Haneul/ Won Ha-neul (KISS OF LIFE)

In the dynamic world of K-pop, few newcomers capture the attention and hearts of fans as swiftly as Haneul has since his debut with KISS OF LIFE. With a name that resonates like a breath of fresh air in spring, Haneul embodies a mix of charisma and talent that is as rare as it is captivating. His journey from a young enthusiast with dreams of the stage, through rigorous training periods with notable entertainment powerhouses like YG Entertainment and SM Entertainment, to finally gracing the world stage, showcases not just talent but a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Haneul's story is not just about music; it's a narrative rich with experiences, from auditioning to composing, that speaks volumes of his commitment to his art.

From his initial discovery and the grueling training process to his much-anticipated debut with KISS OF LIFE, every step has been a milestone. Readers will gain insights into his role within the group, his personal interests like movies, traveling, playing the guitar, and why "My Melody" and "Boss Baby" are nicknames that resonate with his persona. Moreover, his producing and writing credits reveal a side of Haneul that goes beyond performing - showcasing his depth in music composition and understanding of drama, which, when combined with his ENFJ/ISTJ personality traits, highlight the multifaceted artist he is. With appearances in various media and shows, Haneul's journey is far from over; it's merely another chapter in a promising career marked by passion for driving forward the narrative of K-pop on the global stage.

Stage Name: Haneul (하늘)

Birth Name: Won Haneul (원하늘)

Position: Maknae

Birthday: May 25, 2005

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Height: 168 cm (5’6″)

Weight: –

Blood Type: –

MBTI Type: ISTJ

Nationality: Korean

Kim Ha-neul was born in Busan, South Korea, into a family deeply entrenched in the arts. His parents, both former theater actors, provided a rich, creative environment that nurtured his early interests in the performing arts. His father, a graduate from the Department of Theater at Seoul Institute of the Arts, and his mother, a former fashion model and graduate from the Department of Theater and Film at Kyungsung University, were influential in his early exposure to theater and performance.

From a young age, Kim was surrounded by the arts, but it was during a church theater group's call for members that he truly connected with acting. Despite not being religious, he joined the theater group and participated in the production of A Bowl of Udon. The experience was transformative, culminating in a poignant curtain call that left him overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, from sadness to relief.

Kim's commitment to acting deepened through his adolescence. He worked part-time jobs to support himself after moving alone from Busan to attend the National Traditional Arts High School [ko], where he majored in music and theater. This period of his life was marked by significant personal growth and professional development, as he balanced his education with the necessity of earning a living.

Haneul's path to stardom began uniquely when he was the only member to audition for KISS OF LIFE, recommended by his peers who praised his attractiveness and talent to company officials. His early interest in the idol industry was sparked by the K-pop group ARCANE, leading him to pursue singing and eventually participating in the reality show Project Euphoria.

During his trainee period, Haneul underwent rigorous training at several prestigious agencies. He initially caught the industry's attention in a German documentary featuring potential K-pop stars, which hinted at his future inclusion in KISS OF LIFE. Despite facing setbacks, such as being cut from the debut lineup of MERAVI, Haneul's resilience shone through, leading to his participation in another reality show, Star Maker: The Revolution, representing LILAC Studios . His training journey was marked by continuous improvement and public appearances, culminating in his official reveal as a member of KISS OF LIFE in May 2023.

In the latter part of 2022, Haneul was featured in a German documentary about K-pop trainees, which sparked widespread speculation about the formation of a new girl group under S2 Entertainment. This group, later revealed as KISS OF LIFE, included Haneul as a key member. By December of that year, S2 Entertainment had officially announced their plans to launch this new group in 2023.

The anticipation built up to a crescendo with the release of their debut mini album, "KISS OF LIFE," on July 5, 2023. Prior to this, a series of solo music videos featuring the members, including Haneul's "Play Love Games," were strategically released to generate buzz. The group's debut was marked by a press showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, which not only highlighted their musical talents but also solidified their presence in the K-pop industry.

Haneul holds the position of Lead Vocalist and is the youngest member, known as the maknae, in the girl group KISS OF LIFE. Her role was officially revealed when she was introduced as the fourth and final member of the group on May 18, 2023. The group debuted with their mini album titled "KISS OF LIFE" on July 5, 2023, marking the beginning of their journey in the music industry.

As the Lead Vocalist, Haneul contributes significantly to the group's vocal harmony and overall sound. Her skills were honed during a training period that lasted just over a year, where she also developed proficiency in languages including Korean, English, and Japanese. This linguistic ability enhances her role in the group, allowing for a broader audience reach. Haneul's passion for music and performance, influenced by classical music and live performances she witnessed growing up, fuels her contributions to the group . Her hobbies, including watching movies, dramas, and playing the guitar, further enrich her artistic expression within KISS OF LIFE.

Haneul's interests span a variety of creative and recreational activities. She is passionate about watching movies, drama, and animation, which not only serve as entertainment but also as inspiration for her artistic endeavors. Her musical talents extend to playing the guitar, a skill that complements her vocal abilities within KISS OF LIFE. Additionally, Haneul enjoys traveling and driving, activities that reflect her adventurous spirit.

Among Haneul's favorite things, the color blue stands out, symbolizing her calm yet profound persona. She has a particular fondness for sweet and spicy foods and meat, which are her go-to comfort foods. Her favorite season is spring, a time that resonates with her name, which means 'sky' in English, suggesting a love for freshness and new beginnings. Moreover, Haneul's affection for the Sanrio character My Melody highlights her playful and charming side.

Haneul is known for her vibrant and youthful energy, which is encapsulated in her nickname 'Boss Baby'. This nickname not only reflects her leadership qualities but also her capacity to command attention with her charisma and youthful charm. Despite her robust public persona, she has a dislike for vegetables, alcohol, tobacco, and negative words, showing her preference for a positive and healthy lifestyle.

Haneul's discography with KISS OF LIFE showcases her extensive involvement in songwriting, featuring a total of 16 songs. Notable tracks include "Nothing," which has garnered 24.3K streams, and "Midas Touch" with 19.9K streams. Her creative input is also evident in songs like "쉿 (Shhh)" and "Nobody Knows," which have achieved 18.8K and 13.4K streams respectively. Additionally, her bilingual skills are showcased in tracks like "Bad News (ENG Ver.)" and its Korean counterpart, both contributing significantly to her songwriting portfolio.

In her career, Haneul has expressed a desire to collaborate with renowned artists, showing her ambition to expand her musical influences. She has notably mentioned an interest in working with the South Korean sibling duo AKMU, highlighting her appreciation for diverse musical styles. This openness to collaboration indicates her ongoing commitment to evolving as an artist and contributing to the broader music industry.

Haneul's presence in the media has been marked by significant appearances, notably highlighted in a German documentary which showcased his journey as a K-pop trainee and hinted at his future success with KISS OF LIFE. His ability to articulate his experiences and the group's ambitions has been a consistent feature in interviews, where he often discusses the group's unique music style and the efforts they put into honing their talents.

During a heartfelt segment on a variety show, Haneul and his group members expressed their gratitude towards international fans. They emphasized how the support for their debut album spurred them to deliver even better performances and hinted at more engaging stages in the future. Haneul's candid interaction with fans during a live session post a music show MCing gig further endeared him to the audience, showcasing his genuine appreciation and connection with fans across the globe.