Hwang Ye-ji (Korean: 황예지; born May 26, 2000), known mononymously asYeji, is a South Korean singer and dancer. She is the leader of the South Korean girl groupItzy, formed byJYP Entertainment in 2019. Yeji released her debut soloextended play (EP),Air, in March 2025.
Hwang Ye-ji was born on May 26, 2000,[1] in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up inJeonju.[2] While in elementary school, she wished to be a singer. Her older sister inspired her to start dancing, which led her to take an interest in the art form and join a local dance group.[3] She attended high school at Jeonju Commercial Information High School.[4]
In 2015, Yeji passed her audition to joinJYP Entertainment as a trainee by performingTwice's song "Like Ooh-Ahh".[5][6] In the same year, she made a cameo appearance in episode 8 ofSecond 20s.[7] In 2017, Yeji appeared on the first episode ofStray Kids, alongside her future groupmatesRyujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna.[8][9] In 2018, Yeji participated inSBS TV'sThe Fan [ko], where she was described byJunho of2PM as "JYP's secret weapon".[10][11]
On January 20, 2019, Yeji was revealed to be the leader ofItzy.[12] On February 12, 2019, the group officially debuted with the release of their firstsingle album,It'z Different, and a music video for its lead single "Dalla Dalla".[13][14] On March 19, 2021, Yeji was chosen asStudio Choom's "Artist of the Month", where she covered "River" byBishop Briggs and shared insights into her dance journey.[15] In June 2022, Yeji, along with fellow member Ryujin, performedBebe Rexha's "Break My Heart Myself" in the "Mix & Max" series by Studio Choom.[16] In November 2023, Yeji, alongside groupmate Chaeryeong, appeared as a mentor on SBS TV's reality survival seriesUniverse Ticket.[17] On December 20, Yeji released a music video for her solo track titled "Crown On My Head".[18] On December 1, 2024, Yeji released her first OST, "Think about you", for the romantic comedy seriesLove Your Enemy.[19]
On January 17, 2025, it was announced that Yeji was preparing for her solo debut,[20] then on February 10, JYP Entertainment released a trailer for it.[21][22] On March 10, Yeji released her first EP,Air, and a music video for its lead single of thesame name. Yeji participated in writing the lyrics of the lead single, which included elements of synth-pop; characterized by a strong bass and an addictive hook.[23]
In November 2023, Yeji participated in a fundraising event for the "Love Your W" campaign byW Korea, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer.[29][30] She further demonstrated her commitment to the cause by joiningW Korea's "Love Your W" charity event in October 2024.[31]
^Lee, Jeong-beom (February 13, 2019).[현장] 있지(ITZY) 황예지-신류진-이채령-신유나-리아, 선대 JYP 걸그룹 데뷔곡 커버 댄스로 눈길 [On-site] Hwang Ye-ji - Shin Ryu-jin - Lee Chae-ryeong - Shin Yuna - Lia of ITZY, attract attention with the cover dance of the debut song of the previous JYP girl group].Top Star News (in Korean).Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. RetrievedMarch 11, 2023.
^Kim, Jae-chun (March 8, 2019).전주가 낳고 JYP가 키운 걸그룹 'ITZY(있지)' 리더 예지 [Yeji, the leader of the girl group 'ITZY' born in Jeonju and raised by JYP].Domin Ilbo. Archived fromthe original on May 2, 2021. RetrievedDecember 12, 2024.
^abBae, Jae-ryun (February 6, 2019)."있지는 달라달라" ITZY, 데뷔곡 '달라달라' 트랙 리스트 공개 ["ITZY is different" ITZY reveals track list for debut song 'Dalla Dalla'].Herald Pop (in Korean).Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. RetrievedOctober 26, 2024.
^Pyo, Myung-joong (February 13, 2019).있지 예지 '앉아서도 카리스마 폭발' [Yes, Yeji 'Charisma explodes even while sitting' [PhotoenHD]].Newsen (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 26, 2020. RetrievedOctober 26, 2024.
^Yoo, Cheong-hee (November 1, 2018).'팬' 준호, 'JYP 비밀 병기' 황예지 추천...3표 부족 탈락 후보 ['Fan' Junho recommends 'JYP's secret weapon' Hwang Ye-ji... Candidate for elimination lacking 3 votes] (in Korean).Ten Asia.Archived from the original on March 12, 2023. RetrievedMarch 12, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Kwak, Hyeon-su (March 12, 2021).ITZY 예지, 스튜디오 춤 '아티스트 오브 더 먼스' 3월 주인공 [Itzy Yeji, the main character of March Studio Choom 'Artist of the Month'].Sports Donga (in Korean).Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. RetrievedJuly 4, 2024.
^Kwon, Eun-kyung (March 21, 2023).있지(Itzy) 예지의 좌우명은? [ITZY's Yeji is perfect when she's herself?].W Korea (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on September 25, 2024. RetrievedSeptember 10, 2024.
^W (December 15, 2023).RM, 제니, 현진 등 LoveYourW 참석 셀럽 8팀 더블유 Vol.1 화보 선공개 [RM, Jennie, Hyunjin, and 8 other Celebrities Attending LoveYourW Vol.1 Pictorial Preview].W Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 26, 2024. RetrievedOctober 25, 2024.
^W (December 21, 2023).별들이 내려앉은 밤, LOVE YOUR W 2023 – 2 [The night the stars fell, LOVE YOUR W 2023 – 2].W Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. RetrievedOctober 25, 2024.
^Cho, Seong-woon (December 4, 2023).ITZY(있지), 내년 1월 8일 새 앨범→2월 말 월드투어 포문 [ITZY, new album on January 8th next year → World tour kicks off at the end of February].Sports Donga (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on November 30, 2024. RetrievedDecember 6, 2023.
^Lee, Kun-hee (January 28, 2019).JYP, ITZY(있지) 개인 티저 공개...첫 주자는 '더 팬'에 출연한 예지 [JYP, ITZY (Itzy) personal teaser release... The first runner is Yeji who appeared in 'The Fan'].Asia Economy (아시아경제) (in Korean). Archived fromthe original on December 11, 2024. RetrievedMarch 12, 2023.
^Hwang, Ji Young (June 19, 2021).'음악중심' 예지 스페셜MC...브레이브걸스·뱀뱀·유겸 컴백 ['Music Core' Yeji Special MC... Brave Girls, BamBam, Yugyeom Comeback].Ilgan Sports.Archived from the original on December 12, 2024. RetrievedOctober 26, 2024.
