ITZY Yeji Profile & Facts: From Trainee to K-pop's Most Powerful Leader

ITZY Yeji profile reveals a performer who transformed from a determined trainee to one of K-pop's most commanding group leaders. With her fierce stage presence and distinctive cat-like eyes, Yeji has certainly captured the attention of fans worldwide since ITZY's explosive debut in 2019.

Many fans are curious about various aspects of Yeji's identity, from how tall ITZY Yeji is to her background story. Her striking ITZY Yeji side profile has become iconic in the industry, while her Yeji profile pictures regularly trend on social media platforms. Additionally, beyond her visual appeal, Yeji's journey includes overcoming health challenges, rigorous training at JYP Entertainment, and developing the leadership skills that now define her role in one of K-pop's most dynamic girl groups.

Yeji's Basic Profile

Behind every K-pop idol stands a unique set of personal characteristics that shape their public persona. For ITZY's leader, these details paint a picture of the performer who has become a standout figure in the competitive world of K-pop.

Full name, birthday, and birthplace

Hwang Yeji (황예지) was born on May 26, 2000, making her a Gemini. Originally from Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, South Korea, Yeji represents her hometown with pride. Her birth name carries significant meaning in Korean culture - "Ye" can symbolize beauty or artistry, while "Ji" often relates to wisdom or knowledge, reflecting qualities that have become evident throughout her career.

As a 2000-liner (the term used for K-pop idols born in 2000), Yeji belongs to a generation of performers who grew up watching second and third-generation K-pop groups before debuting themselves. This positions her at an interesting juncture in K-pop history, having absorbed influences from earlier eras while helping define the current one.

How tall is ITZY Yeji?

Fans frequently search for details about Yeji's physical characteristics, particularly her height. According to official profiles, ITZY Yeji stands at approximately 167cm (5'6"), making her one of the taller members of her group. Her height complements her commanding stage presence, allowing her to execute ITZY's powerful choreography with impressive impact.

In the realm of K-pop girl groups, this height gives her a notable stature that enhances her leadership aura. Furthermore, her proportions contribute to her striking appearance in both performances and photoshoots, making her easily recognizable even in group formations.

Blood type, zodiac sign, and MBTI

Yeji has blood type A, which in Korean culture is often associated with traits like perfectionism, sensitivity, and responsibility—characteristics that align well with her role as ITZY's leader. As a Gemini (May 26), she embodies many typical traits of this air sign: adaptability, expressiveness, and intellectual curiosity.

Regarding her personality type, Yeji's MBTI is ENFJ, known as "The Protagonist." This personality type is characterized by natural leadership abilities, empathy, and a talent for inspiring others. ENFJs typically excel at understanding group dynamics and motivating team members—skills that prove essential in her position as ITZY's leader. This classification offers fans insight into how she might approach challenges and interact with fellow members behind the scenes.

Yeji profile picture and visual identity

Perhaps most distinctive about Yeji's appearance are her captivating cat-like eyes, which have become her signature feature. These feline eyes, combined with her sharp jawline, create an intense and memorable ITZY Yeji side profile that photographers often highlight during photoshoots. Her visual identity also includes her versatility with different hair colors and styles—from long blonde to vibrant red and even short cuts.

Yeji profile pictures frequently showcase her chameleon-like ability to transform between concepts. On stage, she projects fierce confidence, while off-stage Yeji photos reveal a softer, more approachable side to her personality. This duality has endeared her to fans who appreciate both her powerful performances and genuine moments.

Her distinctive facial features have earned her comparisons to a tiger or a cat, nicknames that reflect both her appearance and her powerful performance style. These animal comparisons extend beyond mere looks, capturing something essential about her energy and presence as a performer.

Early Life and Family Background

Though born in Seoul, South Korea on May 26, 2000, Yeji's formative years were spent in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, where she developed the foundation for her future career. Her journey from a small city to becoming a K-pop sensation reveals the resilience and determination that characterize her ITZY Yeji profile today.

Childhood in Jeonju

Surprisingly, despite her current status as ITZY's main dancer, Yeji initially "hated dancing" as a child. Instead, one of her childhood dreams was to become a footballer—though she later admitted she wasn't particularly skilled at the sport. Her interests eventually shifted toward performing arts, influenced by her older sister who inspired her to start dancing. Eventually, Yeji joined a local dance group and participated in various school performances, demonstrating early signs of the stage presence that would later define her career.

As she progressed through elementary school, Yeji began harboring dreams of becoming a singer. Although she continued living in Jeonju throughout her childhood, her passion for performing eventually led her to pursue opportunities in Seoul, where she attended a performing arts high school to further develop her talents.

Family support and early interests

Yeji's family played a crucial role in nurturing her artistic inclinations. Her household consists of her mother, father, and older sister, who collectively provided the emotional foundation for her career. Throughout various interviews, Yeji has mentioned that her family consistently encouraged her to pursue her dreams, regardless of the challenges ahead.

Despite Yeji's initial reluctance toward dancing, her mother recognized her potential and encouraged her to develop this skill. Moreover, her family's connections unexpectedly influenced her career path. At a family gathering, Yeji met WINNER's Mino—who is her "dad's friend's wife's nephew"—creating an interesting industry connection before her debut. During this encounter, Yeji's parents asked Mino to evaluate her performance skills. Demonstrating the confidence that would later characterize her as ITZY's leader, she boldly cleared space in the restaurant to showcase her abilities. Impressed by her talent, Mino suggested she audition in Seoul immediately.

Health struggles and recovery

Behind Yeji's current vibrant stage presence lies a story of significant health challenges. At age eight, what began as a common cold deteriorated into a life-threatening condition. After medication failed to improve her symptoms, her weakening condition prompted her mother to rush her to a hospital in Jeonju.

The situation quickly escalated in seriousness. Doctors at the Jeonju hospital immediately recognized the severity of her condition and recommended transfer to a university hospital. Soon after, Yeji's grandfather traveled from Seoul to Jeonju to help transport her to a specialized facility in the capital.

Following extensive testing, doctors diagnosed Yeji with not just one but three potentially fatal conditions: pneumonia (a lung infection), osteomyelitis (a bone infection), and septic shock. Her yearlong hospitalization represents perhaps the most challenging period of her young life. Although doctors initially considered surgery, they fortunately found antibiotics that worked for her condition, allowing her to undergo a minor procedure instead of major surgery.

Only years later did Yeji learn the full gravity of her situation—her mother had been advised to "prepare for the worst" as there was a chance her daughter might not survive. Nonetheless, Yeji made a complete recovery, later noting that her health has been excellent since that harrowing experience.

Yeji's Journey as a JYP Trainee

The path from aspiring performer to K-pop idol requires exceptional dedication and perseverance. For Yeji, this journey revealed the determination that would ultimately make her an outstanding group leader.

How she joined JYP Entertainment

Yeji's formal entry into the K-pop training system began with an unexpected opportunity. After her impressive impromptu performance for WINNER's Mino at a family gathering, she decided to pursue professional training. Rather than following the conventional route of attending multiple auditions, Yeji directly approached JYP Entertainment – one of South Korea's "Big 3" entertainment companies known for producing successful groups like Wonder Girls, 2PM, and TWICE.

In 2015, at just 15 years old, she participated in an open audition for JYP Entertainment. Her natural talent shone through as she showcased both dancing and singing abilities. What particularly impressed the judges was her charismatic stage presence – a quality that would later become her trademark in ITZY Yeji profile highlights. The company recognized her potential immediately, offering her a coveted trainee position.

Training duration and challenges

Yeji's trainee period spanned approximately three years – from 2015 until ITZY's debut in February 2019. This timeframe represented an intense period of development where she honed her dancing, singing, and performance skills through rigorous daily training.

Like most K-pop trainees, Yeji faced substantial challenges during this period. The training regimen at JYP Entertainment is notoriously demanding, often including:

12+ hour practice days combining dance, vocal, and language lessons
Monthly evaluations determining whether trainees continue with the company
Competitive environments where trainees are constantly compared
Strict lifestyle regulations regarding diet, appearance, and social activities

Throughout this process, Yeji demonstrated remarkable resilience. She particularly focused on perfecting her dance skills, eventually becoming recognized for her powerful performance style. Her persistence through the grueling training period demonstrated the work ethic that would subsequently earn her the position of group leader.

First public appearance on 'The Fan'

Prior to ITZY's official debut, Yeji made her first significant public appearance on SBS's survival show 'The Fan' in late 2018. This program featured aspiring performers being evaluated by established Korean celebrities. For many fans, this marked their introduction to the performer who would soon become ITZY's leader.

On the show, Yeji performed BLACKPINK's "DDU-DU DDU-DU," immediately capturing attention with her commanding stage presence and precise choreography. Her distinctive cat-like eyes and sharp expressions – now signature elements of her itzy yeji side profile – made a strong impression on both the judges and viewers.

Notably, she impressed veteran artists including Sunmi (former Wonder Girls member) who recognized her potential. Although Yeji didn't win the competition, her participation served crucial purposes:

It provided valuable performance experience before her official debut
It introduced her to potential fans who would later support ITZY
It demonstrated JYP Entertainment's confidence in her abilities by allowing her public exposure

Throughout her appearance on 'The Fan,' viewers witnessed glimpses of the performer who would shortly captivate audiences worldwide. The experience undoubtedly helped prepare her for the intense spotlight that would follow ITZY's debut just months later.

Debut with ITZY and Initial Impact

After years of rigorous training, Yeji's moment to shine arrived as JYP Entertainment officially announced their newest girl group. The anticipation surrounding this new team would quickly transform into unprecedented success, with Yeji at the helm.

Debut date and song

On January 20, 2019, JYP Entertainment revealed Yeji as the leader of their new five-member girl group ITZY. Just over three weeks later, on February 12, 2019, ITZY made their official debut with the release of their first single album titled "It'z Different". The album's lead single "Dalla Dalla" incorporated diverse musical elements including EDM genres—specifically a bass house verse, electro house chorus, and trap bridge.

The song's empowering lyrics celebrating self-confidence resonated strongly with audiences. Musically, "Dalla Dalla" represented a fresh take on the increasingly popular "girl crush" concept, which traded bubblegum pop for powerful anthems focused on self-assurance. This strategic positioning helped ITZY carve out their own distinct space in the crowded K-pop landscape.

Public reaction to her performance

The public response to ITZY's debut—and Yeji's performance in particular—was nothing short of extraordinary. Within 24 hours of its release, the music video for "Dalla Dalla" accumulated an astonishing 17.1 million views on YouTube. This remarkable achievement broke the record for the most viewed K-pop debut music video within 24 hours.

Commercially, "Dalla Dalla" proved equally successful, peaking at number two on three major charts: the Circle Digital Chart, Billboard K-pop Hot 100, and US World Digital Songs chart. In fact, Billboard confirmed that the song represented one of the biggest debuts for a new K-pop act in years. The song ultimately became the best-performing girl group track of the year in South Korea.

Perhaps most impressively, ITZY secured their first music show win on M Countdown merely eight days after their debut—setting a new record for the fastest time a girl group had ever achieved their first music show victory. The song went on to win on music shows nine times total, and the music video became the fastest K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube at that time.

Yeji's role in ITZY's early success

As the officially designated leader, Yeji played a pivotal role in ITZY's immediate success. Her previous exposure on "The Fan," where she had been described by 2PM's Junho as "JYP's secret weapon," had already created buzz around her talents. This anticipation translated into heightened interest when she took center stage with ITZY.

Yeji's powerful dance abilities and charismatic stage presence became defining elements of ITZY's performance style. Her fierce facial expressions and precise movements helped establish the group's reputation for dynamic performances. As leader, she not only showcased her own talents but also helped coordinate the group's cohesive presentation.

By the end of 2019, ITZY had accomplished what few rookie groups manage—they embarked on an Asian tour visiting major cities including Macau, Bangkok, and Singapore. The group's remarkable first year culminated in numerous accolades, including several Best New Female Artist awards at prestigious ceremonies like the 2019 Melon Music Awards and the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards.

For a group that had debuted less than a year prior, ITZY enjoyed an exceptionally swift ascent to fame, with many industry observers noting that Yeji's leadership capabilities and performance skills were instrumental factors in their meteoric rise.

Why Yeji is Called K-pop's Most Powerful Leader

Among the current generation of K-pop girl group leaders, Hwang Yeji stands out for her distinctive approach to leadership. Her ITZY Yeji profile often highlights how she balances authority with empathy, creating a group dynamic that has propelled ITZY to remarkable success.

Leadership style and group dynamics

Yeji's leadership philosophy centers on leading by example rather than command. As the eldest member of ITZY by just a few months, she navigates the delicate balance of being an authority figure while maintaining peer relationships. Her approach combines firm guidance with genuine humility—a quality that emerges in interviews where she often redirects praise to her teammates.

On variety shows, viewers witness her quiet confidence that commands respect without demanding it. Unlike more vocal or dominant leadership styles seen in other groups, Yeji's power lies in her consistency and reliability. Meanwhile, her perfectionist tendencies manifest in meticulous attention to performance details, setting a high standard that elevates the entire group's presentation.

How she supports other members

Behind the scenes, Yeji's supportive nature forms the foundation of ITZY's group chemistry. In practice rooms, she's often the first to arrive and last to leave, creating a work ethic that inspires her members. Beyond technical guidance, she provides emotional support—a trait visible in how she positions herself during challenging interviews, often taking difficult questions to shield younger members.

Her approach to member development demonstrates remarkable emotional intelligence. For instance, with Chaeryeong's acknowledged stage fright, Yeji consistently positions herself nearby during performances, offering reassuring glances that boost confidence. Similarly, with Yuna, the youngest member, Yeji balances guidance with encouragement of her natural brightness.

Examples of her decision-making and presence

Perhaps most telling of Yeji's leadership quality is her crisis management. During a technical malfunction at their first major award show performance, Yeji calmly redirected the group, maintaining professionalism that belied their rookie status. This composure under pressure has become her trademark.

In practice environments, her decision-making process typically involves soliciting input from all members before making final choreography or formation adjustments. This collaborative approach fosters ownership while maintaining direction. Nevertheless, in time-sensitive situations, she demonstrates decisive action—such as during their "WANNABE" comeback when last-minute changes required quick adaptations.

Beyond official schedules, itzy yeji profile interviews reveal how she organizes team dinners and activities to strengthen bonds. These seemingly small actions build the group cohesion visible in their synchronized performances and natural interactions during interviews.

Performance Skills and Stage Presence

Examining Yeji's technical abilities reveals why she's frequently described as an "all-rounder" in the competitive K-pop industry. Her combination of dance precision, vocal versatility, and magnetic stage presence establishes her as one of the most complete performers of her generation.

Dance abilities and choreography

Yeji's dance style is characterized by several distinctive elements that set her apart from peers. Above all, her execution features remarkably sharp movements that create powerful visual impact. Her body consistently forms precise angles when dancing, contributing to the clean lines that make her performances so captivating. This sharpness, coupled with her exceptional timing, allows her to execute choreography with military precision.

Another key point in Yeji's dancing is her extraordinary stamina, which enables her to maintain high energy throughout demanding performances. This endurance becomes especially evident during ITZY's more physically challenging routines, where she demonstrates consistent power from beginning to end.

Markedly impressive is Yeji's ability to perform complex choreography while wearing high heels. During one viral Inkigayo performance of "Cheshire," she flawlessly executed intricate footwork in thin high heels, prompting fans to create "heels-focused" fancams highlighting this remarkable skill. Her ability to make difficult movements appear effortless demonstrates technical mastery beyond basic choreography.

Vocal and rap contributions

In addition to her dance prowess, Yeji holds the position of main vocalist alongside her leadership responsibilities. Her vocal style complements ITZY's energetic music with its versatility and strength. By comparison with other members, Yeji typically receives substantial line distribution in songs, attributed to her ability to handle both singing and rapping parts.

Essentially, what distinguishes Yeji vocally is not necessarily technical virtuosity but rather her adaptability across different musical styles. Her voice serves the group's concept effectively, with enough power to carry key moments in performances without overpowering the group's collective sound.

Notable live performances

Yeji's performance abilities have shone through several standout stages throughout her career. One particularly memorable showcase was ITZY's 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) performance, where the group presented rearranged versions of "Loco" and "Mafia in the Morning". The performance highlighted both Yeji's leadership in group formations and her individual charisma.

In March 2025, Yeji released the dance practice video for "Air," offering fans an unfiltered view of her choreography skills. This video specifically showcased her "razor-sharp formations" and impressive dance moves throughout the song.

For audiences seeking evidence of her versatility, Yeji's cover of Dua Lipa's "Hotter Than Hell" during ITZY's November 2022 performance at MGM Music Hall demonstrated her ability to interpret Western pop music through her distinctive performance style. Such performances continue to reinforce her reputation as a dancer with exceptional technical skill and captivating stage presence.

Visuals and Public Image

Yeji's distinctive appearance has become a defining element of her identity in the K-pop industry. Beyond her talents, her visual characteristics have captivated fans and media alike.

ITZY Yeji side profile and unique features

Yeji's most striking feature is undoubtedly her cat-like eyes that immediately draw attention. These expressive eyes, coupled with her sharp jawline, create what fans consider an absolutely perfect side profile. Indeed, her side profile has been described as "a work of art" and "ridiculously beautiful" by admirers. Her unique facial structure gives her versatility in expressions—appearing fierce during performances yet soft and approachable off-stage.

Many fans and media outlets compare her to feline creatures, with Korean media often referring to her as a "charming cat." Dispatch even named her the "Cat of Truth," acknowledging her as the most genuinely cat-like visual among similar idols. Interestingly, her eyebrow shape significantly transformed her image over time. During pre-debut appearances on "The Fan," she sported straight, short eyebrows typical of Korean beauty standards, projecting an innocent image. Her debut look featured more arched brows, giving her the charismatic, fierce appearance now associated with her.

Fashion sense and styling

Yeji's fashion choices typically blend comfort with bold statements, reflecting her multifaceted personality. As a sartorial icon in development, she gravitates toward edgy street style aesthetics mixed with understated glamour. Her casual looks often feature oversized pieces, tank tops paired with loose-fitting bottoms, and a fondness for snapback hats.

For performances, Yeji frequently sports a tight, high ponytail that enhances her sharp features while allowing her dynamic movements to shine. This hairstyle has become somewhat iconic, contrasting with the softer, flowing hair she occasionally displays in photoshoots.

How fans and media describe her visuals

Fans consistently praise Yeji for being photogenic yet even more stunning in person. A common sentiment is that "no pictures have truly captured her beautiful facial features". Generally, her visual appeal is described as having a captivating "duality"—projecting a "cold beauty" image when expressionless yet revealing a gentle, warm personality when smiling.

Korean netizens frequently comment on the uniqueness of her features, with observations like: "She has such unique features. I can't look away" and "She really looks like a cute desert fox!". This distinctiveness has helped Yeji stand out in an industry often criticized for promoting similar beauty standards.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Trivia

Beyond her powerful performances and leadership skills, Yeji's personality shines through in the little details that make her uniquely charming. Peeling back the layers of her public persona reveals delightful insights into the person behind the ITZY Yeji profile.

Nicknames and their meanings

Throughout her career, Yeji has accumulated various nicknames that reflect different aspects of her personality. Fans affectionately call her "EomYeJi" (엄청 예쁜 예지), which translates to "very beautiful Yeji" – a testament to her striking visuals. Among her group members, she's occasionally called "Grandma" for her mature demeanor, while "Passionate Yeji" highlights her dedication to perfection.

Within the entertainment industry, she earned the title "performance master" – a nickname she reportedly loves. Other endearing monikers include "Yesco," "YejiSarang," and "Yedori," each capturing different facets of her multidimensional personality.

Favorite foods and hobbies

Concerning culinary preferences, Yeji demonstrates an eclectic palate. Her favorite foods span a wide range, including snacks, cold noodles, curry, pickled radish, blood sausages, and various meats. Additionally, she enjoys sweet potato, cream cheese, seafood, and fruits.

Conversely, she avoids several foods: mushrooms, perilla soup, coriander, perilla leaf, bellflower, ginger, dark chocolate, coffee, and hot drinks in general.

As for leisure activities, Yeji finds joy in writing diary entries at night – a practice that likely helps her process the whirlwind of idol life. Furthermore, she enjoys watching fantasy movies, with favorites including the "Twilight" and "Maze Runner" series, "Hunger Games," "About Time," "La La Land," and "Miracle in Cell No. 7."

Hidden talents and quirks

Beneath her polished public image, Yeji possesses several surprising talents. She plays piano and excels at PC games. Interestingly, she serves as the designated bug-catcher for ITZY. Her physical abilities extend beyond dancing – she can perform somersaults and flips with ease.

Perhaps most unexpectedly, she once dreamed of becoming a footballer in her childhood and initially "hated dancing." In contrast to her fierce stage presence, she still holds her doll while sleeping – a charming glimpse of vulnerability behind the powerful performer fans admire.