Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin)

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Who is Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin)? The Untold Story Behind The Star

From K-pop idol to acclaimed actress, Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) has transformed her career path with remarkable success, earning a 92% approval rating from over 1,000 viewers. Born on August 1, 1996, in Seoul, South Korea, she first captured public attention as a member of the South Korean girl group Momoland before pivoting to focus exclusively on acting.

Initially known as Lee Da Bin, she adopted the stage name Yeonwoo when she debuted with Momoland on November 10, 2016, after finishing fifth place in the reality survival show "Finding Momoland". However, in November 2019, she made the difficult decision to leave the group to concentrate fully on her acting career. Currently, Yeonwoo is making significant strides as an actress under 9ato Entertainment, starring in notable television series including "Pegasus Market" (2019), "Touch" (2020), "The Golden Spoon" (2022), and most recently "Dog Knows Everything" (2024).

Real Name: Lee Da-bin (이다빈)

Stage Name: Yeonwoo (연우)

Nickname: Dachilie and Yeonwoo Neulbo (Lazy Yeonwoo)

Birth: Seoul, South Korea, August 1st, 1996

Zodiac: Leo

Height: 169 cm

Weight: 49 kg

Blood Type: B

Education: School of Performing Arts Seoul

Instagram: @chloelxxlxx

Youtube: Oday’s 연우

Early Life and Background

Lee Da Bin's journey to stardom began long before the bright lights of K-pop stages and television cameras. Her story starts in South Korea, where her early experiences would shape the multitalented performer she would become.

Birthplace and family

The exact birthplace of Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) has been subject to varying accounts. While several sources indicate she was born in Seoul, some credible references point to Chungju, South Korea, as her birthplace on August 1, 1996. Throughout her childhood, Yeonwoo moved between several locations, having lived in Chungju and Eumseong before eventually returning to Seoul. This geographical mobility during her formative years influenced her speech patterns, as she reportedly still speaks somewhat slowly—a characteristic attributed to her time outside the capital.

Family has played a significant role in Yeonwoo's life, though she maintains a relatively private stance regarding her personal relationships. She grew up with an older sister, as mentioned during her appearance on the television show "Hello Counselor." Beyond this, little information is publicly available about her parents or extended family dynamics, reflecting her preference to keep certain aspects of her personal life away from the spotlight.

Education at School of Performing Arts Seoul

Yeonwoo's academic journey began at Seoul Munseong Elementary School, followed by attendance at Munseong Middle School. Her path toward entertainment became more focused during her high school years when she enrolled at the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). This institution, established in 1966 and relocated to Guro District in 2008, has become a breeding ground for South Korean entertainment talent.

At SOPA, Yeonwoo specifically concentrated on acting studies, laying a solid foundation for her future career transitions. The school's specialized curriculum allowed her to develop performance skills while completing her general education requirements. This educational background proved invaluable years later when she shifted her career focus from music to acting. Her time at this renowned arts school connected her with other aspiring performers and provided structured training in the performing arts field.

Early interests and hobbies

Long before becoming a public figure, Yeonwoo cultivated diverse interests that reveal much about her personality. She demonstrated artistic talents from an early age, particularly in drawing—a skill she continues to enjoy and sometimes applies by sketching portraits of her former group members. This creative outlet balances her performing career and showcases her artistic versatility.

Yeonwoo's passion for visual storytelling extends to her love of film and animation. Among her favorite movies are the emotionally complex "Dancer in the Dark," the historical drama "Farewell My Concubine," the thriller "Black," and the animated film "The Garden of Words." Her appreciation for anime is equally pronounced, with a particular fondness for the character Whitebeard from the popular series "One Piece."

Additionally, Yeonwoo enjoys outdoor activities, particularly fishing—an interest that might seem unexpected for an entertainment industry professional. This hobby likely provides a peaceful contrast to her otherwise demanding career. Other simple pleasures she appreciates include looking up at the sky, playing games, relaxing, and enjoying spicy foods, takoyaki, chicken, and water.

These early interests and personality traits offer insight into the multifaceted individual behind the stage name Yeonwoo—a young woman whose combination of artistic sensibilities, intellectual curiosity, and simple pleasures would later inform her approach to both music and acting careers.

The Road to Stardom: Finding Momoland

Yeonwoo's professional journey took a decisive turn in July 2016 when she became a contestant on Mnet's reality survival show "Finding Momoland". This competitive platform would ultimately launch her into the spotlight and set her on the path to becoming a recognized name in South Korean entertainment.

Joining the survival show

"Finding Momoland" premiered on July 22, 2016, as a 10-episode competition designed to form a new girl group under Duble Kick Entertainment (later renamed MLD Entertainment). The show featured 10 trainees competing for spots in the final lineup, with participants being evaluated on their dancing abilities, singing talents, charisma, and personality.

Prior to joining the competition, Yeonwoo had trained at both MBK and Pledis Entertainment, gaining valuable experience that would serve her well during the show's challenges. The competition structure resembled JYP Entertainment's "SIXTEEN" reality show, with prominent producers Rhymer, Duble Sidekick, and Shinsadong Tiger serving as representatives.

Throughout the program, Yeonwoo demonstrated her determination and talent, ultimately securing her position in the final group. Despite some controversy surrounding the show—including later allegations by former member Daisy in 2020 claiming the competition was rigged—Yeonwoo legitimately earned her place, finishing in fifth position among the contestants.

Debut with Momoland

Following her success on "Finding Momoland," Yeonwoo officially debuted with the newly formed group on November 10, 2016. The group's first release was the mini-album aptly titled "Welcome to Momoland", marking the beginning of what would become a significant chapter in her career.

The debut period represented the culmination of years of training and the intense competition process. As Yeonwoo transitioned from trainee to official idol, she began building the foundation for her public persona and performance style that would later evolve throughout her career.

After debuting, Momoland initially worked to establish themselves in the competitive K-pop landscape. Nevertheless, according to credible reports, the group would eventually experience a breakthrough, becoming "an overnight sensation with their catchiest songs", creating promising momentum for Yeonwoo and her bandmates.

Role and image in the group

Within Momoland's dynamic, Yeonwoo held multiple important positions, serving simultaneously as the group's main rapper, vocalist, and visual. This triple role highlighted her versatility as a performer and her capacity to contribute to various aspects of the group's music and image.

Beyond her musical contributions, Yeonwoo participated in group variety content such as "Momoland's Saipan Land" on MBC in 2018. She furthermore represented the group at the 2019 Idol Star Athletics Championships, demonstrating her involvement in the full spectrum of idol activities beyond just performing on stage.

As her career with Momoland progressed, Yeonwoo also took on hosting responsibilities, being chosen as an MC for Onstyle's "Beautiful Life" as well as "The Show". These opportunities allowed her to showcase her personality and communication skills, expanding her presence beyond the traditional idol role.

After three years with the group, Yeonwoo made the significant decision to depart from Momoland on November 30, 2019. The official announcement from MLD Entertainment explained that she chose to leave to "concentrate on her career as our actress", signaling the beginning of a new professional chapter that would build upon her experiences as an idol.

Transition from Idol to Actress

In November 2019, after three years with Momoland, Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) made the pivotal decision that would reshape her career trajectory. Her transition from K-pop idol to actress represents a significant professional evolution that has ultimately led to her current success in the Korean entertainment industry.

Reasons for leaving Momoland

On November 30, 2019, MLD Entertainment officially announced Yeonwoo's departure from Momoland, stating she would focus exclusively on acting while remaining with the agency. Behind this career shift lay several compelling factors. Primarily, Yeonwoo felt that "continuing together with her actress activities would be too much strain for both her team and herself". This sentiment reflected her concern about potentially hindering the group's activities due to her increasingly demanding acting schedule.

Despite rumors circulating online about possible bullying or internal conflicts, no substantial evidence emerged to support these claims. Indeed, Yeonwoo herself addressed speculation through cryptic social media posts, noting, "I am not that bold. And I don't have the will to do that either. Not in the past and not in the present. All I did was hold back, endure, and hold on but it was no use".

Personal challenges likely influenced her decision as well. Reports indicated she struggled with anxiety during this period, which affected her ability to participate in certain projects. For instance, she had been in talks to star in "Mung Bean Chronicle" (2019) but ultimately couldn't due to these health concerns.

Initial acting roles and challenges

Yeonwoo's acting journey actually began while still performing with Momoland. Her acting debut came in 2018 with a role in MBC's drama "The Great Seducer" (also known as "Tempted"). Thereafter, she gradually built her acting portfolio with appearances in several productions:

"Pegasus Market" (2019)
"Touch" (2020) on Channel A
"Alice" (2020) on SBS
"Live On" (2020-2021)
"Cheat on Me If You Can" (2020-2021)
"Dali and Cocky Prince" (2021)

The transition from idol to actress presented significant challenges. Yeonwoo openly "acknowledged the challenges she faced in her journey to success". Her path included "setbacks and years of auditioning," yet she "remained determined to pursue her dreams, believing that giving up without trying was never an option".

Unlike some idol-turned-actors who achieve immediate success, Yeonwoo's early roles were characterized by consistent work rather than instant breakthrough performances. This steady approach demonstrated her dedication to mastering her craft beyond what her previous idol career had prepared her for.

Signing with 9ato Entertainment

A major milestone in Yeonwoo's acting career came on January 19, 2022, when she signed an exclusive contract with 9ato Entertainment. This move followed her departure from MLD Entertainment in 2021, marking a complete professional separation from her former idol management.

The new agency expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are very happy to have Yeonwoo, an actress with many talents, join our agency. We plan to support Yeonwoo to the fullest so that she can showcase her abilities freely". This change placed her among notable peers at 9ato, including Han So Hwee, Jung Il Woo, and Lee Da In.

Shortly after joining 9ato Entertainment, Yeonwoo secured a role in "The Golden Spoon," a significant project that would later earn her the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards. This achievement signaled that her decision to fully commit to acting was bearing fruit.

Throughout this transition period, Yeonwoo demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. Rather than viewing her idol background as a limitation, she leveraged her performance experience and public recognition to build a legitimate acting career based on talent and dedication.

Breakthrough Roles in Television

After establishing herself in the entertainment industry, Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) began building an impressive television portfolio that would cement her status as a rising actress. Her post-Momoland career has been marked by increasingly prominent roles across various genres, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to her craft.

Pegasus Market and Touch

Yeonwoo's television breakthrough began in 2019 when she joined the webtoon-based comedy drama "Pegasus Market". In this quirky series, she portrayed Kwon Ji Na, the daughter of Young Goo who worked as an intern at Pegasus Market, appearing in episodes 10-12 as a guest. The series received positive audience reception, earning an impressive 8.2 rating on MyDramaList.

Subsequently, Yeonwoo confirmed her participation in the Channel A romantic comedy "Touch". In this 2020 series, she took on the supporting role of Jung Young Ah, the best friend of the female lead character Soo Yun. The 16-episode drama followed the story of a makeup artist and an idol trainee pursuing their dreams, with Yeonwoo's character having "failed as an idol trainee" before becoming "successful" in mukbang streaming.

The Golden Spoon and award recognition

Consequently, Yeonwoo's career reached a significant milestone in 2022 when she starred in MBC's fantasy drama "The Golden Spoon". Based on a hit Naver webtoon, the series depicted "a life adventure of a youth who became an acquired gold spoon". The drama performed solidly in ratings, averaging 1,006,000 viewers per episode nationwide.

Most notably, Yeonwoo's performance in "The Golden Spoon" earned her the prestigious Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards. This recognition marked a defining moment in her transition from idol to respected actress.

Recent dramas: Numbers, Dog Knows Everything

Building on this success, Yeonwoo starred in the 2023 workplace drama "Numbers" as Jin Yeon Ah in a main role. The 12-episode series received a solid 7.8 rating on MyDramaList.

In 2024, Yeonwoo joined the cast of KBS2's mystery sitcom "Dog Knows Everything". In this unique series about a former actor who can communicate with a retired police dog, she portrayed Hong Cho Won, a trustworthy Geoje Island police officer. According to the production team, her character was "extremely important" to the plot, being "on the front line when it comes to resolving crises". The drama premiered on September 25, 2024, airing Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Markedly, her performance in "Dog Knows Everything" earned her the Excellence Award for Actress in a Miniseries at the 2024 KBS Drama Awards, further validating her growing reputation in the industry and demonstrating her continued evolution as a performer.

Exploring Her Artistic Side

Beyond her achievements in music and drama, Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) nurtures creative passions that reveal dimensions of her personality rarely seen in her professional work. These artistic pursuits provide balance to her demanding career and offer fans glimpses into her authentic self.

Drawing and visual creativity

Alongside her performing career, Yeonwoo maintains creative outlets that showcase her artistic versatility. Although not professionally trained as a visual artist, she occasionally shares her drawing talents with fans, demonstrating skills developed since childhood. These creative expressions typically remain personal projects rather than professional ventures, offering her a meditative escape from the entertainment industry's demands.

Moreover, Yeonwoo demonstrates her engagement with interactive creativity through gaming. She has revealed herself to be an avid gamer, reportedly playing 8-9 hours daily when at home. Her gaming interests span multiple platforms and genres, including:

PC games: Overwatch, League of Legends, and Battleground

Console games: Various Nintendo Switch titles

This gaming passion represents another dimension of her creative expression, allowing her to explore virtual worlds and narratives beyond those in her professional work.

Love for anime and film

Yeonwoo's artistic inspirations extend into her media consumption, as she holds a particular fondness for Japanese animation. She has openly expressed her appreciation for anime, with specific favorites including the long-running series One Piece and Detective Conan. Of note, she specifically admires the character Whitebeard from One Piece, even owning figurines of this beloved character.

Henceforth, this connection to animated storytelling represents an interesting parallel to her own career as a performer, suggesting her appreciation for character development and visual storytelling across different media formats.

Music video and OST appearances

While Yeonwoo's primary focus has shifted toward acting, her background as a performer occasionally intersects with music-related projects outside her former group activities. These appearances typically showcase different facets of her performance abilities compared to her K-pop career.

Nonetheless, these music-adjacent projects allow her to maintain connections to the musical side of entertainment while primarily focusing on her acting career. These appearances typically blend her visual presence with musical elements, creating complementary content that enhances her overall artistic portfolio.

Throughout these varied creative expressions, Yeonwoo demonstrates the multifaceted nature of her artistic interests, suggesting that her career transition represents not an abandonment of creativity but rather a redirection of her artistic energies toward different forms of expression.

Public Image and Media Presence

Throughout her evolving career, Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) has maintained a dynamic presence across various media platforms, extending her influence beyond her primary roles as an idol and actress.

Hosting and variety show appearances

Yeonwoo's versatility shines through her extensive variety show appearances. In 2017, she demonstrated her hosting abilities as the Main Host for "The Beauty," a 6-episode program showcasing her communication skills and screen presence. This early hosting opportunity served as a stepping stone for future television appearances. As her career developed, she expanded her variety show portfolio with appearances on multiple programs, including "Idol Fishing Camp" (2020), "Convenience Store Restaurant" (2019), and "2019 Idol Star Athletics Championships Chuseok Special."

In a 2020 interview, Yeonwoo expressed interest in appearing again on SBS's "Law of the Jungle," stating, "I had a hard time when I was on the show before, but I had more fun memories". At this point, she also mentioned wanting to join a talk show, explaining, "I don't talk much because I'm at home, so I want to be on a show where I can talk". These statements reveal her desire to showcase different aspects of her personality through varied entertainment formats.

Social media influence

On social media, Yeonwoo regularly engages with fans by sharing glimpses of her personal style and daily life. In February 2024, she captivated followers with photos displaying her "stylish and confident charm" in a "white sports crop top paired with comfortable bottoms". Even more significantly, her social media presence extends beyond fashion, as she occasionally uses her platform to address social issues.

In 2020, Yeonwoo demonstrated social awareness by sharing petitions regarding the "Telegram Nth Room" case, a serious digital sex crime situation in South Korea. Yet, after facing criticism, she firmly responded, "If you're saying this because of who I am or because of how old I am, I have the right to use my sensibility and determine what's right and wrong", showing both conviction and maturity in handling public scrutiny.

Fanbase and public perception

Yeonwoo's public image has undergone significant evolution alongside her career transitions. Given that her fame began in K-pop, which typically targets younger demographics, her fanbase has grown with her as she expanded into acting. Clearly, her ability to successfully transition between entertainment fields has earned her respect from both fans and industry professionals.

In reality, her public image faces unique challenges. After being linked romantically to prominent actor Lee Min Ho, she experienced "increased media attention" that brought "unique challenges, including dealing with unwarranted intrusions into her personal life". This situation highlights the complex nature of celebrity in South Korea, where personal relationships often attract intense public scrutiny.

Awards and Career Milestones

As Yeonwoo's acting career progressed, her dedication and talent have been recognized through prestigious accolades that validate her successful transition from idol to respected actress.

Best New Actress and Excellence Awards

Yeonwoo's breakthrough recognition came at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, where she received the Best New Actress Award for her performance in "The Golden Spoon". This achievement marked a defining moment in her career, officially acknowledging her acting abilities beyond her idol background. The award ceremony, held on December 30, 2022, celebrated her compelling portrayal in the fantasy drama based on a popular webtoon.

In 2024, Yeonwoo reached another career milestone when she won the Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries at the KBS Drama Awards for her role in "Dog Knows Everything". During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to the senior actors who mentored her, particularly Lee Soon-jae and Kim Yong-gun. In addition to this individual honor, she received the Best Couple Award with Lee Soon Jae and Ari for the same drama, highlighting the chemistry she developed with her co-stars.

Notable nominations

Besides her wins, Yeonwoo has received recognition through several notable nominations. In particular, she was nominated for the Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries at the 2023 MBC Drama Awards for her performance in "Numbers". This nomination demonstrated the industry's continued acknowledgment of her growing acting prowess.

More recently, she earned another nomination for the same category at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards for her work in "Bitter Sweet Hell", showcasing her consistent ability to deliver compelling performances across different productions.

Impact on K-drama industry

Yeonwoo's transition from K-pop idol to award-winning actress represents a significant achievement in an industry where such crossovers often face skepticism. In essence, her success story serves as an inspiration for other idols considering similar career shifts.

Her evolution from receiving a "Best New Actress" award to winning "Excellence Awards" within just two years demonstrates an impressively rapid progression in the competitive K-drama landscape. As can be seen from her growing list of accolades, Yeonwoo has established herself as more than a former idol dabbling in acting—she has become a legitimate actress whose talents are formally recognized by major Korean broadcasting networks.

What’s Next for Yeonwoo Lee Da Bin

With an impressive array of achievements already under her belt, Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) stands at an exciting crossroads in her acting career. Her trajectory from idol to award-winning actress continues to evolve as she pursues new creative challenges.

Upcoming projects and roles

Looking toward the future, Yeonwoo continues to demonstrate selective judgment in choosing roles that showcase her range as an actress. After her success in "Dog Knows Everything," fans eagerly anticipate her next project announcement. Primarily, she aims to tackle diverse characters across different genres, building upon her growing reputation in the television industry.

Unlike many former idols who remain typecast in similar roles, Yeonwoo has consistently pushed beyond expected boundaries. Her recent Excellence Award validates this approach, suggesting that upcoming projects will likely continue this pattern of artistic growth first, commercial considerations second.

Evolving as an actress

The rapid progression from "Best New Actress" to "Excellence Award" recipient within just two years signals Yeonwoo's commitment to continuous improvement. Moving forward, she appears poised to undertake more complex characters that demand greater emotional depth and nuance.

Above all, Yeonwoo's evolution represents the convergence of her various talents—performance skills honed during her idol years combined with the technical acting abilities developed afterward. This unique background creates opportunities for roles requiring both charisma and dramatic substance.

Long-term career vision

In view of her successful transition from Momoland to respected actress, Yeonwoo's long-term vision likely includes establishing herself among Korea's premier dramatic talents. At present, her career trajectory suggests aspirations beyond television, potentially including feature films or international projects.

Most compelling evidence of her serious approach comes from her consistent work ethic and thoughtful role selection. In truth, Yeonwoo's future appears anchored in artistic growth rather than merely maintaining celebrity status—a distinction that sets her apart from many idol-turned-actors whose careers plateau after initial success.

FAQS

Fans frequently ask questions about Yeonwoo (Lee Da Bin) as they follow her evolving career. Here are answers to some of the most common inquiries about the former Momoland member turned acclaimed actress.

What differences does Yeonwoo find between being an idol versus an actress?

In a candid interview with News1, Yeonwoo explained that idol performances provide immediate audience feedback, creating a special thrill. As an actress, audience reactions aren't instantaneous, yet she still experiences similar excitement when truly connecting with her characters. First and foremost, it's this emotional connection that motivates her continued pursuit of acting.

Would Yeonwoo ever return to K-pop?

Regarding potential returns to music, Yeonwoo remains open to special stages or covers. Despite her successful acting career, she maintains affection for her idol past, stating: "I really loved being an idol and was happy in that role." Interestingly, she admits she wasn't naturally talented at singing and dancing, which required extra dedication during her Momoland days.

Why did Yeonwoo leave Momoland?

MLD Entertainment's official statement in 2019 explained that continuing both idol and acting careers simultaneously created "too much strain for both her team and herself". Essentially, the decision allowed her to focus exclusively on acting while remaining with the agency at that time.

What are some of Yeonwoo's personal habits?

With respect to sleep, Yeonwoo follows a specific routine including nutritional supplements, foot baths for circulation, humidifier use, earplugs, eye masks, and massage. Concerning technology, her phone typically displays the default wallpaper, and she frequently uses the 😊 and 🫠 emoticons.