Who Is Lee Na-gyung? The Untold Story of Fromis_9's Rising Star

Lee Na-gyung captivated K-pop fans when she ranked 5th with 64,001 votes on the survival show Idol School, securing her place in the girl group fromis_9. Before becoming an idol, she was an elementary school athlete and even learned baseball while studying in China. Her journey from student to K-pop star culminated in fromis_9's official debut on January 24, 2018, with their first mini album "To. Heart".

Beyond her singing career, lee nagyung has established herself as a multi-talented performer. Standing at 160 cm (5'3") tall, the June 1, 2000-born artist has showcased her athletic abilities by winning a silver medal in the 60-meter sprint at MBC's Idol Star Athletics Championships. Not only is lee na-gyung known for her performances with fromis_9, but also for her acting debut in Kakao TV's web drama "Shadow Beauty". In fact, her diverse talents and striking visuals have made her one of the most recognizable members of the group since their formation through Idol School.

Early Life and Background

Born to a relatively affluent family, Lee Na-gyung has roots that span different parts of South Korea. Initially from Suwon, South Korea, her family later relocated to Gwangju, where she spent part of her childhood. Her family consists of her parents and an older brother who was born in 1998, creating a close-knit household that would eventually support her artistic endeavors.

Birthplace and family

Though some sources differ on her exact birthplace, the most reliable information indicates Lee Na-gyung was born in Suwon and later moved to Gwangju. Her family background appears to have provided her with opportunities many aspiring idols don't receive. According to fan discussions, her family was considered "kinda loaded" among fromis_9 members, though some claims about her family owning a tomato farm making substantial monthly income appear to have been part of a variety entertainment skit rather than reality.

The financial stability of her family became evident through their ability to provide her with educational opportunities abroad, as sending children to study internationally typically requires significant resources. Furthermore, there are mentions that she may have attended native English classes during childhood, which are notably expensive in South Korea.

Lee Na-gyung age and education

Lee Na-gyung was born on June 1, 2000, making her 25 years old as of 2025. Her educational journey has been rather unconventional compared to many K-pop idols. Records indicate she attended Yongin Heungdeok Middle School in South Korea but eventually dropped out. This decision came as she pursued a different educational path that would take her beyond Korean borders.

Rather than continuing traditional schooling in her home country, Lee Na-gyung made the significant decision to study abroad at a relatively young age. Subsequently, her academic journey included enrollment at Ningbo Jisheng School and later Beijing Newbridge Foreign Language High School, though documentation suggests she eventually dropped out of these institutions as well, presumably to pursue her entertainment career.

Studying abroad in China

At approximately 15 years of age (by Korean age reckoning), Lee Na-gyung made the bold move to study abroad in China. This international educational experience proved formative for the future idol. During her time there, she attended Beijing Newbridge Foreign Language School, where she had the opportunity to immerse herself in Chinese language and culture.

Her period in China yielded several lasting benefits beyond academic knowledge. Most notably, she developed proficiency in Mandarin Chinese, a skill that would later distinguish her among K-pop idols and potentially open doors for international promotions. Additionally, during her time abroad, she took up baseball as a recreational activity, demonstrating her willingness to embrace new experiences.

Though the exact duration of her stay in China remains unspecified in available sources, this international experience clearly shaped her perspective and abilities prior to her return to South Korea and eventual path toward becoming a trainee and idol. The language skills and cultural understanding gained during this period undoubtedly contributed to her development as a well-rounded performer.

From Trainee to Idol School

After returning from China, Lee Na-gyung embarked on her journey toward K-pop stardom with determination and resilience. Her path from trainee to idol would prove both challenging and rewarding as she navigated the competitive Korean entertainment industry.

Training period and challenges

Before stepping into the spotlight, Lee Na-gyung spent 2 years and 9 months as a trainee, honing her skills in singing, dancing, and performance. Unlike many trainees who work alongside peers, she faced the unique challenge of training primarily alone. In her own words, she described this period as particularly lonely, saying, "When I was a trainee, the rest were all my debut seniors and I received lessons alone".

Throughout this solitary training period, whenever she felt troubled, she would visit Ichon Han River Park near her company to reflect and recharge. This glimpse into her pre-debut struggles highlights the emotional challenges that accompanied her technical training. Moreover, the isolation she experienced during this crucial developmental phase demonstrates her mental fortitude and commitment to her dreams.

Participation in Idol School

In March 2017, a new opportunity emerged when Mnet announced a reality survival show titled "Idol School". Following in the footsteps of successful programs like "Sixteen" and "Produce 101," this show aimed to form a new permanent girl group. For Lee Na-gyung, then 17 years old, this represented a chance to showcase her talents on a national platform.

"Idol School" premiered on July 13, 2017, featuring Lee Na-gyung among the hopeful contestants. Throughout the competition, she demonstrated her versatility and skills. In one notable performance, she participated in the "AHAT (Ice+Hot)" team, performing Twice's "Cheer Up," where she took on a sub-vocal role. Furthermore, she excelled in the "영원한 사랑 (Forever Love)" team performing Fin.K.L's song, where she achieved the highest individual score of 85.7.

The program implemented a voting system where viewers could cast votes both live and online to determine which contestants would make the final lineup. As the competition progressed, Lee Na-gyung consistently impressed both judges and audiences with her performances.

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Ranking and debut with fromis_9

On September 29, 2017, the final episode of "Idol School" aired, revealing the nine members who would form the new girl group. Lee Na-gyung secured her place by ranking 5th overall with 64,001 votes, joining Roh Ji-sun, Song Ha-young, Lee Sae-rom, Lee Chae-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Seo-yeon, Baek Ji-heon, and Jang Gyu-ri in the newly formed group.

Initially, the group was simply named "Fromis", but following their reality program "Fromis' Room," which aired from October 19 to November 23, 2017, the name was changed to "Fromis_9". The addition of "9" reflected the nine members who had successfully "graduated" from Idol School.

Under the management of Pledis Entertainment, led by CEO Han Sung-soo, the group began preparing for their official debut. On November 29, 2017, Fromis_9 performed their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan, giving fans their first glimpse of Lee Na-gyung as an official group member. The song was subsequently released as a digital single the following day.

Consequently, Lee Na-gyung and Fromis_9 officially debuted on January 24, 2018, with their first mini album "To. Heart". This marked the beginning of her professional career as an idol, transforming from a solitary trainee to a member of one of K-pop's promising new girl groups.

Debut and Rise with fromis_9

The nine-member girl group fromis_9 made their official entry into the K-pop industry on January 24, 2018, marking the beginning of Lee Na-gyung's professional journey as an idol. As a fresh face in the competitive world of K-pop, she would soon establish herself as an integral member of a group that would steadily climb the industry ladder.

Debut album and early performances

Fromis_9's first extended play (EP) "To. Heart" debuted impressively at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart, signaling a promising start for the rookie group. This achievement was especially meaningful considering they were competing with established artists in one of the world's most saturated music markets.

Before their official album release, the group built anticipation through their pre-debut activities. On November 29, 2017, they performed their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan, followed by a digital release the next day. This strategic introduction allowed Lee Na-gyung and her groupmates to gain valuable performance experience on a prestigious stage.

The group further connected with fans through their reality program "Fromis' Room," which premiered on October 19, 2017. This show combined pre-recorded content with replays of Facebook Live broadcasts from their dormitory, giving audiences a glimpse into the members' personalities and daily lives.

Lee Na-gyung's role in the group

Within fromis_9's dynamic, Lee Na-gyung quickly established herself in multiple roles that showcased her versatility. She officially serves as the group's lead dancer, vocalist, rapper, and visual, demonstrating her well-rounded skill set. Indeed, her position as the visual attests to her striking appearance that draws attention in group performances and photoshoots.

Lee Na-gyung approaches her responsibilities with remarkable dedication. In her own words, "I try to do everything we do as though it's the last and have no regrets about it". This mindset reflects her professional attitude even during challenging periods. For instance, she once revealed that while filming for her first show and preparing for an album comeback simultaneously, she lost four kilograms without initially noticing—yet still described the experience as "really happy".

Her philosophy toward fans further illustrates her commitment: "I want to keep showing them everything I've got inside of me, no matter what I'm doing. I want them to feel good that they like someone like me". This fan-centered approach has helped strengthen the connection between fromis_9 and their fanbase, known as "Flovers."

Notable group achievements

Throughout their career, fromis_9 has steadily built their reputation and achieved significant milestones. After their debut, the group continued to release new music with their second EP "To. Day" on June 5, 2018. Their first single album "Fun Factory" was particularly successful, reaching number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart—a new record for the group at that time.

A major breakthrough came on September 7, 2021, when fromis_9 achieved their first-ever music show win on SBS MTV's "The Show" with their song "Talk & Talk". For Lee Na-gyung, this victory was especially meaningful, as she reflected: "Winning first place on that music show last year was just like a gift. I got emotional thinking about how we looked after one another and pushed ourselves to climb our way up to the top".

The group's management journey has seen several transitions—initially under Stone Music Entertainment with Pledis handling creative direction, then moving to Off The Record Entertainment in September 2018, and finally transferring fully to Pledis in August 2021. In January 2025, Lee Na-gyung alongside four other members (Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Chae-young, and Baek Ji-heon) transferred to the label Asnd, opening a new chapter in her career.

The group's first studio album, "Unlock My World," released in June 2023, represented a significant milestone in their discography after years of EP and single releases. Through all these developments, Lee Na-gyung has remained a consistent presence, contributing to the group's evolution from rookies to established artists in the K-pop landscape.

Lee Na-gyung’s Visual and Style

As the designated visual of fromis_9, Lee Na-gyung's appearance and style have become defining aspects of her idol identity. Her aesthetic appeal extends beyond typical K-pop standards, earning her a devoted following specifically for her distinctive look and fashion choices.

Lee Na-gyung height and appearance

Standing at 160 cm (approximately 5'3"), Lee Na-gyung possesses a slender frame that complements her role as one of the group's dancers. Despite her petite stature, she commands attention on stage through her graceful movements and expressive performances. Her face is characterized by delicate features—most distinctively her bright eyes and charming smile that often become focal points in fromis_9's promotional materials.

Fans frequently mention her consistently flawless skin, which she maintains through a disciplined skincare routine. Throughout various appearances, Na-gyung has demonstrated remarkable photogenic qualities that translate well across different concepts and styling approaches. Her natural beauty shines in both heavily produced photoshoots and casual, behind-the-scenes content.

Fashion sense and hair transformations

Lee Na-gyung's style evolution has been a visual journey worth following. Off-stage, she typically gravitates toward comfortable yet trendy casual wear, often incorporating oversized elements balanced with feminine touches. Nevertheless, she can effortlessly transition to more sophisticated looks for formal events, showcasing her versatility.

Her hair transformations have become something of a signature element in her visual presentation. Although predominantly seen with her natural black hair during early promotions, she has experimented with various colors including warm browns, striking reds, and even bold blonde phases. Each transformation seems to reveal a different facet of her personality while maintaining her recognizable charm.

On top of that, her makeup style typically enhances rather than masks her natural features—a philosophy that aligns with current Korean beauty trends emphasizing glowing skin and subtle enhancements. Even when trying bolder looks for specific concepts, there remains an authenticity to her appearance that resonates with fans.

Why fans call her the visual queen

The "visual queen" title bestowed upon Lee Na-gyung by fans stems from more than just conventional beauty standards. Her consistent ability to embody diverse concepts—from youthful freshness to mature elegance—has cemented this reputation. Additionally, her natural expressions and genuine smile create an approachable aura that contrasts with the sometimes intimidating beauty standards in K-pop.

What truly sets Na-gyung apart is how she carries herself with quiet confidence. Unlike many idols who may appear uncomfortable with their visual member designation, she embraces this role while simultaneously developing her other talents. Candid moments captured during variety shows or fan meetings often showcase her unpretentious attitude toward her appearance.

In essence, Lee Na-gyung's visual appeal lies in its authenticity—a quality increasingly valued in an industry sometimes criticized for manufactured perfection. This genuine quality, combined with her evolving style sensibilities, explains why she continues to captivate fans as fromis_9's visual cornerstone.

Talents Beyond Singing

Beyond her contributions to fromis_9's musical success, Lee Na-gyung has ventured into other entertainment realms, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her multifaceted talents have allowed her to explore different creative avenues outside the traditional idol framework.

Acting debut in Shadow Beauty

In October 2021, Lee Na-gyung took a significant career step by making her acting debut in Kakao TV's web drama "Shadow Beauty". She was cast as "Genie," a social media influencer who serves as the alter ego of the main character Goo Ae-jin, played by actress Shim Dal-gi. This complex role required Lee Na-gyung to portray a character with dual nature—outwardly friendly and popular at school yet harboring a darker, manipulative personality.

Impressively, Lee Na-gyung fully immersed herself in the role, even creating an actual social media account for her character to make the portrayal more authentic. Her commitment paid off as she received positive feedback for her acting abilities, even handling challenging scenes that included emotional confrontations and, remarkably, a rare instance of "swearing acting" in the drama's 12th episode—something uncommonly seen from idol actors.

OST contributions and songwriting

Apart from acting, Lee Na-gyung has lent her voice to original soundtracks, typically collaborating with fellow group members. Her OST credits include "From Now On (지금부터 시작해)" for "The Secret Life of My Secretary" in 2019, which she performed alongside Park Jiwon. More recently, she paired with Song Hayoung for "Come Closer Like Spring," featured in the "Brewing Love OST Part.8" (2024).

These soundtrack contributions highlight her vocal versatility outside fromis_9's usual musical style, allowing her to explore different genres and emotional expressions through ballads often required for drama soundtracks.

Dance and rap skills

Within fromis_9, Lee Na-gyung holds positions as both lead dancer and rapper, demonstrating her well-rounded performance abilities. As a professionally trained dancer, she executes choreography with precision and grace, contributing significantly to the group's polished performances.

Her adaptability became evident during a guest appearance on tvN's "Amazing Saturday - Doremi Market" on June 23, 2018, where she spontaneously performed the choreography for "Twinkle" alongside Girls' Day's Hyeri, whom she had always admired. This impromptu dance moment demonstrated both her technical skills and ability to perform under pressure on variety shows.

Lee Na-gyung's personal motto from her "Idol School" profile offers insight into her approach to developing these various talents: "Doing everything but regretting it later is better than not doing anything". This mindset clearly drives her to constantly expand her skillset beyond singing.

Hobbies, Interests, and Personality

Behind the polished idol image, Lee Na-gyung maintains several passionate interests that reveal her multifaceted personality. Beneath her elegant visuals lies a competitive gamer, a devoted pet keeper, and a person with distinctive character traits that endear her to fans.

Gaming obsession: Overwatch and LoL

Few might guess that the graceful performer is actually a serious gamer. Lee Na-gyung's gaming dedication runs deep—she played Overwatch with Park Jiwon during a special online broadcast of the Idol School survival program. As a platinum-ranked Overwatch player, she demonstrates skill beyond casual gameplay.

In her pre-debut days, her commitment to gaming was extraordinary. On days when practice ended around 8 PM, instead of taking her usual hour-long route home, she would find shortcuts to reach home in 40 minutes—maximizing her gaming time. Before debut, when schedule permitted, she would play for up to 8 hours.

Her gaming obsession extends to League of Legends as well. She started as a support player but later transitioned to playing as a one-dealer and eventually moved to the mid position. When asked if she spent money in the game, she admitted, "I had to buy a skin". By 2021, she had developed a new fixation with Sudoku, proudly sharing on Weverse when she brought her solve time down from five minutes to under three minutes.

Love for animals and fishkeeping

The tranquility of underwater worlds fascinates Lee Na-gyung, who maintains an elaborate marine aquarium. After visiting an aquarium with a friend, she began with a simple setup containing a Nemo fish (clownfish), sea anemone, and starfish in a small fishbowl. However, her collection grew to include Clarky Clown, bubble anemone, blue damselfish, yellowtail blue damsel, Geumgangbari, and sand starfish.

"My goal now is to buy my babies a better, more expensive tank," she once shared, adding, "When I'm in my room with only their light on, I feel calm and comfortable—like I'm in the ocean". Her dedication extends to maintaining proper salinity and light scheduling to recreate authentic ocean conditions.

MBTI type and personality quirks

Lee Na-gyung's MBTI type is INTP (Logician), reflecting her analytical nature. Interestingly, she has "a fear of being alone" despite her independent personality type. Her personal motto—"Doing everything but regretting it later is better than not doing anything"—demonstrates her philosophical approach to life.

Friends and colleagues describe her as having an "anti-war charm" with beagle-like enthusiasm. She enjoys sleeping and is notoriously difficult to wake in the mornings. Her music preferences lean toward ballads, showing a contemplative side contrasting with her energetic public persona.

Fan Culture and Nicknames

Throughout her career with fromis_9, Lee Na-gyung has cultivated a unique bond with fans through her endearing personality traits and memorable interactions. This connection extends beyond music into a realm of inside jokes, affectionate monikers, and cherished moments.

Popular nicknames and catchphrases

The most widely recognized nickname for Lee Na-gyung is "Nakko," a childhood moniker that has followed her into her idol career. As her image evolved, she accumulated additional nicknames including "Captain of Cute," "Arianna Grande," and "Marie". The Marie/Maria nickname emerged after she began regularly wearing painter-like beret hats. After her acting debut, some fans even started calling her "Sun Mijin," referencing her character.

Her instantly recognizable catchphrase—"Right..right.."—has become something of a signature verbal tic. Within fromis_9, she's commonly referred to as "the cutest member" due to her natural aegyo (cute behavior). She herself proudly claimed to be "the best in aegyo out of fromis_9" during a CECI magazine interview.

Interaction with fans (Flovers)

The relationship between Lee Na-gyung and the fromis_9 fandom—officially named "flover"—represents a special connection. The name itself combines "fromis" and "clover," symbolizing "a promise between fromis_9 and their fans to spend happy moments together".

Arguably, one of her most endearing fan interactions came when she affectionately dubbed Flovers her "Fools." This playful nickname emerged because fans loyally waited to meet the group, even as fromis_9 was unable to host a fan meeting until 4 years, 2 months, and 28 days after their debut. Undeniably, this mix of teasing and appreciation epitomizes her genuine approach to fan relationships.

Lee Na-gyung hot moments that went viral

Besides her regular interactions with fans, Lee Na-gyung's ideal type reveals her softer side. In "fromis's room Episode 4," she described her preference as "a guy who makes her feel like she wants to protect him". This statement, along with her fashion show-like habit of seeking members' approval before going out, showcases the authentic personality behind her carefully cultivated idol image.

Recent Updates and Future Plans

The beginning of 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Lee Na-gyung's career journey when she made a significant professional decision alongside four of her groupmates.

New agency ASND in 2025

On January 26, 2025, newly established agency ASND announced that Lee Na-gyung had signed an exclusive contract with them, along with four other fromis_9 members—Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon. This move followed the expiration of their contracts with Pledis Entertainment at the end of 2024. The transition came after what industry insiders described as "thorough discussions" among all members, with the remaining three—Lee Saerom, Lee Seoyeon, and Noh Jisun—choosing to pursue individual paths.

In their official statement, ASND emphasized the courage it took for the artists to decide to continue as a team, stating: "It must have taken a lot of thought and courage for the artists to decide to continue their group activities". Presently, the five members who moved to ASND have received permission to continue using the fromis_9 name, allowing them to maintain their established identity even as they begin this new chapter.

Solo ambitions and personal growth

Even before the agency change, Lee Na-gyung had been cultivating personal artistic aspirations. In an interview, she expressed interest in exploring darker musical concepts, saying: "I want to try something dark and immersive musically, too, so I think I'll continue writing songs once we're done promoting".

Furthermore, she revealed her previously hidden songwriting efforts: "I actually wrote a song while we were making our latest album, except the song didn't fit in with the concept so it wasn't included". This disclosure offers a glimpse into her creative ambitions beyond group activities.

What's next for Lee Na-gyung?

Looking ahead, ASND has outlined exciting plans for Lee Na-gyung and her groupmates. The agency announced they are "preparing for more diverse and meaningful activities in 2025". More specifically, they mentioned upcoming album promotions that will showcase "the artists' musical passion and growth".

In addition to new music, fans can anticipate a concert experience, as ASND stated they are "also planning the group's concert to connect with fans". With March 2025 already seeing the release of new profile pictures, it appears Lee Na-gyung's journey with fromis_9 under ASND is poised to deliver fresh experiences while honoring the foundation they've built since their 2018 debut.