Haneul from KISS OF LIFE: A Star's Journey from Trainee to Idol

Haneul stepped into the K-pop spotlight on July 5, 2023, as the youngest member of KISS OF LIFE, just one year after beginning her training at S2 Entertainment. Despite her relatively short training period, she quickly established herself as a formidable performer with stable and powerful live vocals, particularly during dance-heavy routines.

Born as Won Haneul on May 25, 2005, in Suwon, South Korea, the KISS OF LIFE vocalist was only 18 years old at her debut. She stands out not only as the group's maknae but also as a multilingual talent fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese. Before joining KISS OF LIFE, Haneul participated in a German documentary about K-pop trainees in December 2022, offering fans a rare glimpse into her pre-debut journey. Additionally, her impressive audition performances of Jessie J's "Domino" and Lee Hi's "My Love" showcased the raw talent that ultimately secured her position as the fourth and final member of the group.

Early Life in Suwon

Born on May 25, 2005, in Paldal-gu, Suwon, South Korea, Won Haneul's journey to stardom began in this bustling city south of Seoul. Her early years in Suwon laid the foundation for the determined and talented artist who would later captivate audiences as part of KISS OF LIFE.

Family background and siblings

Haneul grew up in a nurturing household with her parents and two older siblings. Her family includes an older sister born in 1999 named Harim and an older brother named Hamin, born in 2004. Interestingly, her mother worked as a music academy instructor, which significantly influenced Haneul's early exposure to music. This family connection to music played a crucial role in shaping her artistic sensibilities from a young age.

The supportive environment at home allowed Haneul to explore her creative interests while receiving guidance from her musically knowledgeable mother. Throughout her childhood, this family dynamic fostered her growing passion for performance and vocal development.

Schooling and leadership roles

Haneul's academic journey took her through several educational institutions in Suwon. She attended Jidong Elementary School, followed by Woncheon Middle School, and later enrolled at Suwon Girls' High School. However, she eventually left traditional schooling to pursue her training, subsequently passing the high school equivalency exam with remarkable results—reportedly missing only one or two questions.

What stands out about Haneul's school years was her exceptional leadership abilities. In elementary school, she served as class president every year and ultimately became the student body president. This pattern of leadership continued into middle school, where she was class president in both second and third grade while also serving as vice president of the student council.

Beyond academics and leadership, Haneul actively participated in various extracurricular activities. She joined the sports team, art club, dance club, and vocal club as part of her school's CA (Creative Activities) program. This diverse involvement showcases her well-rounded nature and willingness to explore different interests.

First exposure to music

Haneul's initial introduction to music came naturally through her mother's profession as a music academy teacher. Under this influence, she participated in numerous music competitions throughout her childhood, winning many awards. This early competitive experience helped hone her skills and build confidence as a performer.

The defining moment in Haneul's musical journey came unexpectedly. While attending her brother's soccer match with her family, she witnessed a live performance by the K-pop group SISTAR, who appeared as invited guests. This experience left such a profound impression on young Haneul that it sparked her dream of becoming a singer herself.

Following this inspiration, she began seeking opportunities to audition, eventually performing Jessie J's "Domino" and Lee Hi's "My Love". Though her path wasn't without obstacles—she faced several rejections before finding success—these early experiences shaped her resilience and determination.

In her youth, Haneul explored various potential career paths, including police officer, soldier, baker, musical actor, composer, designer, and idol. Nevertheless, after seeing SISTAR perform, her passion for becoming a K-pop idol took precedence over these other aspirations.

The Road to Becoming a Trainee

Haneul's path to K-pop stardom wasn't straightforward but rather a journey marked by persistence and determination. With her musical foundation established early in life, she actively pursued her dream despite facing numerous obstacles along the way.

Influence of her mother's music academy

The profound impact of growing up with a mother who worked as a music academy instructor cannot be overstated in Haneul's development as an artist. This unique environment provided her with constant exposure to musical theory, vocal techniques, and performance skills from a very young age. Her mother's expertise and guidance gave Haneul a solid foundation that many aspiring idols lack when first pursuing their dreams.

Under her mother's watchful eye, Haneul developed not only technical skills but also the discipline required for a career in entertainment. This early immersion in music education enabled her to understand the nuances of vocal performance long before she began formal training as an idol. Furthermore, having a parent who understood the music industry likely provided realistic expectations about the challenges ahead.

Initially inspired by watching SISTAR perform at her brother's soccer match, Haneul began to channel her musical education toward a specific goal—becoming a K-pop idol. This pivotal moment transformed her casual interest in music into a focused career aspiration.

Audition attempts and rejections

Haneul's journey was far from an overnight success story. Specifically, she faced multiple rejections before finally securing a spot at an entertainment company. One of the most notable challenges in her pre-debut journey was her experience with Belift Lab, where she auditioned three separate times without success.

Remarkably, these rejections didn't diminish her resolve. Instead of giving up after multiple disappointments, Haneul continued refining her skills and seeking new opportunities. This persistence exemplifies the tenacity required in the highly competitive K-pop industry, where many trainees face years of rejection before finding their opportunity.

Throughout this period, Haneul continued developing her performance skills, practicing her vocal technique, and working on the various elements needed to stand out during auditions. Each rejection served as a learning experience that ultimately prepared her for eventual success.

Winning local competitions

Parallel to her audition attempts, Haneul built her confidence and reputation through participation in various local competitions. In 2020, she competed in the Jeonju Hanbok Model Contest, showcasing not only her performance abilities but also her visual presence and modeling potential. Subsequently in 2021, she participated in the Suwon Youth Online Singing Competition, further honing her skills in her hometown.

Beyond these specific events, Haneul accumulated numerous awards from various music competitions throughout her pre-debut years. These victories served dual purposes—building her confidence while simultaneously creating a portfolio of achievements that would eventually catch the attention of entertainment companies.

These competitions offered valuable experience performing under pressure, receiving professional feedback, and adapting to different stage environments. As a result, by the time she finally secured her place at S2 Entertainment, Haneul had already developed significant performance experience despite her young age.

The combination of her mother's musical influence, her unwavering persistence despite multiple rejections, and her success in local competitions ultimately prepared Won Haneul for the opportunity that would change her life—joining KISS OF LIFE and stepping onto the global K-pop stage.

Debut and Rise to Fame

KISS OF LIFE made their highly anticipated entrance into the K-pop scene on July 5, 2023, bringing fresh energy to the industry with their self-titled debut EP. For Won Haneul, this milestone marked the beginning of her journey as a professional idol after just over a year of training.

Debut date and album details

KISS OF LIFE's first mini-album featured six tracks with a unique magazine-style concept, showcasing each member's individual talents alongside group performances. The album included the lead single "Shhh" and the B-side "Bye My Neverland," which notably featured Haneul's songwriting contributions. This creative approach distinguished them from other rookie groups, as each member presented solo tracks that highlighted their distinct abilities:

Natty's "Sugarcoat" emphasizing her low-pitched vocals
Belle's pop-rock "Countdown" showcasing her main vocalist skills
Julie's bilingual "Kitty Cat" featuring Korean and English rap
Haneul's upbeat "Play Love Games" revealing her versatility

The group held their press showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul on the afternoon of their debut day. Their group name carried significant meaning—"KISS OF LIFE" refers to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, symbolizing their mission to "revitalize and bring fresh life to the K-pop scene".

Initial public reception

KISS OF LIFE experienced remarkable growth in popularity, especially considering they debuted under a mid-sized company. Their album sales started modestly at 759 copies on the first day but surged impressively to 25,000 by the fifth day. This exponential rise earned them the nickname "miracle of mid-sized companies" in an industry dominated by major corporations.

Their rise continued with subsequent releases. The single album "Midas Touch" earned them their debut on the Billboard Global 200 chart, peaking at No. 165 and remaining there for two weeks. Soon after, their summer anthem "Sticky" brought them their biggest success, including their first music show trophy—a significant achievement for a rookie group.

Her role as lead vocalist and maknae

As the youngest member of KISS OF LIFE at 18 years old (born May 25, 2005), Haneul assumed the position of maknae while also serving as lead vocalist. Despite having the shortest training period among the members, she quickly proved herself as an essential component of the group's sound and identity.

In fact, Haneul's natural talent allowed her to seamlessly integrate with more experienced members. Belle had previous production experience, Julie had trained at multiple agencies since 2017, and Natty had accumulated a decade of training before joining S2 Entertainment.

Beyond her vocal contributions, Haneul demonstrated her artistic capabilities by participating in writing "Bye My Neverland" for their debut album. This creative involvement established her as more than just a performer—she was actively shaping the group's musical identity from the beginning.

In interviews, Haneul has expressed a deeply personal connection to music, describing it as "a diary capturing my emotions and experiences. When I'm sad, I listen to music and cry. When I travel, I listen to music and feel even more excited—music becomes a way of saving those personal experiences". This emotional approach to her craft helps explain the authenticity she brings to KISS OF LIFE's performances.

Vocal Strength and Performance Style

Won Haneul's distinctive vocal abilities set her apart in KISS OF LIFE, establishing her as a formidable performer despite being the youngest member with the least training experience. As a crucial part of the group's sound, her vocal prowess continues to impress both critics and fans alike.

Her vocal tone and range

Haneul possesses a pure yet strong vocal tone that appeals to a broad audience. This distinctive sound allows her to stand out while perfectly complementing the group's overall vocal color. In KISS OF LIFE's debut song "Shhh," she immediately showcased her versatility through impressive deep verses, skillful high notes, and powerful ad-libs, earning widespread praise from listeners.

As the lead vocalist alongside Belle, Haneul forms half of the group's vocal line, bringing unique qualities to their harmonies. Her range allows her to handle various parts within songs, shifting between lower registers and higher notes with apparent ease. The tonal quality of her voice adds depth to the group's R&B-influenced sound, helping establish KISS OF LIFE's distinctive musical identity.

Naturally, her Korean name meaning "sky" seems fitting for her vocal abilities—as one source noted, "the sky's the limit for her talent". This poetic connection between her name and abilities resonates with fans who have watched her talent develop since debut.

Live performance consistency

Perhaps Haneul's most remarkable quality is her exceptional stability during live performances. She consistently maintains strong vocal quality while executing choreography, making her "the most stable member during dance-heavy live performances". This rare combination of dancing ability and vocal control is particularly impressive considering her relatively brief training period compared to her groupmates.

At KISS OF LIFE's Los Angeles concert at The Novo, the group performed songs including "Wine House," "Chemistry," and emotional ballads like "R.E.M" and "Nothing," which specifically showcased their "beautiful vocals". Throughout these performances, Haneul demonstrated the consistency that has become her trademark.

Moreover, her dedication to maintaining this performance standard stands out even among her group members. Julie once remarked that "although she is the maknae [youngest member], she is the most consistent and hardworking". She further explained that "there are times when we get lazy or tired, but Haneul doesn't. She's always working and maintaining a balance".

Notable performances and fan praise

Within the group's discography, certain performances have highlighted Haneul's vocal abilities particularly well. Her deep verses, high notes, and ad-libs in "Shhh" immediately established her vocal credentials upon debut. Additionally, her playful solo track "Play Love Games" showcased her versatility by incorporating a creative interpolation of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".

KISS OF LIFE's performances of emotional ballads like "R.E.M" and "Nothing" allowed the members to demonstrate their vocal abilities in a more stripped-down setting. Their Los Angeles concert particularly moved fans, with Belle becoming emotional as she acknowledged her parents in the crowd.

The group's incorporation of challenging elements like mic stand choreography during "Wine House" and the "sensual, groovy 'Chemistry'" demonstrates their performance versatility beyond pure vocals. Through these creative stages, Haneul consistently proves that her skills extend beyond her years, earning admiration from fans and fellow members alike.

Visual Identity and Styling Evolution

Haneul's visual transformation since her debut has been as noteworthy as her musical journey, with each styling change reflecting her evolving identity within KISS OF LIFE. As one of the group's visual members alongside Belle, her appearance has consistently drawn attention from fans and media alike.

Blonde debut look vs. black hair era

When KISS OF LIFE first appeared on the K-pop scene, Haneul sported a striking blonde hairstyle that immediately established her as a standout visual presence. This initial look complemented her delicate facial structure while giving her a bright, youthful appearance that matched her position as the group's maknae.

Yet, her most significant visual transformation came during the "Born to be XX" era when she switched to black hair. This dramatic change wasn't merely cosmetic—it fundamentally altered how fans perceived her presence on stage. The darker hair color intensified her naturally sharp features, creating a more mature and charismatic aura that contrasted with her earlier innocent image.

Throughout her time with KISS OF LIFE, Haneul has occasionally experimented with more dramatic styling choices. One particularly bold look featured vibrant blue hair paired with an eclectic outfit inspired by Japanese "Dekora" style—complete with arm warmers, thigh-high stockings, and a frilled skirt adorned with stickers and kawaii embellishments. This playful styling demonstrated her willingness to push creative boundaries beyond conventional K-pop aesthetics.

Fan reactions to her style changes

The transition from blonde to black hair prompted overwhelmingly positive reactions from fans, with many describing it as a "perfect decision". Indeed, this styling choice appeared to unlock a new dimension of Haneul's visual appeal, emphasizing her unique facial characteristics that fans had already come to appreciate.

Many followers note that Haneul possesses what they describe as a distinctly "fox-like" appearance—sharp features that can transform from adorably cute when smiling to intensely charismatic when serious. Consequently, this duality has become a signature aspect of her appeal, allowing her to embody different concepts with remarkable versatility.

Signature accessories and fashion choices

Since adopting black hair, Haneul has maintained this look as her primary style while incorporating subtle variations through accessories. During the "Sticky" promotions, she notably experimented with headbands and scarves that added visual interest while maintaining her core aesthetic.

Her overall styling tends to balance elegance with a distinctly "princely" quality that has earned her the affectionate fan nickname "young boyfriend". This unique combination of feminine and masculine elements in her styling creates a distinctive visual identity that sets her apart from contemporaries.

Throughout KISS OF LIFE's various concepts, Haneul's refined and chic facial structure consistently allows her to adapt effortlessly between concepts—whether embodying the playful energy of their debut or the more mature sophistication of later releases.

Personality, Hobbies, and Daily Life

Beyond her onstage persona, Haneul of KISS OF LIFE reveals a complex personality that blends maturity with youthful enthusiasm. Beneath her polished performances lies a multifaceted individual with distinct preferences and passions that shape her daily life.

MBTI and self-perception

Regarding personality typing, Haneul's MBTI has shown some variation across different tests, primarily registering as ENTJ, though she has also tested as ESTJ and ISTJ at times. The ENTJ type, known as "The Commander," reflects her logical thinking and natural leadership qualities. Remarkably, she describes herself as "the most logical and rational member of KISS OF LIFE" despite being the youngest. Her fellow members have noted that they wish she would be more playful and rely on them more, as she often appears mature and composed beyond her years.

Her nickname "Boss Baby" aptly captures this duality – a confident, composed demeanor in someone so young. Essentially, Haneul maintains awareness of her emotional responses, admitting that external factors sometimes make her sensitive, yet she actively reminds herself to stay strong and composed.

Love for food and chocolate

Haneul's enthusiasm for food earned her the affectionate nickname "Bop Sky" – a playful reference to her love for rice ("bob" in Korean) combined with her name meaning "sky." First and foremost, her culinary preferences include sweet and spicy dishes, alongside meat, while she typically avoids vegetables and green tea.

Most notably, chocolate stands as her greatest food passion. Her refrigerator often overflows with chocolate snacks, drinks, and desserts. Furthermore, she cherishes fruits, particularly strawberries and tangerines, which she considers essential to her daily life. Her favorite ice cream flavors? Naturally, chocolate and cookies & cream.

Favorite artists and movies

Musically, Haneul deeply admires AKMU and dreams of meeting them someday. Interestingly, she finds it impossible to select a favorite AKMU song, loving their entire discography. Additionally, she counts herself as a dedicated fan of Olivia Rodrigo, citing "drivers license" as her favorite track.

In cinema, Studio Ghibli films hold special significance for Haneul, with "Spirited Away" ranking as her all-time favorite. The Korean comedy "Extreme Job" also sits high on her list – amusingly, she mentions it inspired thoughts of joining the police force.

Beyond the Stage: Sports and Interests

When not captivating audiences with her vocal talents, Won Haneul nurtures a diverse array of interests that reveal her well-rounded personality. The youngest member of KISS OF LIFE balances her idol career with personal passions that span from athletics to artistic pursuits.

Sports she enjoys and excels at

Athletic versatility defines Haneul's approach to sports. She considers herself proficient in multiple disciplines, including table tennis, dodgeball, tennis, badminton, baseball, and soccer. This multi-sport talent aligns with her competitive nature and disciplined approach to challenges. Remarkably, these athletic interests complement her performance abilities, contributing to her stamina and physical coordination on stage.

Throughout her school years, Haneul's participation in sports teams helped develop the teamwork skills now essential to her role in KISS OF LIFE. Beyond mere recreational activity, her athletic inclinations reflect a holistic approach to both physical and mental well-being.

Drawing and animation interests

Alongside her musical talents, Haneul possesses notable artistic abilities, particularly in drawing. In one social media post, she expressed pride in completing a traditional artwork, noting the challenges compared to digital art: "Unlike digital, the hard part is that it can't be Undo and there is a color limit".

Her passion extends to animation, with a particular affinity for Studio Ghibli films. Among these, Spirited Away stands as her absolute favorite. This appreciation for animation demonstrates her artistic sensibilities beyond performance.

Her dream of meeting AKMU

Haneul's musical inspirations extend beyond the stage as well. She plays guitar, adding instrumental skills to her artistic repertoire.

In terms of personal aesthetics, Haneul gravitates toward cute character designs, selecting MyMelody as her favorite Sanrio character. This preference for whimsical imagery aligns with her favorite season being spring, suggesting an appreciation for freshness and renewal that mirrors her approach to performance and self-expression.