Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Bae Yoo-bin (OH MY GIRL): Behind The Spotlight - Official Profile & Facts

Bae Yoo-bin captivates fans with her versatile talents as a sub-vocalist in the popular K-pop girl group OH MY GIRL. Previously known by her stage name Binnie until January 2022, she brings a unique background to her artistry, having been active as a child actress before joining the music industry. Her journey began in Chuncheon, Gangwon, where she was born on September 9, 1997, into a family of athletes—her father a boxer, mother a runner, and brother a judo player.

After training for 1.5 years at WM Entertainment, Bae Yoo-bin officially debuted with OH MY GIRL on April 21, 2015. Throughout her career, she has expanded her presence in the K-pop scene, notably as a member of the sub-unit OH MY GIRL BANHANA, which launched in April 2018. Additionally, her contributions to various OSTs including "Legal High OST Part.5" and "All About You" showcase her vocal abilities. Fluent in both Korean and Japanese, Bae Yoo-bin maintains a strong connection with fans through VLive and other platforms, cementing her position as a multifaceted artist in the industry.

Stage Name: Yubin (유빈), formerly known as Binnie (비니)
Real Name: Bae Yu Bin (배유빈)
Position: Sub Vocalist
Birthday: September 9, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Height: 161 cm (5’3″)
Weight: 44 kg (97 lbs)
Blood Type: O
Sub-Unit: Oh My Girl Banhana
Instagram: @baeyu_b

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Early Life and Pre-Debut Journey

Born on September 9, 1997, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea, Bae Yoo-bin grew up harboring dreams of stardom from an early age. Her name carries the beautiful meaning of "water" (유, yu) and "to shine" (빈, bin), reflecting the sparkle she would later bring to the entertainment industry.

Family background and hometown

Bae Yoo-bin comes from a distinctly athletic household. While she chose the path of entertainment, sports run deep in her family's DNA—her father was a boxer, her mother a runner, and her brother a judo player. This active family environment likely contributed to the discipline and dedication she would later bring to her career. She also has an older sister, completing her family of five.

Chuncheon, her hometown, played a significant role in her early life. Interestingly, she lived in an apartment in Hupyeong-dong where fate would have it that she first crossed paths with her future OH MY GIRL bandmate, Seunghee. This childhood connection would later become meaningful when they reunited as group members.

Child actress beginnings

Bae Yoo-bin's entertainment journey began long before her K-pop debut. From an early age, she set her sights on becoming a celebrity, a dream she nurtured since elementary school. Her first official step into the entertainment world came in 2008 when she made her acting debut in the MBC drama "I Love You, Don't Cry".

Between 2008 and 2012, she built a foundation as a child actress, appearing in several productions. Her portfolio expanded to include minor roles in popular dramas such as:

"Sungkyunkwan Scandal"
"King of Baking Kim Takgu"
"More Charming by the Day"
"Beethoven Virus"

In 2012, she also appeared as the daughter of a middle-aged couple in "Oh My God" season 2, further diversifying her acting experience. This early exposure to the entertainment industry proved valuable, helping her develop performance skills that would later enhance her idol career.

First group: PrettyN Berry

Many fans might be surprised to learn that OH MY GIRL wasn't Bae Yoo-bin's first experience in a girl group. In 2009, while still in elementary school, she debuted as a member of a three-member children's group called PrettyN Berry. This little-known group, sometimes also referred to as "Pretty Teen", unfortunately disbanded without gaining much recognition.

Though this initial musical venture didn't achieve lasting success, it provided her with valuable experience in group dynamics and performance that would serve her well later.

Her path to WM Entertainment came about through an unexpected twist of fate. Initially, she was focusing on pursuing an acting career when she accompanied a friend to a singing audition and decided to audition herself. Ironically, while her friend ultimately withdrew from consideration, Bae Yoo-bin was accepted.

Furthermore, the reason behind her selection reveals an interesting anecdote—WM Entertainment was specifically searching for a trainee who would look good with short hair. As luck would have it, Bae Yoo-bin had a short haircut at the time of her audition, a style that would later become one of her signature visual traits.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Debut with OH MY GIRL

After her early ventures in acting and a brief stint with PrettyN Berry, Bae Yoo-bin's path took a decisive turn toward becoming an established K-pop idol. Her journey with OH MY GIRL represents a significant chapter in her artistic evolution, marking her transition from child actress to recognized idol.

Joining WM Entertainment

In 2013, Bae Yoo-bin took a crucial step in her career path by joining WM Entertainment. This pivotal decision came about through an unexpected circumstance—she had originally accompanied a friend to an audition but ended up auditioning herself. Interestingly, her friend ultimately withdrew from consideration, yet Bae Yoo-bin impressed the agency enough to secure a position as a trainee.

Unlike many K-pop idols who train for extensive periods, Bae Yoo-bin's preparation time was relatively brief. According to records, she trained for approximately 1.5 years before her official debut. During this period, she honed her singing and dancing skills, preparing for the rigorous demands of idol life.

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WM Entertainment, already known for housing the popular boy group B1A4, was strategically preparing to diversify their artist portfolio with a new girl group. This business decision would ultimately create the perfect platform for Bae Yoo-bin to showcase her talents.

Debut date and role in the group

On April 20, 2015, OH MY GIRL released their eponymous first extended play, with Bae Yoo-bin adopting the stage name "Binnie". The following day, April 21, they held their official debut stage on SBS MTV's "The Show", making this date commonly referenced as their formal debut.

The debut mini-album featured "Cupid" as its lead single, introducing the group's cheerful and fresh concept to the K-pop scene. From the beginning, OH MY GIRL was strategically positioned and marketed as the sister group to their label-mates B1A4, helping them establish an initial fanbase through this association.

Within the group's structure, Bae Yoo-bin took on the role of sub-vocalist, where her sweet vocal tone complemented the group's bright musical direction. This position allowed her to contribute meaningfully to the group's sound while showcasing her individual vocal color.

The debut period was particularly intense for the members:

They participated in promotional photoshoots with concept images released on March 26
Held their debut showcase on the same day as their album release
Began immediate promotions on music shows

OH MY GIRL initially debuted as an eight-member ensemble, with each member bringing unique talents and characteristics to the table. For Bae Yoo-bin, her experience as a child actress provided her with performance confidence that proved valuable during this crucial launching period.

The group quickly positioned themselves as rising stars in the competitive K-pop landscape. Their fresh concept and energetic performances helped them stand out, especially in an industry saturated with girl groups. Nevertheless, as with most rookie groups, they faced the challenge of establishing their unique identity among well-established competitors.

Throughout this formative period, Bae Yoo-bin began developing the charm and stage presence that would eventually endear her to fans worldwide, setting the foundation for her career growth in the years to come.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

OH MY GIRL BANHANA and Sub-Unit Activities

In April 2018, three years after her main group debut, Bae Yoo-bin expanded her artistic portfolio as part of OH MY GIRL's first official sub-unit. This new venture would introduce fans to a playful, unconventional concept that showcased a different side of her talents.

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Debut with Banana Allergy Monkey

On April 2, 2018, WM Entertainment launched OH MY GIRL BANHANA (오마이걸 반하나), featuring Bae Yoo-bin alongside members Hyojung and Arin. The trio debuted with a special album titled "Banana Allergy Monkey," making their first broadcast appearance on April 4. The name "BANHANA" cleverly combines elements of both "banana" and the Korean word "banhada" (meaning "to fall in love"), reflecting the playful nature of the project.

The "pop-up album" concept was more than just a simple release—it told a cohesive story across its four tracks. Interestingly, all OH MY GIRL members participated in the album, despite only three promoting as the official sub-unit. While Hyojung, Bae Yoo-bin, and Arin formed the "Banana Allergy Monkeys" who performed the title track, the remaining members—Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, and Jiho—participated as "Banana Monkeys without allergies" on other album tracks.

The album's complete tracklist included:

"Ukiuki Waikiki (Intro)" – 0:52
"Banana Allergy Monkey (바나나 알러지 원숭이)" – 3:43
"It is Said (하더라)" – 3:31
"I'm Not in Love With You (반한 게 아냐)" – 3:14

Behind the creative concept stood production duo BAM (Sim Sun and Moon Jeong Gyu, OH MY GIRL's vocal director), who wrote and produced the entire album. In a fascinating revelation, the title track had actually been created a decade before its release, sitting unused until finding its perfect match with the sub-unit.

Unique concept and reception

OH MY GIRL BANHANA's concept represented a significant departure from the main group's established image. The sub-unit embraced an extremely cute, childlike concept centered around monkeys with banana allergies—a premise so uniquely quirky it immediately caught attention. The music video featured video game-inspired visuals that complemented the 8-bit retro sound of the title track.

Initial public reaction proved mixed. Many fans were startled by the abrupt shift from OH MY GIRL's previous release "Secret Garden" to something so drastically different. In a Sports World interview, the group addressed this reaction directly: "We want to say that it's a new challenge possible for Oh My Girl rather than calling it abrupt. It's amazing that we were able to give a new shock and we're grateful that they're giving that much attention to Oh My Girl".

The song's cheerful melody and unusual concept gradually gained traction, with particular praise for the choreography—which memorably included a playful "buttocks scratching" move that became a talking point among fans.

Nevertheless, the concept briefly courted controversy when some criticized the song for alleged insensitivity toward allergy sufferers. WM Entertainment responded with a statement clarifying the song's positive message about "overcoming through hope despite being different or lacking something". They noted that the producer behind the track actually suffered from an apple allergy, adding context to the creative choice.

Following their Korean success, OH MY GIRL BANHANA expanded their reach internationally. On June 11, 2018, they announced their Japanese debut under Ariola Japan, officially launching on August 29—remarkably, even before OH MY GIRL's official Japanese debut in 2019.

For Bae Yoo-bin personally, the sub-unit offered an opportunity to showcase a different facet of her versatility as a performer, reinforcing her adaptability within the ever-evolving K-pop landscape.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Stage Name Change: From Binnie to Yubin

After seven years of promoting under her stage name "Binnie," a significant change came on January 19, 2022, when WM Entertainment officially announced that Bae Yoo-bin would begin using her real name professionally. This marked a pivotal moment in her career identity, transitioning from the cute nickname that fans had known since her 2015 debut to her birth name.

Reason behind the change

The decision to change from "Binnie" to "Yubin" stemmed from Bae Yoo-bin's personal preference rather than a company marketing strategy. In a March 2022 appearance on SBS Power FM's "Cultwo Show," she revealed the primary motivation behind this transition: "The biggest reason is that I like to be called by my given name a lot".

Surprisingly, this name change represented the culmination of a long-standing request. During the same radio appearance, Bae Yoo-bin disclosed that she had been petitioning her agency for approximately three years before they finally agreed. As she explained to listeners, "When I first debut, the company set it as a rule that 'I must live as Binnie'. I asked the company to consider changing it for many years, actually. After considering it for 3 years, my request was finally accepted".

The emotional impact of this change appears significant for Bae Yoo-bin, who expressed that she feels "energized" when addressed by her real name. This sentiment resonated with many fans who understood the importance of identity and self-expression for artists who often spend years promoting under company-assigned monikers.

Fan and media reactions

When WM Entertainment made the announcement, they stated that Bae Yoo-bin "will continue to show more diverse activities" under her birth name. The phrasing suggested that the name change might coincide with an expansion of her professional portfolio beyond group activities.

Many media outlets picked up the story, with news publications from SBS to Soompi covering the change. DJ Kim Tae Kyun of "Cultwo Show" voiced what many fans were thinking when he remarked, "It should have just been Yubin from the beginning. Binnie is also just a friendly way of referring to Yubin, isn't it?"

Across social media platforms, fans expressed support for Bae Yoo-bin's decision, acknowledging her desire to be recognized by her given name. Throughout OH MY GIRL's official accounts, promotional materials began reflecting this change immediately following the announcement.

Consequently, all subsequent releases, performances, and promotional materials featured "Yubin" instead of "Binnie." The timing of this change—seven years into her career—highlighted how even established idols continue to evolve their public personas and assert greater control over their professional identities as their careers mature.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Discography and OST Contributions

Throughout her career, Bae Yoo-bin has expanded her musical portfolio beyond group activities, contributing her vocals to various soundtracks and collaborations that highlight her distinct vocal color. From television drama OSTs to special releases, her discography showcases her versatility as an artist.

Notable OSTs and collaborations

Bae Yoo-bin's voice has graced multiple original soundtracks, primarily in collaboration with her OH MY GIRL bandmates. Her OST journey began in March 2019 when she joined Hyojung for "Legal High OST Part 5," marking her first soundtrack contribution. As her career progressed, she continued to lend her vocals to various productions:

"Sometoon 2020 OST" (June 2020) - Her first solo OST contribution with "All About You"
"Startup OST Part 4" (October 2020) - Collaborated with Seunghee and Jiho
"Racket Boys OST Part 3" (June 2021) - Performed alongside Mimi and Hyojung on "I Love You Teacher"
"Ghost Doctor OST Part 5" (February 2022) - Released "Make a Smile For Me"
"Armored Saurus Season 2 OST Part 1" (2022) - Collaborated with Hyojung on "You & I"

Moreover, in 2023, she partnered with Hyojung to release "A Cup of Latte," expanding her collaborative repertoire beyond soundtrack work. Her earliest OST appearance can be traced back to 2018 with "Clean With Passion For Now OST Part 1" where she performed "LoveCity."

Solo and group releases

As a core member of OH MY GIRL, Bae Yoo-bin has contributed to the group's impressive discography spanning multiple albums and EPs. The group has released five studio albums, one compilation album, twelve extended plays, two repackage albums, one single album, and twenty-four singles since their formation in 2015.

Her journey with OH MY GIRL began with their self-titled debut EP featuring the lead single "Cupid" on April 20, 2015. Subsequently, she participated in all major group releases, including their first full Korean album "The Fifth Season" (2019) and their second Korean studio album "Real Love" (2022).

In addition to main group activities, Bae Yoo-bin's vocal talents were showcased in the 2022 project "Listen-Up Ep.9" where she performed the solo track "Sleepover (The &)." This release provided fans with an opportunity to experience her distinctive vocal style outside the group's typical sound.

The versatility in her discography reflects her growth as an artist, from her early days as Binnie to her current identity as Yubin. Her consistent participation in both group and collaborative projects demonstrates her dedication to exploring different musical avenues while maintaining her presence within OH MY GIRL.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Acting and Variety Show Appearances

Long before stepping onto the K-pop stage, Bae Yoo-bin had already built an impressive foundation in front of the camera. Her dual career trajectory as both an actress and idol has given her a unique edge in the competitive entertainment industry.

TV dramas and web series

Bae Yoo-bin's relationship with acting began early, as she was active as a child actress from 2008-2012. Her debut role came in the MBC drama "I Love You, Don't Cry" in 2008, which laid the groundwork for a series of acting opportunities. Throughout her childhood, she secured minor roles in several popular productions, including "Beethoven Virus" (MBC, 2008), "More Charming By The Day" (MBC, 2010), "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" (KBS, 2010), and "King of Baking Kim Takgu" (KBS, 2010).

After debuting with OH MY GIRL, Bae Yoo-bin occasionally returned to her acting roots with appearances in "Viva Ensemble" (KBS, 2017). Nevertheless, 2020 marked a significant year for her acting career when she took on more substantial roles in web dramas. She portrayed Yeong Bin in "Living With a Ghost" (Naver TV Cast) and Seo Ye Jin in "Sometoon 2020" (Seezn). Additionally, she made a guest appearance in the first episode of "Lonely Enough to Love" (MBC every1).

Her most noteworthy acting project came in 2021 when she starred as Do Hae Soo in the film "Time to Remember". Among OH MY GIRL members, she is widely regarded as the one best suited for acting. Her fellow member Hyojung has even praised her facial expressions and ability to adapt to any concept during photoshoots and music videos.

Notable variety show moments

Beyond acting, Bae Yoo-bin has created memorable moments on various variety shows. One particularly touching incident occurred during a November 2015 "Weekly Idol" episode, where she began crying while singing a song about her father. When asked what was wrong, she explained, "I miss my father very much. My hometown is Chuncheon, and I can't visit him often".

Her athletic prowess has been repeatedly demonstrated at the Idol Star Athletics Championships, where she secured impressive results:

Bronze medal in September 2015
Bronze medal in February 2016
Silver medal in September 2016
Silver medal in January 2017

Bae Yoo-bin's entertainment value shines through in unexpected ways. In 2018, during a 1:6 mafia game with OH MY GIRL members, she became the sole mafia player and strategically eliminated Jiho first. Likewise, a humorous behind-the-scenes anecdote reveals that she nearly fell asleep while filming the "Cupid" music video, only realizing they were recording when the music started playing.

In recent years, she has expanded her variety show presence as a host for programs like "Special Delivery" and "Hyo Jung & Binnie's Sweet Home" in 2021. Furthermore, she demonstrated her versatility as a judge on "Burning Trotman" in 2022, solidifying her standing as a multifaceted entertainer.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Personal Traits and Hobbies

Beyond her professional achievements, Bae Yoo-bin's personal characteristics and private interests reveal much about the person behind the idol persona. Her unique traits and diverse hobbies have endeared her to fans who appreciate her authenticity both on and off stage.

Short hair and visual identity

Bae Yoo-bin's most recognizable physical trait was her short hair, earning her the nickname "the short haired girl of OH MY GIRL". This distinctive bobbed hairstyle became her trademark until the group's "Secret Garden" activities. Interestingly, she was the only member with short hair during the group's early years, making her immediately identifiable to new fans.

Her visual journey evolved over time, however. Since 2020, beginning with OH MY GIRL's "DUN DUN DANCE" promotions, she transitioned to longer hair. In a significant style departure, 2024 marked the first time she dyed her hair during the group's "Dreamy Resonance" activities, where her look drew comparisons to Disney princesses like live-action Cinderella and Alice.

Regarding her appearance, fans often note her resemblance to actress Lee Yoobi and, remarkably, SEVENTEEN's Joshua.

Gaming, reading, and music interests

Away from the spotlight, Bae Yoo-bin enjoys a variety of leisure activities. She frequently plays Battlegrounds (PUBG) and has demonstrated considerable skill at the game. On January 13, 2023, she even showcased her gaming abilities through a Weverse Live broadcast alongside bandmate Hyojung.

Her musical tastes extend beyond K-pop—she enjoys discovering new songs and watching music videos from foreign artists on the Billboard charts. When asked about her favorite song, she has mentioned "Break a Nail" by Paul Kim.

For relaxation, Bae Yoo-bin typically opts for:

Walking along the Han River by herself
Listening to music
Solving Sudoku puzzles
Watching animation (including the 2023 film "Suzume")

Languages and academic interests

Bae Yoo-bin is bilingual, speaking both Korean and Japanese fluently. Had she not pursued a career in entertainment, she has mentioned she would likely have become a Japanese language teacher.

In her daily life, she maintains a disciplined schedule, going to bed around 11 PM and waking up early. Indeed, organization seems central to her personality—she's known as a "cleaning queen" who considers organizing and cleaning among her hobbies.

This disciplined approach to life, combined with her diverse interests and talents, offers fans glimpses into the multifaceted personality that complements her professional achievements.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Fan Connection and Public Image

Known for her heartfelt communication style, Bae Yoo-bin maintains one of the strongest connections with fans among OH MY GIRL members. Her genuine interactions and thoughtful messages have fostered a loyal fanbase that appreciates both her artistry and authenticity.

Emotional fan messages

Bae Yoo-bin's deep emotional bond with fans frequently manifests through tearful moments at concerts. During the first day of OH MY GIRL's 2018 Concert "Autumn Fairy Tale," she expressed: "The Miracles who came here were curious about us and wanted to get closer to us... I felt that someone wanted to know someone, thought, and loved it, so I felt a lot of things to encounter my eyes. I have tears." At the concert's final day, she openly discussed her personal growth, saying, "I've been at home alone since I was young. I didn't know how to treat people, but I learned a lot of how to meet and express members."

Her empathy extends beyond concerts. In a December 2019 VLive broadcast, when a fan offered to give her their wallet, she gently replied that letters and cheers were enough, hoping fans would spend money on themselves instead—simultaneously showing appreciation and care for their well-being.

Social media and VLive interactions

In terms of digital engagement, Bae Yoo-bin is recognized as the most active OH MY GIRL member on Dear U Bubble, a platform launched in 2020 enabling private artist-fan messaging. As of August 2022, she maintained the highest communication frequency with fans through this service. Coupled with her consistent presence, she frequently uses the VApp chat function and posts articles on official fan cafes.

Even after the platform changed to FROMM, her communication remained consistent—typically engaging with fans more than every two days. This dedication to regular interaction demonstrates her commitment to maintaining close fan relationships.

Nickname origins and fan-given titles

Throughout her career, Bae Yoo-bin has acquired numerous fan-given nicknames reflecting various aspects of her personality:

Yup & Bae Yup: Simple abbreviations of "Yubin"
Bae pang pang: Originated from her saying "Baepangpang" when feeling full
Poinz & Bae Dajeong: Given because of her empathy and thoughtful nature
Dance ace: Recognizing her beautiful dance lines and exceptional choreography memory
Track and field girl: Acknowledging her impressive athletic abilities

In essence, these affectionate titles reflect how fans perceive different facets of her multidimensional personality, from her empathetic nature to her physical talents.

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

Yubin/ Bae Yoo Bin (OH MY GIRL)

FAQS

Fans frequently inquire about various aspects of Bae Yoo-bin's life and career. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about this multifaceted artist.

Bae Yoo-bin communicates actively with her international fanbase, although translation tools occasionally create humorous misunderstandings. In one notable instance, she shared that messages asking "What are you doing?" from overseas fans sometimes got mistranslated to "What the hell are you doing?" Another fan message intended to say "Think about it a little" was hilariously translated to "Think of my body." She found these mishaps "cute and funny" once she realized they stemmed from translation errors.

Musically, Bae Yoo-bin occupies a distinct position in OH MY GIRL as the member responsible for low notes, contrasting with Seunghee who handles high notes. She belongs to the unofficial "Melody Line" alongside Hyojung, YooA, and Jiho, showcasing her vocal importance within the group's arrangements.

Interestingly, Bae Yoo-bin excelled academically before her idol career, ranking fifth in her hometown and 50th overall in her high school. This intellectual aptitude extends to her hobbies—she enjoys solving Korean logic questions and Sudoku puzzles.

Her family's athletic background significantly influenced her physical abilities. With a boxer father, runner mother, and judoka brother, Bae Yoo-bin inherited considerable athletic talent, evidenced by her multiple medals in ISAC 60m indoor sprints, including a 4x100 team relay.

Regarding her personality, although Seunghee and Bae Yoo-bin both cry easily (often causing YooA to cry in sympathy), they differ in social settings—Seunghee being extroverted whereas Bae Yoo-bin is more introverted.

A lesser-known fact: Bae Yoo-bin possesses one of the hardest one-finger flicks among girl group members, adding to her list of unique attributes that endear her to fans.

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