BONA (WJSN): Everything You Never Knew About Kim Ji Yeon

Bona singer Kim Ji-yeon has masterfully navigated both the music and acting worlds, becoming one of South Korea's most versatile entertainment figures. Born on August 19, 1995, in Daegu, South Korea, she trained for an impressive 7 years before making her debut. Additionally, she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of world champion fencer Ko Yu-rim in the hit drama "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" (2022), which became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.

Before establishing herself as a prominent bona kpop artist, she was a trainee under Cube Entertainment before joining Starship Entertainment in 2013. WJSN bona officially debuted on February 25, 2016, with the group's first mini-album "Would You Like?" featuring the single "MoMoMo". Furthermore, Kim bona has expanded her repertoire as bona actress, winning the Best New Actress award at the KBS Drama Awards in 2020 for her role in "Homemade Love Story". Known for speaking in a Daegu dialect and her piano-playing abilities, this bona korean singer continues to showcase her multifaceted talents across different entertainment platforms.

Early life and training years

The roots of Kim Ji-yeon's artistic journey stretch back to the southern city of Daegu, where her path to stardom began in humble circumstances. Born on August 19, 1995, in Dalseo District, Daegu, South Korea, the future bona singer spent her formative years developing the talents that would later captivate audiences worldwide.

Growing up in Daegu

Kim Ji-yeon's early life unfolded in Bolli-dong, a neighborhood in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, she attended local schools in her hometown until her first year of high school. Her educational journey took a significant turn when she transferred to Dongguk University College of Education Affiliated Girls' High School to accommodate her demanding trainee schedule.

Despite her years in Seoul, her Daegu heritage remains an integral part of her identity. Interestingly, the bona korean singer is known for occasionally slipping into her distinctive Daegu dialect, particularly when excitement takes over, when she's in a hurry, or during phone conversations with her mother. This connection to her hometown roots adds an authentic dimension to her persona that resonates with fans across Korea.

Kim Ji-yeon's family life included growing up with an older brother, though she has generally kept her family details private throughout her career. Nevertheless, her upbringing in Daegu clearly instilled the work ethic and perseverance that would serve her well during her lengthy training period.

Her dream of becoming a fashion designer

Long before she became known as WJSN bona, Kim harbored creative aspirations that differed from her eventual career path. During her childhood years, she dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. This early interest in fashion perhaps foreshadowed her future reputation as a style icon and visual center within her group.

Although her career ultimately led her toward performing arts rather than fashion design, her eye for aesthetics remained evident. This early passion likely influenced her approach to stage presence and self-presentation as both bona kpop artist and bona actress.

Training under Cube and Starship Entertainment

Kim Ji-yeon's path to stardom was remarkably lengthy compared to many K-pop idols. She initially joined Cube Entertainment, where she trained diligently for approximately six years. During this extensive training period, she forged close relationships with numerous Cube artists, including Apink's Namjoo, CLC's Yujin, and all BTOB members.

Her pre-debut years weren't spent exclusively on dance and vocal training. During this time, she also gained valuable experience modeling for various Korean and Chinese magazines, developing the poise and camera presence that would later enhance her acting career.

In 2013, her path took a significant turn when she joined Starship Entertainment. Though some sources indicate she may have joined Starship in 2015, most reliable accounts suggest she made the transition in 2013, spending about a year with her new agency before preparations for WJSN's debut began in earnest.

Throughout her training years, Kim bona demonstrated exceptional dedication, spending a total of approximately seven years as a trainee (six years at Cube, one year at Starship). Despite the challenges and uncertainty of this prolonged preparation period, her persistence ultimately paid off when she debuted with WJSN in February 2016.

The extensive training period allowed Kim Ji-yeon to develop not only as a singer and dancer but also to cultivate the versatility that would later enable her successful transition into acting. Her journey from a fashion-loving Daegu teenager to a polished performer represents the extraordinary commitment behind K-pop's seemingly overnight successes.

Debut with WJSN and rise in K-pop

After years of rigorous training, Kim Ji-yeon's dream of becoming an idol finally materialized in late 2015 as she prepared to step into the spotlight with a newly formed girl group. Her transition from trainee to bona kpop artist marked the beginning of a significant chapter in her professional journey.

Joining WJSN and the Wonder Unit

On December 15, 2015, Starship Entertainment officially revealed Kim Ji-yeon as a member of WJSN (Cosmic Girls). She was strategically positioned as part of the group's Wonder Unit, a specialized sub-unit within the larger ensemble. This three-member unit consisted of Kim Ji-yeon (Bona), Cheng Xiao, and Dayoung. The Wonder Unit was the first of several sub-units to be announced as part of the company's strategic rollout of the 12-member multinational girl group.

The formation of these sub-units was a calculated approach by Starship and Yuehua Entertainment, who collaborated to create a group that would appeal to both Korean and Chinese markets. As a former Cube trainee who had switched to Starship, Kim bona brought valuable experience and polished skills to the newly formed group.

Debut with 'Would You Like?'

WJSN's official debut came on February 25, 2016, with the release of their first mini-album titled "Would You Like?" featuring the title tracks "MoMoMo" and "Catch Me". The debut release contained six tracks in total, including "Space Cowgirl," "Tick-Tock," "Take My Breath," and a Chinese version of "MoMoMo".

The group held their debut showcase on the same day, performing both title tracks for the first time. Subsequently, bona singer and her groupmates began their promotional activities on various music shows, starting with Mnet's "M! Countdown," followed by appearances on KBS' "Music Bank," MBC's "Show! Music Core," and SBS's "Inkigayo".

The mini-album proved to be commercially successful, peaking at number 7 on the Gaon Album Chart during the week of February 21-27, 2016. In its second week, the EP dropped to number 45 before falling off the chart. By May 2016, "Would You Like?" had sold over 12,701 physical copies. Notably, this debut release featured only 12 of the eventual 13 members, as Yoo Yeon-jung had not yet joined the group.

Following their debut, the group continued to evolve. In July 2016, I.O.I member Yoo Yeon-jung was confirmed to be joining WJSN, expanding the group to 13 members. Throughout this period, Bona established herself as a vital member of the group, serving as a lead dancer, vocalist, rapper, and visual.

Role in WJSN THE BLACK

In spring 2021, five years after her debut, Kim bona expanded her artistic repertoire by joining WJSN's second sub-unit, WJSN THE BLACK. The sub-unit was announced on April 26, 2021, featuring bona korean singer alongside fellow members Seola, Exy, and Eunseo.

WJSN THE BLACK officially debuted on May 12, 2021, with the release of their first single album titled "My Attitude". The sub-unit's concept offered a fresh dimension to the established WJSN sound and image, allowing bona actress to showcase different facets of her performance abilities.

This sub-unit activity came at an interesting juncture in her career, as she was simultaneously expanding her acting portfolio. The formation of WJSN THE BLACK represented a strategic move by Starship Entertainment to highlight the versatility of these particular members while maintaining the group's overall presence in the industry.

Throughout her years with WJSN, Kim Ji-yeon has contributed significantly to the group's distinctive concept and musical style. Her position as a visual and performer has been crucial to the group's identity, helping them blend fantasy elements with captivating performances that have resonated with their growing fanbase.

Transition into acting

Even as her music career with WJSN flourished, Kim Ji-yeon quietly nurtured another artistic ambition. In mid-2017, just over a year after her K-pop debut, she took her first step into the world of acting, beginning a parallel journey that would eventually bring her widespread recognition beyond the music industry.

Acting debut in 'Hit the Top'

Kim Ji-yeon made her acting debut in June 2017 with a supporting role in the KBS drama 'Hit The Top'. Taking on the character of Do Hye-ri, the bona singer demonstrated her willingness to start from the ground up in her new artistic pursuit. Indeed, her decision to accept a supporting role rather than waiting for a leading opportunity revealed both her humility and dedication to learning the craft of acting.

Breakthrough in 'Girls' Generation 1979'

Shortly after her acting debut, Kim bona received a significant opportunity that would accelerate her acting career. Still in 2017, she was cast as the female lead, Lee Jung-hee, in the teen drama 'Girls' Generation 1979'. This KBS2 production marked a substantial vote of confidence in her acting abilities, especially considering she had only recently entered the acting world.

Her portrayal in this coming-of-age series resonated with audiences and critics alike, with the show earning a respectable rating of 8.1. Through this heartwarming role, bona actress began establishing herself as more than just an idol trying acting—she was developing a reputation as a genuine dual-threat performer capable of carrying significant dramatic weight.

Early roles and growing recognition

Following these initial successes, Kim Ji-yeon steadily built her acting portfolio. In 2018, she appeared in 'Your House Helper,' further demonstrating her versatility and commitment to developing her acting skills. Concurrently, she expanded her entertainment experiences by joining the cast of 'Law of the Jungle in Northern Mariana Islands,' exposing herself to variety show challenges that helped showcase her personality beyond scripted roles.

Her career trajectory took another significant leap forward in 2020 when she joined the KBS2 drama 'Homemade Love Story,' playing the character Lee Hae-deun. Her performance in this family drama earned her the Best New Actress award at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards—formal recognition of her growth as an actress and her dedicated efforts over the previous three years.

By this point, the bona korean singer had effectively established herself in two demanding entertainment fields simultaneously. As one industry observer noted, unlike some idols who dabble in acting, Kim Ji-yeon was "showing off her skills" and creating "on-screen chemistry with her co-stars" that earned praise from both fans and critics.

In total, she had steadily built her acting resume with appearances in six dramas prior to what would become her career-defining role in early 2022. Throughout these formative acting years, wjsn bona continued balancing her group activities while carving out a distinct identity as a credible actress—setting the stage for her eventual mainstream breakthrough.

Breakout success in 2022

The year 2022 marked a defining chapter in Kim Ji-yeon's artistic journey as she captivated audiences with her breakthrough performance in a critically acclaimed drama. This period established her as more than a talented idol-turned-actress—it cemented her reputation as a formidable acting presence in the Korean entertainment industry.

Starring in 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One'

In February 2022, bona actress rose to prominence with her portrayal of Ko Yu-rim, a world champion and gold medalist fencer in the tvN drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Her character created a compelling dynamic alongside leads Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk in what would become one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.

The nostalgic coming-of-age series depicted the romantic lives of five characters spanning from 1998 to 2021. Throughout its eight-week broadcast, Twenty-Five Twenty-One maintained the top spots in drama and actors popularity rankings conducted by Good Data Corporation. Remarkably, it placed first in viewership ratings for all 16 episodes, both in the Metropolitan Area and nationwide.

Impact of the role on her public image

Bona singer's nuanced performance as Ko Yu-rim earned her widespread critical acclaim, significantly elevating her status as a serious actress. Her portrayal of a character who "cares deeply about her family and maintains a good attitude and warm friendship with her peers despite life's difficulties" resonated deeply with viewers.

After brief scheduling conflicts with the filming of Twenty-Five Twenty-One, wjsn bona joined her group in the third round of Mnet's competition show Queendom, which they ultimately won in June 2022. This dual success in both acting and music solidified her reputation as a multifaceted entertainer.

Kim bona's exceptional work in Twenty-Five Twenty-One earned her the Best Acting Performance award at the Asia Artist Awards in 2022, formally recognizing her breakthrough achievement. On August 19, 2022, she joined fellow lead actors in donating all proceeds (₩50 million) from the OST to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to help those affected by the 2022 South Korean floods.

OST contribution and fan reception

Bona korean singer contributed to the drama's soundtrack, participating in "Twenty-Five Twenty-One OST Part.7" with the song "With" alongside various artists. The OST enhanced the viewer experience, contributing to what critics described as the show's "fun, nostalgic ode to the late 90s and the power of youth".

The drama's success propelled it onto Netflix's 'Global Top 10' (non-English TV category) for 10 consecutive weeks. This international exposure introduced bona kpop artist to a global audience, with many viewers praising her authentic portrayal and emotional depth as Ko Yu-rim.

Recent projects and 2025 updates

Following her breakthrough success in 2022, Kim Ji-yeon's acting career gained remarkable momentum as she secured prominent roles in several high-profile productions. Her artistic evolution from idol to respected actress became increasingly apparent through her thoughtful project selections and memorable performances.

Lead roles in 'Joseon Attorney' and 'Pyramid Game'

In March 2023, bona actress stepped into the historical genre by starring in the legal revenge drama Joseon Attorney as Lee Yeon-joo, a princess during the Joseon period. This role allowed her to explore period acting, showcasing her versatility beyond contemporary settings. At a press conference for the drama, she explained her commitment to expanding her acting repertoire through challenging roles.

The following year, she took on an entirely different challenge in the thriller series Pyramid Game. Under her full name Kim Ji-yeon, she portrayed Sung Soo-ji, a transfer student at Baekyeon Girls' High School who becomes the target of severe bullying through a popularity-based voting system. The series, directed by Bak So-yeon and written by Choi Sui, aired on Paramount+ in the U.S., bringing the bona korean singer wider international exposure. Her character was described as "cool and courageous", facing inhuman torture and violence from fellow students.

Upcoming drama 'The Haunted Palace'

As of 2025, Kim Ji-yeon stars in the fantasy historical rom-com The Haunted Palace, playing Yeo-ri, the granddaughter of a powerful shaman who rejects her spiritual powers and destined path. The 16-episode SBS series, which aired from April 18 to June 7, 2025, pairs her with BTOB's Yook Sung-jae, with whom she shares a decade-long friendship from the music industry.

The drama tells the story of Palcheokgwi, a vengeful spirit holding a grudge against the royal family, and Yeo-ri's fight against it. In a particularly gripping storyline, her character faces life-threatening situations while navigating a world filled with powerful female ghosts and evil spirits. After wrapping up the series, Kim Ji-yeon expressed, "It was a complex genre that traversed fantasy, romance, and historical drama... it felt like doing several dramas at once".

Shift to using real name Kim Ji-yeon

Throughout her recent acting projects, wjsn bona has formally transitioned to using her birth name Kim Ji-yeon professionally. This shift began during Twenty-Five Twenty-One and continued through subsequent roles. At the press conference for Joseon Attorney on March 31, 2023, she clarified her decision: "It didn't mean much. The director and people around me suggested using my real name".

Despite the name change, she maintained that there was no intention to create a separation between her idol and acting careers, explaining, "I didn't intend to make a big difference. It just means to start acting in earnest as Kim Ji-yeon". As she continues to mature as an actress, Kim bona has expressed aspirations to explore even more diverse roles, including "a character who is rich and a bit arrogant", demonstrating her desire for continuous artistic growth.

Awards and recognitions

Throughout her career, Kim Ji-yeon has accumulated an impressive array of accolades that reflect her dual success as both performer and actress. Her trophy case continues to expand yearly, alongside growing industry recognition of her multifaceted talents.

Best New Actress and other wins

Kim Ji-yeon's acting prowess first received formal recognition when she won the Best New Actress award at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards for her performance in "Homemade Love Story". This achievement marked a significant milestone in her transition from idol to respected actress.

In 2022, after her breakthrough role in "Twenty-Five Twenty-One," the bona actress secured additional prestigious honors. At the Korea Drama Awards, she was again named Best New Actress, with her co-star Kim Tae-ri winning the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the same ceremony. Moreover, her compelling portrayal earned her the Best Acting Performance award at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards and an Excellence Award at the Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards.

Her growing reputation as a performer led to a nomination for the Excellence Award in the Actress in a Miniseries category at the 2023 MBC Drama Awards for her work in "Joseon Attorney".

Brand endorsements and popularity awards

As her star power increased, bona korean singer became increasingly sought-after by brands. Among her notable endorsements, she represented Seoul Milk's Viyott Yogurt and Rockfish Weatherwear in 2022. Earlier in her career, she appeared in campaigns for Skin 79, KT Olleh, and Naver Novel (2016), as well as The SAEM cosmetics alongside Yeonwoo (2016-2017).

The wjsn bona member has consistently won recognition for her popularity, claiming the Acting Idol of the Year (Female) title at the 2021 Brand of the Year Awards. Likewise, she received the Female Idol-Actor Award at the 2019 Korea First Brand Awards and Best Idol Actress at the 2020 Korea First Brand Awards.

Cultural honors and Hallyu contributions

In August 2024, kim bona received the Seoul Tourism Organisation's President Award at the prestigious Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards. This high-profile event, sponsored by Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and several other governmental organizations, honors figures who have made significant contributions to the global spread of Korean culture.

The bona singer joined other celebrated entertainers at the ceremony, which recognizes artists whose efforts have "positively deepened respect for the Hallyu Wave across the world". This recognition affirms her growing influence beyond entertainment as a cultural ambassador for South Korea.

Discography and musical highlights

Within the expansive world of K-pop, Kim Ji-yeon's musical contributions extend beyond her group activities, showcasing her versatility as an artist. As of 2025, the bona singer has built an impressive repertoire that highlights her distinct vocal color and artistic sensibilities.

Notable OSTs and collaborations

At the core of Kim Ji-yeon's solo discography stands her heartfelt contribution to the "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" soundtrack. The wjsn bona member participated in "Twenty-Five Twenty-One OST Part.7" with the collaborative track "With," performing alongside her co-stars Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Choi Hyun-wook, and Lee Joo-myung. This ensemble piece became a fan favorite, with listeners particularly drawn to how beautifully their voices blended in the final harmony.

The OST proved commercially successful as well, reaching number 40 on the Korea Gaon chart and number 54 on the Hot chart. For many viewers, the song deepened their emotional connection to the series, serving as a musical embodiment of the characters' relationships.

According to music database records, the bona kpop artist has participated in approximately 80 songs throughout her career, primarily through her work with WJSN and various collaborative projects.

Musical style and vocal strengths

Kim bona demonstrated remarkable growth as a vocalist in 2021 when she performed continuously for 2 hours and 30 minutes, showcasing her stamina and technical consistency. Her dedication to expanding her musical horizons became further evident in 2023, when she participated in a 20-hour relay performance at the 1st World Pansori Festival.

Interestingly, the bona actress harbors aspirations beyond performing—she dreams of composing Pansori, a traditional Korean musical storytelling art form. This interest reflects her appreciation for Korea's musical heritage and storytelling traditions.

Throughout her performances, the bona korean singer exhibits a distinctive vocal quality that complements her groupmates. Her technique particularly shines in collaborative settings, where her voice adds dimension to harmonies without overpowering ensemble pieces—a quality that made her OST contribution particularly effective.

Public image and influence

Since her debut, Kim Ji-yeon has cultivated a distinctive public persona that extends beyond her music and acting credentials. With a magnetic stage presence and versatile image, she has become a influential figure in both entertainment and fashion circles.

Her role as a visual and center in WJSN

At the heart of WJSN's appeal, Kim Ji-yeon holds the prestigious center position, serving as the group's main dancer and one of its vocalists. In K-pop, the center is typically assigned to the member whose image most closely embodies the group's concept, consequently receiving significant screen time and promotional focus. Japanese netizens recognized her appeal, ranking her as the third prettiest member of third-generation girl groups.

Within the group, the bona kpop artist describes herself using the hashtags #WJSNSexyOneTop, #FemmeFatale, and #BboCutie, reflecting her multifaceted image. Affectionately known as "Cosmic Girls' selfie-fairy," she maintains a visual presence that resonates with fans. Throughout her eight years since debut, she has mesmerized audiences with her "stunning beauty, magical vocals, and radiant stage presence".

Fashion influence and brand deals

Kim bona's commercial appeal has translated into numerous endorsement opportunities. Her portfolio includes campaigns for Seoul Milk's Viyott Yogurt and Rockfish Weatherwear (2022), alongside earlier collaborations with Skin 79, KT Olleh, Naver Novel (2016), and The SAEM cosmetics with Yeonwoo (2016-2017).

Regardless of venue, the bona korean singer consistently turns heads with her "natural allure and captivating aura". Her fashion sensibilities – honed since her childhood dream of becoming a designer – have made her a sought-after personality for brands seeking authentic connections with younger consumers.

Fanbase and social media presence

The bona singer's popularity reached new heights in 2022, when she placed second in the Brand Reputation Index's May report with 3,285,296 points, representing a 4.03 percentage point increase from the previous month. This prestigious ranking, calculated by the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute, indicates celebrities' fame and likability through consumer participation, media coverage, and public engagement metrics.

Despite WJSN being a large group, the bona actress "managed to take hold of the spotlight every chance she could, becoming the bias of millions across the globe". Her dedicated fanbase, known as Ujung, continues to support her dual career, with fancams showcasing her growth as a performer over the years.