Jinny Park's Journey in Kpop: From Trainee to SECRET NUMBER Star

The K-pop industry sees thousands of aspiring trainees each year, but few manage to transform their dreams into reality. Jinny Park stands out as one of these success stories, marking her place in the competitive K-pop scene through determination and resilience.

Her journey from a Los Angeles teenager to a member of SECRET NUMBER showcases the evolving landscape of K-pop, where talent knows no geographical boundaries. With experience at prestigious companies like YG Entertainment and participation in major competitions, Jinny's path to stardom offers unique insights into the making of a K-pop idol.

Early Life and K-pop Dreams

Born in Los Angeles, California, Jinny Park's journey into the world of K-pop began in a vibrant multicultural environment that would later shape her artistic identity. As Park Jin-hee (박진희) in Korean, she grew up embracing both her American upbringing and Korean heritage, developing a unique perspective that would later become invaluable in her career.

Growing Up in Los Angeles

The cultural landscape of Los Angeles, particularly during the surge of Korean immigration, provided Jinny with a rich tapestry of influences. Her early years were marked by an immersion in diverse cultural experiences, contributing significantly to her versatility as an artist. This multicultural foundation helped her develop remarkable linguistic abilities, becoming fluent in Korean, English, and Mandarin.

Musical Influences and Inspiration

During her middle school years, Jinny found herself drawn to the dynamic world of K-pop, particularly through the groundbreaking music of BIGBANG and 2NE1. Her admiration for these groups, especially CL who became her role model, would later shape her artistic direction and performance style. The influence of these iconic groups sparked a deep passion for music that would eventually lead her toward her own K-pop journey.

Decision to Pursue K-pop

The transition from being a K-pop enthusiast to actively pursuing it as a career marked a significant turning point in Jinny's life. Her dedication to this path would lead her to undertake an intensive training period, spanning seven years. This commitment demonstrated her determination to transform her passion into a professional career, setting the stage for her future success in the industry.

Her specialties began to emerge during this period, as she developed skills in rapping, songwriting, and composing music. These talents, combined with her multicultural background and linguistic abilities, would later become defining elements of her artistic identity in the competitive world of K-pop.

The YG Entertainment Years

Jinny Park's journey through the prestigious halls of YG Entertainment marked a defining chapter in her career. As one of the select few chosen to train at the renowned agency, she spent five years honing her craft alongside future K-pop stars.

Training Alongside Future Stars

The rigorous training schedule at YG Entertainment shaped Jinny's daily life. A typical day began at 5:00 AM with dance practice, followed by:

The company provided comprehensive resources, including professional vocal coaches, dance instructors, and even psychological support. This intensive environment helped forge strong bonds among trainees who shared similar dreams and challenges.

Pre-debut BLACKPINK Connection

Perhaps most notably, Jinny was part of the pre-debut lineup known as "PINK PUNK," which would later evolve into BLACKPINK. During this period, she trained alongside current BLACKPINK members and developed a particularly close friendship with Lisa. Though she ultimately didn't debut with the group, this experience provided invaluable insights into the making of a successful K-pop group.

Lessons Learned at YG

YG Entertainment's training system offered unique advantages that helped shape Jinny's artistic development. The company provided extensive facilities, including professional recording studios, multiple practice rooms, and specialized instructors. Trainees received comprehensive education in various aspects of entertainment, from performance skills to industry knowledge.

The experience at YG Entertainment, while demanding, equipped Jinny with a strong foundation in performance, professionalism, and resilience. These skills would prove crucial in her future endeavors, even after her departure from the company.

Pursuing New Opportunities

After departing from YG Entertainment in 2018, Jinny Park embarked on a new chapter in her career, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination. Her post-YG journey would prove to be a testament to her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams in the K-pop industry.

Life After YG Entertainment

Following her departure, Jinny made the bold decision to continue her pursuit of a K-pop career as an independent artist. This transition period marked a significant shift from the structured environment of a major entertainment company to forging her own path in the industry.

Produce 48 Experience

In 2018, Jinny participated in the highly competitive survival show Produce 48 as an independent trainee. Her journey on the show demonstrated her capabilities:

Despite the elimination, the show provided valuable exposure and experience, showcasing her talents to a broader audience.

Finding Her Own Path

After Produce 48, Jinny continued to develop her artistry by posting original songs on SoundCloud. This period of independent creation allowed her to explore her musical identity and maintain connection with her growing fanbase. Her persistence paid off when Vine Entertainment recognized her potential, leading to a pivotal moment in her career.

In a significant turn of events, on December 17, 2019, Jinny was revealed as the first member of Vine Entertainment's new girl group SECRET NUMBER. Though the group's debut was initially planned for March 26, 2020, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, on May 19, 2020, SECRET NUMBER made their official debut with the single "Who Dis?", marking the successful culmination of Jinny's journey from trainee to K-pop idol.

Debut Success with SECRET NUMBER

The culmination of Jinny's perseverance materialized when she became the first member revealed for SECRET NUMBER on December 17, 2019. Under Vine Entertainment's guidance, the group made their highly anticipated debut on May 19, 2020, with the single album "Who Dis?".

Joining Vine Entertainment

The transition to Vine Entertainment marked a new beginning for Jinny, who joined forces with other talented members to form what would become one of K-pop's promising new groups. The company strategically revealed the members through individual introductions, with Jinny leading the way as the group's first announced member.

Group Dynamic and Role

SECRET NUMBER quickly established itself as a multinational K-pop group, bringing together members from diverse backgrounds. The group's name carries special significance, representing the desire to remain special to the public forever, like passwords used for memorable dates. Their fandom, dubbed "LOCKEYS," symbolizes the key holders who unlock SECRET NUMBER's appeal.

Breakthrough Moments

The group's debut proved remarkably successful, with their music video for "Who Dis?" achieving significant milestones:

Their commercial success garnered recognition from prominent industry platforms, with Billboard Korea naming them among the top Rookie K-pop Groups of 2020. The group's achievements were further validated through awards at major Korean music ceremonies, including the Asia Artist Awards, APAN Music Awards, and Asian Pop Music Awards. This rapid ascent to prominence demonstrated not only the group's talent but also their ability to connect with a global audience through their unique multinational appeal.

Evolution as an Artist

Since her debut with SECRET NUMBER, Jinny Park has demonstrated remarkable growth as an artist, particularly in her creative contributions to the group's discography. Her evolution from trainee to accomplished artist showcases the multifaceted nature of modern K-pop performers.

Songwriting Contributions

Jinny's songwriting prowess has been evident through her significant contributions to SECRET NUMBER's discography. Her writing credits include several of the group's notable releases:

Musical Style Development

As SECRET NUMBER's repertoire expanded, Jinny's artistic versatility became increasingly apparent. The group's commercial success in their first five months earned them recognition at major Korean year-end music award shows, including the Asia Artist Awards, APAN Music Awards, and Asian Pop Music Awards. Their evolution continued with successful releases like "Got That Boom," "Fire Saturday," and "Doomchita," each showcasing different facets of their musical capabilities.

Performance Growth

Jinny's growth as a performer has been marked by significant milestones, including SECRET NUMBER's Japanese debut with "Like It Like It" in 2023. Her specialties in rapping, songwriting, and composing have become cornerstone elements of the group's identity. The announcement of their debut U.S. tour "UNLOCK" in 2024, spanning eight cities from Chicago to Los Angeles, demonstrates their expanding global reach and Jinny's growing confidence as a performer.

The group's consistent recognition, including being named one of the Rookie K-pop Groups of 2020 by Billboard Korea, reflects not just their commercial success but also their artistic growth. Through each release, Jinny has continued to refine her craft, contributing to the group's evolving sound while maintaining her distinctive artistic voice.