Yeji (singer)

Hwang Ye-ji (hangul=황예지; born May 26, 2000), known mononymously as Yeji, is a South Korean singer and dancer. She is the leader of the South Korean girl group Itzy, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2019.
In addition to her group activities, Yeji has collaborated with artists like Bebe Rexha and Hyunjin of Stray Kids. In 2021, Yeji was chosen as the "Artist of the Month" by Studio Choom.
==Early life==
Yeji was born on May 26, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, but grew up in the southwestern city of Jeonju. She started dancing at a very young age. However, it wasn't until eighth grade that she started taking dance seriously.
==Career==
===2015–2018: Pre-debut===
In 2015, Yeji auditioned for JYP Entertainment by performing Twice's song "Like Ooh-Ahh" and joined the company as a trainee the same year. Later, in 2017, she appeared as a guest on Stray Kids, alongside her future groupmates.
Yeji first rose to domestic fame in 2018 when she appeared on the South Korean competition show The Fan (TV program)|lt=The Fan|ko|더 팬 (텔레비전 프로그램). Following her appearance on the show, Junho of 2PM described her as "JYP's secret weapon."
===2019–present: Debut with Itzy and solo activities===
On February 12, 2019, Yeji made her debut in Itzy as the leader, dancer, and vocalist. The group debuted with the single album It'z Different, led by the single "Dalla Dalla." On June 2021, she became a special MC on on Show! Music Core.
In June 2022, Yeji, along with bandmate Ryujin, performed Bebe Rexha's "Break My Heart Myself" in the "MIX & MAX" series by Studio Choom, gaining significant attention on YouTube. Following the cover's success, Yeji collaborated with Bebe Rexha on the remix of the track along with bandmate Ryujin, which was released in July. This collaboration led to a special performance at KCON LA, where Bebe Rexha joined Yeji and Ryujin on stage to perform the song in August.
In November 2023, Yeji, alongside bandmate Chaeryeong, appeared as a mentor on the SBS reality survival series Universe Ticket. On December 20, Yeji released a music video for her solo track titled "Crown On My Head." The song was released as one of the tracks in Itzy's Born to Be on January 8, 2024. 
==Artistry==
On March 19, 2021, Yeji was chosen as the "Artist of the Month" by Studio Choom, becoming the fifth artist to appear in their YouTube series, where she covered "River" by Bishop Briggs and shared insights into her dance journey through exclusive content. She earned one trophy and three NYX awards for her appearance in the series.
==Other ventures==
===Fashion and endorsements===
On August, 2022, Yeji and her fellow ITZY members were appointed as ambassadors for the Singaporean fashion brand Charles & Keith. In 2023, Yeji appeared on the cover of W Korea's April issue. The following month, she also appeared on the cover of Elle Korea alongside labelmate Felix. In September 2024, Yeji made her solo debut at Milan Fashion Week by attending Dolce & Gabbana's Spring Summer 2025 show.
===Philanthropy===
In November 2023, Yeji participated in a fundraising event for the "Love Your W" campaign by W Korea, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer. She further demonstrated her commitment to the cause by joining W Korea's "Love Your W" charity event in October 2024.
==Personal life==
===Health===
In December 2021, Yeji sustained a back injury during pre-recording for the 2021 Asia Artist Awards, which led to her absence from the event on medical advice.
==Discography==
Yeji's discography with Itzy|Itzy discography
===As a featured artist===
 List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions and name of the album
Title 	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
Title 	Year	USWorld 	Album
"Break My Heart Myself"	2022	 	
===Composition credits===
 List of songs, showing year released, artist name, and name of the album
Year	Artist 	Song 	Album 	Lyricist	Lyricist	Composition	Composition	
Year	Artist 	Song 	Album 	Credited	With 	Credited 	With 	
2024	Herself	"Crown on My Head"	Born to Be	 	 	 	 	
==Videography==
===Music videos===
 List of music videos, showing year released, and directors
Title 	Year	Director(s) 	scope="col"
"Crown On My Head"	2023	Ha Jeong-hoon, Lee Hye-sung(Hattrick)	
==Filmography==
Yeji's filmography with Itzy|Itzy filmography
===Television shows===
Year	Title 	Role 	Notes 	scope="col" class="unsortable"
2017	Stray Kids 	Cameo 	Appeared on episode one with Team Girls	
2018	lt=The Fan|ko|더 팬 (텔레비전 프로그램) 	Contestant	Eliminated in the fifth episode. 	
2023	Universe Ticket 	Mentor 	 	
===Hosting===
Year	Title 	Notes 	scope="col" class="unsortable"
2021	Show! Music Core	Sepecial Mc	
Category:2000 births
Category:Itzy members
Category:JYP Entertainment artists
Category:K-pop singers
Category:Living people
Category:People from Jeonju
Category:Musicians from North Jeolla Province
Category:Rappers from Seoul
Category:Singers from Seoul
Category:South Korean dance musicians
Category:South Korean female idols
Category:South Korean women pop singers