Umji: The Versatile Journey of GFriend and Viviz Star Kim Ye-won
In the vibrant world of K-pop, few artists demonstrate the resilience and evolution of Kim Ye-won, professionally known as Umji. From her early days as a member of the beloved group GFriend to her current success with the trio Viviz, Umji has established herself as a talented singer, dancer, and songwriter.
Born on August 19, 1998, in Incheon, South Korea, Umji has navigated the complexities of the music industry with grace. Her journey is marked by significant milestones, including solo soundtrack contributions and various roles in broadcasting, proving her versatility beyond the idol stage.
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Key Facts
- Real Name: Kim Ye-won (김예원)
- Stage Name: Umji (엄지)
- Birth Date: August 19, 1998
- Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea
- Occupations: Singer, Dancer, Singer-songwriter
- Groups: GFriend (former), Viviz (current)
- Labels: BPM Entertainment
Early Life and Education
Umji grew up in Yeonsu-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, as the youngest of three children. Her father serves as a dentist and the chairman of a prominent South Korean dental corporation. Her early education included attending an English preschool, laying a foundation for her future international appeal.
She attended Shinsong Middle School in Incheon before pursuing professional training. In February 2017, she graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the Theater Department, graduating alongside her fellow groupmate, SinB.
Musical Career and Evolution
The GFriend Era
Umji officially entered the spotlight on January 15, 2015, debuting with the girl group GFriend. The group launched with the extended play Season of Glass and the hit single "Glass Bead." Their first live performance took place shortly after on KBS2's Music Bank.
During her tenure with GFriend, Umji showcased her vocal abilities through various projects. In September 2016, she released her first solo soundtrack, "The Way," for the drama Shopping King Louie. Despite a brief hiatus in late 2016 due to a sarus muscle twist (a strain in the muscle), she returned to the stage to perform at the Melon Music Awards.
As GFriend continued to grow, Umji expanded her presence through television and radio. She participated in the singing competition King of Mask Singer in 2017 and co-hosted the youth talk show Yogobara in 2018 alongside Sanha from Astro. In 2020, she contributed the song "Welcome" to the drama Welcome and took over as a DJ for Naver Now's "Avenger Girls."
Transition to Viviz
A major turning point occurred in October 2021 when it was announced that Umji, Eunha, and SinB had signed with BPM Entertainment. This announcement paved the way for their new musical chapter. On February 9, 2022, the trio officially debuted as Viviz with the extended play Beam of Prism.
Summary of Career Milestones
| Year | Event/Group | Role/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | GFriend Debut | Member of group; released "Glass Bead" |
| 2016 | Solo Soundtrack | Released "The Way" for Shopping King Louie |
| 2017 | King of Mask Singer | Television competition participant |
| 2018 | Yogobara | Talk show host |
| 2020 | Naver Now | DJ for "Avenger Girls" |
| 2022 | Viviz Debut | Member of new trio; released Beam of Prism |
Frequently Asked Questions
What groups has Umji been a part of?
Umji was originally a member of the K-pop girl group GFriend and is currently a member of the trio Viviz.
What is Umji's real name?
Her real name is Kim Ye-won.
Has Umji released solo music?
Yes, she has contributed to several South Korean drama soundtracks, including "The Way" for Shopping King Louie and "Welcome" for the drama Welcome.
What agency does Umji belong to?
Umji is currently signed with BPM Entertainment.
When did Viviz debut?
Viviz officially debuted on February 9, 2022, with the release of their extended play Beam of Prism.