Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Youi, born Kim Ji Hyeon on April 24, 2000, is a South Korean singer and the leader of the girl group DreamNote. She hails from Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, and has showcased her leadership and musical talents since her debut with DreamNote on November 7, 2018. Youi's role in the group is multifaceted, serving not only as the leader but also as a prominent vocalist and dancer. Her dedication to her craft and her group is evident in her rigorous training and the success of their debut single album "Dreamlike." Beyond her professional endeavors, Youi's personal life reflects a deep connection with her family and interests that include a love for the K-pop group Blackpink, particularly Jennie, who she regards as a role model. Her commitment to her family is also significant, with aspirations to use her first paycheck to treat her parents to dinner, showcasing her grounded nature and family values.

Stage Name: YOUI (유아이/ユアイ)
Birth Name: Kim Ji Hyeon (김지현)
Chinese Name: Jin Zhixuan (金智泫)
Position: Leader, Lead Dancer, Lead Vocalist
Birthday: April 24, 2000
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Chinese Zodiac Sign: Dragon
Height: 164 cm (5’4″)
Weight: 45 kg (99 lbs)
Blood Type: B
Nationality: Korean
MBTI Type: ESTP
Representative Emoji: Rabbit 🐰
Instagram: youi__page

Occupation
Singer

Group debut
November 7, 2018

Years active
2018–present

Agency
iMe KOREA

Associations
DreamNote

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Biographical Information

Basic Info

Youi, whose birth name is Kim Ji Hyeon, was born on April 24, 2000, in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. She stands at 164 cm and weighs 45 kg. Her blood type is B, and she identifies with the Taurus zodiac sign and the Chinese Zodiac Dragon. Notably, Youi's official animal emoji is a rabbit, reflecting her playful and energetic personality.

Profile Details

Youi graduated from Korea Arts High School on February 8, 2019. She has an older sister and a younger brother, contributing to her well-rounded upbringing. Known for her leadership within DreamNote, she was voted by her fellow members to assume this role. Her MBTI type is ESTP, indicative of her outgoing and pragmatic nature. Her shoe size is notably 230mm, and she is often pronounced like the English words "You" and "Eye", which aligns with the hangul pronunciation.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Rise to Fame

Initial Exposure

DreamNote, initially a nine-member ensemble, faced its first major shift when member Jinsol departed just before their debut preparations, leaving eight members to carry forward the group's ambitions. DreamNote's rise in the K-pop industry began with their debut on November 7, 2018, with the single album "Dreamlike," which included the vibrant track "DREAM NOTE".

Debut with DreamNote

Youi's leadership skills were quickly recognized by her peers, leading to her election as the group leader. Under her leadership, DreamNote debuted with their first single album, 'Dreamlike,' marking the official beginning of their journey in the music industry. The group, consisting of six members including Youi, has since been known for their dynamic performances and strong vocal abilities.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Musical Journey

Discography

DreamNote's discography showcases a variety of single albums that have marked significant milestones in their career. Their debut album, "Dreamlike," was released on November 7, 2018, and featured tracks like "In the Beginning" and "Dream Note," achieving a chart position of 26 in Korea and sales of 3,532 copies. Following this, "Dream:us" was released on March 12, 2019, with the popular track "Hakuna Matata," charting at 25 and selling 4,253 copies. The album "Dream Wish" came out on January 8, 2020, including hits like "Wish" and "Love Is So Amazing," and sold 4,984 copies. Their latest, "Dreams Alive," released on October 26, 2021, and "Secondary Page," released on April 12, 2023, continue to reflect their evolving musical style with tracks such as "Ghost" and "Lemonade," the latter selling 12,748 copies.

Music Videos

DreamNote has also been active in releasing music videos that visually represent their music's themes and energy. Notable releases include the music video for "Dream Note" directed by Hong Won-Ki in 2018 , and "Hakuna Matata" by David Amber in 2019. The video for "Ghost" was directed by Bobby Kwak in 2021, and "Lemonade" by Won Ji-ho in 2023, each bringing a unique visual flair that complements their musical releases. These music videos not only enhance the group's songs but also help in solidifying their image and connection with the audience.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Youi's Impact in DreamNote

Leadership

Youi, elected by her peers, plays the critical roles of leader, lead dancer, and lead vocalist in DreamNote. Her leadership is pivotal in maintaining the group dynamics and ensuring the team functions cohesively. As leader, Youi is not just a figure of authority but a central figure in fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, crucial for the members to strive and improve.

Group Dynamics

In DreamNote, Youi's leadership contributes significantly to the group's dynamics. Effective leadership is essential for setting goals, providing direction, and maintaining team unity. Youi's approach aligns with the concept of a "servant leader," focusing on support and encouragement rather than authoritative fear, which enhances team performance and cohesion. Her role ensures that the group works as a single unit with clear and shared goals, facilitating open communication and strong team dynamics that are vital for resolving conflicts and achieving collective success.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Public Image and Persona

Celebrities, including Youi, often cultivate a carefully curated public image and persona to maintain their fame and appeal to fans. This crafted persona is crucial as it influences how the public perceives them and can significantly impact their career longevity and success.

Fan Following

A strong fan following is a key part of a celebrity's public persona and influenc. Youi, as the leader of DreamNote, has garnered a substantial fan base. Her interactions and engagements with fans through various platforms play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding this following.

Media Presence

Celebrities utilize various media channels to build and maintain their public image and persona . For Youi, social media platforms have become an essential tool. These platforms allow her to directly engage with fans, share personal insights, and shape her public persona. This direct communication helps in solidifying her image as accessible and relatable, further enhancing her appeal to a broader audience.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Fashion and Style

Youi, the leader of DreamNote, has cultivated a distinctive style that resonates with her fans and reflects her personality. Her fashion choices often incorporate the colors black and purple, which are both seen as sophisticated and versatile. She is frequently spotted in purple dresses, a choice that not only complements her vibrant stage presence but also aligns with DreamNote's youthful and dreamy aesthetic.

Signature Looks

Youi's signature looks often include kpop outfits that are both trendy and functional, allowing her to perform with ease while looking stylish. Her affinity for photo cards showcases her attention to detail, as these are often accessorized to match her outfits, creating a cohesive look that fans adore. Additionally, her preference for cool piercings and makeup inspo adds an edge to her style, setting her apart from other K-pop idols.

Fashion Statements

Known for her unique personal touches, Youi likes to wear bracelets, which she often pairs with her outfits to add a personal flair. This accessory choice not only enhances her style but also connects with her audience, who appreciate her for her relatability and down-to-earth nature. Her past experience with braces also speaks to her relatable journey, making her fashion statements more grounded and accessible to her young fans.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

Memorable Performances

Concerts

DreamNote, featuring Youi, has left a significant mark with their performances on international stages. One notable event was the 2019 DREAMNOTE P.A.G.E PROMO TOUR IN KUALA LUMPUR, where they performed multiple tracks including "HAKUNA MATATA" and "Cong Cong" from their second album "Dream:Us". Despite technical difficulties where the music stopped abruptly, DreamNote, under Youi's leadership, continued to sing live, displaying their professionalism and dedication to their fans. The tour concluded with a heartfelt "Terima Kasih!" expressing their gratitude to the audience.

TV Appearances

Before their memorable performance at GOT7 BamBam's AREA 52 concert in Manila, DreamNote, including Youi, shared insights with allkpop. They emphasized their desire to showcase their teamwork and synergy on stage. Eunjo, a group member, expressed their commitment to energize and engage with the audience through their performances, ensuring that the crowd feels the full impact of their energy and enthusiasm.

Youi/ Kim Jihyeon (DreamNote)

[안방1열 직캠4K] 드림노트 유아이 'Lemonade' (DreamNote YOUI FanCam) @SBS Inkigayo 230416


Conclusion

Youi's journey from a young aspirant in North Gyeongsang Province to a celebrated leader of DreamNote illustrates a narrative of dedication, resilience, and passion. Her role extends beyond performances, embodying leadership that shapes the group's dynamics and success. This section has traversed various facets of her life, highlighting her personal and professional milestones, her influence on DreamNote, and her impact on the broader K-pop industry. Her story resonates not only with fans but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists globally, showcasing the power of perseverance and the importance of leadership in achieving collective success.

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