The Real Belle Kiss of Life: Hidden Facts About Shim Hye-won

Belle Kiss of Life emerged as a standout talent in the K-pop industry when she debuted with her girl group on July 5, 2023. Despite being relatively new to the scene, she quickly proved her exceptional abilities by winning the "Proud Korean Grand Prize" in the composer category at the "2023 Korea Best Brand Awards" just days after her debut. Born Anabelle Shim on March 20, 2004, Belle spent her first eight years in Seattle, Washington, before moving to South Korea in 2012.

Her impressive musical lineage is notably evident through her family connections—she is the daughter of famous South Korean singer Shim Shin and cousin to indie singer Cherry Coke. Furthermore, Belle's predebut accomplishments include writing and composing "UNFORGIVEN" for LE SSERAFIM, showcasing her songwriting talents at a young age. Her ethnicity and multicultural background have significantly influenced her musical style, which blends elements of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. At just 19 years of age, Belle's kpop profile already includes 34 songs in her discography with KISS OF LIFE, including her solo track "Countdown" from the group's self-titled debut EP.

Early Life and Family Background

Shim Hye-won's journey began on March 19, 2004, in Seattle, Washington, though her official Korean documents list March 20 as her birthdate. This discrepancy exists due to a now-defunct Korean law that required overseas births to be registered according to Korean time rather than local time. As a result, Belle now celebrates her birthday on March 20, aligning with her South Korean residence registration certificate and Korean passport.

Born in Seattle, raised in Korea

Belle spent her formative years in the United States before relocating to South Korea. At around eight years old, she moved from Seattle to Gwangmyeong, a city just outside Seoul. According to some sources, she lived in the U.S. for approximately ten years prior to moving to Korea, though this conflicts with other accounts of her early childhood move. During her childhood, Belle made occasional television appearances alongside her father, including on SBS' Global Junior Show in 2012.

The transition between American and Korean cultures would eventually play a crucial role in shaping her musical identity. Her early exposure to both Western and Korean influences created a unique foundation for her artistic development.

Musical family: daughter of Shim Shin

Belle's musical aptitude runs in her blood. She is the daughter of legendary South Korean singer Shim Shin, who enjoyed tremendous popularity during the 1990s. Her father achieved considerable success with hit songs like "I Love Your Sadness," "Greedy Person," and "You Are The Only One". This strong musical lineage provided Belle with both inspiration and guidance from an early age.

Her father actively nurtured her passion for music. Upon recognizing her songwriting ambitions, he surprised her with a computer equipped with Logic software. Belle eagerly taught herself how to use the production software, diving deeper into the technical aspects of music creation.

Additionally, Belle's family includes her mother and an older brother named Shim Dongheon. Music extends beyond her immediate family as well—her cousin is South Korean indie singer Cherry Coke, further cementing her place within a musically-inclined family network.

Cultural identity and dual heritage

Belle possesses dual citizenship thanks to her parents, allowing her to maintain connections to both her American birthplace and Korean heritage. This multicultural background profoundly influenced her musical development and artistic sensibilities.

In her own room, young Belle would listen to diverse artists ranging from jazz legend Chet Baker to pop superstar Ariana Grande—two of her favorite musicians. Driven by genuine curiosity for the craft, she taught herself to read sheet music and immersed herself in the technical side of musical creation.

Belle has expressed appreciation for how her diverse background shapes her artistry. In an interview with Billboard, she noted that authenticity plays a crucial role in connecting with global fans: "We honestly try to be ourselves in all the music we release. By being authentic, I think our fans and listeners are able to resonate more with the excitement we feel when we sing and perform".

Her multicultural upbringing continues to inform her musical approach, allowing her to draw from varied influences while creating something distinctly her own. Belle has publicly acknowledged the importance of her father's legacy, stating, "It's wonderful to be making K-POP with Shim Shin"—a testament to how she honors her heritage while forging her own path in the industry.

Belle’s First Steps into Music

Music became a central focus for Belle Kiss of Life early in her life. Growing up with a father who was a successful singer, Belle naturally absorbed the sounds and rhythms that surrounded her household. Her father's career not only introduced her to the world of professional music but also provided her with firsthand insights into the industry she would eventually enter.

Early musical influences

The young Shim Hye-won found inspiration from diverse sources. In the quiet of her bedroom, she would immerse herself in the smooth jazz tones of Chet Baker alongside the contemporary pop stylings of Ariana Grande. This eclectic taste hinted at her future musical direction, which would blend various genres into her own unique sound.

Her father, Shim Shin, played a pivotal role in nurturing her musical curiosity. Upon recognizing her genuine interest in songwriting, he gifted her a computer equipped with Logic software—a professional-grade tool that would become instrumental in her development as a musician.

Her multicultural upbringing between Seattle and South Korea exposed her to both Western and Korean musical traditions. This dual cultural perspective allowed Belle to draw from a broader palette of sounds and styles than many of her peers, something that would later distinguish her work.

Interest in R&B and soul

Belle's attraction to R&B and soul music developed naturally as she explored different genres. The emotional depth and vocal expressiveness characteristic of these styles resonated strongly with her musical sensibilities. She found herself particularly drawn to artists who could convey complex emotions through their voices—a skill she would later cultivate in her own performances.

Her appreciation for R&B extended beyond passive listening. Belle began studying the technical aspects of the genre, analyzing vocal runs, harmonies, and production techniques that defined the sound. She spent countless hours deconstructing songs to understand how they were built, a practice that would later inform her own compositional approach.

The influence of soul music is evident in her vocal style, which combines technical precision with emotional vulnerability. Even in her predebut work, this signature blend of control and expressiveness was beginning to emerge.

Learning through self-practice

Perhaps most impressive about Belle's musical journey was her commitment to self-education. Without formal training, she taught herself to read sheet music—a fundamental skill that many musicians spend years learning in structured environments.

Moreover, when presented with Logic software, Belle didn't wait for instruction. Instead, she dove headfirst into the program, experimenting with beats, melodies, and production techniques through trial and error. This hands-on approach allowed her to develop an intuitive understanding of music production that would later become invaluable in her career.

Throughout this period of musical discovery, Belle demonstrated remarkable discipline. She would often spend hours practicing her vocal techniques, working to expand her range and develop her distinctive tone. Her dedication to improvement set the foundation for the polished performer she would become.

Her self-directed learning extended to songwriting as well. Belle began penning her own lyrics and melodies, using her bilingual abilities to experiment with both English and Korean songwriting. This early writing practice established the skills that would eventually lead to her creating songs for established K-pop acts.

Indeed, these formative experiences shaped Belle's artistic identity long before she became known to the public. The combination of her rich musical heritage, diverse influences, and self-motivated learning created the talented artist who would eventually debut with KISS OF LIFE.

Pre-Debut Work as a Songwriter

Long before stepping into the spotlight with KISS OF LIFE, Belle honed her craft behind the scenes as a professional songwriter. Her journey from self-taught musician to industry professional represents a remarkable chapter in her predebut story—one that established her credibility and shaped her artistic vision.

Writing for SM Entertainment

At just 17 years old, Belle began composing her own music, which she shared on SoundCloud and Instagram to attract attention from industry professionals. Consequently, her talent caught the eye of one of K-pop's most prestigious companies—SM Entertainment. She joined SM Entertainment's Song Camp and worked as a songwriter while still in high school, an extraordinary accomplishment for someone her age.

This early professional experience provided Belle with invaluable industry insights. As a matter of fact, Belle's father encouraged her songwriting ambitions by gifting her a computer equipped with Logic software, which she eagerly taught herself to use. This technical foundation proved essential for her work at SM, where production quality and innovation are paramount.

Songs written for other idols

Belle's songwriting portfolio includes impressive credits for several prominent K-pop artists. Specifically, she contributed to:

LE SSERAFIM's "Unforgiven" (featuring Nile Rodgers)
(G)I-DLE's Miyeon's solo tracks "Softly" and "Charging" (featuring JUNNY)
Purple Kiss songs
VIVIZ's "Hypnotize"

Alongside her compositional work, Belle provided background vocals for NCT Mark's solo song "Child" and is credited for background vocals in LE SSERAFIM's "Unforgiven." Her version of the verse she wrote for "Unforgiven" went viral after she performed it on a radio program, showcasing her vocal abilities and connection to her written work.

How this shaped her artistry

This predebut experience profoundly influenced Belle's development as an artist. "I was having fun [making music for other idols]," Belle explained in an interview, "But the reason I became an idol is the members. Seeing them made me decide to pursue this."

Her fellow KISS OF LIFE member Julie acknowledged Belle's unique contribution to the group, stating, "Before becoming an idol, she was a producer, so she brings a wealth of knowledge that we wouldn't have considered."

In essence, Belle's background as a songwriter has become a defining advantage for KISS OF LIFE. The group was "created as a group that produces its own music," with Belle noting, "We wrote songs even before our debut and that's how we came up with our debut lead track 'Shhh.'"

Her multicultural upbringing combined with professional songwriting experience created a distinctive musical perspective. "I was lucky to have a lot of experience in music even before I decided to become an artist myself," Belle reflected. "I think it helped my range of genres because from those experiences, I was able to understand the sound that matched us as artists."

Ultimately, Belle's transition from behind-the-scenes songwriter to center stage performer gave KISS OF LIFE a competitive edge in an industry where artistic authenticity is increasingly valued.

Debut with KISS OF LIFE

After years of honing her skills behind the scenes, Belle's journey as a performer officially began when she signed with S2 Entertainment in 2022. This pivotal career shift would soon transform the talented songwriter into one of K-pop's most promising new vocalists.

Joining S2 Entertainment

Belle initially joined S2 Entertainment's sub-label, Aura Entertainment, which also houses soloist Adora. Her official affiliation with S2 Entertainment began around June 1, 2022, marking her transition from songwriter to idol trainee. In December 2022, Belle appeared in a German documentary about K-pop trainees alongside Natty, Julie, and two unidentified trainees—soon revealed as members of S2 Entertainment's upcoming girl group.

On May 16, 2023, S2 Entertainment officially announced Belle as the second member of KISS OF LIFE, following Natty's introduction the previous day. This strategic member-by-member reveal built anticipation for what would become one of the most promising 5th generation K-pop debuts.

Debut EP and solo track 'Countdown'

KISS OF LIFE officially debuted on July 5, 2023, with their self-titled mini album "KISS OF LIFE." The EP contained six tracks—including the lead single "Shhh" and "Neverland"—plus an unprecedented feature for a rookie group: individual solo tracks for each member.

Belle's solo contribution, "Countdown," showcased her distinctive vocal color and musical sensibilities. The track has since accumulated over 2.7 million streams, highlighting her individual appeal even within the group context. Throughout the debut process, Belle's production background proved invaluable—she participated extensively in writing lyrics and album production alongside her fellow members.

At a press showcase for their debut at Yes24 Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Belle reflected on this career pivot: "Debuting as a singer means that I'm also presenting myself and it's very different [from being a producer]. I think it counts as a big challenge in my life, and a turning point."

Initial public reception

The group's debut received considerable critical acclaim. Lee Seung-won from IZM awarded the album 4.5 stars out of five, noting that it "fulfills its function as a debut album almost perfectly with its high level of completion and clear self-introduction." The reviewer particularly praised the solid, heavy sound quality that distinguished KISS OF LIFE from typical rookie groups.

Perhaps most remarkably, Belle won the "Proud Korean Grand Prize" in the composer category at the 2023 Korea Best Brand Awards just days after her official debut—a testament to her exceptional talents and predebut accomplishments. This immediate recognition established Belle as a multifaceted artist whose contributions extended far beyond typical rookie expectations.

The group's album sales started modestly at 759 copies on their first day but quickly gained momentum, reaching approximately 25,000 by the fifth day—an impressive trajectory for a new group from a smaller company.

Recognition and Awards

Recognition came swiftly for Belle after her debut with KISS OF LIFE. Her years of behind-the-scenes work as a songwriter coupled with her undeniable talent quickly earned her formal accolades in the competitive K-pop industry.

Winning the Proud Korean Grand Prize

Remarkably, Belle received her first major award just days after officially stepping into the spotlight. On July 14, 2023—merely nine days after KISS OF LIFE's debut—she was announced as the winner of the prestigious "Proud Korean Grand Prize" in the composer category at the 2023 Korea Best Brand Awards held in Seoul. This recognition highlighted her exceptional abilities as a songwriter, a skill she had been cultivating long before her idol debut.

In an unexpected twist, Belle wasn't actually present to receive the honor. She first learned about winning the award in the middle of KISS OF LIFE's showcase. Shortly thereafter, she discovered that her father, the renowned 90s singer Shim Shin, had proudly accepted the award on her behalf.

Belle later shared a humorous anecdote about searching for news articles about her award after the showcase ended, only to find media photos of her father "proudly holding up the award". This charming story offered fans a glimpse into both her humble personality and the supportive relationship she shares with her father.

Through her agency, Belle expressed heartfelt gratitude: "I have always worked hard because I love music, so it is truly an honor to receive such a prestigious award. With this recognition, I will continue to strive even harder as Belle of KISS OF LIFE and as a musician". This statement underscored her dedication to continually improving her craft across multiple aspects of her career.

Media coverage and fan reactions

The media quickly took notice of this extraordinary achievement. Numerous publications reported on the unusual circumstance of a rookie idol winning a composition award so soon after debut. Headlines emphasized her musical lineage, with phrases like "Kiss of Life Belle gets musical DNA from her father, wins composer award" and "Daughter of Shim Shin Kiss of Life Belle Wins Proud Korean Award for Songwriter" appearing in various outlets.

Naturally, this early recognition boosted Belle's reputation within the industry. In radio appearances following the award, she revealed the impressive scope of her pre-debut work, mentioning that she had "collaborated with many producers" and had "over 1,000 unreleased songs".

Fans reacted with enthusiasm to this validation of Belle's talents, celebrating across social media platforms. This award effectively cemented Belle's position as more than just another idol—it established her as a legitimate musical creator whose contributions extended far beyond performing.

Belle’s Discography and Creative Input

Since their July 2023 debut, Belle has emerged as a creative powerhouse within KISS OF LIFE, contributing extensively to the group's musical identity through both her vocals and compositional skills.

Key tracks with KISS OF LIFE

Belle's vocal talents shine prominently across KISS OF LIFE's discography. First and foremost, her solo track "Countdown" from their debut EP showcased her distinctive vocal color and garnered over 2.7 million streams. In addition, she made significant contributions to the group's lead single "Shhh," which she helped write alongside her fellow members.

On their second mini-album "Born to Be XX," released in January 2024, Belle's vocals feature prominently on the title track "Sticky" as well as B-sides like "Touch" and "Passionfruit." Throughout these recordings, her rich tone and technical proficiency reflect her years of self-taught vocal practice.

Her role in songwriting and composing

As illustrated by her pre-debut career, Belle brings substantial creative expertise to KISS OF LIFE's music production process. Of equal importance to her performing abilities is her background in songwriting and production, which has become integral to the group's artistic direction.

In contrast to many rookie idols, Belle approaches music creation with professional experience. Throughout their album production, she participates actively in both lyric writing and melody composition, drawing from her extensive training with Logic software and production techniques she mastered before debut.

Her father, Shim Shin, once noted that Belle possessed over 1,000 unreleased compositions in her catalog, demonstrating her prolific creative output even before joining KISS OF LIFE.

Non-commercial releases

Beyond official KISS OF LIFE releases, Belle occasionally shares glimpses of her musical creativity through other channels. In parallel with her group activities, she has performed unreleased original compositions during radio appearances and special events.

Most notably, her rendition of the verse she wrote for LE SSERAFIM's "Unforgiven" went viral after she performed it during a radio broadcast, highlighting her connection to her pre-debut songwriting work while showcasing her vocal abilities.

These unofficial performances provide fans rare opportunities to experience Belle's artistic vision outside the structured format of KISS OF LIFE's commercial releases.

Personality, Hobbies, and Fun Facts

Beyond her musical talents, Belle stands out for her vibrant personality and diverse interests that showcase her playful side—offering fans glimpses into who she is off-stage.

Love for reading and crafting

At her core, Belle possesses a creative spirit that extends well beyond music production. Whenever she finds free time between rehearsals and performances, she enjoys crafting handmade items. Cross-stitching jewelry and making bracelets rank among her favorite creative outlets, allowing her to express herself through detailed handwork. These crafting activities likely contribute to her ability to focus on intricate details in her music production as well.

Shopping serves as another passion for Belle, so much so that "failing to shop" appears on her list of dislikes. This shopping enthusiasm connects to her documented love for fashion and aesthetic expression that complements her artistic identity.

MBTI type and personal quirks

In South Korea's MBTI-obsessed culture, personality types function as common conversation starters and social connectors. Belle identifies as an ENFP, known as the "Campaigner" personality type. ENFPs typically embrace big ideas and actions reflecting hope and goodwill toward others. They possess vibrant energy that spreads in many directions, characterized as outgoing and open-minded individuals who value establishing deep, meaningful connections.

Hilariously, Belle has gained recognition as KISS OF LIFE's clumsiest member. Her endearing mishaps—like getting stuck in a locker or accidentally falling while attempting to strike a pose—have even gone viral online, endearing her to fans through these relatable moments.

Favorite activities and interests

Belle's preferences reveal her eclectic taste. Foremost, pink dominates as her favorite color. Regarding food, she enjoys mint chocolate chip ice cream—a somewhat divisive flavor choice in Korea.

Her entertainment preferences include Twilight and The Hunger Games as favorite movies, with Rapunzel standing as her preferred Disney princess. From the Sanrio universe, My Melody captures her heart as her favorite character.

Musically, Belle draws inspiration from Victoria Monét for many of her unreleased compositions and counts herself as a devoted EXO fan. As for unexpected influences, she admires Paris Hilton, often quoting her famous phrase "That's Hot."

Interestingly, Belle dislikes wearing sneakers without socks and has expressed distaste for selfish personalities—perhaps reflecting her ENFP tendency toward meaningful human connections.