Hyebin (MOMOLAND): The Untold Story Behind Her K-pop Journey

Hyebin MOMOLAND's journey from trainee to leader showcases one of K-pop's most resilient careers. Born Lee Hye Bin on January 12, 1996, in Seongbok-dong, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, she trained rigorously for four years before finally debuting as MOMOLAND's leader in November 2016. Initially formed through the reality show "Finding Momoland," the group started with seven members and later expanded to nine in 2017. Despite achieving significant success—notably with "Bboom Bboom" earning a Platinum certification on the Gaon Music Chart—MOMOLAND disbanded on February 14, 2023.

Early Life and Background

Behind the charismatic leader of MOMOLAND lies a childhood rooted in traditional South Korean values. The journey of Lee Hyebin began long before stage lights and choreography—starting in a place that would shape her future path to K-pop stardom.

Birthplace and family

Lee Hyebin's hometown has been identified as Andong, South Korea, though some sources suggest she was born in Seongbok-dong, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. This southeastern region of Korea, known for its preservation of traditional Korean culture, provided the backdrop for her formative years.

Growing up in a supportive family environment, Hyebin's household consisted of her parents and a younger brother. While she maintains privacy regarding her family members' names and professions, their influence on her development is evident in her well-rounded personality and work ethic.

Family connections appear significant in Hyebin's life, though she keeps much of her family dynamics private—a common practice among K-pop idols who often shield their families from the intense spotlight of fame. Nevertheless, these early family bonds helped establish the foundation for Hyebin's future leadership qualities that would eventually serve her well as MOMOLAND's leader.

Education and childhood interests

Hyebin's educational journey began at Yongin Hyoja Elementary School, followed by attendance at both Seongbok Middle School and Seongbok High School, where she completed her primary and secondary education. Her academic path demonstrates consistency in her educational environment during these formative years.

Following high school graduation, Hyebin pursued higher education with a focus on performing arts. She studied at Seoil University, specializing in Film, Broadcasting and Performing Arts. This educational background provided her with valuable knowledge of the entertainment industry beyond just performing, earning her a Professional Bachelor degree according to some sources or an associate's degree as mentioned by others. Furthermore, some records indicate she also attended Seoul School of Performing Arts, suggesting a dedicated focus on developing her artistic abilities.

Even as a child, Hyebin displayed interests that hinted at her creative nature. She enjoyed playing with Lego, an activity that develops spatial reasoning and creative thinking—skills that would later benefit her in choreography and stage performance. This early interest in constructive play suggests a mind naturally inclined toward building and creating.

In addition to her creative pursuits, Hyebin demonstrated practical talents as well. She developed impressive cooking skills from an early age, a talent that would later become well-known among MOMOLAND members and fans. This ability not only showcased her versatility but also suggested responsibility and independence from a young age—traits that would serve her well as the future leader of a K-pop group.

These childhood interests and educational choices reveal a young woman who balanced creative expression with practical skills, all while developing the foundation that would eventually support her career in the demanding world of K-pop.

Training Years Before Debut

The path to K-pop stardom requires years of dedication and preparation, something Hyebin understood firsthand through her extensive training period before MOMOLAND's formation.

Trainee under B2M and Duble Kick

Long before becoming MOMOLAND's leader, Lee Hyebin embarked on her idol journey as a trainee at B2M Entertainment. Her time at this agency was substantial, with records indicating she trained there for approximately 4-5 years. Throughout this period, she honed her singing, dancing, and performance skills under B2M's guidance, laying the groundwork for her future career.

Interestingly, her B2M connection created unexpected industry relationships. It was during this time that Hyebin became acquainted with Yoon Ji-sung, who would later gain prominence through Produce 101 Season 2 and Wanna One. This early connection demonstrates how interconnected the K-pop training system can be, even before trainees achieve fame.

In early 2015, Hyebin made a significant career move by joining Duble Kick Entertainment (which would later become MLD Entertainment). This transition marked a pivotal moment in her journey toward debut. At Duble Kick, she continued refining her skills alongside other trainees who would eventually become her MOMOLAND groupmates.

Overall, Hyebin's combined training period spanned approximately 4 years, showcasing her persistence and dedication to the craft. This extended training demonstrates the rigorous preparation required of K-pop idols, as they must develop proficiency in multiple performance areas before consideration for debut.

Pre-debut stage name and modeling

Prior to her official debut as Hyebin, she was known by a completely different name in the industry. Multiple sources confirm that "Cherry" served as her pre-debut stage name. This early moniker offers a glimpse into her identity exploration phase, common among K-pop trainees as they develop their public personas.

Beyond her vocal and dance training, Hyebin cultivated additional professional experience that would enhance her versatility as an entertainer. She worked as a model before her MOMOLAND debut, giving her valuable experience in front of cameras and helping develop the poise and presence that would later benefit her on stage.

Her modeling background likely contributed to her comfort with visual concepts and camera work—skills that proved valuable once she began appearing in music videos and promotional content. Moreover, this experience may have helped her develop the confidence necessary for her future leadership role within MOMOLAND.

Additionally, Hyebin's pre-debut activities included an appearance in a music video alongside future groupmates. She, Yeonwoo, and JooE featured in Kim Youngchul's "Andenayon" music video featuring Wheesung. This pre-debut exposure provided practical experience and a small taste of the music video environment she would soon inhabit regularly as a MOMOLAND member.

These formative years shaped not just Hyebin's technical abilities but also her understanding of the entertainment industry from multiple angles. From her extended training period across two companies to her modeling work and pre-debut appearances, each experience contributed to the well-rounded performer and leader she would become upon MOMOLAND's official debut.

Debut and Rise with MOMOLAND

After years of training, Hyebin's dream of becoming an idol finally materialized through a competitive survival show that would determine her fate in the K-pop industry.

Winning Finding Momoland

In mid-2016, Duble Kick Entertainment launched "Finding Momoland," a survival reality show on Mnet that aired from July 22 to September 16, 2016. The program featured ten trainees competing for seven spots in the company's new girl group. Throughout the show's ten episodes, contestants demonstrated their singing, dancing, and performance abilities alongside their personalities and charisma.

For Hyebin, the competition ended triumphantly as she became the first trainee officially announced as a MOMOLAND member. This early selection naturally positioned her as the group's leader, a role that would define her identity within the team for years to come. Alongside Hyebin, six other contestants—Yeonwoo, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy—successfully secured their places in the final lineup.

Subsequently, controversy emerged years later when eliminated contestant Daisy claimed in 2020 that the show had been manipulated. She alleged that despite her elimination, the agency contacted her the next day about joining the group after initial promotions. The company firmly denied these accusations, stating there was no vote manipulation.

Debut with 'Welcome to Momoland'

Following their formation through the reality show, MOMOLAND made their long-anticipated debut on November 10, 2016. Their first mini-album, aptly titled "Welcome to Momoland," featured six tracks including the title song "JJan! Koong! Kwang!". This whimsical debut single was composed by the renowned production team Double Sidekick.

The complete tracklist included:

"Welcome to MOMOLAND"
"JJan! Koong! Kwang!"
"Love Sick"
"Uh-Gi-Yeo-Cha"
"JJan! Koong! Kwang!" (Instrumental)
"Uh-Gi-Yeo-Cha" (Instrumental)

Indeed, the group's debut showcase occurred one day before the album release, on November 9, with their first music show performance following on M Countdown. Notably, the physical album production was made possible through crowdfunding efforts, demonstrating the company's innovative approach to financing their rookie group's debut.

Initial public reception

The initial reception for MOMOLAND was characterized by modest beginnings typical of rookie groups from smaller companies. As they promoted their debut single "JJan! Koong! Kwang!", the seven members—including Hyebin as leader—worked diligently to establish their presence in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Shortly after their debut, MOMOLAND received an opportunity for public exposure when they were appointed as ambassadors for the International Relief Development NGO Plan Korea on October 26, 2016. This appointment, occurring even before their official debut, provided valuable visibility for the rookie group.

Nevertheless, the group faced early challenges. Their reality show's final mission reportedly failed to gather the required 3,000 spectators, causing their official debut to be delayed. Additionally, member Yeonwoo had to temporarily halt activities due to lower back pain, preventing her from participating in the SBS Gayo Daejeon year-end performance on December 27, 2016.

While critical reception varied, some reviewers found their debut album lacking distinction, citing "high and airy" vocals and production that sounded similar to other girl groups of their generation. Nonetheless, this humble beginning would eventually lead to greater success in the coming years as MOMOLAND continued to evolve their musical identity and gain recognition in the K-pop industry.

Hyebin’s Role in MOMOLAND

Within the dynamic structure of MOMOLAND, Lee Hyebin stands as the cornerstone that supports the group's operations both on and off stage. Her multifaceted role extends far beyond her official position, making her an essential component of the group's identity and success.

Leader responsibilities

As MOMOLAND's official leader, Hyebin shoulders numerous responsibilities that require both strength and sensitivity. First chosen during "Finding Momoland," her leadership appointment came naturally as she was announced as the first official member of the final lineup. This early selection established her authority within the group from its inception.

Practically speaking, Hyebin handles much of the communication between MOMOLAND and their management team. She serves as the group's representative in meetings, facilitates discussions about comebacks, and ensures all members' concerns are addressed appropriately. Whenever the group encounters challenges, she becomes the voice of reason who maintains group harmony.

Beyond administrative duties, Hyebin takes on mentorship responsibilities for her teammates. Throughout MOMOLAND's lineup changes—from the original seven members to nine after Daisy and Taeha joined, then back to six after Yeonwoo, Taeha, and Daisy's departures—she provided consistent leadership through transitions. Her stability proved especially crucial after the group's official disbandment in February 2023 and subsequent surprising reunion in April 2025.

Main rapper and vocalist contributions

Musically, Hyebin demonstrates remarkable versatility as both a rapper and vocalist. While often positioned as MOMOLAND's main rapper, she regularly showcases her vocal abilities as well, offering a range that enhances the group's musical diversity.

Her rapping style features clean delivery with distinct enunciation, allowing her to handle verses that require technical precision. This skill particularly shined in tracks like "BBoom BBoom" and "BAAM," where her rap sections provided rhythmic contrast to the songs' melodic chorus sections.

Vocally, Hyebin possesses a warm, mid-range voice that complements the group's overall sound. Though not typically assigned the most challenging vocal parts, her stable singing contributes significantly to harmonies and group choruses. This dual capability as both rapper and vocalist gives MOMOLAND's producers flexibility when arranging parts for their songs.

Throughout the group's discography, her contributions remained consistent even as MOMOLAND's musical style evolved from their cute concept debut with "JJan! Koong! Kwang!" to their breakthrough hit "BBoom BBoom" and beyond. This adaptability showcases her growth as an artist capable of handling various musical concepts.

Stage presence and fan interactions

On stage, Hyebin projects confidence that befits her leadership position. Rather than commanding attention through flamboyant gestures, she exudes reliability through precise movements and expressive facials that enhance performances without overshadowing her teammates.

Specifically, her dancing strikes a balance between technical proficiency and engaging energy. While not positioned as the group's main dancer, she executes choreography with consistency that anchors group formations. This reliability particularly matters for a group like MOMOLAND, whose dance-heavy concepts require synchronized movements.

Regarding fan interactions, Hyebin cultivates a relationship with MOMOLAND's fandom (known as Merry-Go-Round) characterized by sincerity and appreciation. During fan meetings, she often demonstrates her famous voice impersonation skills, particularly her zombie impressions and game character voices. These unique talents have become her signature fan service moments, distinguishing her from other idols.

Furthermore, Hyebin maintains an approachable image that makes fans feel connected to her. She actively participates in vlogs and behind-the-scenes content, giving glimpses into both group activities and her individual personality. This transparency helps fans develop attachment not just to MOMOLAND as a whole but to Hyebin specifically as its steadfast leader.

Fun Facts That Fans Love

Beyond the spotlight and carefully choreographed performances, fans of K-pop idols often cherish the small, distinctive traits that make their favorite stars uniquely endearing. For MOMOLAND's leader, these personal quirks and preferences have created a special connection with their fandom.

Nicknames and charm points

In the world of K-pop, affectionate nicknames serve as bridges between idols and their fans. Lee Hyebin is commonly known by two nicknames within the MOMOLAND fandom—"Hyebni" and "Hyeb Jjang". These playful monikers have become part of her identity among Merry-Go-Rounds (MOMOLAND's official fandom name).

First and foremost, Hyebin's most recognized charm point is her "cat face", a distinctive facial feature that fans find particularly appealing. This feline quality in her expressions has become something of a signature trait, often highlighted during variety show appearances and fan meetings.

Interestingly, while most fans know her as Hyebin, she once had different names before debut. Her pre-debut stage name was "Cherry", and she also has an English name—"Henna". These alternative names represent different facets of her identity throughout her career journey.

Unique habits and quirks

Of course, what truly endears Hyebin to fans are her distinctive personal habits. Among MOMOLAND members, she's known for speaking remarkably fast, a trait that occasionally leads to humorous moments during interviews and variety shows when others struggle to keep up with her rapid-fire delivery.

In contrast to her quick speech, Hyebin ironically "sleeps a lot", showcasing the duality of her energetic and relaxed sides. Coupled with these sleep habits, she's also recognized for eating the fastest among MOMOLAND members—a quirky combination that fans find endearing.

Perhaps her most distinctive talent is her ability to perform voice impersonations, particularly of game characters and zombies. This unusual skill has become a fan-favorite party trick during MOMOLAND fan meetings and variety show appearances, setting her apart from other idols with more conventional talents.

Favorite color, food, and hobbies

In this regard, Hyebin's personal preferences reveal a mixture of the ordinary and unexpected. Her favorite color is consistently identified as red, a vibrant choice that matches her energetic personality as MOMOLAND's leader.

As for culinary preferences, Hyebin notably dislikes spicy foods and beondegi (silkworm pupae, a Korean street food). This aversion to spicy cuisine presents an interesting contrast to many Korean food traditions where spicy flavors predominate.

Regarding hobbies, Hyebin has several pursuits that showcase her creative and practical sides. She particularly enjoys playing with Lego, an activity that demonstrates her patience and attention to detail. Additionally, she enjoys playing Nintendo games with fellow MOMOLAND member Nancy.

On the practical side, Hyebin is known for being good at cooking, a skill that likely benefits both herself and her groupmates during their busy schedules. As a final personal touch, fans know she has a pet dog named Cookie, adding another dimension to her life outside the idol spotlight.

Hyebin’s Personal Life and Relationships

Unlike her carefully crafted public image, glimpses into Lee Hyebin's personal relationships reveal the authentic woman behind MOMOLAND's leader persona. These connections—romantic, platonic, and professional—showcase the depth of her character outside the entertainment spotlight.

Confirmed relationship with Marco

The K-pop world buzzed with excitement when Hyebin became one of the rare idols to publicly acknowledge a romantic relationship. In May 2021, her agency MLD Entertainment officially confirmed she was dating Marco (real name Kim Min Kyu), a former member of boy groups HBY and UNB. This announcement marked a significant moment for both Hyebin and her fans, as dating reveals often generate mixed reactions in the idol industry.

Marco, who first gained recognition through the survival show "The Unit," shares Hyebin's passion for performance. Their relationship demonstrates how connections can form between artists navigating similar career paths in the competitive K-pop landscape. Notably, the couple has maintained relative privacy despite the public confirmation, balancing personal happiness with professional responsibilities.

Fans generally responded positively to the news, appreciating Hyebin's transparency and maturity in handling her personal life. This supportive reaction highlights the evolving attitudes within K-pop fandoms regarding idols' dating lives.

Roommate stories with Nayun

Throughout MOMOLAND's active years, Hyebin shared living quarters with groupmate Nayun, creating a bond that extended beyond their professional relationship. Their roommate dynamic became a frequent topic during variety show appearances and fan meetings, with Hyebin occasionally sharing amusing anecdotes about their cohabitation.

Essentially, their living arrangement revealed complementary personalities—Hyebin's organizational skills balanced with Nayun's more relaxed approach. These contrasting traits created a harmonious household despite their busy schedules.

Friendships in the K-pop industry

Beyond MOMOLAND, Hyebin has cultivated meaningful connections across the K-pop industry. Primarily, she maintains a longstanding friendship with Yoon Ji-sung dating back to their training days at B2M Entertainment. This connection predates both of their debuts, showcasing how relationships endure throughout various career stages.

Furthermore, Hyebin has demonstrated close bonds with members of contemporaneous girl groups, occasionally sharing social media interactions and supportive messages during comeback periods. These industry friendships reflect her respected position within the broader K-pop community.

Meanwhile, her relationships with former MOMOLAND members who departed before the group's disbandment remain cordial, according to fan observations of their occasional public interactions. This suggests Hyebin's ability to maintain professional relationships regardless of changing group dynamics.

Comeback and 2025 Update

In a surprising twist that delighted fans worldwide, 2025 marked a new chapter in MOMOLAND's story with an unexpected reunion announcement after two years of silence. The comeback news arrived as a beacon of hope for loyal Merry-Go-Rounds who had been waiting since the group's disbandment in January 2023.

Reunion under Inyeon Entertainment

On April 10, 2025, media outlets broke the exciting news that all six MOMOLAND members—Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy—had signed exclusive contracts with Inyeon Entertainment. This significant development marked the official return of the complete group, with the contract specifically pertaining to team promotions.

Upon confirmation of the reunion, Inyeon Entertainment representatives stated, "We recently signed an exclusive contract with MOMOLAND for their team promotions". The announcement came as a welcome surprise since the group had officially concluded their activities after contracts with MLD Entertainment expired in January 2023.

By May 8, 2025, the company further solidified the comeback plans through additional statements to various media outlets, confirming that the members would "soon resume promotions as a group using the name MOMOLAND".

Hyebin's current activities

As MOMOLAND's steadfast leader, Hyebin has taken a central role in orchestrating the group's return. Presently, she balances group activities with individual pursuits, as the Inyeon Entertainment contract specifically focuses on group promotions while allowing members to maintain their separate careers.

Consequently, Hyebin continues developing her skills in variety shows and other entertainment ventures alongside MOMOLAND preparations. The members collectively expressed their enthusiasm about the reunion, stating: "We are truly happy and excited to be able to greet Merry again as a full group. We will work hard to prepare and repay you with better music and performances".

Future plans for MOMOLAND

Looking ahead, Inyeon Entertainment has outlined ambitious plans for MOMOLAND's future. The agency explicitly stated they would "support the group's various activities including their comeback not only in Korea but also overseas", indicating a global approach to their revival.

Forthwith, the management emphasized that "MOMOLAND is an all-round group with distinct charm and talent, and we plan to expand their activities both in Korea and abroad, with performances and new music releases". This strategy suggests fans can anticipate not just domestic promotions but international appearances as well.

Industry analysts note this reunion represents a strategic opportunity to capitalize on nostalgia while introducing MOMOLAND to newer K-pop audiences. For Hyebin specifically, this comeback offers a chance to reassert her leadership abilities and further develop her artistic vision as the group embarks on this unexpected second chapter together.

Public Image and Fanbase

Lee Hyebin's connection with fans reflects MOMOLAND's broader approach to audience engagement—authentic, personal, and digitally savvy. Throughout their career trajectory, both Hyebin and MOMOLAND have cultivated a dedicated following that spans continents.

Popularity among Merry-Go-Round

MOMOLAND's dedicated fanbase, officially named "Merry-Go-Round" (often shortened to "Merries"), has shown remarkable loyalty throughout the group's ups and downs. Interestingly, the group built a substantial international following, primarily through platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube.

The group's popularity extends markedly beyond South Korea, with a surprising geographic distribution of supporters. Namely, out of MOMOLAND's over 618,000 followers on Facebook, more than half—specifically 53%—are based in the Philippines. This Filipino connection strengthened when the group visited Manila to meet select top fans from their Facebook groups in 2018.

As Hyebin herself noted during this period: "I wanted to show various sides of myself, but I don't think I've been able to yet. I will try to meet you all through a greater variety of ways".

Social media presence

Hyebin's digital footprint expanded significantly in late 2019 when she launched her personal Instagram account. On October 21, 2019, MOMOLAND's official group Instagram announced: "Hyebin and Yeonwoo wanted to become closer with all of you Merry, so they created Instagram accounts". This marked a new chapter in her direct communication with fans.

Fundamentally, her social media approach reflects a desire for authentic connection. Albeit active on platforms like Instagram, Hyebin maintains a balance between sharing personal moments and preserving privacy—a challenging equilibrium for K-pop idols.

Fan interactions and support

Hyebin's relationship with fans is characterized by genuine appreciation and thoughtful communication. In a heartfelt message to supporters, she once expressed: "It would be nice if I could relay the message that I always want to be by your side and do good music and let you listen".

MOMOLAND has repeatedly demonstrated care for their community. Throughout 2020, they donated face masks, rice, and sanitary pads to those in need. Their philanthropic efforts continued with an online concert called "Joy Angel Concert" as a social contribution project, donating the proceeds to disadvantaged people struggling with COVID-19.

Beyond formal fan meetings, Hyebin engages with Merries through vlogs and behind-the-scenes content, giving glimpses into both group activities and her individual personality—creating an emotional bridge that transcends geographical boundaries.