "Love Story," and "The Wave"
Despite her strong leadership presence, she admits to feeling uncomfortable doing things alone, preferring company in her activities
Her commitment to physical fitness improved significantly in her 30s, leading to enhanced performance during practices
She maintains a conservative approach to public relationships, choosing privacy in personal matters

Her leadership philosophy centers on maintaining Apink's unique color while embracing necessary changes. Through careful balance of tradition and innovation, Chorong continues guiding Apink's evolution in the K-pop industry.

Yoon Bomi Profile

Mastering both martial arts and dance, Yoon Bomi stands out as Apink's main dancer and lead vocalist. Her journey from a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo to becoming one of K-pop's most versatile performers showcases her dedication to physical artistry.

Bomi's Dancing Journey

Starting dance training in fifth grade after a friend's invitation, Bomi developed a distinctive style characterized by sharp, sword-like movements and precise lines. Her dance expertise earned her the position of main dancer, alongside Kim Namjoo. Currently, her performances garner attention for their knife-like precision and strong stage presence, as evidenced by her solo stages at Apink's PINK WORLD concert featuring covers of Lee Hyori's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and Billie Eilish's "bad guy".

Bomi's Variety Show Success

Her entertainment career flourished through numerous variety show appearances, including:

Weekly Idol MC (2013-2015)
The Human Condition (2014)
Real Men female special (2015)
We Got Married with actor Choi Tae-joon

Besides her variety show success, Bomi expanded into acting, appearing in notable dramas like "Because This Is My First Life" (2017) and "Please Don't Date Him" (2020). Her recent role as Secretary Na in "Queen of Tears" (2024) garnered significant attention, contributing to the drama's record-breaking 24.9% viewership and 400 million accumulative views on Netflix.

Unknown Stories About Bomi

Accordingly, 2024 brought a surprising revelation as Bomi confirmed her eight-year relationship with Black Eyed Pilseung's Rado. The relationship, which began in April 2017, remained private until their agencies confirmed the news. Simultaneously, she continues her career as an all-rounder entertainer, balancing group activities with individual pursuits.

Her lesser-known talents include being the first girl group member to throw first pitches in baseball, earning the nickname 'Bomgarner' from baseball fans. Before debut, she attended Youngshin Girls High School as the head cheerleader before transferring to Korean Arts High School, graduating in February 2012.

Jung Eunji Profile

Possessing a remarkable four-octave vocal range, Jung Eunji emerged as one of K-pop's most distinguished vocalists after joining Apink with minimal professional training. Her journey from a passionate singer to a multifaceted entertainer exemplifies raw talent meeting dedication.

Eunji's Vocal Development

Originally aspiring to become a vocal trainer, Eunji's path changed direction after her vocal training school's vice president encouraged her to audition for Apink. Primarily known for her powerful vocals, she demonstrates exceptional control over both upper and lower ranges. Her versatility shines through various collaborations, including successful duets with Seo In-guk that topped the Gaon Single Chart.

Eunji's Acting Career Highlights

Soon after Apink's debut, Eunji ventured into acting with the lead role in "Reply 1997" (2012), earning the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best New TV Actress. Her acting portfolio expanded with notable performances in:

"That Winter, the Wind Blows" (2013) - winning the Best Performance at APAN Star Awards
"Work Later, Drink Now" (2021-2022) - portraying Kang Ji-goo, an origami YouTuber
"Miss Night and Day" (2024) - achieving JTBC's highest drama viewership rating of 11.7%

Secret Facts About Eunji

Certainly, beneath her public persona lie fascinating details about Jung Eunji. Born as Jung Hyerim, she later legally changed her name. Undoubtedly, her early achievements include winning the grand prize at the KBS Busan Nursery Rhyme Contest Fun Day in July 2004. Afterward, she took taekwondo classes in her younger years, demonstrating her diverse interests beyond performing arts.

Her dedication to authenticity shows in her performances, as she occasionally struggles to relate to certain characters, such as her role as Mi-jin in recent productions. With six ear piercings - five on the right ear and one on the left - Eunji maintains her unique style while continuing to expand her artistic horizons through both music and acting.

Kim Namjoo Profile

Launching her solo career with the single album "Bird" in September 2020, Kim Namjoo has evolved from Apink's lead vocalist to a distinctive solo artist. Her recent comeback with "BAD" in March 2024 marks a bold departure from her previous image.

Namjoo's Musical Evolution

Ultimately, Namjoo's artistic journey reflects her growing confidence. Her transition through various musical styles culminated in the release of "BAD," her second single album after a three-year hiatus. Indeed, this comeback showcases her evolution, as she mentions, "I've truly grown over the past four years, encountering many different challenges and gaining insights from them".

Namjoo's Variety Show Appearances

Remarkably, Namjoo's entertainment career extends beyond music. Her television appearances include:

"King of Mask Singer" where she performed as "Good Daughter Shim Cheong"
"Shikshin Road 2" as co-host with fellow member Yoon Bomi
"Investigator Alice" web series, portraying detective Chun Yeon-joo

Surprising Facts About Namjoo

Currently, Namjoo continues to surprise fans with her versatility. Her musical theater debut in 2022 with "Midnight Sun" demonstrates her expanding artistic horizons. Evidently, her dedication to growth shows through several distinctive traits:

Known as the "Tireless Energizer" among fans
Demonstrates superior Chinese language skills compared to former member Naeun
Excels at impersonations, adding to her entertainment value
Maintains active engagement with fans through her YouTube channel "남주세끼"

Through her recent transition to Choi Creative Lab Entertainment in April 2023, Namjoo continues to shape her artistic identity. Her perspective on success remains grounded: "I believe that people have their own standards of success according to their personal goals and happiness, and what my success looks like to me is being able to do what I love for a long time".

Oh Hayoung Profile

Standing at 169cm tall, Oh Hayoung holds the distinction of being both the youngest and tallest member of Apink. Her journey from a seventh-grade trainee to an accomplished soloist reflects her remarkable growth in the entertainment industry.

Hayoung's Growth as Maknae

Primarily introduced as Apink's third member on February 21, 2011, Hayoung underwent one year and five months of training before joining the group. Rather than following her initial dream of joining SM Entertainment, where she might have debuted with Red Velvet, she chose a path that led her to become an integral part of Apink's success.

Hayoung's Solo Activities

Ultimately, Hayoung made her mark as a solo artist with her debut mini-album "OH!" on August 21, 2019. The album, featuring the title track "Don't Make Me Laugh," peaked at number 8 on Korea's Gaon Album Chart and sold 9,083 physical copies nationwide. Her musical contributions extend beyond solo work, as she penned lyrics for "What a Boy Wants" (2015) and co-wrote "It's You" with Eunji.

Her acting portfolio includes notable roles in:

"Love, Stay in Memory"
"Starting Point of Dating"
"The Driver" (cameo appearance)

Lesser-Known Facts About Hayoung

Currently maintaining an active presence on YouTube through her channel "오하빵 ohhabbang", Hayoung shares various content including vlogs, cooking sessions, and song covers. Generally known for her close friendships with former GFRIEND member Yerin and Red Velvet's Joy, she demonstrates strong bonds within the industry, particularly with those born in 1996.

Remarkably, on April 28, 2023, while not renewing her contract with IST Entertainment, Hayoung signed with Choi Creative Lab, nonetheless maintaining her commitment to Apink's activities. Her versatility shows through her participation in the virtual project group FE:VERSE under the name Seoritae, expanding her artistic horizons beyond traditional platforms.

Former Member Son Naeun Profile

Nicknamed the "sold-out girl" in South Korea's commercial industry, Son Naeun's influence prompted products she advertised to sell out rapidly, with items like Adidas leggings becoming unofficially known as "Naeun Leggings".

Naeun's Time in Apink

Primarily announced as the first Apink member in February 2011, Naeun's journey with the group spanned 11 years until her departure in April 2022. Her transition began in April 2021 when she left IST Entertainment while initially maintaining group activities. Ultimately, scheduling conflicts between acting commitments and group promotions led to her withdrawal.

Naeun's Acting Career

Starting her acting journey in 2012, Naeun built an impressive portfolio including:

"The Great Seer" (2012) - Her debut role as teenage Hae-in
"Childless Comfort" (2012-2013) - Supporting role
"Second 20s" (2015) - Romance drama appearance
"Cinderella with Four Knights" (2016) - Co-starring role
"Ghost Doctor" (2022) - Post-Apink acting project

Her recent works include "Romance in the House" and "The Tale of Lady Ok" (2024), showcasing her growing prominence in the acting industry.

Interesting Facts About Naeun

Remarkably, Naeun maintains her Catholic faith, with Marcella as her baptismal name. Currently signed with YG Entertainment, she acknowledges no longer staying in contact with former Apink members, choosing to support them as a fan. Her educational background includes graduation from Chungdam High School and Seoul School of Performing Arts, followed by studies at Dongguk University. Obviously passionate about languages, she demonstrates proficiency in Chinese.