Bae Joo-hyun commands attention as Irene, the stage name she built into a legacy. Born March 29, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea, she transformed local roots into global recognition.
Her career centers on Red Velvet, one of South Korea’s most dynamic girl groups. She serves as the group’s leader, a role that demands precision and vision.
Within Red Velvet, her talents span multiple disciplines. Irene holds positions as main rapper, lead dancer, and sub vocalist. She also embodies the group’s visual center, a testament to her captivating presence.
This multifaceted approach defines her artistry. She moves beyond singing into television hosting and acting. Each role showcases a different facet of her disciplined craft.
Her journey began in Daegu, where she attended Haknam High School. Family support from her parents and younger sibling grounded her ambitious path. Standing 158 cm tall, she proves stature has no bearing on star power.
Irene represents the modern K-pop professional: versatile, dedicated, and authentically skilled. Her story is one of transformation, from a Daegu student to a Red Velvet leader who redefines performance standards.
Early Life and Background
Long before the spotlight found her, a young woman in Daegu was already turning heads. Her future stardom was hinted at by a local reputation for beauty and a clear-eyed ambition.
This foundation shaped the artist known today by her stage name Irene.
Birthplace, Family, and Education
Irene was born and raised in Buk-gu, Daegu, South Korea. Her family, including her parents and a younger sibling, provided a supportive home.
She attended Haknam High School, following a conventional path before her life took a dramatic turn. In 2009, she successfully auditioned for SM Entertainment.
This began a demanding period where she trained for five years before her debut. It was a test of patience and discipline.
Growing Up in Daegu and Early Interests
During her teenage years, she gained local fame as an “ulzzang,” a term for someone recognized for their good looks. She also possessed a strong Daegu accent, a trait that added to her distinctive character.
Her early dream was to work in broadcasting. She imagined a future as a news reporter or host.
Other career paths she considered showcased her diverse interests. They included becoming a makeup artist or a flight attendant.
| Year | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Born | Daegu, South Korea |
| 2009 | Auditioned for SM Entertainment | Daegu |
| 2009-2014 | Trainee Period | Seoul |
Pre-Debut Activities and SM Entertainment Training
The path to a K-pop debut is rarely a sprint; for Irene, it was a five-year marathon of training that began in 2009. This period forged the skills and discipline needed for the spotlight.
SM Entertainment’s system is famously rigorous. Only a small fraction of trainees successfully debut, making her journey significant.
Joining SM Entertainment and Trainee Experience
Her entry into the company in 2009 started an intense chapter. The following five years were dedicated to honing her abilities in dance, rap, and performance.
This long preparation tested her commitment daily. It built the foundation for her future role as a leader.
Pre-debut Work with SM Rookies and Early Appearances
The company began strategically introducing her to the public before her official debut. In August 2013, she appeared in labelmate Henry Lau’s “1-4-3 (I Love You)” music video.
This was her first taste of public visibility. Later that year, she was formally introduced as a member of the pre-debut team SM Rookies.
Magazine shoots in early 2014 with future groupmates like Seulgi further built anticipation. Then, a pivotal video released in July 2014 showcased her talent clearly.
It featured Irene and Seulgi performing a dance cover of “Be Natural.” This expertly teased their chemistry and skill, signaling their readiness.
| Year | Activity | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Joined SM Entertainment | Began formal training |
| Aug 2013 | Featured in Henry Lau’s music video | First public appearance |
| Dec 2013 | Introduced as an SM Rookies member | Official pre-debut recognition |
| Jul 2014 | “Be Natural” dance video with Seulgi | Showcased main dancer potential |
Debut with Red Velvet and Rise to Stardom
Red Velvet’s debut single “Happiness” introduced Irene to the world as both member and leader. The August 1, 2014 release marked her official entry into the K-pop scene. This South Korean girl group brought a fresh concept blending energetic and sophisticated styles.
Becoming the Leader and Face of the Group
Irene carried multiple responsibilities from day one. As leader, she guided the group through interviews and performances. Her role required strong communication and maturity.
She also served as main rapper and lead dancer. These positions showcased her versatile talent. The pink color assigned to her reflected the softer side of Red Velvet’s dual concept.
Debut Highlights and Early Performances
The girl group quickly gained attention with their unique sound. Red Velvet’s early performances demonstrated their polished choreography. Irene’s stage presence stood out immediately.
Just months after debut, she appeared in Kyuhyun’s “At Gwanghwamun” music video. This cross-promotional work expanded her visibility. It showed her value beyond the group context.
Red Velvet’s rapid rise confirmed their place in the industry. The group released multiple successful EPs and albums. Irene’s leadership helped shape their consistent quality and appeal.
Solo Ventures and Subunit Highlights
Her career trajectory took a deliberate turn toward solo endeavors that showcased different facets of her talent. These projects revealed her versatility beyond the group dynamic.
Television Hosting and Variety Show Appearances
From May 2015 to June 2016, Irene co-hosted the popular Music Bank show with actor Park Bo-gum. Their chemistry became legendary, earning praise as one of the best partnerships in the program’s history.
She demonstrated natural communication skills that translated well to television. In October 2016, she hosted OnStyle’s fashion show Laundry Day, aligning with her status as a style icon.
That same month, she joined Wendy as a panelist on KBS’s Trick & True. This variety show tested her quick wit and humor in entertainment formats.
Forays into Acting and Film Roles
Her acting debut came in July 2016 with the web drama Women at a Game Company. She played the female lead in this project about a women game company.
She also appeared in Hello! Our Language, a sitcom teaching proper Korean. This demonstrated her range in both educational and lighthearted roles.
In 2020, she voiced Baby Bun in the animated film Trolls World Tour. This expanded her reach to international audiences through voice acting.
Her most significant film role came with Double Patty in 2021. She played aspiring anchor Lee Hyun-ji and contributed the original soundtrack “A White Night.”
| Year | Project Type | Role/Show | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2016 | Television Hosting | Music Bank | Praised chemistry with Park Bo-gum |
| 2016 | Web Drama | Women at a Game Company | First acting debut as female lead |
| 2016 | Fashion Show | Laundry Day | Hosted OnStyle’s fashion program |
| 2021 | Feature Film | Double Patty | Lead role with original soundtrack |
| 2020 | Voice Acting | Trolls World Tour | International animated film |
The Impact and Legacy of Joo-hyun Bae on the Entertainment Industry
Irene’s impact transcends music, shaping consumer trends and philanthropic efforts alike. Her influence extends far beyond the stage.
This South Korean singer commands attention both as a performer and cultural force. Her legacy reflects this dual impact.
Endorsements, Global Influence, and Brand Collaborations
Irene earned the “CF Queen” title through exceptional marketing power. Her portfolio spans luxury fashion to everyday products.
She became the first Asian muse for Italian jewelry brand Damiani in 2019. This milestone highlighted her global appeal.
Major collaborations include Prada, Miu Miu, and Clinique as a beauty brand ambassador. These partnerships reinforced her status as a style icon.
The Red Velvet leader consistently topped brand power rankings. She held #1 in Female Idol Star Ranking for four weeks in 2023.
Philanthropy and Cultural Influence
Beyond commercial success, Irene demonstrated significant social responsibility. She donated ₩100 million for COVID-19 relief in 2020.
Another ₩100 million went to forest fire relief in 2025. These actions showed her commitment to community support.
Her cultural influence became clear when she mentioned reading “Kim Ji-young, Born 1982.” Book sales surged 104% immediately.
The novel became Seoul National University’s most borrowed book. This demonstrated her power to shape public discourse.
Gallup Korea polls consistently showed her high popularity across demographics. Soldiers ranked her third in a 2019 survey.
Iconic Moments, Achievements, and Industry Milestones
From world tours to solo projects, Irene’s journey reflects the complex reality of K-pop stardom. Her career balances glittering success with meaningful personal evolution.
Awards, Recognition, and Notable Collaborations
Irene made her mark through multiple Red Velvet world tours. These included Red Room, REDMARE, La Rouge, and R to V across several years.
Her 2015 KBS Entertainment Awards nomination recognized her Music Bank hosting. A decade later, she won Female Solo Artist at Supersound Festival 2025.
The artist collaborated with DJ Raiden on “The Only” in 2019. This music video showcased her versatility beyond group performances.
Red Velvet’s first subunit formed in 2020. Irene & Seulgi debuted with the EP Monster, highlighting Irene as lead dancer and main rapper.
Controversies and the Journey of Personal Growth
In October 2020, a stylist accused Irene of mistreatment. The incident sparked discussion about power dynamics in entertainment.
Irene made a sincere apology two days later. SM Entertainment issued a supporting statement addressing the situation.
The stylist confirmed receiving the apology and asked for public speculation to end. Some staffers defended Irene’s character during this period.
In January 2021, Bae Joo-hyun posted a second apology reflecting on her behavior. She acknowledged the weight of her words after years in the industry.
Her 2024 solo EP “Like a Flower” and photo exhibition “1 Page of Irene” marked a new creative chapter. These projects showed artistic growth following challenging times.
Looking Ahead: Future Ventures and Lasting Influence
The success of her debut solo EP ‘Like a Flower’ marks a new chapter for the artist, proving her viability beyond the group dynamic. Her 2021 contract renewal with SM Entertainment secured her place as a Red Velvet member for years to come.
The EP reached #1 on Korean charts and earned KMCA Platinum certification with 389,992 copies sold. Tracks like “Summer Rain” and “Winter Wish” showcase her personal artistic vision. This solo work complements her role in the Irene & Seulgi subunit.
Her commercial appeal continues with brand partnerships like Dong-A Pharmaceutical’s ILO inner beauty brand for 2025. The South Korean singer balances solo music with ongoing Red Velvet activities.
Irene’s future may include more film projects following her role in Double Patty. Her stage name represents both intimate solo work and large-scale girl group performances. This dual identity reflects her growth from trainee to multifaceted artist.
Her lasting influence will be measured by continued reinvention and inspiration for future Korean girl group members. Red Velvet remains active with potential tours, ensuring her leadership role endures.
