Umji/ Kim Ye Won (VIVIZ/ former GFRIEND)

Welcome to the vibrant world of K-pop, where the journey of Umji, a South Korean singer known for her melodious voice and compelling stage presence, is a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of this global phenomenon. Born Kim Ye-won, Umji first captured the hearts of fans as the maknae (youngest member) of the popular girl group GFriend. Since her debut, she has not only showcased her talents in Korea but has also made a mark internationally, demonstrating her versatility as a vocalist and an English speaker. Umji’s career, from its inception with GFriend's hit "Glass Bead" to her ongoing evolution with VIVIZ, illustrates the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the fast-paced K-pop industry.

Umji's early life, highlighting her formative years in Incheon and her education at the School of Performing Arts Seoul, which set the foundation for her future in music. The narrative will then transition to her debut and significant contributions to GFriend, including overcoming challenges such as injuries and navigating the group's eventual disbandment. Umji’s artistic journey did not stop there; her solo activities and collaboration with artists like Eunha, SinB, and even Sunmi underscore her growth as an artist. Moreover, her transition to VIVIZ alongside her fellow GFriend members, her participation in shows like "King of Mask Singer" and "Weekly Idol," and her ventures into OSTs signify her enduring influence in the industry. Alongside Umji’s professional achievements, personal interests, and fun facts, including her admiration for "The Little Mermaid" and her unique ability as an English speaker, offer a more intimate glimpse into the life of this beloved K-pop idol.

Umji was born on August 19, 1998, in Yeonsu-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea, and is the youngest daughter in her family, having one older brother and one older sister. Her father is a dentist and the chairman of a renowned dental corporation in South Korea.

From an early age, Umji attended an English preschool, which contributed to her proficiency in the language. She completed her education at Shinsong Middle School in Incheon. Later, she graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the Theater Department in February 2017, alongside her groupmate, SinB. Her passion for singing and dancing was evident during her school years, and she was scouted by a Source Music staff member on the day of her orientation, which led to an invitation for an audition.

GFriend made their impactful entry into the K-pop scene with their debut extended play (EP), Season of Glass, released on January 15, 2015. The lead single, "Glass Bead," composed by Seo Yong-bae and Iggy, quickly gained attention, debuting at number twelve on Gaon's weekly chart . Their promotions began the very next day on KBS's Music Bank . The music video for "Glass Bead" was notably popular, securing the ninth spot on YouTube's list of the "Most Viewed K-Pop Videos Around the World in January 2015".

Following their debut, GFriend continued to build their reputation with the release of their second EP, Flower Bud, and the lead single "Me Gustas Tu" on July 23, 2015. The group's performance of "Me Gustas Tu" on a slippery stage, where they continued despite multiple falls, went viral, showcasing their professionalism and resilience. This incident not only captured international attention but also highlighted the dedication of the members, particularly Yuju, who endured several falls and a twisted finger during the performance. Their third EP, Snowflake, was introduced on January 25, 2016, led by the single "Rough," which was part of GFriend’s high school concept trilogy. The song "Rough" received widespread acclaim, securing multiple music show wins and achieving first place in Gaon Chart's First Half of 2016 chart rankings.

Umji, the youngest member of GFriend, encountered a significant health issue when she experienced pain in her leg. After a visit to the hospital, medical specialists diagnosed her with damaged leg muscle and tendon. Due to the severity of the injury, she was advised to take sufficient rest and receive appropriate treatment. As a result, it was decided that Umji would not participate in activities that could potentially strain the injured area.

The injury had a noticeable impact on Umji's participation in GFriend's scheduled activities. For most events following the diagnosis, only the other five members represented the group, as Umji focused on her recovery. During her recovery period, Umji took an opportunity to connect with fans and update them on her health status through a V Live App session. She expressed her gratitude for the support and reassured fans of her improving condition, promising to return soon with a healthier image. This period also coincided with the airing of "GFriend Loves Europe," a show Umji could not participate in due to her injury, highlighting the impact of her health challenges on her professional commitments.

Umji has actively participated in various radio and TV shows, significantly broadening her reach and influence beyond music. In 2018, she co-hosted the youth-oriented talk show Yogobara alongside Sanha from Astro. She also took on the role of DJ for Naver Now's "Avenger Girls" in April 2020, replacing her fellow group member Eunha. Additionally, her participation in King of Mask Singer in November 2017 showcased her vocal talents as she competed for two rounds.

Umji has contributed to several soundtracks for South Korean dramas, marking her presence in the industry as a solo artist. Her first soundtrack, "The Way," was for the drama Shopping King Louie in September 2016. She followed this with another track, "Welcome," for the drama Welcome in March 2020. Her involvement in music production extends to performing covers of popular songs, including "Madeleine Love" originally by Cheeze and "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae, both released in 2020.

Following the disbandment of GFRIEND, three former members, Eunha, SinB, and Umji, embarked on a new chapter. They signed with BPM Entertainment on October 6, 2021, and announced their re-debut as a three-member group under the name VIVIZ. This transition marked a significant shift in their careers, promising a fresh start and new opportunities in the K-pop industry.

VIVIZ made their official debut on February 9, 2022, with the release of their first extended play, Beam of Prism. Their debut was followed by a performance on Mnet's M Countdown on February 10, showcasing their continued appeal and talent. Within a week of their debut, VIVIZ achieved their first music show win on MBC M's Show Champion on February 16, highlighting their immediate impact and popularity. Additionally, their participation in the second season of Mnet's reality competition show Queendom was announced on February 21, further expanding their presence in the music industry.

Umji, as part of GFriend, received numerous accolades that highlighted their significant impact on the K-pop industry. Their first major award was the "Best New Female Artist" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards. Following this, they garnered the best new artist awards at prestigious ceremonies such as the Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. GFriend's excellence in performance was further recognized with awards like the "Best Dance Performance (Female Group)" at the 2016 Mnet Asian Music Awards and the "Best Dance (Female)" at the 2016 Melon Music Awards. Their track "Rough" was particularly celebrated, earning them the title of "20 Songs that received the love from the Bugs Channel" at the 2020 Bugs' 20th Anniversary Awards.

Transitioning to her activities with VIVIZ, Umji continued to achieve notable success. VIVIZ won the "Female Rookie Idol of the Year" at the 2022 Brand of the Year Awards and secured multiple wins at the 2023 Hanteo Music Awards, including "Emerging Artist" and "Popular Performance Group". Their influence and popularity were further cemented with awards like the "K-Global Hot Star Award" at the 2022 K-Global Heart Dream Awards and the "Universal Social Icon" at the 2024 Universal Superstar Awards. These achievements underscore Umji's continued relevance and adaptability in the evolving K-pop landscape.

Umji enjoys solitary activities such as walking in her garden alone and watching the sky in the morning. Her hobbies extend to cooking, where she finds joy in preparing meals. Despite her love for nature and the outdoors, she has a strong aversion to bugs and dust.

A fan of Disney, Umji's favorite movie is "The Little Mermaid," and she delights in singing Disney OSTs. Her admiration for fellow K-pop artist Sunmi is well-known, having performed Sunmi's "Gashina" on "Weekly Idol." Umji also shares a close friendship with Somi from I.O.I, highlighting her connections within the K-pop community.

Umji has openly discussed her journey with weight and body image, especially the challenges she faced with negative comments early in her career. By 2019, she had lost between 17.6 to 19.8 pounds through dedicated workouts focusing on her abs and waist. She encourages her fans to enjoy exercising as a form of self-care. Umji's diet includes healthy snacks like protein chips and various teas such as tangerine peel, hibiscus, and Pu'er, which help manage her appetite. Her approach to dieting has evolved from restrictive eating to incorporating nutritious options that sustain her throughout her busy schedule.

Through the exploration of Umji's journey from her early days in Incheon to her pivotal role in GFriend and her ongoing success with VIVIZ, it's evident that her career is a remarkable testament to resilience, adaptability, and continuous evolution within the K-pop industry. Her contributions, whether in the form of memorable performances, participation in various shows, or her personal growth and influence, highlight her multifaceted talent and enduring appeal. Such a trajectory not only underscores the challenges and triumphs associated with fame but also reflects the dynamic nature of K-pop itself. Umji's story, imbued with dedication and a quest for artistic expression, serves as an inspiring chapter in the wider narrative of contemporary music culture.

As we conclude, the significance of Umji's achievements extends beyond her individual success, impacting fans worldwide and contributing to the global recognition of K-pop. Her journey, marked by both challenges and milestones, suggests a bright future and further accomplishments. Encouraging further exploration and appreciation of Umji's talent, the narrative invites fans and newcomers alike to continue supporting her in upcoming endeavors. Such support not only celebrates her past achievements but also fuels the anticipation for what lies ahead in her promising career, illustrating the vibrant and ever-evolving world of K-pop that she continues to shape.