Joy (singer)
A Red Velvet member known as the group's 'mood maker,' who blossomed into a beloved soloist and actress with a warm, romantic charm.
Born 1996 (age 30)·South Korean singer and actress·Birthday: September 3·Millennials
Biography
Joy of Red Velvet has built a career on duality—balancing the vibrant, often experimental pop of her group with a solo and acting persona defined by cozy, romantic warmth. Debuting in 2014, she quickly became known for her bright energy and distinctive, husky vocal tone within Red Velvet's complex harmonies. Her foray into acting in 2017's 'The Liar and His Lover' was a natural extension, playing a gifted musician; she infused the role with a guileless charm that made her a darling of Korean drama fans. This 'healing' image crystallized with her 2021 solo debut 'Hello', an album of remakes that showcased her voice in a softer, more nostalgic light. Joy possesses a rare relatability; whether covering classic K-pop ballads or starring in countryside romances, she projects a sense of genuine, comforting sweetness that has secured her a devoted fanbase beyond the scale of her group's success.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joy was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Joy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a main vocalist of SM Entertainment's influential girl group Red Velvet in 2014.
- Released her special solo album 'Hello' in 2021, topping iTunes charts in multiple countries and showcasing her vocal style.
- Starred as the female lead in the television dramas 'The Liar and His Lover' (2017) and 'Once Upon a Small Town' (2022).
- Hosted the music show 'Music Bank' alongside Park Bogum, earning praise for her chemistry and hosting skills.
Did You Know?
Her stage name 'Joy' was chosen because she wanted to bring joy to people through her performances.
She is known for her love of eating and has a famous appetite, often discussed by other idols.
She has a pet dog named Elly, who frequently appears on her social media.
She is a certified barista.
“I want to be a singer who can move people's hearts with my voice.”
