Rei (singer)
A Japanese vocalist who became a central voice in one of K-pop's defining girl groups of the 2020s, known for her cool, distinct tone.
Born 2004 (age 22)·Japanese singer and rapper·Birthday: February 3·Generation Z
Biography
Rei Naoi, known mononymously as Rei, made a bold leap from her native Japan to the heart of the South Korean pop industry as a teenager. She was selected by Starship Entertainment and debuted in 2021 as a member of IVE, a group that quickly ascended to chart dominance. Rei's position as a rapper and vocalist provided a crucial, lower-register counterpoint to the group's melodic hooks, adding texture and attitude to hits like 'Love Dive' and 'After LIKE.' Her presence signaled a continued globalization of K-pop, with her Japanese background becoming a natural part of the group's international appeal. More than just a performer in a system, Rei's specific vocal color and stage persona carved out a unique space, helping to define IVE's sophisticated and self-assured musical identity.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Rei was born in 2004, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Rei Was Born
The biggest hits of 2004
#1 Movie
Shrek 2
Best Picture
Million Dollar Baby
#1 TV Show
American Idol
Rei's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2004Born
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2009Started school
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
2017Became a teenager
#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
2020Could drive
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2022Could vote
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2025Turned 21
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 22 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a member of IVE, whose single 'Love Dive' won Song of the Year at the 2022 MAMA Awards.
- Contributed as a rapper and vocalist to multiple chart-topping singles that achieved 'Perfect All-Kill' status in South Korea.
- Became one of the prominent Japanese idols successfully active in the mainstream K-pop girl group scene.
Did You Know?
She was a trainee for less than a year before debuting with IVE.
Her stage name 'Rei' can mean 'zero' or 'spirit' in Japanese, chosen for its simplicity.
She is a former member of the Fukuoka-based idol group Rev. from DVL.
“I want to show a new side of myself with every stage.”
