Umji/ Kim Ye Won (VIVIZ/ former GFRIEND)

Umji, a prominent figure in the K-pop scene, known for her enchanting voice and dynamic stage presence. Umji, originally named Kim Ye-won, has been a vital member of the South Korean girl groups GFriend and now VIVIZ. Her journey in the music industry began with GFriend under Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE Labels, marking their debut with the EP "Season of Glass" on January 16, 2015 . The group enjoyed considerable success until their disbandment in May 2021, following which Umji transitioned to VIVIZ, signing with BPM Entertainment alongside former GFriend members Eunha and SinB.

From her early days, Umji's educational background in the arts was solidified at the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where she graduated from the Theater Department. This foundation not only honed her artistic skills but also prepared her for the multifaceted challenges of the entertainment industry. Her fluency in English, nurtured from an English preschool, has been a significant asset in her international engagements .

Beyond her professional life, Umji's personal interests and family background provide a deeper insight into her character. She is the daughter of the CEO of Moa Dentist Group, which underscores a background of supportive and influential family dynamics. Her hobbies, including watching the sky and cooking, reflect her serene and introspective nature.

Umji's admiration for Disney, particularly "The Little Mermaid," aligns with her love for singing Disney OSTs, showcasing her playful and artistic side. Her close relationships within the industry, like her friendship with Somi from I.O.I, highlight her well-connected and sociable personality.

This introduction sets the stage for a deeper dive into Umji's professional milestones, her evolution as an artist, and her enduring impact on the K-pop industry, as we explore her career trajectory from GFriend to VIVIZ and beyond.

Umji was born on August 19, 1998, in Yeonsu-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea. She attended an English preschool, which contributed to her proficiency in the language. Umji later graduated from Shinsong Middle School in Incheon. Her passion for singing and dancing was evident from an early age, leading to her education at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the Theater Department, where she graduated in February 2017 alongside her groupmate, SinB.

Umji is the youngest daughter in her family, with one older brother and one older sister. Her father is a dentist and serves as the chairman of a renowned dental corporation in South Korea. This supportive family environment played a crucial role in her early life and subsequent career in the music industry.

Umji debuted as the youngest member of GFRIEND in 2015, a pivotal year that saw the group quickly rise to fame. She joined her fellow members in captivating fans with their refreshing concept and impressive synchronicity, highlighted by their professional work ethic during performances. At the tender age of 16, Umji's charm was enhanced by her long brown hair, styled with side bangs or a blunt fringe, which added to her girl-next-door appeal.

GFRIEND, one of the first K-pop groups to debut in 2015, made a significant impact with their catchy songs and incredible vocals. Their debut was marked by the release of the mini-album Season of Glass, and they quickly gained recognition on national charts. Umji’s early exposure to music through CDs from popular girl groups and her subsequent training in singing set a strong foundation for her career. Her passion was further nurtured at the Seoul School of Performing Arts, where she was scouted by Source Music during her orientation day, leading to her audition and selection for GFRIEND.

Umji faced significant challenges during her time with GFRIEND, notably a severe leg injury that necessitated a break from group activities. She experienced pain in her leg, leading to a diagnosis of damaged leg muscle and tendon. The medical advice was clear: Umji needed to rest and receive treatment, which resulted in her absence from several promotional activities. This period was critical for her recovery, as she focused on regaining her health without the added strain of performances.

Despite these setbacks, Umji's resilience shone through during her recovery and subsequent return to the stage. She made a notable comeback in October 2016, resuming activities with GFRIEND for the Melon Music Awards after a month of recovery. Furthermore, her participation in "King of Mask Singer" in November 2017 showcased her vocal strength, as she competed impressively for two rounds. These events marked significant milestones in Umji's career, underscoring her ability to overcome personal challenges and continue contributing to her group's success.

The journey of Umji, along with Eunha and SinB, took a significant turn when their contract with Source Music concluded in 2021. This marked the end of an era for GFriend, as the group unexpectedly disbanded at the peak of their popularity. The members were informed about the disbandment just a month before their contracts were due to end, which was as surprising for them as it was for their fans.

Shortly after leaving Source Music, Umji, Eunha, and SinB sought new beginnings and found a new home with BPM Entertainment. They signed contracts on October 6, 2021, and announced plans to debut as a three-member group named VIVIZ. This move was part of a broader strategy by BPM Entertainment to expand its influence in the entertainment industry, having already signed other well-known artists. The anticipation for VIVIZ was palpable, and their debut was met with significant attention, quickly rising to the top of real-time rapidly rising keywords on Melon immediately following their registration.

On October 6, 2021, Eunha, SinB, and Umji, former members of GFriend, signed with BPM Entertainment, marking a new chapter in their careers. They announced the formation of a new three-member group, VIVIZ, two days later, introducing a fresh identity to the K-pop scene.

VIVIZ made a significant impact with their debut, releasing their first extended play, Beam of Prism, on February 9, 2022. Their debut performance on Mnet's M Countdown the following day showcased their continued appeal and artistic growth. Within a week of their debut, VIVIZ achieved their first music show win on MBC M's Show Champion, signaling their strong presence in the competitive music industry. The group also participated in the second season of the Mnet reality competition show Queendom, where they finished in third place, further establishing their prowess.

GFriend's impressive array of accolades began with winning the "Best New Female Artist" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards. Their success continued as they clinched multiple new artist awards at significant events including the Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and Seoul Music Awards throughout 2016. Notably, their single "Rough" garnered several awards such as Song of the Year and Best Dance at various award shows, underscoring their impact in the K-pop industry.

Beyond their initial success, GFriend consistently earned recognition at various awards ceremonies over the years. They received the Artist of the Year (Bonsang) award at The Fact Music Awards in 2019 and were honored with the Best 3 New Artist (Asia) at the Japan Gold Disc Award in the same year. Their influence extended beyond Korea, as evidenced by their Rookie of the Year win at the YinYueTai V-Chart Awards. Each award not only highlighted their musical talents but also their significant role in promoting K-pop globally.

Umji, known for her love of Disney, particularly enjoys "The Little Mermaid" and often delights in singing Disney OSTs. She has a keen interest in music and plays both the piano and cello. Her hobbies extend to collecting cosmetic products, and despite her aversion to bugs, she appreciates solitary activities like walking in her garden and watching the sky. Umji is also an avid shopper and is often referred to as the "Parcel Delivery King" due to her frequent online purchases.

Born into a supportive and wealthy family, Umji's father is the CEO of Moa Dentist Group. She grew up with older siblings, which contributed to her mature demeanor from a young age. Umji's multilingual abilities include fluency in Japanese and English, and she even has an English name, Mary. Her religious beliefs are rooted in Christianity, specifically Protestantism, and her birth name, Yewon, signifies "A child that Jesus wants".

Umji's approach to health and fitness has evolved significantly over the years. Initially struggling with body image issues due to negative comments, she revealed a weight loss of 8-9 kg since her debut, achieved through dedicated workouts focusing on her abs and waist. Umji encourages her fans to enjoy exercising as a form of self-care. Her diet includes healthy snacks like protein chips and various teas, such as tangerine peel, hibiscus, and Pu'er, which help manage her appetite.

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.