Who is Hyojung? The Hidden Story Behind OH MY GIRL's Leader

Hyojung stands out as one of K-pop's most remarkable leaders, transforming from trainee to idol in just six months before debuting with OH MY GIRL in 2015. Despite her petite 158 cm frame, her powerful vocals and infectious smile have made her a standout performer in the competitive K-pop industry.

Born Choi Hyojung on July 28, 1994, in Anyang, South Korea, she spent her early childhood in Thailand until age six. As the leader of OH MY GIRL, Hyojung certainly brings a unique energy to the group, earning the nickname "Candy" for her consistently cheerful personality. Additionally, she has expanded her career beyond group activities, participating in various OST projects including "Lead the Way" for Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon," while also establishing her personal YouTube channel "JJung2eonni" in 2019.

Early Life and Background

Choi Hyojung's life story begins with unique cultural influences that shaped her formative years. Though her journey to becoming OH MY GIRL's beloved leader would eventually capture fans' hearts, her early experiences reveal a foundation of resilience and determination.

Birthplace and childhood in Thailand

Although Choi Hyojung was born on July 28, 1994, in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, her early childhood unfolded in a completely different cultural setting. Shortly after birth, Hyojung's family relocated to Thailand, where she lived until she was six years old. This international upbringing left a lasting impression on her, as she can still understand and speak conversational Thai.

This Thai connection became particularly meaningful during her appearance on the competition show "Queendom," where she formed a special bond with Minnie of (G)I-dle, who is Thai. During their interactions, Hyojung revealed that her aunt is Thai, explaining the family's connection to the country. Her multicultural background adds a distinctive dimension to her perspective as an artist.

Education and early interests

Behind Hyojung's bright smile lies a story of remarkable perseverance. Following her father's passing at a young age, she took on significant responsibilities to help support her family. As she shared on "Happy Together 3" in 2016:

"My father passed away when I was young, so I started working to help my mom."

Hyojung worked numerous part-time jobs throughout her childhood and adolescence, including:

Serving at a pigs' feet restaurant
Babysitting
Distributing flyers
Digging for ginseng with her grandmother

Her older sister likewise worked to support the family during this challenging time. Despite these hardships, Hyojung maintained her passion for music, participating in her school choir from second through ninth grade—a commitment spanning seven years.

Her dedication to her craft was evident as she paid her own way to study at a vocal institute, eventually earning an associate degree in K-pop from Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts in February 2019. Beyond singing, she developed piano skills and discovered her interest in songwriting.

Hyojung credits these early experiences with preparing her for the entertainment industry, noting: "My experience with part-time jobs is very helpful to me as I work in the entertainment industry".

Meaning behind the name 'Choi Hyojung'

The name Choi Hyojung (최효정) carries deep cultural significance that resonates with her character. In Korean naming traditions, each syllable holds specific meaning and importance.

"Hyo" (효) translates to "filial piety" or "goodness", a concept central to Korean family values that emphasizes respect and care for one's parents and ancestors. Meanwhile, "Jung" (정) can represent "loyalty," "purity," or being "right and proper".

Together, these elements create a name that embodies noble character traits and virtuous personality. One source suggests the name simply means "to be true", which aligns with Hyojung's authentic approach to both leadership and performance.

The name Hyojung reflects traditional Korean values of family devotion and loyalty—qualities that foreshadowed her eventual role as OH MY GIRL's dedicated leader. Her name embodies qualities parents would wish to impart to their daughters: wisdom, intelligence, and beauty, traits that have indeed manifested throughout her career.

The Journey to Debut

Before becoming the cheerful leader fans know today, Choi Hyojung's path to stardom required determination and a unique spark that set her apart from other aspiring idols. Her relatively brief training period remains remarkable in an industry where trainees often spend years preparing for debut.

Training under WM Entertainment

Hyojung's training journey had unconventional beginnings. Prior to joining WM Entertainment, she was a trainee under Soul Shop Entertainment, an agency established by g.o.d member Kim Tae Woo. The exact timeline of her Soul Shop training remains undocumented, but her entertainment career took a decisive turn in October 2014 when she officially joined WM Entertainment.

In contrast to many K-pop idols who train for years, Hyojung's pre-debut period was remarkably brief. According to most sources, she trained for only 6 months at WM Entertainment before making her official debut. However, some documentation suggests her training period was slightly longer at 7 months.

The training environment at WM Entertainment, as Hyojung later revealed, included strict weight management protocols. Trainees faced harsh dietary restrictions, with Hyojung expected to maintain a weight between 99-101 lbs (44.9-45.8kg). Her personal target weight was even lower at 97 lbs (44kg). These revealing details offer a glimpse into the demanding standards K-pop trainees often face.

Winning first place in WM auditions

Hyojung's path to joining WM Entertainment began with a standout audition performance. She auditioned with a dance cover of HyunA's popular hit "Bubble Pop". Notably, she performed what she described as a "G-rated" version of the choreography, as the original dance featured provocative movements.

What truly distinguished Hyojung's audition was not just her dance skills but her radiant personality. According to fellow OH MY GIRL member Binnie, Hyojung "smiled like crazy" during her audition. This infectious enthusiasm clearly made an impression on the judges, as she ultimately secured first place in WM Entertainment's 2014 audition.

Her success came after numerous previous disappointments. As one source notes, she had challenged many auditions before, but judges often eliminated her without seeing her perform, simply after hearing her sing. This rejection motivated her to work harder on both her performance skills and physical appearance.

Debut with OH MY GIRL in 2015

Following her successful training period, Hyojung made her official debut as part of OH MY GIRL on April 20, 2015, with the group's self-titled first extended play. The group was officially introduced as the sister group to WM Entertainment's boy band B1A4.

The debut rollout began in March 2015, when teaser images of all eight original members were released along with concept photos. The group's first EP included the single "Cupid," which they performed at their debut showcase on the same day as their EP release. Their first televised performance followed quickly, appearing on SBS MTV's "The Show" on April 21, 2015.

From the beginning, Hyojung assumed the crucial role of leader within OH MY GIRL. The original lineup consisted of eight members: Hyojung, Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, Binnie, Arin, Jiho (left in 2022) and JinE (left in 2017 due to health reasons).

Hyojung's quick progression from trainee to debut demonstrates both her natural talent and the confidence WM Entertainment placed in her leadership abilities, establishing the foundation for what would become a successful and enduring career in K-pop.

Rising as OH MY GIRL's Leader

From the very beginning of OH MY GIRL's journey, Choi Hyojung has been the cornerstone of the group's dynamics, establishing herself as more than just the eldest member. As she stepped into her leadership role, fans quickly discovered the depth behind her ever-present smile.

Role and responsibilities in the group

As both the leader and main vocalist of OH MY GIRL, Hyojung carries dual responsibilities that showcase her versatility as an artist. This combination is relatively uncommon in K-pop, where leaders often focus primarily on management aspects rather than being main vocal performers. At just 158 cm (5'2") tall and weighing 42 kg (93 lbs), her small stature belies her powerful voice and commanding presence.

Interestingly, Hyojung herself has admitted that she initially felt the leadership position wasn't meant for her. In fact, she credits her fellow members for building her confidence in this role through their consistent praise and support. Her primary responsibility extends beyond managing schedules and representing the group in public—she considers herself the "mental support" of the team, a role acknowledged by her members.

Leadership style and group dynamics

Hyojung's leadership philosophy centers on genuine care: "I'm a leader who sincerely loves and cherishes her members. OH MY GIRL is more precious than myself". This sentiment forms the foundation of her approach to guiding the group.

When asked about her leadership style, she expressed a desire "to appear friendly and be someone you cannot hate". This approach has created a warm, supportive environment within OH MY GIRL, but it doesn't mean she avoids addressing problems. When facing concerns about the team, Hyojung typically speaks with everyone involved, turning first to Seunghee—whom she considers their "vice-leader"—for advice on approaching different members.

Her relationship with each member reflects her understanding of their individual needs:

With younger members Arin and Binnie, she playfully says "Love me"
When struggling, Mimi intuitively jokes around to lighten her mood
Jiho regularly texts and writes her letters
YooA boosts her confidence with supportive comments

Despite her typically gentle demeanor, Hyojung revealed she had early conflicts with YooA during their debut era. The leader would remind her that "This is a group choreography" and "We're a team" when YooA would dance in her own style during practices. Yet even in these moments of correction, Hyojung demonstrated understanding, acknowledging YooA's artistic nature.

Nickname 'Candy' and her bright image

Hyojung's nickname "Candy" perfectly encapsulates her sweet, bright personality. Often referred to as the "Candy Leader," this moniker emerged naturally from her consistently positive demeanor. She describes herself as "a happy, hardworking person who loves to lift up her members' spirits".

Furthermore, Hyojung likens herself to a "sunflower," reflecting her tendency to bring light and positivity to those around her. This image isn't merely superficial—her members consistently describe her as their emotional anchor during difficult times, crediting her strong mental fortitude for helping the group through challenges.

What makes Hyojung particularly endearing is that behind her bright leader persona lies genuine emotional depth. Despite being known for her leadership strength, she admits to being "usually sensitive and emotional" and is noted as "the member with the most tears". Nevertheless, when the group needs direction, she channels a stronger presence that her members compare to "motherhood".

This duality—being both emotionally accessible yet reliably strong—has earned Hyojung deep respect from both fans and fellow members, making her one of K-pop's most beloved leaders.

Exploring Sub-units and Solo Projects

Beyond her responsibilities as OH MY GIRL's leader, Hyojung has ventured into various musical projects that showcase her versatility as an artist. Her participation in sub-units and solo endeavors has allowed fans to experience different facets of her musical talent.

OH MY GIRL BANHANA and Banana Allergy Monkey

In April 2018, Hyojung expanded her repertoire by debuting in OH MY GIRL's first sub-unit, OH MY GIRL BANHANA, alongside members Binnie and Arin. This special unit released their debut mini-album "Banana Allergy Monkey" on April 2, 2018, under WM Entertainment. The concept was distinctively playful—the trio portrayed "Banana Allergy Monkeys" who, unable to eat bananas, search for alternatives across the universe.

The title track "Banana Allergy Monkey" featured an electro house genre with a catchy melody. Interestingly, the original track was created 10 years prior to its release. Even more fascinating, the name "BAM" used for the producer duo who conceptualized the album serves as an acronym for "Banana Allergy Monkey".

Following their Korean success, OH MY GIRL BANHANA made their Japanese debut on August 29, 2018, under Ariola Japan, even before OH MY GIRL's official Japanese debut in 2019.

Solo debut with 'Christmas Night Train'

After years of contributing to group activities, Hyojung finally made her solo debut with the special single "Christmas Night Train" on December 18, 2024, at 6 PM KST. This release marked two significant milestones—her first solo album and her first winter seasonal song.

The promotional poster for "Christmas Night Train" featured a Christmas tree on a sandy beach, alongside a figure dressed as Santa carrying a small travel bag. This imagery invited fans to join Hyojung on her unique solo journey.

Notably, Hyojung participated in composing the track, with lyrics by Seo Ji-eum. To celebrate this special release, she hosted a fan event titled "Christmas Party" on December 22, 2024.

YouTube channel and self-composed songs

On May 28, 2019, Hyojung launched her personal YouTube channel "JJung2eonni". Her first video featured her self-composed track "Morning Sunlight," capturing the beauty of nature and spring. This was actually her second self-composed song, following "Sky" featuring Mimi released in April 2019.

Hyojung has displayed considerable talent as a composer, having approximately four self-written songs copyrighted:

The "Ottoke [What Should I Do] Song"
The "Yam Yam Song"
The "Be Mine Song"
Theme song for the radio show "Starry Night"

She revealed on a variety show that she earns royalties from these compositions—about 10,000 won (approximately USD 9.00) in a good month. Though the financial return is modest, Hyojung takes pride in having songs copyrighted under her name.

Her musical contributions extend beyond OH MY GIRL, as she participated in several OSTs, including "Today, Just Like Yesterday" for SBS' "Hyena" in March 2020 and "Dear, Beloved" for "Dear X Who Doesn't Love Me" in 2022. Perhaps most impressively, she was chosen by Walt Disney Company Korea to sing the Korean version of "Lead The Way" for Disney's animated film "Raya and the Last Dragon" in 2021.

Discography Highlights

Throughout her career, Hyojung has built an impressive portfolio beyond her group activities, establishing herself as a versatile vocalist across multiple musical formats. Her distinctive vocal color has made her a sought-after artist for soundtrack projects and collaborations.

OST contributions and notable tracks

Hyojung's voice has graced numerous drama soundtracks, starting with "Suddenly Autumn" featuring Crucial Star for the "Fantastic" OST in 2016. Her OST portfolio subsequently expanded with contributions to popular dramas:

"SARR" for "Queen of Mystery 2" (March 2018)
"I'm Loving You" for "My Only One" (October 2018)
"Mr. Wonder" with Binnie for "Legal High" (March 2019)
"Today, Just Like Yesterday" for SBS drama "Hyena" (March 2020)

Perhaps her most prestigious solo achievement came in February 2021 when Walt Disney Company Korea selected her to sing the Korean version of "Lead The Way" for Disney's animated film "Raya and the Last Dragon". This opportunity showcased her talent to an international audience. Moreover, she participated in "Dear, Beloved" for "Dear X Who Doesn't Love Me" in 2022, further cementing her reputation as an OST vocalist.

Collaborations with other artists

Beside her OST work, Hyojung has collaborated with several artists throughout her career. One of her most notable collaborations was "SNS" with comedian and musician Park Myung-soo in November 2018. For this track, she not only performed but also contributed as both lyricist and composer.

Other significant collaborations include:

"Blue & Black" with Arin, Jang Wonyoung, Leeseo, Serim & Jungmo (2022)
"A Cup of Latte" with Yubin (2023)
"Hello! WM_V" with Sandeul & Hyojin (2024)

Within OH MY GIRL, she co-wrote lyrics for "Love Me Like You Do," an R&B ballad unit song with YooA featured on the group's 10th mini album "Dreamy Resonance" released in June 2024.

Unreleased and fan-favorite songs

Beneath Hyojung's official discography lies a treasure trove of unreleased material cherished by fans. The most notable is "SKY," a special composition featuring fellow OH MY GIRL member Mimi on rap. Released through OH MY GIRL's YouTube channel on April 21, 2019, this song marked the group's fourth anniversary.

Especially meaningful to fans, "SKY" was originally performed as Hyojung's graduation project for the Dong-ah Institute of Media and Arts in 2018. Furthermore, she has composed several unofficial songs including:

"Miracle Song"
"Raccoon Song"
"Morning Light"

Her talent as a songwriter extends to radio jingles and commercial songs, with compositions including "Byeolbamlogo Song" (Star Night Logo Song) and "Yum-yum Song". These creative contributions, regardless of their commercial release status, showcase Hyojung's versatility as a musician beyond her role as OH MY GIRL's leader.

Creative Contributions and Songwriting

Behind every song Hyojung touches lies a thoughtful creative process that reflects her artistic identity. Unlike many idols who primarily perform, she has steadily built her reputation as a songwriter and composer, adding another dimension to her musical identity.

Songs written or co-written by Hyojung

Hyojung's songwriting portfolio, while selective, demonstrates her growing confidence as a composer. According to the Korea Music Copyright Association's database, her official credits include:

"SNS" (2018) - Co-written with Park Myung-soo, serving as both lyricist and composer
"굿모닝 FM CM 로고송" (Good Morning FM CM Logo Song) - Solo composition
"내꼬해(CM VER.)" (Naekkohae CM Version) - Solo composition
"Star Night Logo Song" (별밤로고송) - Composition for OH MY GIRL
"Yum-yum Song" (얌얌송) (2020) - Solo composition
"Ottoke Song" (오또케송) - Solo composition

Alongside these official credits, Hyojung has several unreleased compositions that showcase her artistic development, including "Miracle Song" and "Morning Light". On OH MY GIRL's album "Dear OHMYGIRL," she contributed to the storytelling concept behind the lyrics, explaining: "The title track 'Dun Dun Dance' is a story about how it may seem difficult to approach aliens because they seem so different from us but you come to realize that we are so much alike".

Her goal to be known as the 'OST Fairy'

As Hyojung's musical career evolves, she has expressed specific aspirations regarding her future direction. Among these, becoming recognized as an "OST Fairy" stands out as a particular ambition. This nickname in K-pop describes vocalists who excel at creating memorable soundtrack contributions.

Her pursuit of this goal is evident in her growing OST repertoire, with songs like "Blue & Black," "Dear, Beloved," and "Today, Just Like Yesterday" establishing her reputation in this specialized field. Essentially, these contributions showcase her ability to convey the emotional core of visual narratives through music.

Musical style and lyrical themes

Hyojung's compositional style reflects both her personality and artistic sensibilities. Her tracks typically feature bright, uplifting melodies coupled with emotional depth—a duality analogous to her leadership style.

Her lyrical themes often center around:

Natural imagery and metaphors - As she revealed about one song: "I wrote the lyrics after seeing the sunset reflected in the ocean's ripples. I used this image as a metaphorical representation of how everything becomes more beautiful when you're with someone you love"

Important to realize, Hyojung approaches songwriting as a form of storytelling. When discussing OH MY GIRL's album concepts, she emphasized connecting with listeners: "The main message and story that became the basis of the album is that people may think that we are different because we are celebrities/artists, but we're approachable like a friend".

Media Appearances and Public Image

Hyojung's visibility extends well beyond her musical career, as she has steadily built a diverse portfolio of media appearances that showcase her versatility as an entertainer.

TV shows, musicals, and hosting gigs

In a significant career milestone, Hyojung made her debut in musical theater through the sci-fi show "One Thousand Blues" in May 2024. She alternated the role of a human girl who saves a faulty robot jockey with actor Seo Yeon-jeong. Presently, she serves as a permanent MC on KBS 2TV's "Fun-staurant," a position she officially accepted in February 2023 after previously appearing as a special MC.

Her hosting resume includes an impressive range of programs. In February 2017, she competed on "King of Mask Singer" under the name "Moon". Additionally, she joined former Wonder Girls member Sunmi as a main host for OnStyle's "Get It Beauty 2021" in 2020.

Participation in 'Queendom' and 'Get It Beauty'

In August 2019, Hyojung participated in Mnet's competitive reality show "Queendom" as part of OH MY GIRL. For the show's third round, she represented the group in the vocal unit battle, pairing with Park Bom for a duet performance. Their collaboration helped OH MY GIRL secure first place in that round.

Consequently, in September 2020, she was announced as co-host for "Get It Beauty," a renewed beauty program targeting millennials and Gen Z. The show's format included product reviews, beauty trends, and professional advice across various digital platforms including Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Known for her smile and resemblance to ZE:A's Dongjun

Throughout her public appearances, Hyojung has become recognized for her bright smiles and petite figure. Fellow OH MY GIRL member JinE once described her as "the father of the group," highlighting her protective leadership style.

Interestingly, Hyojung is frequently noted for her striking resemblance to ZE:A member Dongjun, a comparison that has become part of her public identity. This distinctive visual similarity, coupled with her consistently cheerful demeanor, has made her instantly recognizable to K-pop fans.

Fun Facts and Personal Life

Behind the bright smiles and powerful vocals, Hyojung's personal life reveals fascinating aspects of her character that fans have come to cherish over the years.

Hobbies and favorite things

Beyond her career obligations, Hyojung enjoys simple pleasures in her downtime. She spends her free moments singing, watching dramas and variety shows. She can also play the piano, a skill that complements her musical talents. Describing herself as a "sunflower," Hyojung gravitates toward specific preferences that reflect her cheerful personality. Her favorite season is autumn, and she particularly loves chartreuse (yellowish-green) and yellow colors. When it comes to food, Hyojung has a special fondness for bread, often enjoying egg sandwiches as her go-to meal these days.

Roommates and daily routines

Throughout her career with OH MY GIRL, Hyojung has shared accommodations with various members. She lived with Mimi and Jiho in their group dorm according to "Oh My Girl Miracle Expedition." Remarkably, she takes on a nurturing role within these living arrangements, mentioning that she wakes up Binnie every day. Her morning routines have occasionally caused friction, as Seunghee once playfully exposed her former roommate's habit of making loud noises while getting ready. "After she takes a shower, she applies so many products!" Seunghee revealed, adding that everyone could hear the "dab, dab, dab" sounds Hyojung made during her morning skincare routine.

Ideal type and personality traits

Hyojung describes herself as "a happy, hardworking person who loves to lift up her members' spirits." This self-assessment aligns perfectly with how others perceive her, as she's widely known for her bright smiles and infectious positivity. Interestingly, fellow member JinE once referred to Hyojung as "the father of the group," highlighting her protective leadership qualities. Regarding romance, Hyojung has expressed that her ideal type would be "someone younger" whom she "can take care of." Among celebrities, she has mentioned actor Joo Won as someone she likes. People often call her "Win-Hyo" due to her tendency to wink frequently, adding another charming aspect to her already endearing persona.