Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)


Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Nayun, born Kim Na Yun on July 31, 1998, in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, is a celebrated member of the South Korean girl group MOMOLAND. Known by her stage name Nayun, she holds the positions of vocalist and rapper within the group. Nayun's journey into the spotlight began in earnest in 2016 when she competed in Mnet's reality survival show "Finding Momoland." Her impressive performance on the show ensured her a spot in MOMOLAND, as she finished third in the competition . This marked the beginning of her official entry into the entertainment industry with the group's debut on November 10, 2016, with their first mini album "Welcome to Momoland".

Nayun's personal background is as intriguing as her professional journey. She is an only child, raised in a culturally rich environment, influenced heavily by her mother's role as an art museum director. Her educational path was equally distinguished; she attended Seoul Sangam Elementary School and Sangam Middle School, followed by a focused study in Broadcasting Entertainment at Seoul Performing Arts High School. Furthering her artistic aspirations, Nayun pursued a major in Musical Theatre at Myongji University, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for the arts.

Throughout her career with MOMOLAND, Nayun has not only showcased her musical talents but also her versatility in various entertainment roles, affirming her status as a multifaceted entertainer. Despite facing significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) that led to a temporary hiatus in 2018, her resilience and dedication have seen her return stronger, ready to continue her artistic journey.

Stage Name : Nayun
Birth Name : Kim Na Yun (김나윤)
Position : Vocalist, Rapper
Birthday : July 31, 1998
Zodiac Sign : Leo
Height : 168 cm (5’6″)
Weight : 48 kg (105 lbs)
Blood Type : AB
Instagram : @nayun_nannie

Agency:
MYNEST Company (2023–present)
MLD Entertainment (2016–2023)

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Early Life and Background

Birth Date and Place

Kim Na Yun was born on July 31, 1998, in Seoul, South Korea. She is an only child, which allowed her to receive undivided attention and support from her parents.

Education Timeline

Nayun's educational journey started at Seoul Sangam Elementary School, followed by Sangam Middle School. She then attended the Seoul School of Performing Arts High School, where she studied Broadcasting Entertainment. Furthering her academic pursuits, Nayun was accepted into Myongji University, majoring in Musical Theatre.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Entry into Entertainment

Finding MOMOLAND Participation

Nayun's entry into the entertainment industry was marked by her participation in the Mnet survival program "Finding Momoland." This show, which aired starting July 22, 2016, was designed to form the new girl group MOMOLAND from among 10 trainees of Double Kick Company. Despite initial low attention, the show gained prominence as MOMOLAND's popularity soared, leading to reruns being organized since February 2018. The final mission to debut, held at the KBS Arena on September 3, 2016, set a high stake with a requirement of 3,000 spectators but fell short at 2,300, causing a temporary delay in the debut plans. Ultimately, the group made its debut on November 10, 2016.

Initial Training

During the "Finding MOMOLAND" program, Nayun and her fellow trainees underwent rigorous training and faced numerous challenges. Nayun was noted for her expressive facial performances, which were praised by the judges. However, the training process was not without its difficulties. For instance, Nayun's choreography during one of the evaluations was incorrect, leaving the choreographer dumbfounded . Despite these hurdles, Nayun's dedication and resilience shone through, contributing significantly to her eventual success in securing a spot in MOMOLAND.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Major Achievements with MOMOLAND

Hit Songs and Albums

MOMOLAND has made significant contributions to the K-pop music scene with a diverse discography consisting of 48 official tracks, including hits across multiple languages—33 in Korean, 2 in Japanese, and 1 in English, alongside 12 versions of songs initially recorded in another language. Their notable singles include "Bboom Bboom," "Baam," and "I'm So Hot," produced by the acclaimed Shinsadong Tiger and Beom-i Nang-i, which propelled them to international fame. The group's track "Bboom Bboom" achieved a Platinum certification on the Gaon Music Chart for its widespread popularity.

Award Wins and Nominations

MOMOLAND's success is further underscored by their impressive array of awards and nominations. Since their formation, they have secured 23 awards from 64 nominations. Their accolades include winning the Rising Star Award at the Asia Artist Awards in 2017 and the Best Icon Award in music in 2018. The group also received the World K-Pop Rookie award at the Gaon Chart Music Awards in 2018 and was recognized as the Artist of the Year at The Fact Music Awards in 2019. Additionally, their collaboration "Yummy Yummy Love" with Natti Natasha was nominated at the Latin American 2022 Juventud Awards, marking them as the first Korean act to be recognized at this event.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Health Issues and Hiatus

Vertigo Diagnosis

Nayun experienced significant health challenges during her time with MOMOLAND, leading to a temporary hiatus from her activities. After visiting the hospital due to symptoms of dizziness, she was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a disorder related to the inner ear which causes vertigo depending on the positioning of the head. Symptoms typically include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and loss of balance. The treatment for BPPV involves procedures that maneuver the location of crystals in the ear through head movements and may include medication to alleviate vertigo symptoms. Stress, anxiety, physical impact, or aging are known to be possible causes of this disorder, although the specific cause in Nayun's case was unclear.

Hiatus Period

Following her diagnosis, MLD Entertainment announced that Nayun would halt all promotions with MOMOLAND to focus on her health. Despite her strong determination to continue participating in group activities, the priority was her health, leading to the decision that she would focus entirely on treatment. During this period, MOMOLAND promoted as eight members, and fans were encouraged to support Nayun's recovery. After a period of dedicated rest and treatment, her health improved, and she was able to rejoin the group for their scheduled activities, including a Japanese single album's jacket photoshoot and music video filming, starting in October.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Post-MOMOLAND Career

Reasons for Leaving

Nayun's departure from MOMOLAND was primarily due to health concerns. She was diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a disorder causing vertigo based on the positioning of the head, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance. Despite her strong determination to participate in group activities, the priority for her health led to the decision that she would focus entirely on treatment. This decision was supported by MLD Entertainment and the other members, emphasizing the importance of her recovery.

Life After Departure

Following her departure from MOMOLAND, Nayun, along with Hyebin, has not engaged in many prominent activities. Both members are currently taking a break after years of hard work in the entertainment industry. This period of rest is seen as a necessary step for Nayun to fully recover and eventually find the right opportunity to further develop her career. Meanwhile, other members of MOMOLAND have moved on to new projects, with Nancy joining a new management company and actively participating in global fashion events, and Jane and Ahin appearing at Seoul Fashion Week 2023.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Engagement with Fans

Social Media Presence

Social media serves as a pivotal platform for Nayun, allowing her to share her personal stories and connect authentically with her fans. The consistent presence on these platforms ensures that she remains visible to her audience, who engage actively with her posts. This engagement is not just about promoting her projects but also about building a community that supports her through various phases of her career. Nayun's approach to social media emphasizes the creation of genuine relationships with her followers, which has helped in fostering a loyal fan base.

Fan Meet-ups and Interactions

Nayun values direct interactions with her fans, often participating in fan meet-ups which provide an opportunity for more personal engagement. These events are crucial for strengthening the bond she shares with her supporters and for receiving firsthand feedback on her work. The sense of community that social media fosters is brought to life in these gatherings, turning online supporters into real-world advocates for Nayun's ongoing projects and future endeavors.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Personal Traits and Likes

Personality Insights

Nayun is celebrated for her warm and friendly personality, often engaging with her fans by sharing glimpses of her daily life and interests through social media. Her approachable demeanor is complemented by a strong sense of rivalry and self-cultivation, traits that she believes will help her surpass her rivals through hard work rather than relying on inherent advantages.

Favorite Pastimes

Outside of her professional commitments, Nayun enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her artistic and explorative nature. She finds pleasure in drawing and reading, activities that allow her to unwind and express her creativity. Additionally, Nayun loves watching movies and can often spend lengthy periods on the phone, engaging in deep conversations, which showcases her excellent listening skills and her ability to offer counsel.

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

Nayun/ Kim Na Yun (ex MOMOLAND)

[K-Fancam] 모모랜드 나윤 직캠 'Yummy Yummy Love' (MOMOLAND NAYUN Fancam) l @MusicBank 220121

Conclusion

Nayun's journey with MOMOLAND was marked by significant achievements and challenges. Her departure from the group was announced on January 27, 2023, when MLD Entertainment revealed that MOMOLAND would not be renewing their contracts . This transition marked a new chapter for Nayun, allowing her to explore other avenues and focus on recovery from health issues that had previously led her to take a hiatus from group activities. During her time with MOMOLAND, Nayun faced health challenges, notably otolithiasis, which caused her to take a break from her activities on July 1, 2018. However, she made a strong comeback, returning to promotions after her recovery was announced on September 13. These events underscore her resilience and adaptability, highlighting her ongoing commitment to her career and her fans.

Close