E.Ji ICHILLIN': The Untold Story Behind Her Rise to K-pop Stardom

E.Ji ICHILLIN captivated fans when she was initially revealed as the first member of the upcoming K-pop girl group in August 2021. Born in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea, she made her official debut on September 8, 2021, with the digital single "Got'ya".

Before joining ICHILLIN, E.Ji underwent an impressive four-year training period, which was notably the longest among all members of the group. Her journey included three and a half years at Fantagio followed by six months at KM Entertainment. Furthermore, as a member of ICHILLIN under KM Entertainment, she serves as the group's leader, main dancer, and sub-vocalist. For fans interested in the ICHILLIN profile, it's worth noting that E.Ji was born on November 8, 2000, making her journey in the K-pop industry particularly fascinating.

E.Ji’s Basic Profile and Background

At the heart of ICHILLIN's identity stands Choi Ji-won, professionally known as E.Ji. The talented performer has established herself as a cornerstone of the group's success since their 2021 debut.

Full name, stage name, and age in 2025

Choi Ji-won adopted the stage name E.Ji upon joining ICHILLIN, creating a memorable identity that resonates with fans worldwide. Born on November 8, 2000, E.Ji celebrates her 25th birthday in 2025, marking nearly four years since her official debut with the group. Her journey in the entertainment industry has been characterized by dedication and perseverance, qualities that have endeared her to the group's growing fanbase.

The choice of "E.Ji" as her stage name represents her artistic identity within the competitive K-pop landscape. This name has become synonymous with her captivating dance performances and vocal contributions to ICHILLIN's distinctive sound. Throughout her time in the spotlight, she has cultivated this professional persona while maintaining connections to her roots as Choi Ji-won.

Birthplace and nationality

E.Ji hails from Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea, where she spent her formative years before pursuing her dreams in the entertainment industry. As a proud South Korean, her cultural heritage informs many aspects of her artistic expression and performance style. The vibrant district of Bupyeong-gu, known for its bustling markets and cultural significance, provided the backdrop for her childhood experiences before she embarked on her path toward K-pop stardom.

Her Korean nationality is central to her identity as an artist in the globally recognized K-pop industry. Despite achieving international recognition through ICHILLIN's growing popularity, E.Ji maintains strong connections to her hometown and cultural heritage, often referencing them in interviews and fan interactions.

Height, MBTI, and zodiac sign

Standing at approximately 165cm (5'5"), E.Ji possesses the physical presence that complements her role as the group's main dancer. Her height contributes to the balanced visual aesthetic that ICHILLIN presents during performances and public appearances.

In terms of personality, E.Ji identifies with the ENFJ personality type according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Commonly known as "The Protagonist" or "The Teacher," this personality type suggests she possesses natural leadership qualities, empathy, and strong communication skills—attributes that serve her well in her position as the group's leader. These characteristics manifest in her interactions with both fellow members and fans, where she demonstrates warmth and genuine concern.

Born in early November, E.Ji's zodiac sign is Scorpio, associated with passion, determination, and emotional depth. These traits align with her dedication to perfecting performances and her commitment to ICHILLIN's success. Scorpios are often characterized by their loyalty and intensity, qualities that E.Ji demonstrates through her perseverance during the group's challenging journey from debut to establishing their place in the industry.

These personal characteristics—from her MBTI type to her zodiac sign—offer fans additional dimensions through which to understand the multifaceted performer who has become an essential part of ICHILLIN's identity and appeal.

Early Life and Education

The journey to K-pop stardom begins long before the spotlight, and for e.ji ichillin, those formative years in South Korea shaped the artist fans adore today.

Childhood in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon

Born and raised in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, South Korea, E.Ji's roots remain an important part of her identity. The vibrant district, known for its cultural diversity and bustling urban environment, provided the backdrop for her earliest memories. As a child, E.Ji demonstrated an exceptional affinity for movement and rhythm that would eventually become her professional calling. Her passion for dance emerged early, as she loved dancing from a young age.

This early interest in performance wasn't just a passing phase—it developed into a serious pursuit. E.Ji originally majored in modern dance, dedicating herself to refining her skills and artistic expression. Her trajectory might have been quite different, as she had initially prepared to attend college to continue her dance studies and potentially train professionally. However, fate had other plans that would eventually lead her to the K-pop industry.

Schooling and student council experience

E.Ji's educational journey included attendance at Jinsan Middle School before she graduated from Myeongsin Girls High School. Throughout her academic career, she balanced her artistic interests with scholarly pursuits, demonstrating the discipline that would later serve her well as an idol.

At Myeongsin Girls High School, E.Ji took on leadership responsibilities by joining the student council. This experience likely contributed significantly to developing the leadership qualities she now demonstrates as a member of ICHILLIN. Student council participation typically involves representing peers, organizing events, and building communication skills—all valuable assets for someone in the entertainment industry.

Her involvement in student government suggests E.Ji possessed natural leadership abilities and the respect of her classmates even before entering the world of K-pop. These experiences helped shape her character and prepared her for the collaborative environment of a girl group.

Family background and early interests

E.Ji comes from a close-knit family consisting of her parents and a brother. She has frequently mentioned that her family ranks as her "first treasure," indicating the strong bonds and support system they provide. This family foundation likely gave her the emotional stability needed to pursue her ambitious career path.

Beyond her passion for dance, E.Ji has dealt with personal challenges such as weak eyesight. Yet this minor obstacle never deterred her from pursuing her dreams with clarity of purpose. Her early dedication to modern dance showcases a performer who found her calling early and pursued it with determination.

The transition from aspiring dancer to K-pop idol wasn't initially part of E.Ji's plan. Originally, her focus was purely on dance as an art form rather than entertainment. This background in formal dance training has undoubtedly contributed to her current role as ICHILLIN's main dancer, bringing technical precision and artistic depth to the group's performances.

Training Journey Before Debut

Behind every K-pop idol stands years of rigorous preparation, and e.ji ichillin's path to stardom exemplifies this reality. Her pre-debut journey reveals the persistence required to make it in the competitive world of Korean entertainment.

Time at Fantagio Music

E.Ji's formal training began in 2017 when she successfully auditioned to become a K-pop trainee. She subsequently spent three and a half years at Fantagio Music, a well-established entertainment company known for producing successful acts. This period marked the beginning of her transformation from a talented dancer to a polished idol-in-training.

At Fantagio, E.Ji wasn't alone in her journey. Indeed, she trained alongside several future ICHILLIN members, including Sohee, Yeju, and Chowon. This shared experience likely fostered the chemistry that would later benefit the group's dynamics after debut.

Throughout her time at Fantagio, E.Ji honed her dancing abilities, developed her vocal skills, and adapted to the demanding schedule that characterizes trainee life. Nevertheless, after investing considerable time at the company, a crucial realization prompted her to reconsider her path.

Transition to KM Entertainment

The turning point in E.Ji's journey came when she recognized that "Fantagio had no plan to debut a girl group anytime soon". Faced with this reality, she made the difficult but necessary decision to leave the company where she had trained for over three years.

In 2021, E.Ji transferred to KM Entertainment, where her dreams of debut finally gained momentum. At her new agency, she trained for an additional six months prior to her official introduction to the public. This transition period proved fruitful, as KM Entertainment was actively preparing to launch a new girl group that would become ICHILLIN.

The move ultimately aligned E.Ji with the original lineup that would form ICHILLIN, including Jackie, Joonie, Chaerin, Sohee, Yeju, and Chowon. Most importantly, several of these members had also trained at Fantagio, creating a sense of continuity amid the change.

Total training period and challenges faced

E.Ji's combined training experience spanned approximately four years, making her the member with the longest training period in ICHILLIN. This extensive preparation equipped her with both technical skills and mental resilience essential for idol life.

In a meaningful coincidence, E.Ji claimed to have debuted exactly four years after beginning her trainee journey, with her stage debut occurring on September 9th—the same date she had started as a trainee. This symmetry added a poetic element to her debut milestone.

The road to debut invariably presents challenges, from the intensity of constant evaluation to the uncertainty of when—or if—debut will occur. For E.Ji, the greatest test may have been the decision to leave Fantagio after investing years there, risking everything for a chance at debut elsewhere.

Though originally planned for August 2021, ICHILLIN's debut was postponed "to improve the quality of the MV and audio in post-production", adding another brief delay to E.Ji's already lengthy journey. However, this additional wait proved worthwhile, as it contributed to a stronger first impression when the group finally introduced themselves to the world.

Debut and Role in ICHILLIN

September 2021 marked a pivotal moment in K-pop history as ICHILLIN officially stepped into the spotlight, with E.Ji at the forefront of this exciting new chapter in the industry.

Debut date and first single

After months of anticipation, ICHILLIN made their official debut on September 8, 2021, with their first digital single "Got'Ya". The road to this milestone wasn't without unexpected turns. Originally, the group was scheduled to debut on August 25, 2021. Nevertheless, this plan changed as KM Entertainment decided to delay the release by two weeks "in order to show more completeness in the group through improvements on the album". This decision ultimately strengthened their first impression, allowing the group to present a more polished image to the public.

The debut day itself featured a special showcase event, providing fans their first opportunity to experience the group's performance abilities firsthand. Following this momentous occasion, ICHILLIN began carving their unique identity in the competitive K-pop landscape with their catchy debut single and distinctive group motto: "If you're Chillin, I'm Chillin".

Her position in the group

Within ICHILLIN's carefully balanced team dynamic, E.Ji serves multiple crucial roles. First of all, she holds the prestigious position of leader, guiding the group with the leadership qualities she had been developing throughout her training period and earlier student council experiences. Additionally, she contributes as the main dancer, showcasing the technical skills and artistry developed during her extensive modern dance training.

Regarding her vocal contributions, E.Ji functions as a sub-vocalist, complementing the group's main and lead vocalists while adding depth to ICHILLIN's musical arrangements. This combination of roles highlights her versatility as a performer and affirms the comprehensive training she underwent before debut.

Being the first revealed member

Most compelling evidence of E.Ji's significance to ICHILLIN's formation comes from her distinction as the first member revealed to the public. On July 30, 2021, KM Entertainment announced the launch of their first girl group, ICHILLIN. Shortly after, on August 2, 2021, E.Ji was introduced to eager fans, creating the initial connection between the upcoming group and their potential audience.

This strategic choice to unveil E.Ji first wasn't coincidental. As the member with the longest training period and designated leader, her introduction established the foundation upon which the group's public image would be built. In essence, her reveal set the tone for the subsequent member introductions that followed over the next few days, culminating in the complete group lineup that would soon captivate fans worldwide.

Beyond the Stage: TV Shows and Appearances

While building her career as an idol, e.ji ichillin has expanded her presence across various entertainment platforms, showcasing her versatility beyond musical performances.

Participation in variety shows

Throughout her career, E.Ji has appeared on numerous variety shows that highlight different facets of her personality. In 2022, she participated as a contestant in "Dancing Dol Stage: Season 2," where ICHILLIN secured an impressive second place. The following year, alongside her group members, she competed in "The Next: K-Pop Girl Groups' VR Battle" on Pico Video, claiming first place and further establishing the group's competitive edge.

E.Ji's variety show appearances extend to mainstream programs as well. She served as a regular member on "Chillin' Time" in 2021, a show that allowed fans to see her more casual, unscripted side. Furthermore, she has participated in multiple "Idol Star Athletics Championships" specials, appearing in both the 2022 and 2024 Chuseok editions. One particularly memorable appearance occurred on "Awesome World," where viewers enjoyed watching her attempt to pronounce French words.

Drama roles and guest appearances

E.Ji's career took an exciting turn on November 29, 2023, when KM Entertainment announced her acting debut. This significant milestone materialized on December 15, 2023, when she starred in the KOK TV drama "Snap and Spark" as Kang Sae-Na. This lead role demonstrated that her talents extend well beyond the music stage, revealing her potential as an actress.

Her TV appearances as a guest include shows like "Secret Tour" (Episodes 3 and 8), "Codename Busan" (Episode 11 as a judge), "The Door: Spin-Off" (Episode 1), and "Secret Airlines" (Episode 13). In an endearing appearance, she also guested on "Dogs Are Incredible" (Episode 222), showcasing her affinity for animals.

Notable performances and cameos

On top of variety show appearances, E.Ji has graced music programs like the long-running "M Countdown." As a performer, she appeared in episodes 724-725, 732, 750-751, and 758, delivering the high-energy performances that have become a hallmark of ICHILLIN's identity.

At the close of 2023, it was announced that E.Ji would expand her artistic horizons even further by debuting in the project group TRIPLE IZ alongside Secret Number's Dita and X:IN's Aria. This collaboration represents another dimension of her growing versatility as an artist.

Most recently, in 2025, E.Ji participated as a contestant on "A-Idol", continuing to build her variety show portfolio while maintaining her activities with ICHILLIN.

Fun Facts and Personal Preferences

Beyond the glitz of K-pop performances and television appearances, E.Ji of ICHILLIN reveals a personality filled with unique preferences and endearing quirks that endear her to fans worldwide.

Nicknames and MBTI personality

Among ICHILLIN members, E.Ji is affectionately known by the nickname "E.Jyeonnie," a clever combination of her stage name and the Korean term "unnie" (older sister). Additionally, some fans call her "Malrangiji" (말랑이지), highlighting her approachable persona. These nicknames showcase the warm relationship between E.Ji and her admirers.

Regarding her personality type, E.Ji primarily identifies as an ISFJ, though some sources alternatively suggest ISFP. The ISFJ type, often called "The Defender," typically indicates someone who is protective, loyal, and detail-oriented. This personality alignment complements her role as the group's leader, as ISFJs generally excel at nurturing others and maintaining harmony within groups.

Favorite foods and drinks

E.Ji's palate reveals a fascinating mix of preferences. First thing to remember, she particularly enjoys cereal as a go-to snack. Moreover, her favorite foods include rice cakes, bread, and bean noodles. For breakfast, she often prepares yogurt with a specific combination of granola, almonds, blueberries, and allulose syrup.

When it comes to beverages, E.Ji gravitates toward Iced Americano. For dessert, her preferred Baskin Robbins ice cream flavor is Almond Bonbon. Uniquely, unlike some other ICHILLIN members, E.Ji has expressed her dislike for coriander, a distinctive taste preference that sets her apart.

Hobbies, pets, and favorite anime

During her free time, E.Ji primarily enjoys watching videos on YouTube and chatting at cafés. Together with these leisure activities, she's actively practicing English to better communicate with international fans, demonstrating her dedication to ICHILLIN's global audience.

E.Ji shares her life with a Maltese dog named Tori, who occasionally appears in her social media updates. This furry companion adds another dimension to her off-stage life.

As for entertainment preferences, E.Ji has expressed her fondness for the band DAY6. Simultaneously, she enjoys anime, with Demon Slayer and Death Note ranking as her favorites. These choices in music and animation offer fans glimpses into the artistic influences that shape E.Ji beyond her K-pop career.

FAQS

Fans across the globe constantly seek answers about e.ji ichillin and her group. Here are the most frequently asked questions about this rising K-pop star:

What is ICHILLIN's official fandom name?
The official fandom name for ICHILLIN is "Willing" (윌링), based on the word's meaning: "to be enthusiastic".

Does ICHILLIN have official colors?
As of now, ICHILLIN has not designated any official colors.

Where can fans follow ICHILLIN online?
Fans can follow the group through their official social media accounts including Instagram (@ichillin_km), X (@ichillin_km), TikTok (@ichillin_km), YouTube (ICHILLIN' Official), and Facebook (ichillin.km).

Has ICHILLIN experienced any member changes?
Yes, former member Sohee (Eom So-hee) officially left the group on July 15, 2022. She was a Sub-Vocalist and Sub-Dancer.

When was ICHILLIN's song "Official" released?
This is among the common questions fans ask about the group's discography.

Who wrote ICHILLIN's "Official"?
Information about the songwriters behind ICHILLIN's tracks is frequently sought by dedicated fans