Who is Mimi from Oh My Girl? The Real Story Behind OMG's Main Rapper

Mimi OMG stands out as the only rapper in the popular K-pop girl group Oh My Girl, bringing her distinctive husky voice to the team since their debut on April 21, 2015. As a core member of the six-person ensemble under WM Entertainment, she has carved a unique identity within the competitive K-pop landscape.

Additionally, Mimi's talents extend beyond her primary role as Oh My Girl's rapper. The versatile Mimi Kpop idol has also participated as a vocalist in multiple songs, including "Coloring Book," "Real World," "In My Dreams," and "Perfect Day". Not only has she flourished within her group, but she has also made her mark in Korean entertainment, placing third in "The Second World" and joining the cast of TvN's "Earth Arcade" alongside other notable figures like An Yujin and Lee Youngji.

Early Life and Background

Born Kim Mi Hyun on May 1, 1995, the future Oh My Girl member began her life journey on the picturesque Jeju Island in South Korea. Although originally from Jeju, her family relocated to Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do when she was just four years old. Despite this early move, Mimi maintains strong connections to her birthplace, returning during holidays and remarkably retaining her ability to speak in fluent Jeju accent.

Birthplace and family

As the youngest child in her household, Mimi grew up with two significantly older sisters, born in 1988 and 1991 respectively. This age gap of seven and four years shaped her early experiences and family dynamics. Although her parents' details remain largely private, it's known they have consistently supported her entertainment career aspirations. Interestingly, the musical ambitions in the Kim family weren't limited to Mimi alone—at one point, both her older sisters also harbored dreams of becoming singers.

Family influence played a crucial role in shaping the future OMG rapper's character and creative sensibilities. Growing up as the youngest sibling likely contributed to her outgoing personality and determination to stand out, traits that would later serve her well in the competitive K-pop industry.

Education and early interests

During her formative years, Mimi attended Guam Elementary School, followed by Guam Girls' Middle School, and eventually graduated from Changwon Girls' High School. Her academic journey ran parallel with developing artistic interests that would eventually lead her toward a music career.

The young Mimi Kpop idol's passion for performance emerged early when she joined her middle school dance club. Rather than following conventional expectations, she gravitated toward and specialized in male choreography—an early indication of her willingness to break boundaries and forge her own artistic path. This foundation in dance would later enhance her stage presence as a performer.

Beyond dance, the Oh My Girl member cultivated several other interests during these years:

A deep love for music that transcended casual listening to become a dedicated hobby
An affinity for literature and reading—a passion she hopes to eventually pass on to her children
Creative pursuits like drawing, which would later complement her artistic career

Furthermore, in a moment of self-reflection, Mimi has described herself as an "unstable person"—perhaps acknowledging the emotional depth and range that would later characterize her artistic expression.

First exposure to music and performance

The pivotal moment in Mimi's journey toward becoming a Korean singer arrived in 2013 when she made a consequential decision to abandon preparations for a dance contest in favor of auditioning for WM Entertainment. This choice marked the beginning of her formal path into the music industry.

Prior to her audition, Mimi had been studying singing at TNS Practical Music Institute. However, her vocal training faced a significant obstacle when she developed vocal cord nodules. This medical challenge might have derailed her singing aspirations altogether.

Nevertheless, this apparent setback ultimately redirected her career in an unexpected way. The institute's head recognized her potential and suggested she transition from vocal training to rapping. This recommendation introduced Mimi to a new artistic avenue, with Yoon Mirae's "Memories" becoming the first rap song she encountered.

Although Mimi was initially intended to be a lead vocalist for Oh My Girl, circumstances within the company reshaped her trajectory. WM Entertainment lacked trainees with rapping skills and wasn't equipped to provide dedicated rap lessons. As a result, Mimi stepped into the role of main rapper—a position where she would eventually thrive. This adaptation from vocalist to rapper showcases the mimi kpop idol's versatility and willingness to evolve as an artist.

Becoming a Trainee at WM Entertainment

In 2013, Mimi's path took a decisive turn when she abandoned preparations for a dance contest to pursue an audition with WM Entertainment. This choice would ultimately shape her future in the K-pop industry and set her on course to become Oh My Girl's distinctive rapper.

Audition journey

The audition for WM Entertainment represented a pivotal moment for the aspiring artist. While specific details about her audition performance remain private, her talent clearly impressed the company representatives enough to secure her a trainee position. After joining the company, Mimi quickly began forming connections with her fellow trainees. According to her own account, Jiho was the first person she met after becoming a trainee. This initial connection would prove significant as both eventually debuted together in Oh My Girl.

Training period and challenges

Once accepted as a trainee, Mimi immersed herself completely in the rigorous preparation process. "Practice was all I did. I believe that was the most important thing for me to do in order to make my dream come true," she explained during an appearance on KBS Cool FM's 'Radio Show'. Her dedication manifested in an intense daily schedule that stretched from 10 AM to 8 or 9 PM, focused entirely on practice.

This unwavering commitment yielded impressive results. During monthly evaluations, Mimi consistently ranked first among trainees, maintaining the top position for as long as six months. This achievement speaks volumes about her work ethic and natural abilities. Even between filming breaks for television shows, she would continue practicing dance moves in waiting rooms, demonstrating a level of diligence that impressed her colleagues.

The training period at WM Entertainment came with extraordinarily strict rules, especially for female trainees:

• Complete prohibition on wearing makeup, including even lip color

• Ban on shorts or miniskirts that came above the knee

• Absolute dating prohibition with immediate dismissal as consequence

• Required to turn and face the wall when passing male idols in hallways

• Mandatory bathroom trips in pairs while holding hands

Furthermore, the company implemented a contractual four-year dating ban after debut. These stringent regulations reflect the intense scrutiny and high expectations placed on female idols within the K-pop industry.

Transition from vocalist to rapper

Perhaps the most consequential development during Mimi's training period was her unexpected transition from vocalist to rapper. Originally, she had been slated to become a lead vocalist in Oh My Girl. However, circumstances within the company and her own physical challenges led to a significant pivot.

While studying singing at TNS Practical Music Institute, Mimi developed vocal cord nodules. This medical condition might have derailed her singing career entirely. Yet, remarkably, the head of the institute suggested she redirect her talents toward rapping instead.

This suggestion aligned perfectly with WM Entertainment's needs, as the company lacked trainees with rapping skills and wasn't equipped to provide dedicated rap training. Thus, Mimi stepped into the role of main rapper—becoming Oh My Girl's only rapper and developing the husky vocal style that would become her trademark.

This adaptation showcases both her resilience and versatility as an artist. What began as a potential obstacle became the foundation for her unique identity within the group. Her willingness to evolve and master a new skill ultimately carved out her distinctive position in Oh My Girl.

Debut with OH MY GIRL

After months of rigorous training, Mimi's journey as a K-pop idol officially commenced in April 2015 when OH MY GIRL made their highly anticipated entrance into the competitive K-pop scene.

Debut date and first album

OH MY GIRL officially debuted on April 20, 2015, with the release of their self-titled extended play, marking the beginning of Mimi's professional career in the spotlight. The group's debut mini-album featured "Cupid" as its lead single. On the same day as their album release, the members held their first showcase, presenting themselves to the public and media.

The following day, April 21, 2015, Mimi OMG and her groupmates delivered their first broadcast performance on SBS MTV's "The Show," formally introducing their distinctive sound and choreography to television audiences. This date is often cited as their official debut day in many sources.

Before their debut, WM Entertainment had been building anticipation for the new girl group, releasing teaser images of all eight original members on March 26, 2015. Notably, the company positioned OH MY GIRL as the sister group to their established boy band B1A4, creating immediate interest among K-pop enthusiasts.

Initial role in the group

Though Mimi initially trained with the intention of becoming a lead vocalist in OH MY GIRL, her path took an unexpected turn before debut. Due to the absence of other trainees with rapping abilities at WM Entertainment, coupled with the company's lack of resources for providing specialized rap training, Mimi stepped into the position of main rapper.

This circumstance proved fortuitous, as she ultimately became the group's only rapper. Her distinctive husky voice quickly became one of her trademark characteristics, setting her apart within both the group and the broader K-pop landscape. Besides her primary role as rapper, the versatile omg mimi also contributed as a sub-vocalist to the group's songs.

The official positions held by Mimi Korean singer at debut included:

Main rapper
Sub-vocalist
Main dancer

Her sharp rap delivery and commanding stage presence made her stand out from the beginning, establishing her unique identity within the newly formed group.

Early public reception

Following their debut, OH MY GIRL wasted no time in preparing new material for their growing fanbase. Merely two months after their introduction, on June 21, 2015, the group announced they were already working on their next album. This quick turnaround demonstrated the company's confidence in the rookie group's potential.

Their second extended play, titled "Closer," was subsequently released on October 8, 2015. The group performed the title track on Mnet's "M Countdown" one day prior to the album release, showcasing their rapid artistic growth since debut.

The rookie group continued their momentum into 2016, releasing their third mini-album "Pink Ocean" on March 28, featuring the title track "Liar Liar". Shortly thereafter, they released a repackage album titled "Windy Day" with additional tracks, demonstrating their productivity and commitment to establishing themselves in the industry.

Mimi kpop idol's unique position as the group's sole rapper gave her substantial visibility during these early promotions. Her ability to seamlessly transition from trainee vocalist to skilled rapper impressed both fans and industry observers alike. Throughout these initial releases, her distinctive flow and charismatic stage presence contributed significantly to OH MY GIRL's developing identity within the crowded K-pop landscape.

Mimi’s Role in OH MY GIRL

Within Oh My Girl's carefully balanced group dynamics, Mimi has established herself in several distinct roles that showcase her versatility as a performer. Her contributions extend beyond her primary position, making her an essential component of the group's success.

Main rapper and sub-vocalist

As Oh My Girl's sole rapper, Mimi occupies a uniquely important position within the group's musical structure. Her distinctive rap verses provide necessary contrast to the primarily vocal-focused compositions of Oh My Girl's discography. Beyond her primary role, omg mimi also contributes as a sub-vocalist in multiple songs, including "Coloring Book," "Real World," "In My Dreams," and "Perfect Day," demonstrating her vocal range.

What makes mimi kpop idol particularly remarkable is how she transitioned from her original intended position as a lead vocalist to becoming the group's main rapper. This adaptation demonstrates not only her versatility but also her commitment to filling whatever role best serves the group's needs. Unlike many K-pop groups that feature multiple rappers, Mimi stands alone in this capacity, giving her significant visibility in Oh My Girl's performances.

Dance style and stage presence

Simultaneously serving as one of Oh My Girl's main dancers, Mimi brings powerful energy to the group's choreography. Her background in dance clubs during her school years laid a strong foundation for her current performance abilities. Interestingly, Mimi specialized in male choreography during her formative years, which perhaps contributes to the strength and assertiveness she brings to Oh My Girl's dance routines.

On stage, the mimi korean singer projects confidence and charisma that command attention. Her expressions and movements convey intensity during rap segments, contrasting with the more delicate performance style often associated with Oh My Girl's overall concept. This balance between power and elegance creates a compelling visual dynamic during live shows.

Unique voice and performance traits

Perhaps most distinctive about mimi oh is her characteristically husky voice. This tonal quality gives her rap delivery a recognizable edge that sets her apart not only within her group but also among female rappers in the broader K-pop industry. Her vocal color provides textural variety to Oh My Girl's songs, enriching their musical palette.

Performance-wise, Mimi exhibits several noteworthy traits:

Exceptional breath control that allows for rapid-fire delivery in verses
Smooth transitions between rapping and singing segments
Confident stage demeanor that radiates throughout performances

Moreover, her performance style continues to evolve as she gains experience. The oh my girl mimi of today shows greater technical precision and emotional depth compared to her earlier appearances, reflecting years of dedicated practice and professional growth. Throughout her journey with the group, she has refined her skills while maintaining the distinctive qualities that make her an irreplaceable member of Oh My Girl.

Songwriting and Lyric Contributions

Beyond her role as main rapper, Mimi's creative fingerprints are deeply embedded in Oh My Girl's discography through her extensive songwriting contributions. As the group's primary lyricist, her pen has helped shape their musical identity since their earliest days.

Notable songs she co-wrote

Throughout her career, Mimi OMG has amassed an impressive catalog of writing credits. Her songwriting journey began with the group's earliest releases, including tracks from their first year like "Hot Summer Nights," "Closer," "Playground," and "Round About". Her writing portfolio expanded significantly with each subsequent album:

Early achievements (2015-2016): "Liar Liar," "B612," "I Found Love," and "Listen to My Word (A-ing)"
Middle-period works (2018-2019): "Butterfly," "Magic," "Remember Me," "Echo," and "Twilight"
Recent contributions (2020-2023): "Nonstop," "Miracle," "Celebrate," and "Queen B"

Remarkably, for their 2023 album "Golden Hourglass," the mimi korean singer participated in writing a total of three songs, including the title track "Classified". This exemplifies her growing influence on the group's musical direction and creative process.

Themes in her lyrics

Mimi's approach to lyric writing demonstrates both thoughtfulness and creativity. "I tend to write lyrics according to the flow of the song, so I think about the flow of the lyrics and the atmosphere of the song," she explained in an interview with It's Live. This holistic consideration of how lyrics interact with musical elements reflects her sophisticated understanding of songcraft.

The omg mimi often writes from the perspective of characters within the narrative of a song. "If it's about a story, my lyric is about what I can say as the main character of the story," she has noted. This character-driven approach gives her lyrics an authentic, relatable quality.

For "Classified," she cleverly incorporated hidden references to previous Oh My Girl albums within the lyrics. "We melted the identity of OH MY GIRL so that Miracle could find the hidden lyrics. We hid the titles of our previous albums," she explained about this meta-textual approach.

Growth as a lyricist over time

From her initial songwriting efforts to her recent work, Mimi kpop idol has shown substantial artistic evolution. Her writing for "Sunset" on "The Second World" demonstrates her maturity as a lyricist with lines like "Bring out every single part of yourself, even the way you walk / Don't act confusing, be zero fake". These lyrics reflect her personal philosophy about authenticity and self-expression.

With 43 collaborative writing credits to her name, Mimi oh has established herself as an integral creative force behind Oh My Girl's music. As mentioned in an industry publication, "MIMI's rap ability and the fact she writes her own raps for OH MY GIRL is an integral part of what makes the group so unique".

Solo Projects and Collaborations

Beyond her accomplishments with Oh My Girl, Mimi has ventured into various solo endeavors that showcase her versatility as an artist. These projects highlight her abilities beyond the group setting and reveal different facets of her creative personality.

OST appearances

Throughout her career, Mimi has lent her voice to several soundtrack projects, often collaborating with her Oh My Girl groupmates. Her OST portfolio includes:

"I Love You Teacher" for "Racket Boys OST Part.3" (2021), alongside Hyojung and Binnie
"Can't help loving you" for "School 2021 OST Part.4" (2021)
"1234" for "Oh My Wedding OST Part.8" (2022), performed with Hyojung

Alongside these soundtrack appearances, the mimi korean singer participated in special releases like "Two Yoo Project – Sugar Man Part.33," where she performed "Puyo Puyo" with Kim Yong Il, Park Sang Hoo, and Seunghee.

Project duo MNZ

In July 2024, mimi omg embarked on an exciting new venture when she formed the project duo MNZ with comedian Lee Eun-ji. The pair developed a close friendship through their appearances on tvN's popular show "Earth Arcade" and its spinoff "Earth Arcade's Vroom Vroom".

The duo completed filming a music video for their debut song in June 2024. Interestingly, this project operates independently from their respective agencies—neither WM Entertainment nor Cube Entertainment is directly involved.

On July 16, 2024, Mimi sparked curiosity by posting a caricature on social media announcing MNZ's formation. The project culminated with their official debut on July 29, 2024, releasing the song "Chi" through Mimi's YouTube channel.

YouTube and personal content

Mimi oh launched her personal YouTube channel "MimPD" on May 19, 2019, with her first video featuring a cover of 10cm's "What the Spring??" alongside fellow Oh My Girl member Jiho. The channel name reflects her hands-on approach—the "PD" stands for producer, as she personally handles "planning, filming and editing" for all content.

Her channel features diverse content, including:

Music covers like Beenzino's "Break," where she personally prepared everything from renting the space to lighting
A recreation of her pre-debut cover of miss A's "Breathe" after the original hit one million views
A series titled "The Real World of Mi Hyun" showing her everyday life

Despite her company offering her solo debut opportunities, mimi kpop idol has consistently declined, stating, "My group activities are my priority". This dedication demonstrates her commitment to Oh My Girl even as she explores personal creative outlets.

Mimi in Variety and Reality Shows

In recent years, Mimi's vibrant personality has propelled her beyond the music stage into becoming a standout figure in Korean variety television. Her natural humor and authentic reactions have earned her a dedicated following outside Oh My Girl's core fanbase.

Earth Arcade series

In June 2022, Mimi OMG joined the cast of tvN's "Earth Arcade," a travel variety show produced by renowned PD Na Young-seok. She appeared alongside a star-studded ensemble including IVE's An Yujin, rapper Lee Youngji, and comedian Lee Eun-ji. The show's popularity prompted a swift renewal, with Earth Arcade returning for second and third seasons in 2023 and 2025 respectively.

Initially, mimi kpop idol struggled with the show's constant filming. "I'm quite shy so it was hard at first. I'm the type to be shy on my own and not show it to others," she admitted. After seeking advice from a close friend, she embraced a more authentic approach: "Let's stop this inner conflict... Let's do it comfortably, as I am". This decision marked a turning point in her variety show career.

The Second World

Expanding her television portfolio, mimi korean singer competed on JTBC's "The Second World" in August 2022. The vocal survival show challenged rappers to showcase their singing abilities. Despite facing established competitors, Mimi ultimately secured an impressive third-place finish in the final episode.

Before joining the show, she acknowledged feeling pressure about the competition format, yet decided "if I was to not do it and regret it, it'd be better to do it regardless of the result".

Signature moments and memes

Mimi's unique comedic style has earned her the nickname "black hole of variety shows" – once viewers are drawn in, they're completely captivated. Indeed, her unpredictable reactions have become viewer favorites, such as her "snap back to reality" moment during an aerobic dance segment that even producer Na Yeongseok highlighted.

Her distinctive "Mimiese" speaking style – characterized by cute hesitation and unexpected observations – regularly generates viral clips. Furthermore, her positive attitude shines through even in failure, famously remaining cheerful after giving an incorrect answer during a quiz game and losing the opportunity to taste pad thai.

This variety show success culminated in Mimi receiving the Rookie of the Year Award in the variety program category at the 2022 Asia Model Festival.

Personality, Hobbies, and Fun Facts

Behind the microphone and away from the stage lights, mimi omg reveals a personality as colorful as her performances. The multifaceted artist embodies contrasts that make her uniquely endearing to fans worldwide.

Her love for sweets and drawing

Fundamentally, mimi kpop idol identifies as a sweet tooth enthusiast. Her passion for sugary treats runs remarkably deep—she particularly favors chocolate and ice cream. In fact, the oh my girl mimi has admitted to consuming up to 15 ice creams in a single sitting. Her dessert creativity extends to making "chocotang," a concoction mixing various chocolate snacks, cereal, and ice cream in milk.

Beyond her musical talents, mimi oh showcases impressive artistic abilities. Among Oh My Girl members, she stands out as the most skilled at drawing, earning her the nickname "Picasso of Oh My Girl". Her artwork occasionally appears on the group's official accounts, especially during anniversaries. In a touching display of her talent, she once created custom t-shirts featuring drawings of Oh My Girl members as gifts.

Nicknames and fan interactions

Generally, the mimi korean singer dislikes nicknames. Nevertheless, she has warmed up to "Baby Kimmi"—a moniker combining her birth name (Kim Mihyun) with lyrics from "Dun Dun Dance". Surprisingly, she discovered this nickname by reading fan comments online.

Mimi actively monitors fan conversations despite rarely commenting herself. "I always read your comments! Watch out!" she once playfully warned her fans. This awareness of fan perceptions strengthens her connection with supporters.

Unique quirks and habits

Amid her public persona, several distinctive traits define mimi kpop idol. She describes herself as an "unstable person"—perhaps acknowledging her emotional depth. Meanwhile, she habitually bites her fingernails and prefers casual or hip-hop fashion over feminine styles.

Her YouTube channel "MimPD" reveals another dimension of her character. The name reflects her hands-on approach—she personally handles "planning, filming and editing" for all content. Through her channel, she seeks "to find myself and what direction I should take by thinking about what it is I really want to do and not think about other people's opinions".