Who is MOMOLAND Jane? The Untold Story Behind the K-pop Star

MOMOLAND Jane, born Sung Ji Yeon on December 20, 1997, captivates fans with her powerful dance skills and unique talents that set her apart in the competitive K-pop industry. Despite facing rejection from companies like FNC and Source Music during her early career, she eventually secured her place in the spotlight by finishing seventh on the reality survival show "Finding Momoland." This perseverance led to her debut with MOMOLAND on November 10, 2016, where she showcased her abilities as the group's Main Dancer and Lead Vocalist.

Beyond her impressive stage presence at 166.7 cm (5'6"), Jane possesses diverse interests including reading webtoons, biking, writing in a diary, and photography. Additionally, she speaks fluent Japanese and has a good command of English, allowing her to connect with a broader international audience. While her glittery eyes are considered her charm point, fans are equally entertained by her special talent for doing impressions of a pressure rice cooker, highlighting the unique personality behind the performer who was part of MOMOLAND until the group parted ways with MLD Entertainment in January 2023.

Early Life and Background

At the heart of the K-pop phenomenon stands a talented performer whose roots trace back to Changwon, South Korea. Sung Ji Yeon, who later adopted the stage name Jane, began her journey far from the dazzling lights of Seoul's entertainment district. Her formative years in this southern coastal city helped shape the determined artist who would later capture the hearts of fans worldwide as MOMOLAND Jane.

Birthplace and family

Born in Changwon, Jane grew up in a supportive family environment that nurtured her early interest in performing arts. Though not much is known about her parents, Jane shares a special bond with her younger sister, Sung Ahyeon, who is seven years her junior. This sibling relationship has remained an important part of Jane's life throughout her rise to fame. Notably, family appears to be a grounding force for the dancer and vocalist, providing stability amid the whirlwind of idol life.

Education and childhood interests

Jane's academic journey began at Seoul Toseong Elementary School, followed by attendance at Poongnap Middle School. Her formal education continued at the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art School, where she specialized in Practical Dance and was part of the Applied Music Department. This educational foundation proved instrumental in developing her performance skills that would later become her trademark in MOMOLAND.

Currently, Jane pursues higher education at Dongduk Women's University, balancing her academic pursuits with her entertainment career—a testament to her dedication and work ethic.

Beyond the classroom, young Jane cultivated various interests that reflected her creative personality:

Reading webtoons and writing in her journal
Photography and bicycle riding
Online shopping and exploring fashion

These hobbies offer insight into the multifaceted personality behind the polished performer. Furthermore, Jane's culinary preferences reveal another dimension of her character—she particularly enjoys sushi and perilla leaves but distinctly dislikes tomatoes, sesame oil, and chocolate.

Jane adopted a personal motto early on: "Do as you say!"—a philosophy that seems to have guided her through challenging training periods and professional development. This determination manifested in her distinctive style preferences as well, with Jane showing affinity for pastel colors, black, and rose gold.

Jane's real name and meaning behind it

While fans recognize her as Jane (제인), her legal name remains Sung Ji Yeon (성지연). The transition from birth name to stage name represents a significant milestone in any K-pop idol's journey, signaling their professional rebirth. Though the specific meaning behind her stage name isn't extensively documented, "Jane" offers international accessibility while maintaining the elegant simplicity that characterizes her performance style.

The duality between Sung Ji Yeon the person and Jane the performer exemplifies the fascinating transformation that K-pop artists undergo. This transformation ultimately crafted the multitalented performer who would later establish herself as an essential member of MOMOLAND, bringing her Changwon roots to the global stage.

The Journey Before Fame

Before the glittering stage lights and screaming fans, Jane's path to K-pop stardom was paved with rejection, persistence, and an unexpected background as a passionate fan herself. Her pre-debut journey reveals the determination that would ultimately lead her to MOMOLAND success.

Trainee days at SS Entertainment

Long before joining MLD Entertainment, Jane spent time developing her performance skills as a trainee at SS Entertainment. This lesser-known chapter in her career represents the earliest formal training period in her professional development. Although specific details about her training regimen at SS remain limited in public records, this experience undoubtedly contributed to her dance technique and vocal abilities that would subsequently become her trademarks.

The trainee period typically involves rigorous daily schedules combining dance practice, vocal training, and personal development—often extending 12+ hours daily. For Jane, these formative experiences at SS Entertainment laid crucial groundwork, even if her ultimate debut would come through a different company altogether.

Failed auditions and persistence

Jane's road to success was certainly not without obstacles. Much like her future groupmate JooE (who reportedly failed approximately 50 auditions before finding success), Jane faced her share of rejection. She attempted to join two prominent entertainment companies—FNC Entertainment and Source Music—yet neither audition proved successful.

Nevertheless, these setbacks never deterred her determination. Instead of abandoning her dreams, Jane continued pursuing opportunities, learning from each audition experience and refining her skills. This resilience would ultimately lead her to participate in the survival show "Finding Momoland," where she secured seventh place and earned her spot in the final lineup.

Her persistence mirrors the challenging reality many K-pop idols face—numerous rejections before finding their place in the industry. This common thread of determination connects Jane with countless other successful performers who refused to let initial failures define their careers.

Fansite admin days as Baby's Breath

Perhaps most fascinating about Jane's pre-fame journey is her previously undisclosed background as a dedicated fan herself. Prior to debuting, Jane operated as a fansite administrator for INFINITE members L (Myungsoo) and Sunggyu. Under the username "Pudding," she ran a fansite called "Baby's Breath" (@BB_Pudding on Twitter).

In a rare moment of openness, Jane addressed this aspect of her past, explaining: "To be honest, this is actually the first time I'm personally talking about it. Everyone has an artist that they like. Because I love photography, I wanted to capture my favorite artist's moments through my camera". This passion for photography stemmed from her father, who was a photographer in his youth and frequently photographed Jane during her childhood.

Her transition from fan to idol represents a unique full-circle journey within the industry. Jane's Twitter account was reportedly cleared and deleted as she prepared for her debut with MOMOLAND, marking her professional transformation. Nonetheless, some of her photographic work remains available online, showcasing her talent behind the camera.

Remarkably, after her debut, Jane found herself in the position of meeting the very idols she once photographed as a fan—a surreal experience that fans found endearing.

Debut Through Finding Momoland

The summer of 2016 marked a pivotal moment in Jane's career as she stepped onto the competitive stage of reality television. After years of training and previous unsuccessful auditions, her persistence finally led her to the opportunity that would change everything.

Joining the survival show

In June 2016, Mnet launched a new reality program called "Finding Momoland," created by Duble Kick Entertainment (later renamed MLD Entertainment). The show aimed to form a new girl group through a rigorous selection process featuring 10 female trainees competing for just seven spots in the final lineup.

The competition unfolded across 10 episodes, airing from July 22 to September 16, 2016. Contestants faced multiple challenges designed to showcase their dancing abilities, singing talents, charisma, and personality. The evaluation system was multifaceted, with final members determined through a weighted scoring system:

60% based on producer evaluation
20% from online viewer votes
20% from audience votes at the final performances

Throughout the competition, Jane demonstrated her dance expertise and vocal talents, competing alongside trainees Hyebin, Yeonwoo, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, Nancy, Heejae, Daisy, and Shinsia. Each episode tested different aspects of their potential as idols, pushing them to improve rapidly under public scrutiny.

Ranking 7th and debuting with MOMOLAND

Following weeks of intense competition, Jane secured the seventh and final spot in the newly-formed group. This placement proved just enough to realize her dream of debuting as a K-pop idol. The final lineup, as chosen by producers and fans, consisted of Hyebin, Yeonwoo, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy.

However, the group's debut faced an unexpected hurdle. According to reports, the show's Final Mission required gathering 3,000 spectators, a goal they were unable to achieve. Consequently, their official debut was temporarily delayed. This setback represents the often-unseen challenges behind the glamorous facade of K-pop debuts.

Interestingly, years later in 2020, controversy emerged when eliminated contestant Daisy claimed the show had been rigged. She alleged that despite her elimination, she was contacted by the agency the following day with plans to add her to the group after initial promotions. MLD Entertainment denied these allegations, maintaining the show's legitimacy.

First album and early performances

Following the survival show, Jane and her fellow members worked diligently to prepare for their official introduction to the K-pop world. On November 9, 2016, MOMOLAND held their debut showcase, followed by their official debut on November 10 with the release of their first mini-album "Welcome to Momoland".

The mini-album featured their debut single "Jjan! Koong! Kwang!" which the group performed on M Countdown for their first music show appearance. In a unique approach for the industry at that time, the physical album was made possible through crowdfunding to cover production costs. This unconventional financing method highlighted both the challenges faced by smaller entertainment companies and the determination of the group to succeed despite obstacles.

For Jane personally, this debut represented the culmination of years of training and perseverance. As the group's Main Dancer and Lead Vocalist, she finally had the opportunity to showcase her abilities on a professional stage. The journey from survival show contestant to official idol took exactly 427 days from debut to first music show win, illustrating the gradual progression toward recognition that many K-pop groups experience.

Jane’s Role in MOMOLAND

Within MOMOLAND's dynamic lineup, Jane established herself as an irreplaceable asset whose technical prowess and stage presence helped define the group's identity. From debut until the group's contract expiration with MLD Entertainment, her contributions remained fundamental to MOMOLAND's performance quality and visual appeal.

Main dancer and vocal contributions

As MOMOLAND's Main Dancer and Lead Vocalist, Jane occupied crucial positions that shaped the group's performances. Her formal dance training at Hanlim Multi Art School provided her with technical foundations that translated into precise choreography execution. Throughout their promotional activities, Jane consistently demonstrated exceptional dance ability, particularly in executing complex formations and maintaining sharp movements.

In terms of vocal responsibilities, Jane handled significant parts in MOMOLAND's discography. Her distinctive mid-range voice complemented main vocalist Hyebin, creating layered harmonies essential to the group's sound. Specifically, Jane's vocal color added depth to choruses in tracks like "Freeze" and "I'm So Hot," where her stable delivery supported the songs' catchy hooks.

Beyond technical contributions, Jane's 166.7cm (5'6") height positioned her among the taller members, creating balanced formations in choreography. This physical attribute, combined with her dance expertise, often placed her front-and-center during key performance segments.

Signature performances and high notes

Jane's dance capabilities shone brightest during specific MOMOLAND performances that highlighted her technical strengths. Her execution of the challenging dance break in "Freeze" demonstrated both power and precision. Moreover, fans regularly praised her facial expressions during performances—a critical yet often underappreciated aspect of K-pop stage presence.

Vocally, Jane distinguished herself through consistent delivery rather than showstopping high notes. Unlike some idol groups that emphasize vocal acrobatics, MOMOLAND's songs typically distributed vocal responsibilities more evenly. Nonetheless, Jane's parts in "BAAM" showcased her ability to project clearly even during intense choreography—a skill requiring substantial breath control and stamina.

Her most memorable stage moments include:

The dance break during "Wonderful Love (EDM Version)" where her technical precision stood out
Her center position during key formation changes in "Bboom Bboom" performances
The challenging vocal sections in "I'm So Hot" that demonstrated her stability

Her impact during BAAM and Bboom Bboom eras

The release of "Bboom Bboom" in January 2018 marked MOMOLAND's breakthrough, catapulting them from relative obscurity to mainstream recognition. Throughout this pivotal period, Jane's contributions proved essential to their success. The choreography for "Bboom Bboom" showcased her dance abilities, especially during the iconic hand-spinning move that became synonymous with the song.

Following this success, "BAAM" continued their momentum in June 2018. Jane's dance execution maintained the high-energy performance style that had become MOMOLAND's trademark. Her distinctive movements during the chorus helped solidify the choreography's memorability—crucial for viral popularity in K-pop.

Jane's consistent performance quality during music show appearances, fan meetings, and festival performances helped cement MOMOLAND's reputation during their peak popularity. As the group faced changing lineup dynamics with Yeonwoo and Taeha's departure in 2019, Jane's reliable presence provided stability during a transitional period.

Furthermore, her fashion choices during these promotions—particularly her iconic blonde hair during "Bboom Bboom"—contributed to the visual impact of their performances. Throughout these successful eras, Jane exemplified the polished professionalism expected of established idols, maintaining energy and precision across numerous performances despite demanding schedules.

Personality, Hobbies, and Talents

Beyond her polished stage persona, Jane possesses a multifaceted personality that endears her to fans and fellow members alike. Her off-stage interests and quirky talents offer fascinating glimpses into the person behind the performer.

Nicknames and charm points

Throughout her career, Jane has accumulated several affectionate nicknames from both fans and fellow members. She is commonly known as:

Sung Jane - A play on her surname and stage name
Ratatouille - Referencing the animated character
Usami - Her Japanese-inspired nickname
Siraegi - Meaning "dried radish leaves" in Korean

Her most distinctive physical feature—consistently identified as her charm point—is her glittering eyes that capture attention on stage. According to her personal assessment, Jane also considers her wrists, the corners of her mouth, and her warmhearted nature as additional charm points. These unique characteristics contribute to her recognizable presence within MOMOLAND.

Jane embraces a straightforward life philosophy through her personal motto: "Do as you say!!!" This simple yet powerful mantra reflects her authentic approach to both her career and personal interactions.

Hobbies: photography, webtoons, journaling

Jane cultivates diverse interests that balance her demanding idol schedule. First among these is photography, a passion she inherited from her father who was himself a photographer. This family connection gives deeper meaning to her hobby, which she pursued even before debut when she ran a fansite for INFINITE members.

In addition, Jane immerses herself in Korean webtoons (digital comics), spending free time exploring these visual stories. She simultaneously maintains a personal journal, suggesting an introspective side to her personality that contrasts with her energetic stage presence.

Her other recreational activities include:

Bicycle riding for both exercise and enjoyment
Online shopping as a convenient pastime
Taking photographs to capture moments

These hobbies reveal Jane's creative sensibilities along with her appreciation for both physical activity and quiet personal time.

Special talents: fast talking and impressions

Jane possesses the remarkable ability to speak at an extraordinarily fast pace. This distinctive trait has become something of a signature characteristic, immediately recognizable to fans and often highlighted during variety show appearances.

Perhaps her most unexpected talent is her spot-on impression of a pressure rice cooker—a skill that showcases both her sense of humor and versatility. This seemingly random ability epitomizes the playful side of Jane's personality that exists alongside her professional performer identity.

Interestingly, her fellow member Daisy once noted that Jane (along with Ahin) ranks among the messiest members of MOMOLAND, adding another humanizing dimension to her otherwise polished public image. Such candid revelations from groupmates provide authentic insights into her everyday personality outside carefully managed public appearances.

These unique characteristics, personal interests, and surprising talents collectively form the multidimensional person that fans have come to appreciate beyond her dancing and singing abilities.

Jane’s Style and Visual Appeal

Jane's visual identity stands as one of her most distinctive assets within MOMOLAND, setting her apart in the competitive K-pop landscape through a combination of natural features and carefully curated style choices. Throughout her career, her evolving fashion sense has mirrored her growth as an artist while maintaining elements true to her personal aesthetic preferences.

Fashion sense and favorite colors

Jane's wardrobe choices reflect her sophisticated yet approachable personality. Her preference for pastel colors, black, and rose gold creates a signature palette that fans can readily identify with her personal brand. Off-stage, she gravitates toward comfortable yet stylish outfits that often incorporate these favorite hues.

During MOMOLAND's "Bboom Bboom" era, Jane's blonde hair transformation marked a pivotal style moment that enhanced her visibility within the group. This bold choice complemented the bright, energetic concept while highlighting her willingness to experiment with her appearance for artistic purposes. In contrast, her looks during "BAAM" promotions featured darker hair colors that created a more mature visual impression.

Jane's stage costumes typically balance the group's concept requirements with flattering silhouettes that complement her proportions. Whether sporting the colorful, retro-inspired outfits of "Bboom Bboom" or the more sophisticated ensembles from later releases, her styling consistently enhances her dance movements while maintaining visual cohesion with other members.

Body proportions and visual recognition

At 166.7cm (5'6"), Jane's above-average height contributes significantly to her statuesque presence on stage. Her proportions create a balanced silhouette that photographers frequently capture during performances and promotional events. Her slender frame and long limbs particularly enhance her dance movements, adding visual impact to her already impressive technical abilities.

The idol's distinct features—particularly her glittering eyes—serve as immediate recognition points for fans. These expressive eyes not only function as her acknowledged charm point but also convey emotion effectively during performances, contributing to her strong stage presence.

Makeup preferences and beauty tips

Jane's makeup approach typically emphasizes her natural features rather than dramatic transformations. Her signature look focuses on:

Enhanced eye makeup that draws attention to her glittering eyes
Natural-looking base makeup that maintains a fresh appearance
Soft lip colors that complement rather than overpower her features

For special occasions and concept photos, Jane occasionally experiments with bolder makeup choices, yet maintains a recognizable aesthetic that fans associate with her visual identity. Her beauty approach exemplifies the K-pop industry's balance between artistic transformation and consistent personal branding, allowing her to adapt to various concepts while maintaining her distinctive appeal throughout MOMOLAND's evolving career.

Friendships and Idol Network

Like many K-pop idols, Jane's social circle extends beyond her group members, creating a network of friendships that provide support in the demanding entertainment industry. These connections offer a glimpse into her life outside the spotlight and the relationships that sustain her throughout her career.

'97 liner group and close friends

Jane belongs to an exclusive friend circle known as the "'97 liner group," consisting of idols born in the same year. This tight-knit community includes Dreamcatcher's Dami, OH MY GIRL's Binnie, GFRIEND's Yuju, HINAPIA's Minkyeung and Gyeongwon, and Uni.T's Yebin. As confirmed in a BNT interview with Dreamcatcher, these same-aged idols have formed meaningful connections despite coming from different entertainment companies.

Such friend groups are common in the K-pop industry, where idols often find solace in peers who understand the unique pressures and experiences of idol life. For Jane, this network likely provides valuable emotional support outside her immediate group environment.

Bond with other MOMOLAND members

Within MOMOLAND, Jane developed close relationships with her groupmates through years of training, performing, and living together. Most notably, she shared living quarters with Ahin and Daisy in their dorm arrangement, as revealed in a Celuv TV Interview. This roommate dynamic undoubtedly fostered a deeper connection among the three.

Interestingly, fellow member Daisy once playfully exposed Jane and Ahin as "the messiest members" during a social media live session, offering fans a glimpse into their everyday interactions. Throughout group appearances, members have characterized Jane as someone who "never had a boyfriend and always got good grades," as mentioned during their appearance on Gandang Gabi Vice.

Meanwhile, other living arrangements within MOMOLAND included JooE and Nancy sharing a room, whereas Yeonwoo had a room to herself. These housing dynamics inevitably shaped the interpersonal relationships within the group.

Connections with idols from other groups

In August 2023, Jane publicly addressed persistent rumors connecting her romantically with SEVENTEEN's Joshua. Through official statements, she firmly denied these claims, emphasizing she had "never once been in a personal setting" with Joshua. In fact, she stated that even people close to her had never seen him in personal settings, confirming they had "absolutely no connection whatsoever."

Jane revealed that these unsubstantiated rumors had circulated "since a long time ago," even causing "misunderstandings at her agency." Her decision to finally address these rumors publicly demonstrates the challenges idols face regarding privacy and public speculation about their personal lives.

Life After MOMOLAND

After seven years of performances, comebacks, and shared memories, January 2023 marked a pivotal transition in Jane's career journey as MOMOLAND reached a significant crossroads.

Departure from MLD Entertainment

On January 27, 2023, MLD Entertainment officially announced that all six MOMOLAND members—Ahin, Hyebin, Jane, JooE, Nancy and Nayun—would not be renewing their contracts. This decision came after "lengthy discussions" between the agency and the members, with both parties agreeing to respect each other's wishes. The agency's statement expressed gratitude toward the members who had been with the company for seven years since their November 2016 debut.

This departure effectively concluded MOMOLAND's activities as a group under MLD Entertainment. For Jane, this marked the end of her first chapter as an idol, leaving behind the company that had shaped her professional identity since her trainee days. The separation appeared amicable, with the agency promising to "cheer on the members' futures with sincerity".

New agency and solo activities

Initially after leaving MLD Entertainment, Jane and her fellow members pursued individual careers in various entertainment fields. Indeed, this period of independence allowed Jane to explore personal interests and develop her individual artistic identity.

Remarkably, after a two-year hiatus, news broke in April 2025 that all six former MOMOLAND members had signed with Inyeon Entertainment. A representative confirmed: "We recently signed an exclusive contract with MOMOLAND for their team promotions". Notably, this contract specifically covers only group activities, allowing members to continue pursuing their solo careers independently.

Radio DJ and YouTube ventures

Throughout this transitional period, Jane developed her individual career path. Back in 2018, she had already gained experience as a host on the YouTube channel Pink Fong, henceforth building skills that would serve her post-group endeavors.

On April 18, 2022, Jane made her official solo debut under the stylized name "jANE" with the digital single "Trying to Do What I Can Do". This release showcased her musical direction as an independent artist, markedly different from her work within MOMOLAND's carefully crafted group identity.

As Jane balances her renewed commitment to MOMOLAND with her individual pursuits, fans eagerly anticipate how her experiences and growth during the hiatus will influence both her solo work and the group's future direction under Inyeon Entertainment.