Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Nayun, a South Korean singer who first rose to prominence as a rapper and vocalist for the girl group MOMOLAND, has embarked on a journey marked by both victory and adversity. With her participation in high-profile events like the Idol Star Athletics Championships and memorable appearances on shows such as "2 Days & 1 Night" and "Immortal Songs," Nayun has established herself as a multifaceted entertainer. Her journey through the competitive landscape of K-pop is not just a tale of fame; it encapsulates the resilience required to overcome personal and professional hurdles, including significant health issues that led to a hiatus from a career that millions followed closely.

As the narrative unfolds, this article will delve into Nayun's early life and education at esteemed institutions like the Seoul Performing Arts High School and Myongji University, highlighting the foundation upon which her career was built. It will explore her initial entry into entertainment under MLD Entertainment, detailing her rise within MOMOLAND, her contributions to the group's success, and the influences she drew from figures such as Nayeon of TWICE. Additionally, it will touch on the challenges she faced, including health concerns like otolithiasis that necessitated a break from her activities, her eventual departure from MOMOLAND, and her subsequent ventures into acting with web dramas and participation in variety shows like "Idol Room" and "Idol League." Through personal interests and recent endeavors, we gain insight into Nayun's continuous evolution as an artist and individual, paving a unique path forward in the ever-changing landscape of K-pop.

Agency:

MYNEST Company (2023–present)

MLD Entertainment (2016–2023)

Kim Nayun was born on July 31, 1998, in Seoul, South Korea. She is an only child, growing up in a family where she was the sole focus of her parents' attention. Her upbringing in the bustling district of Gangnam was steeped in cultural exposure, thanks to her mother's role as an art museum director. This environment undoubtedly influenced her artistic inclinations from a young age.

Nayun's educational journey began at Seoul Sangam Elementary School, followed by Sangam Middle School. She demonstrated early on a keen interest in the performing arts, which led her to the prestigious Seoul School of Performing Arts High School, where she studied Broadcasting Entertainment. Furthering her commitment to the arts, Nayun was accepted into Myongji University, majoring in Musical Theatre. Her academic path was marked by significant achievements, including her role as an ambassador for Dongguk University's Department of Theatre and Film alongside notable figures like Girls' Generation's Yoona and actress Park Ha-sun in 2014.

Nayun entered the spotlight in 2016 as a contestant on Mnet's reality survival show "Finding Momoland." This show was designed to form the girl group MOMOLAND, selecting only 7 out of 10 contestants to be part of the final lineup. Nayun showcased her talents and determination throughout the competition, ultimately securing her place in the group by finishing in third place.

Following her success in "Finding Momoland," Nayun officially debuted with MOMOLAND on November 10, 2016. The group's first mini album, "Welcome to Momoland," marked their entry into the music industry and set the stage for their future successes. This debut was a significant milestone, not only for Nayun but also for the group, as it began their journey in the competitive world of K-pop.

MOMOLAND's ascent in the music industry was marked by the release of their third EP, Great!, which featured the hit single "Bboom Bboom". Despite initial skepticism from some members about the song's potential, its catchy tune and vibrant choreography quickly won over fans globally. Nayun, reflecting the general public's taste, had a positive outlook on the song's success, noting her affinity for popular chart-toppers. This track not only solidified MOMOLAND's reputation but also led to significant milestones such as their first platinum certification by the Gaon Music Chart for streaming.

MOMOLAND's influence extended beyond South Korea with the release of "Yummy Yummy Love" in collaboration with Natti Natasha, which garnered international acclaim and a nomination at the Latin American 2022 Juventud Awards. This marked MOMOLAND as the first Korean act to receive such recognition at the event, highlighting their global appeal and the cross-cultural impact of their music. Their journey continued with various international collaborations and performances, establishing them as a prominent name in the global music scene.

Nayun faced significant health challenges during her time with MOMOLAND, leading to a temporary hiatus from her activities. After experiencing symptoms of dizziness, she was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a disorder related to the inner ear causing vertigo based on head positioning. Symptoms typically include dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance. The decision for her to take a break was announced by MLD Entertainment, emphasizing the need for her to focus on treatment, which involved maneuvers to reposition ear crystals and possibly medication.

Nayun's health improved after a period of dedicated rest and treatment, allowing her to eventually rejoin MOMOLAND. Her return was eagerly anticipated, not only by the fans but also by Nayun herself, who was eager to return to her group and fans. MLD Entertainment confirmed her improved condition and her participation in the group's activities starting in October, including a Japanese single album's jacket photoshoot and music video filming . This marked a significant milestone in her journey of recovery and her commitment to her career and fans.

On January 27, MLD Entertainment announced the expiration of their exclusive contract with MOMOLAND, leading all but one of the seven members to leave the agency. This decision followed a detailed discussion with the members, where mutual respect for each other's opinions was emphasized, and an agreement was reached to terminate the contract upon its conclusion.

The departure was publicly confirmed on February 14, when all six members of MOMOLAND shared identical handwritten letters on Instagram, both in Korean and English. These letters announced their disbandment and expressed heartfelt thanks to their fans, known as Merries, for their unwavering support over the past seven years. They reassured their fans that even though they were parting ways to pursue individual dreams, they would forever remain a team. The members encouraged their fans to continue supporting MOMOLAND and each member's individual journey moving forward.

Nayun has actively pursued acting, appearing in various Korean dramas and TV shows. Notably, she played main roles in series like "Pro, Teen" and "My 100th Election," showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her performances have been well-received, evident from ratings that highlight her impact on viewers. Additionally, Nayun has made guest appearances in several TV shows, including "Idol League Season 3" and "Master Kwang of the Photo Studio," further broadening her presence in the entertainment industry.

Beyond acting, Nayun has continued to engage with her fans through diverse entertainment formats. She has been a regular guest on various Korean and Japanese TV shows, such as "2020 Idol Star Athletics Championships" and "Music Fair," which have allowed her to maintain a connection with her audience. These appearances not only demonstrate her adaptability but also her ongoing commitment to her entertainment career, even after her music group activities concluded.

Nayun finds solace and enjoyment in watching movies and engaging in lengthy phone conversations, often spending 2-3 hours on the phone. She is known for her excellent listening skills and enjoys offering counsel to those around her, showcasing her empathetic nature. Additionally, Nayun and her bandmate Hyebin share a close bond, often staying up all night to talk, reflecting their deep friendship and Nayun's social personality.

Nayun's love for food encompasses a wide variety of cuisines, with no particular dislikes, indicating her adventurous palate and appreciation for diverse flavors. This openness to different culinary experiences aligns with global trends where consumers increasingly prefer a mix of cuisines including Italian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese among others, driven by the use of high-quality ingredients and the appeal of nourishing, health-conscious meals.