Who is Minyoung from Brave Girls to BB GIRLS? Complete Profile

Brave Girls Minyoung transformed from an underrated K-pop idol to a celebrated star when her group's song "Rollin'" unexpectedly went viral in 2021. After waiting 1,854 days since their debut, this breakthrough finally earned them their first music show win on "Inkigayo." Born on September 12, 1990, in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Minyoung officially joined Brave Girls in 2016 with their digital single "Deepened." She subsequently became the group's leader following member Yujin's departure in January 2017.

Currently, Minyoung leads BBGIRLS under BBGirls Company and GLG, following Brave Girls' disbandment in 2023. The group rebranded and made their official re-debut on August 3, 2023, with the single album "One More Time." Despite not completing her studies, Minyoung has an impressive background in traditional Korean dance and ballet from Hanyang University. Additionally, she has worked as a music producer under the pseudonym Kkodurami and collaborated with rapper Verbal Jint, showcasing her diverse talents beyond her exceptional vocal abilities that earned her the nickname "cider vocalist" among fans.

Early Life and Background

Birthplace and family

Kim Minyoung, known professionally as Minyoung, began her journey in Seongnam, Gyeonggi province, South Korea. Unlike many K-pop success stories that begin with parental support, Minyoung's path to stardom faced early resistance from her family. Her father, in particular, strongly opposed her dreams of becoming an idol. This family dynamic created initial challenges for the aspiring performer who would later become the powerhouse vocalist of Brave Girls. However, the tides turned dramatically after the group's unexpected viral success in 2021, when her father finally acknowledged he had misjudged her career choice.

Education and dance training

Minyoung's formal training began at Hanyang University, where she enrolled in the Dance Arts program. Although she ultimately did not complete her degree, her time there proved instrumental in developing her performance skills. At the university, she primarily focused on traditional Korean dance, which provided her with a strong foundation in cultural performance techniques. Concurrently, she expanded her dance repertoire by studying ballet, giving her versatility that would later benefit her career.

This dual focus on both traditional and classical dance forms reflects the rigorous training typical of aspiring K-pop idols in South Korea. In the competitive world of K-pop training, students often dedicate hours comparable to their academic studies toward perfecting performance skills. As one industry source notes, many young people in South Korea today spend nearly equal time studying traditional subjects and polishing their dance moves and singing. For aspiring performers like Minyoung, this often means attending specialized academies after regular school hours.

Early dreams of becoming a singer

From her childhood years, Minyoung harbored dreams of becoming a professional singer. This early aspiration would eventually guide her through the challenges of training and debut preparations. Her determination to pursue this path, especially against her father's wishes, demonstrates the passion that has characterized her career.

The path for aspiring K-pop idols in South Korea is notoriously demanding. Many begin training at specialized academies that charge approximately $200 per month, with some students starting as young as eight years old. These academies serve as the first step toward becoming trainees at major entertainment companies, where selected individuals undergo years of intensive training before potential debut.

For Minyoung, this journey would include several pre-debut projects before finding her place with Brave Girls in 2016. The persistence required to maintain her singing dreams through these early struggles foreshadowed the patience she would need later in her career, waiting nearly five years between debut and mainstream recognition.

The contrast between her early struggles and eventual success makes Brave Girls Minyoung's story particularly compelling within the K-pop industry. Her background in traditional dance forms, combined with her unwavering commitment to becoming a singer, laid the groundwork for her eventual emergence as a standout vocalist and leader—first with Brave Girls and later with BBGIRLS.

Pre-Debut Journey

HavyT and stage name INA

Before becoming the powerful vocalist of Brave Girls, Minyoung explored several musical paths. On January 29, 2013, she made her first official entry into the entertainment industry as part of a project group called HavyT. During this time, she adopted the stage name "Ina"—a moniker she would carry into her next musical endeavors.

The project group consisted of Minyoung and two male university friends. Together, they released two songs: "The Virus," which served as an OST for a drama of the same name, and "Know That". This co-ed trio experience gave Minyoung her first taste of performing professionally, albeit in a smaller-scale project that many fans discovered only after her later success with Brave Girls.

Minyoung's musical journey continued when she participated as a featured vocalist on a track called "Come To Me" by DKSOUL on March 25, 2014. This collaboration further demonstrated her vocal abilities and helped establish her presence in the music scene prior to joining any major girl groups.

ZZBEst and Rosemass

In 2014, Minyoung's career took a new direction as she became part of a pre-debut idol group called ZZBEst while continuing to use her stage name Ina. As a trainee at Faith Entertainment, she was included in this group whose name stood for "Zeal Zest Best".

The group prepared for their official debut by releasing a pre-debut EP titled "Temptation". Nonetheless, despite their preparations, ZZBEst never officially debuted as planned. According to some sources, the group silently disbanded sometime in mid-2015, while others indicate more specifically that they disbanded before their official debut planned for January 15, 2015, with their single album "ZZBEst 1st Single".

Following the disbandment of ZZBEst, Minyoung joined a dance group called Rosemass in late 2015. This period represents yet another stepping stone in her journey, showcasing her persistence in pursuing a career in entertainment despite previous setbacks. Her time with Rosemass helped further refine her performance skills, particularly in dance, building upon the traditional Korean dance and ballet training she had received during her university years.

Auditioning for Brave Entertainment

Minyoung's path to Brave Girls had an interesting twist. Initially, she auditioned for Brave Entertainment with the intention of becoming an actress rather than a singer. This revelation might surprise fans who know her primarily for her exceptional vocal abilities.

During her audition, company representatives recognized her singing potential and advised her to audition as a singer instead. This pivotal moment redirected her career trajectory toward becoming a vocalist rather than pursuing acting.

The audition process at Brave Entertainment, like many K-pop companies, is typically rigorous. Applicants must go through multiple rounds of evaluation, including document reviews and performance assessments. Those who pass initial screenings are notified within two weeks of their application date, after which they proceed to subsequent rounds specific to their project.

Fortunately for fans of brave girls minyoung, her talents impressed the company enough to secure her position in their girl group lineup. This successful audition marked the end of her pre-debut journey and the beginning of her career as an official K-pop idol with Brave Girls in 2016.

Debut with Brave Girls

Joining Brave Girls in 2016

After a prolonged hiatus of two and a half years, Brave Entertainment made a significant announcement on February 2, 2016 - Brave Girls would be returning to the K-pop scene as a seven-member group. The revamped lineup featured only two original members, Yoojin and Hyeran, alongside five fresh faces. Among these newcomers was brave girls minyoung, who would soon become instrumental to the group's identity.

The timing proved fortuitous for Minyoung, as she had recently concluded her stint with Rosemass and was seeking a stable platform for her talents. At 21 years old, she had already accumulated valuable experience through her previous projects. Interestingly, Minyoung had initially joined Brave Entertainment with acting aspirations, but the company recognized her vocal potential and redirected her toward a singing career.

First release: 'Deepened'

On February 16, 2016, brave girls minyoung made her official debut with the digital single "Deepened" (변했어 / Byeonhaess-eo). The song marked a new chapter for both Minyoung and Brave Girls as a whole. Produced by Brave Brothers in collaboration with Maboos and JS, "Deepened" was characterized as retro-dance pop music that showcased the members' vocal abilities.

The music video garnered significant attention upon release, accumulating more than 900,000 views on the CJ E&M YouTube channel and an additional 400,000 views on their official channel by the end of June 2016. This respectable viewership indicated positive reception, though it was merely a fraction of what the group would eventually achieve years later.

Moreover, "Deepened" received critical acclaim, earning a spot on Billboard's "20 Best K-Pop Songs of 2016" list at number 18. The publication specifically praised the song, noting that "from the smoky opening, the ladies made heartbroken melancholy sound sexier than ever". This recognition demonstrated the quality of their work, even if mainstream success remained elusive.

Meanwhile, Minyoung demonstrated her versatility beyond the recording studio. On April 13, 2016, she sang the national anthem at a baseball game between Nexen and Kia at Gocheok Sky Dome. Many observers praised her straightforward, unembellished rendition, showcasing her ability to perform in various settings.

Becoming the leader after Yujin's departure

A significant shift occurred on January 13, 2017, when Brave Entertainment announced that Yoojin and Hyeran—the two remaining original members—would cease promotions with the group. Yoojin decided to leave Brave Girls entirely to focus on completing her theater degree at Chung-Ang University. Simultaneously, Hyeran took a hiatus due to health concerns.

Following these departures, brave girls minyoung was appointed as the new leader of Brave Girls. At this point, the group continued as a five-member ensemble comprising Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, Yuna, and Hayun. The company confirmed that no new members would be added to replace those who had left.

As the eldest member, Minyoung naturally assumed leadership responsibilities even before her official appointment. She effectively communicated the team's suggestions to management and skillfully navigated company negotiations. Fellow member Yuna acknowledged Minyoung's leadership qualities, describing her character as having boss-like attributes.

The transition to leadership coincided with preparations for their next comeback. The company announced plans for a potential return in February or March 2017 with new music. Throughout these changes, brave girls minyoung remained steadfast, displaying the perseverance that would become her trademark in the years ahead.

Rise to Fame with 'Rollin'

In February 2021, an unexpected video changed everything for brave girls minyoung and her bandmates. After years of performing in relative obscurity, a fan-created compilation titled "Brave Girls — Rollin' (with comments)" sparked what many consider a miraculous revival in K-pop history.

The viral success in 2021

Four years after its original release, "Rollin'" suddenly dominated Korean music charts thanks to a YouTube user named Viditor. The compilation featured performances at military bases along with enthusiastic comments from soldiers who had become devoted fans. "I was able to endure my mandatory service thanks to them," wrote one commenter, while another joked, "We will win wars if they play this song during battle".

Within three weeks, the video garnered 10 million views, ultimately surpassing 22 million. This viral momentum propelled "Rollin'" to unprecedented heights—reaching #1 on Bugs on February 27, 2021, before conquering all major Korean music charts. On March 12, 2021, Brave Girls achieved their first-ever perfect all-kill (PAK), topping Gaon and real-time daily charts across MelOn, Bugs, Genie, VIBE, FLO, and iChart. This remarkable achievement eventually extended to a record-breaking 131 PAKs.

Minyoung expressed her disbelief to media: "We couldn't believe that a song that we released so long ago was suddenly back on the music charts. We were bewildered and didn't know how to react".

Impact on Minyoung's career

The overnight success transformed brave girls minyoung's life completely. After contemplating disbandment, she instead found herself overwhelmed with opportunities. "We went from having zero schedules to becoming super busy in just a day," the group revealed. Their sudden popularity resulted in:

25 commercial deals in just three months
First music show win on SBS's "Inkigayo" (March 14, 2021)
Subsequent wins on The Show, Show Champion, M Countdown, and Music Bank

Financially, the success enabled significant life changes. "It was such a miracle. We were able to pay off the heavy debt we had [to the company], and we were able to give our parents cars, pay back student loans and help out our families," they shared. For Brave Entertainment, this translated to a staggering 20-fold increase in revenue during 2021.

The emotional impact on Minyoung was profound. During their first music show win, she appeared visibly shocked—touching her mouth with widened eyes before breaking into tears. This raw emotional moment resonated with viewers nationwide, as it represented the culmination of years of perseverance.

Fan reactions and media attention

The group's connection to the military became central to their identity. Nicknamed "guntongryeong" (President of the military) and "No. 1 on the Millboard charts" (a portmanteau of military and Billboard), their popularity among servicemen stemmed from performing at over 100 military events, often in remote locations and for minimal compensation.

Remarkably, the group had performed 72 times on the "K-Force Special Show", traveling to locations as remote as Baengnyeong Island—which required a four to five-hour boat journey. Their dedication to these performances, despite the low appearance fees (typically between 1-2 million won, approximately $880-$1,760), earned them lasting respect.

Media outlets quickly embraced their underdog story. Brave Girls became known as "hope-dols", symbolizing perseverance in a notoriously fickle industry. Their 1,854-day journey from debut to first music show win broke the previous record set by Oh My Girl (1,581 days), further cementing their reputation as emblems of determination.

As Minyoung shared, "Since 'Rollin' got popular again, I have been living days that seem more like a dream. I'm grateful for every single one that supports us".

Transition to BBGIRLS

Disbandment of Brave Girls

The pinnacle of success achieved with "Rollin'" ultimately wasn't enough to secure the group's long-term future at Brave Entertainment. On February 16, 2023, Brave Entertainment officially announced the disbandment of Brave Girls following the expiration of contracts for all four members - Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna. The agency stated, "After a long and thorough discussion, Brave Entertainment and Brave Girls agreed to a beautiful farewell". To mark this significant transition, the group released a final digital single appropriately titled "Goodbye" on the same day.

Nevertheless, brave girls minyoung provided reassurance to concerned fans. Just one day after the disbandment announcement, she confirmed through social media that this separation was merely temporary, promising they would eventually reunite.

Rebranding and signing with Warner Music Korea

True to Minyoung's word, the quartet's hiatus proved remarkably brief. On April 26, 2023, all four members signed exclusive contracts with Warner Music Korea, with plans to release new music that summer. This swift transition demonstrated their determination to continue their career momentum despite leaving their original agency.

The question of their group name sparked immediate interest among fans. Initially, Korean online news portal edaily reported their new name would be "BB Girls" (pronounced as "beubeu girls" in Korean). Warner Music Korea confirmed this rebranding on May 3, 2023, officially announcing they would continue as BB GIRLS. This name change became necessary because Brave Entertainment retained ownership of the "Brave Girls" trademark.

On August 3, 2023, BB GIRLS made their official re-debut with the double single album "One More Time", marking their fresh start under new management.

Formation of BBGIRLS Company and GLG partnership

The group's business structure underwent additional changes in 2024. After their one-year contract with Warner Music Korea expired, the company announced on April 22, 2024, that their relationship with BB GIRLS had concluded through mutual agreement. Simultaneously, Warner Music announced that Yujeong would be departing the group.

Consequently, brave girls minyoung along with remaining members Eunji and Yuna established their own independent agency called BBGIRLS Company. At this point, the trio continued promoting as BB GIRLS under this self-managed structure.

Ultimately, their independent business phase proved short-lived. On December 11, 2024, entertainment company GLG announced that BBGIRLS had signed an exclusive contract with them. GLG stated, "We are delighted to welcome BBGIRLS to our family. We will provide full support to ensure they thrive in various fields, including music and entertainment". This partnership created a hybrid business structure, with BBGIRLS Company operating in partnership with GLG.

Minyoung's Role in BBGIRLS

Within the newly established BBGIRLS, brave girls minyoung continues to serve as the cornerstone that holds the group together. Throughout their rebranding journey from Brave Girls to BBGIRLS, her steadfast presence has provided essential continuity for both the group and their fanbase.

Leadership and center position

As the eldest member of BBGIRLS, Minyoung naturally maintained her leadership position following the transition from Brave Entertainment. Her experience managing group dynamics during their viral "Rollin'" success proved invaluable as they navigated the complexities of establishing their own company. Under her guidance, BBGIRLS Company formed a strategic partnership with GLG, demonstrating her business acumen beyond mere performance abilities.

On stage, Minyoung frequently occupies the center position during key moments of choreography, particularly during chorus segments where her powerful vocals shine. This positioning highlights her status as both the vocal anchor and visual focal point of BBGIRLS performances.

Vocal and dance contributions

Minyoung's distinctive vocal color remains one of BBGIRLS' greatest assets. Often referred to as the group's "cider vocalist" by fans, her clear, refreshing tone cuts through arrangements with remarkable precision. Her technical range allows her to handle both powerful belting sections and delicate harmonies.

For dance routines, despite not specializing primarily as a dancer, Minyoung executes choreography with confidence derived from her background in traditional Korean dance and ballet. Her movements typically emphasize elegance over technical complexity, complementing the group's overall performance aesthetic.

Stage presence and fan engagement

Markedly passionate during performances, Minyoung projects genuine emotion that resonates with audiences. Her facial expressions while singing frequently communicate the emotional core of lyrics, creating memorable performance moments that fans eagerly anticipate.

Off-stage, she maintains consistent engagement through social media, often sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into BBGIRLS' activities. Furthermore, during fan meetings, Minyoung typically takes the lead in facilitating interactions, drawing upon years of experience connecting with military audiences during Brave Girls' pre-viral era.

Notably, Minyoung's interactions with fans reflect her authentic personality. She balances professionalism with approachability, creating an atmosphere where fans feel genuinely acknowledged. This relationship with supporters proved crucial during BBGIRLS' reestablishment phase, as the fandom's loyalty helped sustain momentum through multiple company transitions.

Presently, as BBGIRLS continues evolving under their partnership with GLG, Minyoung's leadership qualities undoubtedly remain central to their identity and ongoing success.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her professional achievements, brave girls minyoung has cultivated a rich personal life filled with beloved pets, entrepreneurial ventures, and diverse hobbies.

Her dogs YamYam and Chupchup

Two adorable toy poodles occupy a special place in Minyoung's heart. Her first dog, YamYam, frequently appears on a dedicated Instagram account that Minyoung personally manages. Starting each day with affection, she often kisses YamYam upon waking up. Her second toy poodle, Chupchup, joined the family later and quickly became equally cherished.

In late 2022, Minyoung experienced a frightening incident when Chupchup ran away during a walk, startled by a loud car. Frantically searching for seven hours, she posted numerous "lost dog" notices throughout the neighborhood. Thankfully, an anonymous fan found the scared pup, whose eyes were bloodshot and fur blackened from the ordeal. Minyoung expressed profound gratitude on social media: "Thank you so much to everyone who helped... I'm going to remove the posters with a happy heart!"

Cafe ownership and YouTube channel

Indeed, Minyoung fulfilled a personal dream by opening her own café in Seoul. Named "C.RAVER Coffee," the establishment is located near Kyunghee University and serves both meat dishes and coffee. The café opened in March 2023 after Brave Girls' disbandment, with Minyoung personally working as both server and barista.

The space features numerous Brave Girls memorabilia, including framed photos and fan gifts. Minyoung even designed special cup sleeves featuring her own photos and created menu illustrations showcasing her beloved dogs. Concerning speculation about career changes, she clarified on Instagram: "Coffee is my hobby and a small dream that I've fulfilled in order to more freely communicate with my fans!"

Gaming, sports, and hobbies

Certainly versatile in her interests, Minyoung enjoys watching mukbang (eating show) videos in her leisure time. She previously played a football simulator game under the nickname "Gold Feet from Yeoksamdong," though she eventually stepped away from most gaming. Nevertheless, she still enjoys mobile games, admitting she's invested significant money to fully enjoy these experiences.

Physically active, Minyoung participates in an impressive array of sports including gymnastics, tennis, ice hockey, and pole dance. These athletic pursuits complement her background in traditional Korean dance and ballet, showcasing her dedication to physical fitness alongside her vocal career.

Throughout all these personal endeavors, Minyoung maintains the same determination and authenticity that carried her through years of professional perseverance before Brave Girls' breakthrough success.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Stories

Beyond the spotlight, brave girls minyoung has a treasure trove of fascinating traits and stories that showcase her authentic personality. These lesser-known aspects provide a glimpse into the woman behind the powerful vocals.

Nicknames and quirks

Throughout her career, Minyoung has acquired various nicknames that reflect her unique personality. Among fellow members, she's often referred to as having "boss-like attributes" due to her natural leadership style. As the eldest member, she expertly balances authority with approachability, a quality that earned her respect within the group.

Correspondingly, Minyoung is known for her straightforward communication style. Unlike her groupmate Yujeong who admitted, "I'm usually good at pranks, and I sometimes argue if I don't like something", Minyoung typically takes a more direct approach to resolving issues. This pragmatic attitude extends to her business dealings as well, evidenced by her successful negotiation of the group's transition from Brave Entertainment to establishing their own company.

Favorite foods and drinks

When it comes to culinary preferences, Minyoung has expressed a fondness for traditional Korean bar food known as "anju." These dishes are typically served with alcoholic beverages like soju or beer. Firstly, during a candid behind-the-scenes moment, BBGIRLS members jokingly lamented their dietary restrictions by saying, "We want soju".

Aside from alcoholic beverages, Minyoung enjoys a variety of Korean comfort foods. In essence, her taste preferences lean toward hearty, flavorful dishes rather than overly sweet options. Her practical approach to meals aligns with her no-nonsense personality.

Memorable moments with fans

Minyoung's interaction with fans reveals her genuine appreciation for their support. In contrast to choreographed fan meetings, some of her most meaningful moments have occurred spontaneously. After BBGIRLS' rebranding, fans showed remarkable loyalty, expressing sentiments like "BBGIRLS is like a friend to us. I always support you".

Not only do these interactions strengthen her bond with supporters, but they also provide emotional sustenance during challenging career transitions. The audience consistently praises BBGIRLS for "expressing themselves honestly", an authenticity that Minyoung consciously cultivates in her public persona.

Significantly, the group's candid communication style has fostered deep connections with their fanbase. As one observer noted, "The family chemistry between the members" creates an atmosphere where fans feel like they're part of an extended family rather than merely spectators.