Who Is Baek Ji-heon? The Hidden Story Behind Fromis_9's Youngest Star

Baek Ji-heon stands out as the remarkable maknae of Fromis_9 who achieved an impressive academic record while pursuing her K-pop dreams. Nicknamed the "Smartest Member" of the group, her worst test score was merely 92 points, and she excelled particularly in Korean History, missing only one question in a 2020 mock test.

Despite debuting as a middle school student with Fromis_9 on January 24, 2018, Jiheon never abandoned her educational aspirations. After graduating from the School of Performing Arts Seoul in February 2022, she successfully entered Seoul Women's University, the fourth best women's university in Korea. "I was determined to go to university because I figured there's certain things you can only experience at certain ages," she once shared about her decision to pursue higher education while maintaining her idol career.

Early Life and Education

Born on April 17, 2003, in Boseong County, South Korea, Baek Ji-heon's foundation for her impressive dual career was established early in her hometown. Unlike many K-pop idols who focus solely on entertainment training from a young age, Ji-heon balanced her academic pursuits with her artistic ambitions from the beginning.

Childhood in Suncheon and Haeryong-myeon

Ji-heon's educational journey began at Beolgyo Elementary School before she transferred to and graduated from Maean Elementary School. Her formative years in this rural region of South Korea shaped her diligent character and strong work ethic. Prior to her national television debut, she attended Suncheon Dance Academy, where she honed the performance skills that would later captivate audiences.

The young talent maintained a connection to her roots even as her star began to rise. In 2017, she made the difficult decision to sacrifice aspects of her normal teenage life for her dream career. According to acquaintances, she even gave up taking her final exams when filming for Idol School conflicted with her examination schedule.

Academic excellence and leadership roles

At Jeungpyeong Middle School in Suncheon, Ji-heon wasn't just another student - she was an academic standout. According to her acquaintances, she ranked first in her class and second in the entire school. This exceptional academic performance wasn't accidental but rather the result of deliberate effort. After expressing her desire to pursue entertainment, she worked even harder academically to alleviate her parents' concerns.

Ji-heon's leadership qualities emerged early as she served as class president during the first semester of her second year of middle school. Her dedication to excellence extended beyond academics:

Her worst test score throughout her academic career was reportedly 92 points

In 2019, Ji-heon transferred to the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) to continue her high school education. She graduated from SOPA's Film And Theater Department on February 10, 2022, alongside other notable K-pop idols like IVE's Rei and Kep1er's Dayeon.

Baek Ji-heon's university major and interests

Following her high school graduation, Ji-heon announced during a February 2022 fan meeting that she had enrolled in college. On May 15 of that year, she revealed in her vlog that she had entered Seoul Women's University, considered the fourth best women's university in Korea.

At university, Ji-heon chose to study in the Department of Children at the Social Sciences College. When discussing her major selection, she explained: "It was a toss-up between child development studies and psychology, but not only do I love children, I also heard I could study psychology alongside child development if I went into that field".

Ji-heon has embraced university life enthusiastically. In addition to her major courses, she found unexpected joy in a required coding class, noting, "I get a little tired when I have to work and attend class on the same day, but I forgot all about feeling tired when I was in the coding lectures". Furthermore, she discovered that her performance experience as an idol translated well to academic presentations, making group projects particularly enjoyable for her.

Beyond academics, Ji-heon maintains diverse interests including reading books and studying history, though she readily admits history isn't her strongest subject. This multifaceted star continues to defy expectations as she balances her flourishing idol career with her university studies.

The Road to Debut

Long before her official debut, Baek Ji-heon was already building her entertainment resume through various channels, setting the foundation for her future K-pop career. Her journey to stardom began much earlier than many fans realize.

Modeling and commercial work as a child

Ji-heon's public exposure started at a surprisingly young age. When she was approximately 13 years old, her barefaced pictures were featured across various educational materials, appearing in natural science, ethics, and English textbooks. This early exposure to cameras hinted at her natural photogenic qualities.

Subsequently, she expanded her portfolio by modeling for numerous internet shopping malls. These early modeling experiences contributed significantly to her comfort in front of cameras and helped develop the stage presence that would eventually captivate audiences as a performer.

Interestingly, Ji-heon possessed the most pre-debut experience among all Fromis_9 members. This background gave her a valuable edge in understanding industry dynamics even before entering formal training.

Training at IFI and Ti Agency

Ji-heon's formal preparation for idol life began with a comprehensive training period. For approximately two years, she honed her singing, dancing, and performance skills under professional guidance. Throughout this crucial developmental phase, she trained at both the IFI Training Center and Ti Agency.

Notably, she once passed an audition for Woolim Entertainment, home to groups like Infinite and Lovelyz, yet ultimately chose not to train there. This decision would eventually lead her toward a different path to stardom.

Her training focused on developing the fundamental skills required for K-pop idols – vocal techniques, dance choreography, and stage presence – all of which would serve her well in her eventual career with Fromis_9.

Participation in Idol School and debut at age 14

In March 2017, Mnet announced a new reality survival show called "Idol School" designed to form a new girl group. Ji-heon seized this opportunity, participating in the program that premiered on July 13, 2017.

Throughout the competition, Ji-heon showcased her talents and personality, eventually securing 8th place in the final rankings. This achievement guaranteed her a coveted spot in the resulting nine-member group originally named "Fromis".

On November 29, 2017, the newly-formed group performed their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan, with the song being released as a digital single the following day. They made their first appearance on a music program with the same song on the December 15 episode of "Music Bank".

Eventually, the group's name was changed to "Fromis_9," with the "9" representing the nine graduates of Idol School. On January 24, 2018, Baek Ji-heon officially debuted as Fromis_9's vocalist and maknae (youngest member) with their first EP, "To. Heart," which impressively reached 4th place on the Gaon Album Chart.

At just 14 years old at the time of debut, Ji-heon became one of the industry's youngest active idols. Her remarkable journey from textbook model to K-pop idol demonstrated her versatility and determination to succeed in the entertainment industry from an exceptionally young age.

Role in Fromis_9

Within the vibrant world of Fromis_9, Baek Ji-heon has established herself as a multifaceted performer since the group's official debut on January 24, 2018. As the youngest member born on April 17, 2003, she has grown from a middle school student into a respected artist with distinctive contributions to the group.

Sub-vocalist and lead dancer responsibilities

Since her debut, Ji-heon has held the official position of sub-vocalist in Fromis_9. This role requires her to provide harmonic support during performances while occasionally taking center stage for specific song sections. Moreover, her capabilities extend beyond vocals, as she excels in dance performances.

Ji-heon brings a unique set of skills to the group that enhances their overall performance quality:

Dancing and choreography expertise
Guitar playing abilities
Acting skills
Hapkido (Korean martial arts) training

Her extensive knowledge of choreography, especially regarding 2nd and 3rd generation girl groups, makes her a valuable asset during random dance challenges. Indeed, her dancing proficiency stems from her lifelong interest in K-pop and idol performances, which began well before her debut.

Signature performances and killing parts

Throughout her career with Fromis_9, Ji-heon has become known for her signature "killing parts" in several songs. Most notably, her performances in "DM" with the powerful "SO JUST LISTEN" section and in "Stay This Way" with the catchy "Daily Sunday Monday disappears" lines have captivated audiences.

Her contributions to Fromis_9's performances have continued through significant changes. In January 2025, Ji-heon joined four other members (Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Na-gyung, and Lee Chae-young) in transferring to Asnd label after their contracts with Pledis Entertainment expired. This transition marked a new chapter as they released their sixth EP, "From Our 20's," on June 25, 2025, featuring the summer-themed lead single "Like You Better".

The group's persistence through changes has paid off, with "Like You Better" earning them a first-place trophy on the July 4 broadcast of Music Bank. Ji-heon's continued dedication was evident even during emotional moments, such as during the group's last full 8-member performance of "Supersonic" at the 2024 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, where she couldn't hold back tears.

Baek Ji-heon's height, visuals, and stage presence

Standing at 166 cm (5'5"), Ji-heon ranks as the second tallest member in Fromis_9. Her physical attributes have been frequently praised by fellow members, particularly her slim waist and proportions. Curiously, despite not being fond of exercise like some of her more fitness-focused groupmates, Ji-heon naturally maintains an enviable figure.

Ji-heon's visual appeal centers around her distinctive features. Her half-moon-shaped smile creates a refreshing, innocent impression that foreign fans have described as "sunny". This expressive quality has earned her the nickname "human emoji" due to her lively facial expressions both on stage and in everyday life.

Another characteristic feature is the collection of moles on her face, including several on her ears and nose. These distinctive marks have become part of her recognizable appearance, with fans noting how her makeup sometimes varies in whether certain moles are covered.

Ji-heon's fancams consistently attract high viewership thanks to her exceptional ability to express emotions and act according to each song's mood during music broadcast stages. This talent for performance, combined with her visual appeal, has made her one of the most recognizable members to the public, with many of Fromis_9's highest-viewed YouTube videos featuring Ji-heon prominently.

Personality and Daily Habits

Beneath the surface of Baek Ji-heon's bubbly stage presence lies a thoughtful introvert with distinctly different private habits than fans might expect. Although she projects charisma and cuteness to the public, those closest to her understand that her offstage personality reveals a more complex individual.

Homebody tendencies and love for solitude

Despite her energetic performances, Ji-heon has consistently been identified as the biggest homebody in Fromis_9. This preference for solitude extends beyond what might be expected simply due to her being the youngest member or having curfew restrictions during her underage years. When other members venture out for activities, Ji-heon typically prefers staying behind at the hotel alongside fellow homebody Seoyeon.

Ji-heon's natural inclination toward organization reveals itself in her daily habits. "I love planning everything out," she once shared. "I think about how much work I should get done like a guideline. Then I try to stick to that and usually finish things ahead of schedule, too". This methodical approach extends to her academic work as well, where she typically completes homework the day it's assigned to avoid feeling bothered by pending tasks.

Dislike for exercise and transformation post-2023

Historically, Ji-heon maintained a distinct aversion to physical activity, preferring instead to "stay at home laying on the bed". This sedentary preference was well-established within the group, forming part of her recognizable personality traits alongside her dislikes of egg soup and being in water (she cannot swim).

Yet 2023 marked a significant shift in her approach to physical activity. After finishing high school, she developed "the need to go out and exercise", representing a fundamental change in her lifestyle habits. Consequently, she began incorporating fitness into her daily routine, explaining: "Now I understand why people work out. It clears your mind, and now in the mornings I keep myself in shape by running on the treadmill or taking a walk".

MBTI type and emotional boundaries

Ji-heon's personality type has been officially tested as ISFJ (Defender/Nightingales, Si-Fe-Ti-Ne), although she later updated this to possibly INFJ or ENFJ. As an ISFJ, she demonstrates a natural affinity for organization, both of her personal space and surroundings. Interestingly, this personality alignment helped her forge a deeper connection with groupmate Hayoung, as Ji-heon admitted they only grew closer after taking personality tests in 2021.

Regarding emotional expression, Ji-heon maintains certain boundaries, particularly in public settings. She "doesn't cry often on camera", yet possesses an empathetic nature similar to Hayoung that can move her to tears simply "from thinking about scenarios when others are hurt". This emotional depth often remains hidden behind her optimistic, friendly public demeanor.

Close observers have noted that Ji-heon describes herself as "the most ambitious" member of Fromis_9, although groupmate Hayoung considers her "one of the least competitive except in knowledge-based competitions". This apparent contradiction hints at the complex layers of Ji-heon's personality that continue to evolve as she matures both as an artist and individual.

University Life and Growth

When most K-pop idols focus exclusively on their entertainment careers, Baek Ji-heon charted a different course by embracing higher education alongside her commitments to Fromis_9. Her determination to experience university life demonstrates her multifaceted ambitions beyond the stage.

Why she chose child development studies

The decision to pursue higher education wasn't made lightly for Baek Ji-heon. When selecting her major, she stood at a crossroads between two fields. "It was a toss-up between child development studies and psychology, but not only do I love children, I also heard I could study psychology alongside child development if I went into that, so that's what I chose," she explained.

Enrolling at Seoul Women's University, considered the fourth best women's university in Korea, Baek Ji-heon selected the Department of Children at the Social Sciences College. Throughout her first semester, she immersed herself in foundational knowledge, stating, "It's only been one semester so I really only know about basic theories and the history of it, but I didn't know anything about this field before so it's all new to me".

Balancing idol life with academics

Juggling fame with academics has been Baek Ji-heon's reality even before her official debut. Her academic dedication was evident as early as 2017 when she brought workbooks to her accommodation during Mnet's "Idol School" filming. This commitment persisted after debut, as she was frequently "caught studying whenever she had time" during Fromis_9's reality shows.

Regarding her challenging schedule, Baek Ji-heon candidly admitted, "Actually I thought a lot about giving up along the way. Doing this and our team activities at the same time was really hard". Nevertheless, she persevered, even through moments of exhaustion:

During "Talk & Talk" promotions, she would return home after broadcasts to study, often crying from stress
She posted a YouTube video titled "Study With Me High School Senior Baek Ji-heon Stayed Up All Night," studying for 5 hours and 37 minutes
Numerous people questioned her educational pursuits, saying, "You already have a job as an idol, do you really need to do this?"

Currently, her approach to studying has evolved from high school methods. "Up until high school I had my own way of studying, but since it's only my first semester I didn't really know how the professors make their exams and I couldn't get a feel for how to write the reports".

Campus experiences and festivals

Initially attending classes online, Baek Ji-heon began in-person learning as COVID-19 restrictions eased. Her first campus experience coincided perfectly with cherry blossom season, creating a picturesque introduction to university life. "It was great: The first view of the campus I got was exactly as beautiful as I imagined it would be and looked like something right out of TV".

Fulfilling one of her university dreams, she attended a campus festival when her classes ended early. "I felt a sense of release watching everybody my age having so much fun there... I sat in the shade on the grass, ate a croffle and watched other students busking". Interestingly, she was scheduled to perform at another school's festival that same day, experiencing both sides of campus entertainment.

Looking ahead, Baek Ji-heon hopes to attend nighttime festivals, perform at her school with Fromis_9, and try the university cafeteria food that "everyone says is really good".

Unique Traits and Fun Facts

Beyond her academic achievements and idol career, Baek Ji-heon possesses several distinctive traits that endear her to fans. These quirks and characteristics make her uniquely relatable among K-pop idols.

Phobias: heights, horror, and balloons

Despite her confident stage presence, Ji-heon harbors several notable fears. Her acrophobia (fear of heights) ranks among her most prominent phobias. This fear exists alongside a surprising collection of other anxieties that fans rarely expect from their favorite idols.

Interestingly, Ji-heon experiences genuine terror around balloons and fireworks. This unexpected phobia extends even to team jump rope activities, which she avoids whenever possible. Her dislike for horror elements runs deep—she adamantly refuses to participate in escape rooms and cannot watch horror movies. This aversion was so severe that during filming for Channel_9's Escape Room episodes, she took hiatus rather than participate, and thereafter couldn't even rewatch those episodes.

Nicknames like Kkulging and Honey Maknae

Throughout her career, Ji-heon has accumulated a colorful array of nicknames that reflect different aspects of her personality:

Kkulging and Honey Maknae stand as her most recognized monikers

These nicknames highlight both her position as the group's youngest member and her naturally sweet disposition that fans frequently comment on.

Baek Ji-heon's smile, mole trivia, and quirky habits

Ji-heon considers her teeth her most charming physical feature. Her distinctive smile has become one of her trademarks, often highlighted by fans and group members alike.

In terms of physical characteristics, she possesses a small mole on the side of her right thumb—a detail eagle-eyed fans often notice. Curiously, Ji-heon holds her pen in an unconventional manner, simply making a fist around it rather than using the standard tripod grip.

Additional quirky traits include her love for reading books and history, yet simultaneously feeling she's "the most no jam (not funny)" among Fromis_9 members. Nevertheless, Ji-heon confidently describes herself as the most ambitious member of the group, showcasing the fascinating contradictions that make her character multidimensional.

Public Image and Fan Love

Among all Fromis_9 members, Baek Ji-heon has cultivated a distinct connection with the public, establishing herself as one of the group's most recognizable faces. Her captivating presence both on and off stage has garnered substantial attention from casual viewers and dedicated fans alike.

Fan-favorite fancams and visual appeal

First and foremost, Ji-heon's fancams consistently attract impressive viewership numbers, primarily due to her exceptional ability to express emotions and act according to each song's mood during music broadcast stages. This talent has made her instantly recognizable even to casual K-pop followers. As demonstrated by viewing metrics, many of Fromis_9's highest-viewed YouTube videos prominently feature Ji-heon, confirming her powerful visual appeal.

Her captivating smile, often described by international fans as capable of "lighting up the world", serves as her signature visual trademark. Fellow members frequently highlight how meticulously she prepares various facial expressions specifically for performances, showcasing her dedication to her craft beyond natural charm.

Instagram milestones and fan interactions

Granted her widespread popularity, Ji-heon became the first Fromis_9 member to surpass one million followers on her personal Instagram account. This milestone underscores her significant individual fanbase outside group activities. Presently, she maintains active engagement with fans across multiple platforms, including sharing personal milestones such as obtaining her driver's license - an achievement from her twenties bucket list.

Her emotional connection with flover

Undoubtedly, Ji-heon's relationship with Flover (Fromis_9's fandom name) demonstrates consistent sincerity. Throughout her birthdays, she's created thoughtful tributes for fans - at age 17 personally editing childhood videos, at 19 sharing intimate "honey logs" of her school preparation routine, and most recently at 21, designing custom cup holders for birthday café events.

To emphasize the depth of her fan relationships, Ji-heon maintains clear emotional boundaries, revealing in Weverse Live that while she gives her heart fully to people she cares about, she firmly severs connections that cross her personal boundaries. This authenticity resonates deeply with Flover, who appreciate both her professional dedication and genuine personality.

Recent Activities and Future Plans

The year 2025 marks a pivotal chapter in Baek Ji-heon's career as she embarks on an exciting new journey alongside four Fromis_9 members under a different management.

Comeback with From Our 20's

After Fromis_9's contract with PLEDIS Entertainment expired in late 2024, Ji-heon joined Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Na-gyung, and Lee Chae-young in signing with newly established agency ASND on January 26, 2025. This career transition led to their triumphant return with the sixth mini-album "From Our 20's" released on June 25.

The six-track album authentically captures the emotions and personal moments the members have experienced in their twenties. Their title track "LIKE YOU BETTER" blends breezy synths with upbeat guitar rhythms, perfectly embodying summer romance. For this comeback, Ji-heon dramatically transformed her image, appearing as a cowgirl in concept photos that generated considerable excitement among fans.

First world tour and solo content

Following their successful comeback, Ji-heon and her groupmates announced their first-ever world tour titled "Now Tomorrow." scheduled to begin with two concerts at Jangchung Arena in Seoul on August 9-10. This milestone represents the group's first solo concert in nearly two years since their previous "From Now." concert in January 2023.

Alongside group activities, Ji-heon has pursued individual opportunities. In early 2022, she expressed interest in obtaining her driver's license, holding solo fan meetings, and exploring MC roles or acting. Correspondingly, she made her acting debut in singer Park Jae-jeong's music video for "Self-composed Song", demonstrating her expanding creative portfolio.

Aspirations beyond idol life

Beyond her idol career, Ji-heon continues balancing professional commitments with personal growth. After experiencing anxiety that temporarily halted her activities in February 2022, she returned with renewed determination. Currently, she maintains active communication with fans through social media, where she shares both professional achievements and personal milestones.

Ji-heon once stated that hearing younger fans say, "Oh unni, you inspired me! I want to be like you!" strengthens her resolve to be a positive role model. Henceforth, as she navigates her twenties both on and off stage, Ji-heon embodies resilience and adaptability—qualities that have defined her journey from a 14-year-old debutante to an accomplished performer pursuing multifaceted dreams.