Who is Arin (OH MY GIRL)? Profile & Career Story

Arin OH MY GIRL captured hearts when she debuted as the youngest member of the popular K-pop group in April 2015. Known affectionately as "Princess Arin" for her grace and charming smile, Choi Ye-won has evolved from a rookie idol to a multifaceted entertainer since joining WM Entertainment in 2013.

Beyond her contributions to OH MY GIRL's discography, this Busan-born idol has expanded her career significantly. She became an MC on "Music Bank" alongside TXT's Soobin in July 2020, ventured into acting with roles in the hit drama "Alchemy of Souls," and demonstrated remarkable generosity by donating millions of won to support youth causes. Additionally, Arin participated in the sub-unit OH MY GIRL BANHANA, which debuted in April 2018 with "Banana Allergy Monkey." Standing at 165 cm tall, this 1999-born kpop idol balances her shy personality with professional confidence, proving herself as an essential member of OH MY GIRL while building an impressive individual career.

Arin’s Basic Profile

Born with captivating charm and youthful elegance, Arin has become one of the most recognizable faces in K-pop today. Her journey from trainee to beloved idol reveals a multifaceted personality that fans have come to cherish over the years.

Full name, stage name, and birth details

Choi Ye-won (최예원), known professionally by her stage name Arin (아린), entered the world on June 18, 1999, making her a Gemini. Born and raised in Busan, South Korea, she represents her hometown with pride through her achievements in the entertainment industry. As the maknae (youngest member) of OH MY GIRL, she brings a fresh energy to the group despite joining WM Entertainment as a trainee relatively late compared to some of her groupmates.

Her birth name, Choi Ye-won, carries beautiful meaning in Korean, with elements that reflect brightness and promise—fitting for someone whose career continues to shine brightly. Interestingly, her stage name "Arin" was carefully selected to highlight her pure and innocent image, which has become a cornerstone of her public persona throughout her career.

Height, weight, and blood type

Standing at approximately 165 cm (5'5"), Arin possesses a petite yet graceful frame that complements her elegant stage presence. Her weight is maintained around 46 kg (101 lbs), though like most idols, this may fluctuate slightly depending on comeback schedules and activities.

Arin's blood type is A, which in Korean culture is often associated with characteristics like being organized, calm, and perfectionistic—traits that seem to align with her methodical approach to her career and the precision she brings to performances. Throughout her years in the industry, she has maintained exceptional physical condition despite the demanding schedule of idol life, demonstrating her commitment to health and professionalism.

Instagram and fan nickname

For fans looking to follow Arin's daily life and career highlights, her official Instagram account (@ye_rin_o) serves as a window into both her professional activities and personal moments. Her account features a curated collection of behind-the-scenes glimpses, fashion highlights, and interactions with fellow OH MY GIRL members, allowing fans to feel connected to her journey beyond music show appearances.

Furthermore, Arin is affectionately called "Princess Arin" by fans worldwide—a nickname that perfectly encapsulates her elegant demeanor and fairy-tale-like beauty. This endearing title emerged naturally as fans observed her grace and poise both on and off stage. The nickname has become so firmly established that even industry professionals and variety show hosts often reference it when introducing her.

OH MY GIRL's fandom, known collectively as "Miracle," embraces Arin as their beloved maknae, often praising her for balancing her natural shyness with professional confidence. Moreover, her interactions with fans, characterized by genuine warmth and appreciation, have cemented her reputation as one of the most approachable idols in the industry.

Fun Facts That Define Arin

Beyond the spotlight and carefully crafted stage presence, Arin of OH MY GIRL reveals herself through small yet telling details that showcase her authentic personality. The contrast between her public image and private character provides fans with a multifaceted understanding of who she truly is.

Her favorite color, food, and animal

Behind the cameras and performances, Arin gravitates toward simple yet defining preferences that reflect her character. Her favorite color is pink, a choice that aligns perfectly with her gentle and feminine image. When it comes to food, her tastes remain refreshingly uncomplicated – she particularly enjoys rice and chicken, eschewing extravagance for comfort and familiarity.

Interestingly, when asked about animals, Arin consistently identifies with rabbits. This connection extends beyond mere appreciation, as she specifically chose the rabbit when asked which animal would best represent her personality. This preference offers subtle insight into how she perceives herself – gentle, somewhat timid, and possessing an innate sweetness that resonates with fans.

Her spirit animal and personality quirks

Although widely known as "Princess Arin" for her exceptional grace and kindness, the real Choi Ye-won differs significantly from her polished public persona. She describes herself as notably calm and reserved, particularly in unfamiliar settings. In fact, Arin has confessed she tends to speak very little when outside her comfort zone and generally prefers solitude to social gatherings.

This shyness stands in stark contrast to the "maknae" image often projected onto her – the expectation of aegyo (cuteness) and extroverted charm differs considerably from her authentic self. Nevertheless, those close to her know she possesses a surprisingly loud and hearty laugh that emerges when truly comfortable.

Her hobbies further illustrate this duality. She enjoys coordinating outfits, demonstrating her eye for aesthetics, but also loves quiet moments watching movies while eating caramel popcorn. Furthermore, Arin has revealed she enjoys playing PUBG Mobile in her downtime, and counts "The Kissing Booth" among her favorite films.

Apart from these personal preferences, Arin possesses unique talents within the group – she can skillfully imitate her bandmate Mimi, showcasing a playful side that fans rarely glimpse. At the same time, she's often entrusted with "killing parts" in songs, particularly evident in "Secret Garden," highlighting the trust her company places in her performance abilities despite her reserved nature.

Her favorite Oh My Girl song

When asked about her favorite song from Oh My Girl's extensive discography, Arin consistently names "Illusion." This dreamy, ethereal track from the group's first studio album perfectly complements her aesthetic sensibilities and perhaps resonates with her introspective personality.

Her preference for this particular song offers another window into understanding Arin – underneath the carefully maintained public image lies an artist drawn to depth and nuance rather than just catchy hooks. The song's lyrical themes of fantasy and perception mirror the duality between her public persona and private self, creating a meaningful connection between her artistic expression and personal identity.

Early Life and Education

Before stepping into the spotlight as an OH MY GIRL member, Arin's journey began in the coastal city that shaped her early years and educational path. Her formative experiences prior to idol life reveal the foundations that would later support her successful career.

Growing up in Busan

The roots of Choi Ye-won's story trace back to Busan, South Gyeongnam, South Korea. Unlike many K-pop idols who grew up in Seoul, Arin's upbringing in this vibrant port city undoubtedly influenced her perspective and character. Busan, known for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and distinct dialect, represents an important part of her identity that she carries with her throughout her career.

The future idol spent her childhood years in this coastal metropolis before eventually relocating to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry. Throughout interviews, she occasionally references her Busan background, showing pride in her hometown heritage. This connection to her roots remains evident even as she navigates the fast-paced world of K-pop.

Schooling at Dongduk and SOPA

Arin's educational journey began conventionally before transitioning into the specialized path often taken by aspiring entertainers. Initially, she attended Dongduk Middle School, laying the groundwork for her academic development during these crucial formative years.

Subsequently, as her career aspirations took shape, she enrolled at the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). This specialized institution has become a well-known training ground for many of South Korea's most successful entertainers, offering curricula tailored to students pursuing careers in the arts alongside standard academic subjects.

During her time at SOPA, Arin found herself among peers who would likewise make their mark in the entertainment industry. Indeed, her classmates included several now-prominent figures: Kang Mina from Gugudan, Mark from NCT, and Xeheun from GIRLKIND. This environment undoubtedly provided valuable networking opportunities and shared experiences with others navigating similar career paths.

Friendship with Jiho and school memories

Beyond academic development, Arin's school years were marked by meaningful relationships with fellow trainees and future idols. Especially noteworthy was her connection with Laun from ONF, another group under WM Entertainment. The two reportedly formed a close friendship as they were not only under the same agency but also placed in the same class during their high school days.

This friendship exemplifies the unique experience of idol trainees who balance intense training schedules with educational responsibilities. According to reports, both Arin and Laun entered WM Entertainment around the same time, spending years as trainees together before debuting in their respective groups.

Such connections illustrate how the trainee experience creates bonds that transcend individual group affiliations. For many young idols, these friendships provide essential support during the challenging preparation period before debut. In Arin's case, having familiar faces at both school and the company likely eased her transition into the demanding world of K-pop.

The graduation ceremony for SOPA became a milestone moment where these friendships were publicly displayed. As photos from the event circulated, fans could glimpse the genuine connections formed during these formative years—connections that would continue even as each idol followed their own path in the industry.

Debut with OH MY GIRL

The training-to-debut journey marks a critical period for any K-pop idol, shaping their skills and identity before meeting the public. For Arin, this transformative phase began two years before she would stand on stage as OH MY GIRL's beloved maknae.

Joining WM Entertainment in 2013

Arin's path toward stardom officially commenced when she joined WM Entertainment as a trainee in 2013. At this point, the company was already established in the K-pop landscape with boy group B1A4 but had yet to debut a girl group. During her trainee period, she underwent the rigorous preparation typical of K-pop aspirants—vocal training, dance practice, performance skills, and personality development.

Throughout these formative years, Arin trained alongside others who would eventually become her groupmates. This period was crucial in developing not only her performance abilities but also the group chemistry that would later define OH MY GIRL. Ultimately, after approximately two years of training, she was selected as one of the eight original members for WM Entertainment's first-ever girl group.

Official debut in 2015

The culmination of Arin's training arrived when OH MY GIRL officially debuted on April 20, 2015. The group released their eponymous extended play, which included the single "Cupid". This marked a significant milestone for both Arin personally and WM Entertainment, as OH MY GIRL became the company's first girl group.

Following their official release, the group held their debut showcase on the same day, allowing fans to see them perform live for the first time. Thereafter, Arin and her groupmates made their broadcast debut on SBS MTV's The Show on April 21, 2015, officially introducing themselves to the wider K-pop audience.

Interestingly, OH MY GIRL was positioned and publicized as the "sister group" to their label-mates B1A4, creating an immediate connection to an established act that helped draw initial attention to the rookie group. The group initially consisted of eight members before eventually becoming a seven-member outfit after JinE's departure in 2017, and subsequently a six-member group following Jiho's exit in 2022.

Role in the group and sub-unit

Within OH MY GIRL, Arin established her position as the group's maknae (youngest member), as well as taking on the roles of lead dancer and sub-vocalist. Her youthful energy and dancing abilities became valuable assets to the group's performances and overall image.

Subsequently, Arin's versatility was showcased when she debuted as part of OH MY GIRL's first sub-unit, OH MY GIRL BANHANA, on April 2, 2018. This sub-unit, consisting of Arin alongside members Hyojung and Yubin (formerly known as Binnie), released their pop-up album titled "Banana Allergy Monkey". The formation of this sub-unit demonstrated the company's confidence in Arin's abilities and appeal, selecting her to represent the main group in this specialized project.

Through both her main group activities and sub-unit promotions, Arin steadily developed her performance skills and public image. From trainee to debut artist to sub-unit member, each stage represented significant growth in her career trajectory, establishing her as an integral part of OH MY GIRL's identity and success story.

Arin’s Solo Activities and MC Roles

While contributing to OH MY GIRL's musical success, Arin has steadily built an impressive solo career that showcases her versatility beyond singing and dancing. Her individual activities highlight different facets of her talent that complement her group identity.

Hosting Music Bank with Soobin

July 2020 marked a significant milestone in Arin's career when she was appointed as an official MC for KBS's "Music Bank" alongside TXT's Soobin. This prestigious position on one of South Korea's most prominent music shows catapulted her visibility to new heights. The pairing quickly became a fan favorite, with viewers affectionately dubbing them the "Dolphin Duo" after their viral reaction to WJSN Chocome's "Hmph!"

Their chemistry as co-hosts garnered substantial attention, consequently leading to the creation of compilation videos that accumulated millions of views. Their hosting stint lasted for approximately one year, during which they interviewed numerous artists and presented weekly music charts with charm and professionalism.

Throughout this period, Arin demonstrated remarkable growth in her public speaking abilities. Initially hesitant and visibly nervous during her early broadcasts, she gradually developed confidence and a natural presence that impressed both viewers and industry professionals alike. This evolution from shy group maknae to poised MC illustrated her dedication to personal growth.

Public image as 'Princess Arin'

Even before her "Music Bank" appointment, Arin had cultivated a distinctive public image that set her apart in the crowded K-pop landscape. The moniker "Princess Arin" emerged organically among fans who recognized her elegant demeanor and refined beauty.

This princess-like image has been reinforced through various photoshoots and appearances. Fashion brands frequently select her for endorsements that highlight her graceful aesthetic and youthful charm. Meanwhile, her visual appeal earned recognition beyond the K-pop sphere when she ranked 69th in TC Candler's "100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2018," an annual international ranking.

In variety show appearances, Arin often embraces this princess concept with good humor, yet simultaneously works to show dimensions beyond this one-dimensional characterization. Her willingness to participate in challenging or unfamiliar situations on programs like "Idol Star Athletics Championships" reveals her determination to expand public perception beyond mere visual appeal.

Her calm and shy personality on screen

Beneath the polished princess image lies Arin's authentic personality—markedly more reserved than her stage persona might suggest. Industry professionals consistently describe her as unusually calm and collected, particularly given her young age and the pressures of the entertainment industry.

This inherent shyness becomes apparent in interview settings where Arin typically speaks less than her groupmates, preferring to listen attentively before offering thoughtful responses. Furthermore, this reserved nature initially presented challenges during her early solo appearances, where she struggled with the spotlight's singular focus.

Nevertheless, producers and directors frequently praise her professionalism and ability to overcome natural reticence when performing required tasks. Her "Music Bank" co-host Soobin once mentioned in an interview that despite her quiet demeanor off-camera, Arin transforms when necessary, demonstrating remarkable adaptability.

This duality between her shy personal nature and professional performance capabilities illustrates the complexity behind her seemingly effortless grace. Above all, it reveals the substantial work ethic that allows her to thrive in individual activities despite natural introversion—a quality that continues to earn respect from colleagues and fans alike.

Acting Career and Web Dramas

Expanding her repertoire beyond idol activities, Arin has increasingly ventured into acting, steadily building a filmography that showcases her versatility as an entertainer. Her transition from stage to screen demonstrates her ambition to grow beyond the boundaries of being just an OH MY GIRL member.

Debut in 'The World of My 17'

Arin officially made her acting debut in April 2020 with the web drama "The World of My 17". In this coming-of-age series, she portrayed the character Oh Na-ri, taking on a main role for her first acting project. This debut marked an important milestone in her career diversification, allowing fans to see a different side of the typically shy performer.

The high school comedy drama provided Arin with a suitable entry point into acting, as the setting aligned with her youthful image yet challenged her to develop characterization skills beyond singing and dancing. This role served as a foundation upon which she would build her acting credentials in subsequent years.

Roles in 'Urban Myths' and 'Alchemy of Souls'

After her debut, Arin expanded her acting portfolio with a role in "Urban Myths," an omnibus-style horror film released in 2022. In this anthology of ten episodes featuring urban legends and ghost stories, she played Ji Hyun, a student who faces bullying after her classmate's suicide. During the film's press conference, Arin expressed her fascination with the horror genre, stating "I originally really like the horror genre".

Even more prominently, Arin secured a supporting role in tvN's hit fantasy period drama "Alchemy of Souls". She portrayed Jin Cho Yeon, the youngest daughter of the Jin family, described as immature yet pure-hearted despite her glamorous appearance. This character, who had eyes only for Jang Wook (Lee Jae Wook), allowed Arin to showcase emotional range across the series' two parts. Interestingly, the filming process spanned approximately one year, creating a deep connection between Arin and her character.

Upcoming projects in 2025

Looking ahead, Arin's acting career continues to flourish with several exciting projects. She is set to walk the pink carpet at the Cannes International Series Festival for her drama "S Line," which received an official invitation to compete in the long-form category. In this series, she takes on the role of Hyun Heup, a high school student with the unique ability to see the "S-Line" since birth.

Concurrently, she's working on "My Girlfriend Is the Man!" (alternatively titled "My Boyfriend Is a Men's Man"), where she plays the character Kim Ji Eun. These upcoming projects indicate Arin's commitment to developing her acting career alongside her continued work with OH MY GIRL.

Through these roles, Arin has steadily built credibility as an actress while maintaining her identity as a member of OH MY GIRL. Her acting journey demonstrates how K-pop idols can successfully branch into different entertainment fields, creating multifaceted careers that extend beyond their original debut platforms.

Brand Endorsements and Collaborations

Beyond her musical and acting endeavors, Arin has established herself as a sought-after brand ambassador, leveraging her public appeal to represent various companies across different industries.

Partnerships with Clarins, BYC, and Pepsi

Arin's commercial portfolio expanded significantly when she became a global brand muse for French beauty brand Clarins in July 2020. Before securing this prestigious role, she had already collaborated with the brand on various projects, eventually earning the official title of Brand Ambassador. Her radiant skin and professional modeling for Clarins skincare products captivated readers in the August 2020 issue of Dazed magazine, which notably marked her first beauty pictorial.

In March 2020, Arin became the brand model for South Korean clothing brand BYC, Korea's first underwear manufacturer. Her partnership proved remarkably successful, as BYC reported their sales increased by 26.4% after selecting Arin as their exclusive model. Their "Body Dry Arin Cool Wear" collection sold out quickly, demonstrating her marketing influence. Respecting her youthful image, BYC strategically featured Arin modeling loungewear and pajamas rather than the undergarments themselves.

Additionally, Arin joined Pepsi's promotional campaign in June 2022, participating in the single "Blue & Black" alongside fellow OH MY GIRL member Hyojung, IVE's Wonyoung and Leeseo, and CRAVITY's Serim and Jungmo. This collaboration marked the first track of the "2022 PEPSI X STARSHIP CAMPAIGN".

Modeling for Luna: Moonlight Chronicles

In August 2023, Arin added another endorsement to her growing portfolio when she was selected as an advertising model for the South Korean mobile MMORPG Luna: Moonlight Chronicles. This partnership highlighted her appeal beyond conventional fashion and beauty sectors, extending into the rapidly growing gaming industry.

Promoting Busan Expo 2030

Furthermore, Arin took on a patriotic role in July 2022 when she was appointed as a promotional model for Busan's bid to host World Expo 2030. This campaign aligned her with Hyundai Motor Group's extensive promotion efforts, which included operating a fleet of 58 vehicles wrapped with Busan's World Expo logo at high-profile events like the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Her selection for this nationally significant campaign underscored her growing recognition as a public figure capable of representing Korean interests on an international stage.

Philanthropy and Public Impact

Behind the glamour of stage performances and television appearances, Arin's compassionate nature shines through her consistent philanthropic efforts. The OH MY GIRL member has quietly built a remarkable record of giving that reflects her genuine concern for vulnerable communities.

Donations to elderly and youth causes

Arin has demonstrated particular dedication to supporting young adults facing housing challenges. In 2023, she donated 30 million won to The Beautiful Foundation specifically to help orphaned youth secure stable housing after leaving care facilities. This contribution marked her third consecutive year supporting the foundation, bringing her cumulative donations to an impressive 100 million won. By 2025, her total donations reached 120 million won.

Her philanthropic efforts extend to elderly citizens as well. In January 2021, she donated goods worth 10 million won to the Community Chest of Korea, providing 563 sets of undergarments to help senior citizens living alone stay warm during winter. Remarkably, Arin stated, "I made my donation to spread warmth to my low-income neighbors who are going through a hard time due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19".

Tree planting and disaster relief

In March 2025, Arin responded swiftly to devastating forest fires in Korea's Gyeongsang provinces. She contributed 20 million won to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association for recovery efforts. "I hope to provide some comfort and assistance to the firefighters who are struggling with the forest fire and to the neighbors affected by the fire," she explained.

This wasn't her first disaster relief contribution—in 2022, she donated 20 million won to help victims affected by flooding. Essentially, her consistent support during national emergencies demonstrates her commitment to community welfare.

Christmas gifts and community support

During the 2021 holiday season, Arin partnered with World Vision and Clarins for a heartwarming initiative. Together, they delivered Christmas gift boxes worth 3 million won to children from low-income families. The project, named "CLAmi Beauty Santa expedition," brought joy to vulnerable children during the festive period.

In essence, Arin's philanthropy extends beyond occasional donations to form a consistent pattern of giving. From supporting youth independence to assisting disaster victims and brightening children's holidays, her charitable work reveals a deeply held commitment to using her platform for positive social impact.