Yeji (singer)
As the fierce leader and centerpiece of ITZY, she commands the stage with a blend of explosive dance power and arresting visual intensity.
Born 2000 (age 26)·South Korean singer and dancer·Birthday: May 26·Generation Z
Biography
Hwang Ye-ji, known universally as Yeji, was born in 2000 and forged in the rigorous training system of JYP Entertainment. When she debuted in 2019 as the leader of ITZY, it was immediately clear she was the group's kinetic heart. Yeji possesses a stage presence that is both precise and volcanic; her dancing is sharp and powerful, often punctuated by her signature intense, cat-like gaze that fans have dubbed 'fox eyes.' She carries the weight of leadership not with sternness, but with a palpable sense of responsibility and care for her members, often speaking for the group with thoughtful clarity. In 2025, she stepped into a new spotlight with her first solo EP, 'Air,' showcasing a more personal and vocal-centric side of her artistry. Yeji represents a modern K-pop ideal: a performer of relentless energy who also embodies the resilience and focus required to thrive at the industry's peak.
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.
Yeji was born in 2000, 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 Yeji Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Yeji's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the leader and main dancer of the chart-topping K-pop girl group ITZY in 2019.
- Released her debut solo EP 'Air' in March 2025, demonstrating her individual artistry.
- Helped lead ITZY to win multiple 'Rookie of the Year' awards upon their debut.
Did You Know?
She was a contestant on the survival show 'The Fan' before debuting with ITZY.
Her representative emoji within the fandom is a fox, referencing her distinctive eyes.
She is known for being fluent in 'air violin,' a humorous bit she often performs.
“As leader, I set the standard for our practice, every single day.”
