Stellar Members Profile: From Debut to 2025

Stellar kpop burst onto the South Korean music scene with their debut on August 28, 2011, creating a unique space for themselves in the competitive world of K-pop. Initially produced by Eric Mun of the boy band Shinhwa, this girl kpop group quickly distinguished themselves from other acts.

Throughout their journey, Stellar kpop members attracted significant attention, particularly when they adopted a more provocative image in February 2014 with the release of their first extended play "Marionette". However, despite their growing popularity and distinctive presence, the group finally disbanded on February 25, 2018. The final lineup consisted of Minhee (32), Hyoeun (32), Soyoung (31), and Youngheun (30), each bringing unique talents to the collective.

Gayoung

Kim Gayoung stands out as one of the original members of Stellar kpop who shaped the group's identity through its formative years. Born on December 2, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea, she embarked on a journey that would lead her from unexpected internet fame to becoming a cornerstone of this girl kpop group.

Gayoung basic info

Kim Gayoung first captured public attention as the "Gugak high-school girl" after appearing on the popular variety show 2 Days & 1 Night. Standing at 170 cm (5'7") and weighing 48 kg (106 lbs), she possesses a blood type O. Before entering the entertainment industry, Gayoung attended National Gugak High School and later graduated from Sungkyunkwan University with a Bachelor of Dance.

Originally scouted by Top Class Entertainment (later renamed The Entertainment Pascal), Gayoung entered the agency with acting aspirations. She made her acting debut in the drama Spy Myung-wol alongside Shinhwa member Eric Mun, who was also involved in Stellar's production. Remarkably, she was 19 years old when she debuted with Stellar on August 28, 2011.

Gayoung role in Stellar

Within Stellar kpop, Gayoung served multiple crucial roles. After Lee Seul's departure in January 2012, she was appointed as the group's new leader. Beyond leadership responsibilities, she contributed as a vocalist and was considered the group's visual.

Throughout her tenure, Gayoung participated in several Stellar kpop songs across their discography. She remained with the group during their concept evolution from cute to provocative, though she later revealed she had dreamed of being part of a girl group with an innocent concept.

In August 2017, The Entertainment Pascal announced that Gayoung would be leaving Stellar after seven years following her contract expiration. During a subsequent interview, she disclosed that each member earned less than 10,000,000 Won (approximately $9,000) over their seven years with the company, revealing the financial struggles behind the stellar kpop controversy.

Gayoung fun facts

Beyond her professional career, Gayoung maintains several interesting personal characteristics. Her younger brother, Kim Sung-Pyo, is a professional baseball player who plays as an outfielder for the Samsung Lions in South Korea's top baseball league. As a result of her experiences with Stellar's provocative concepts, she developed a habit of wearing clothes with long sleeves and pants even in summer.

Other interesting facts about Gayoung include:

She suffers from insomnia
Her favorite color is white
Her MBTI personality type is ISTJ
Her ideal type is actor Park Hae-Jin

Gayoung post-Stellar activities

After leaving Stellar kpop group, Gayoung pursued multiple career paths. In 2018, she opened a café called "Hartogela" in Itaewon, which she continues to manage while pursuing her acting career. On October 1, 2019, she signed with Inyeon Entertainment to focus on acting.

In September 2020, Gayoung participated in the MBN variety show "Miss Back," which followed female singers who debuted in idol groups but faded from public memory. During the show, she openly discussed the trauma she experienced from Stellar's provocative concepts.

Most notably, Gayoung made her solo music debut on March 5, 2024, releasing the digital single "A Drink". She also maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Instagram (@gy._.1202), YouTube (가영필름 Gayoung Film), and Twitter (@gayoung_eee).

Her acting portfolio has expanded to include roles in several dramas such as The Tale of Nokdu (2019) and films including Witch (2017). In 2017, she received recognition by winning an award at the Seoul Webfest Awards in the Best Dramedy category.

Minhee

Joo Minhee joined Stellar kpop as one of the replacement members, subsequently becoming a core member who endured both the highs and lows of the girl kpop group's challenging journey. Her entrance into Stellar marked a significant turning point for the group, shaping their identity throughout their remaining years.

Minhee basic info

Born Joo Min-hee (주민희) on January 3, 1993, in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, Minhee stands at 168 cm (5'6") with a weight of approximately 46 kg (101.4 lbs). Her zodiac sign is Capricorn, and she has blood type B. Unlike many idols who began their careers at a very young age, Minhee pursued higher education, graduating from Hanyang University with a degree in Dance.

The Entertainment Pascal introduced Minhee, along with Hyoeun, as new members of the stellar kpop group on January 27, 2012. Their official debut came shortly after, on February 8, 2012, with the digital single "UFO". This change occurred after the departure of original members Lee-seul and JoA, who left the group earlier that month.

Minhee role in Stellar

Within Stellar kpop, Minhee held several important positions. She served as Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, and was considered the Face of the Group. Nevertheless, some sources also referred to her as the Main Dancer, highlighting her exceptional dancing skills fostered through her university education.

Throughout her tenure with the group, Minhee participated in all their releases from "UFO" in 2012 until their final comeback "Archangels of the Sephiroth" in 2017. During an interview, Minhee revealed that "Vibrato" was her favorite among all stellar kpop songs.

Minhee remained with the group until its disbandment on February 25, 2018, which was announced during a fanmeeting. Thereafter, she gave an interview apologizing to fans and assuring them there was no discord among the members. Furthermore, she disclosed the shocking financial reality of their years of hard work—each member earned less than 10,000,000 Won (approximately USD 9,000) over their entire 7-year career with the company.

Minhee fun facts

Beyond her professional career, Minhee possesses several distinctive traits and interests:

Her hobby is watching movies
Pink is her favorite color
She has a personal talent for imitating Pikachu
Her MBTI personality type is ENFJ
She ranked #76 on TC Candler's 'Most Beautiful Faces In The World' in 2016
Her role model is Lee Hyori
When asked about weight loss methods, she mentioned eating only salad for dinner and midnight snacks
She chose actor Jung Woo Sung as her ideal type

Additionally, Minhee appeared in the TV show "The Secret Weapon" in 2015, showing her efforts to expand her entertainment career beyond the stellar kpop group activities.

Minhee post-Stellar activities

Following the stellar kpop controversy and the group's disbandment, Minhee embarked on several new career paths. She became a successful YouTuber with her channel "ABOUT MINI" and worked as a streamer on AfreecaTV. In 2019, she won an award at AfreecaTV for 'Best BJ', though her account was later deleted around September-October 2021.

In a candid interview with YouTube channel 'Allympic,' Minhee discussed her life after Stellar. She mentioned that she was learning dance and singing to showcase her skills again someday. Significantly, she stated she was finally earning income for the first time in her life through her new jobs.

Minhee maintains close relationships with the other stellar kpop members, stating that "even though we met through work, we spent hard times together and became tight sisters". On October 30, 2018, she released a video of Stellar's first reunion party after disbandment through her YouTube channel. Subsequently, in January 2019, she posted a Q&A video responding to fans' questions about the group's history.

In the 'Allympic' interview, Minhee reflected on the emotional impact of their controversial concepts: "I was hurt by people cursing at us for doing a sexy concept. We were just normal 20-year-olds. People think Stellar in association with that and made assumptions about us that were hurtful".

Hyoeun

Lee Hyoeun emerged as a crucial addition to Stellar kpop when the girl group underwent its first lineup change in 2012. Her powerful vocals and versatile talents helped reshape the identity of this girl kpop group as they navigated their evolving musical journey.

Hyoeun basic info

Born Lee Hyo-eun (이효은) on March 16, 1993, in Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea, Hyoeun stands at 171 cm (5'7") and weighs approximately 47 kg (103.6 lbs). Her zodiac sign is Pisces, and she possesses remarkable vocal abilities that would eventually define her role within the stellar kpop group.

Prior to joining Stellar, Hyoeun trained at Medialine Entertainment, gaining valuable experience that prepared her for her future career. She received formal education at Yangjae High School and eventually graduated from Dongdeok Women's University with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcasting & Entertainment, balancing her academic pursuits alongside her idol career.

Hyoeun role in Stellar

Hyoeun, along with Minhee, was officially introduced as a new member of Stellar on January 27, 2012, replacing original members JoA and Lee Seul who had departed from the group. Her official debut with the stellar kpop group came shortly after on February 8, 2012, with the digital single "UFO".

Within the group's structure, Hyoeun served as the Main Vocalist, utilizing her powerful and emotive singing abilities to elevate the stellar kpop songs. She remained with the group throughout its various concept changes and participated in all their releases from "UFO" in 2012 through their final comeback "Archangels of the Sephiroth" in 2017.

Hyoeun stayed with Stellar until their official disbandment, which was announced during a special fan meeting on February 25, 2018, after 7 years of the group's activity in the industry.

Hyoeun fun facts

Beyond her professional career, Hyoeun possesses several interesting personal characteristics:

Her hobby is dancing
She chose actor Nam Joo Hyuk as her ideal type
Her role model is Lee Hyori
Her favorite number is #3
She shares an Instagram account with fellow Stellar member Jeonyul

Moreover, Hyoeun has maintained friendships within the industry, including a notable friendship with former 9Muses member Gyeongree. This social connection demonstrates her ability to build relationships beyond her immediate group members.

Hyoeun post-Stellar activities

Following the stellar kpop controversy and subsequent disbandment, Hyoeun transitioned to a musical actress career. In January 2020, she signed with Palette Entertainment, where she continues to develop her artistic talents.

Hyoeun made her solo debut on January 30, 2023, with the digital single "The Day We Meet Again". Later that same year, on December 18, she released her second digital single titled "Snow", establishing herself as a solo artist.

Impressively, Hyoeun has built a substantial musical theater portfolio. Her performances include roles in several productions: "One Day" (2019), "Again! Oh Haeyoung" (2020), "The Great Comet" (2021), "Gwangju" (2022, 2023), "The Three Musketeers" (2022), "Dice" (2023), and "Those Days" (2023). This diverse range of characters demonstrates her versatility as a performer beyond the realm of the stellar kpop group.

Hyoeun maintains an active social media presence through multiple platforms, including Instagram (@hyonile_e, @hyo_h_p for pictures, and @hyoni_cooking for her cooking content), Twitter (@hyoni_0316_), and her YouTube channel "가끔효은" (formerly "hyoinworld").

Jeonyul

As the youngest original member of Stellar kpop, Jeon Yuri (stage name Jeonyul) brought youthful energy and versatility to the girl kpop group from its inception until her departure in 2017. Her journey showcases both the challenges and resilience that defined the stellar kpop members' experiences.

Jeonyul basic info

Born on March 20, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea, Jeonyul stands at 168 cm (5'6") with a weight of 43 kg (94 lbs). Her zodiac sign is Pisces, accordingly matching her adaptable personality, and she has blood type O. For her education, she attended the prestigious Seoul School of Performing Arts, which helped develop her dance and performance abilities.

Currently at 31 years old, Jeonyul continues her career in entertainment. First connected with The Entertainment Pascal from August 28, 2011, until August 23, 2017, she has since moved forward as a soloist.

Jeonyul role in Stellar

Within the stellar kpop group structure, Jeonyul held multiple important positions: Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Vocalist, and Maknae (youngest member). She was part of the original debut lineup alongside Gayoung, Lee-seul, and JoA when they released "Rocket Girl" on August 28, 2011.

After six years with the group, The Entertainment Pascal announced her departure alongside fellow original member Gayoung on August 23, 2017. In a later vlog, she revealed that "company's situation" and "internal conflict" contributed to her decision not to renew her contract.

Jeonyul fun facts

Beyond her professional career, Jeonyul possesses several distinctive characteristics:

Her nicknames include Tuti Tuti, Dochi, and Sexy Maknae
She loves exercising and her hobbies include singing and dancing
For her ideal type, she chose actor Kim Soo Hyun
She maintained a blog called "JEONYOURI"

Jeonyul post-Stellar activities

Since leaving the stellar kpop group, Jeonyul has forged her own path. In 2020, three years after her departure, TTS Industry created a Makestar project to fund her solo debut. This crowdfunding effort succeeded, enabling her to release her first digital single "MAMACITA" on September 12, 2020.

Jeonyul continued building her solo discography with her first EP "Like It" released on January 10, 2022, followed by participation in the compilation "Our Own Christmas" in December 2024.

In a candid YouTube vlog, she revealed that after leaving Stellar, she developed a panic disorder and struggled with insomnia. Nevertheless, she remained determined to continue as an entertainer, stating that "even if her solo releases don't become popular, it's enough for her to stand on stage". Indeed, she works part-time jobs while pursuing her dream, demonstrating remarkable perseverance despite the stellar kpop controversy regarding their provocative concepts.

Jeonyul currently manages her social media presence through Instagram (@youlri_0320) and recently created a YouTube channel where she connects with fans through vlogs discussing her days with the girl kpop group.

Soyoung

Im Soyoung joined Stellar kpop during the final phase of the girl group's journey, bringing fresh energy to the lineup shortly before their eventual disbandment. Although her time with the stellar kpop members was brief, she made a lasting impression on fans through her vocal talents and distinctive personality.

Soyoung basic info

Born Im So-young (임소영) on September 9, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, Soyoung is currently 31 years old. Standing at 164 cm (5'5") with blood type O, her zodiac sign is Virgo. In contrast to some members who joined right after high school, Soyoung had already developed her musical talents, including playing both piano and guitar, before entering the entertainment industry.

Soyoung role in Stellar

The Entertainment Pascal officially added Soyoung to the stellar kpop group on May 18, 2017, making her the newest addition to the lineup. Throughout her time with the girl kpop group, she served as a Vocalist, contributing to their musical performances. Soyoung officially debuted with Stellar on June 27, 2017, with the mini album "Stellar Into the World". Unfortunately, her tenure was brief, as she remained with the group only until their disbandment on February 25, 2018.

Soyoung fun facts

Beyond her professional career, Soyoung has several interesting characteristics:

In April 2017, before joining Stellar, she participated in the drama show The IDOLM@STER.KR under the stage name Serin
Fishing became one of her passionate hobbies after working at an indoor fishing spot
She once proudly caught a huge Yellow Tail while fishing in Jejudo

Soyoung post-Stellar activities

After the stellar kpop controversy and subsequent disbandment, Soyoung pursued a solo career. On July 7, 2019, she signed with WK ENM Entertainment. Afterward, she made her solo debut on August 20, 2019, with the digital single "Breath". During the showcase for this release, she openly discussed working at an indoor fishing spot following Stellar's disbandment.

Most recently, on February 2, 2023, Soyoung signed an exclusive contract with Hanahreum Company to transition into acting, demonstrating her versatility as an entertainer. Simultaneously, she has expressed interest in appearing on variety shows like Superman Returns and The Fishermen and the City, reflecting her ongoing passion for fishing.

Youngheun

Go Youngheun holds the distinction of being the final addition to Stellar kpop before the group's ultimate disbandment, joining at a pivotal moment in the girl group's history.

Youngheun basic info

Born Go Young Heun (고영흔) on November 20, 1994, in Gwangju, South Korea, Youngheun is currently 30 years old. Standing at 166 cm (5'6") with blood type A, her zodiac sign is Scorpio. Youngheun received her education at Hanlim Entertainment Arts High School, where she majored in Practical Music and Vocal.

Formerly a trainee under The Entertainment Pascal for 5 years (2012-2017), Youngheun first appeared in the pre-debut girl group LHEA under SS Entertainment before joining Stellar kpop.

Youngheun role in Stellar

On August 25, 2017, Stellar kpop members announced Youngheun as their newest addition following the departures of Gayoung and Jeonyul two days earlier. Within the group structure, she held the position of Vocalist and Maknae (youngest member).

Nonetheless, her time with the stellar kpop group was extremely brief. In fact, she never appeared in any of their music videos or album productions before the group disbanded in February 2018, essentially making her tenure more nominal than practical.

Youngheun fun facts

Beyond her professional career, Youngheun possesses several distinctive characteristics:

Her MBTI personality type is ESFP
She can write songs and create choreographies
She enjoys taking showers followed by skincare routines
She considers watching Netflix while drinking milk refreshing after difficult days
She is a fan of IU

Youngheun post-Stellar activities

Following the stellar kpop controversy and disbandment, Youngheun's career took several interesting turns. In August 2019, she was revealed as a new member of RaNia for their participation at a K-pop concert in Romania.

Subsequently, on July 1, 2020, Youngheun confirmed she would continue promoting with new members as BLACKSWAN, where she served as the Leader and Main Vocalist. She remained with BLACKSWAN until July 31, 2022, when DR Music announced her graduation from the group.

In a significant personal milestone, Youngheun married former M.I.B member Hangil on November 16, 2024, marking a new chapter in her life after her idol career.

Leeseul

Kim Leeseul represents a unique chapter in the history of Stellar kpop, serving as both an original founding member and the one with the briefest tenure in the girl kpop group's timeline.

Leeseul basic info

Born Kim Leeseul (김이슬) on June 14, 1990, in Busan, South Korea, she is currently 35 years old. Standing at 163 cm (5'4") with a weight of 41 kg (90 lbs), Leeseul has blood type AB. For her education, she attended Milyeogo High School, which helped establish her foundation before entering the entertainment industry.

First, Leeseul debuted as a member of the duo Honey Dew alongside fellow future Stellar member JoA on May 14, 2010, with their digital single "Like a Fool". This brief collaboration ultimately served as a stepping stone toward her involvement with the stellar kpop group that would follow.

Leeseul role in Stellar

Within the stellar kpop members hierarchy, Leeseul held the crucial positions of Leader and Main Vocalist during her time with the group. As part of the original lineup alongside Gayoung, Jeonyul, and JoA, she officially debuted with Stellar on August 28, 2011, with their first single "Rocket Girl".

Unfortunately, her tenure with the girl kpop group proved remarkably short. On January 26, 2012, just five months after debut, The Entertainment Pascal announced both Leeseul and JoA would be departing from Stellar. They were subsequently replaced by Minhee and Hyoeun, who would become long-term members of the group.

Leeseul fun facts

Beyond her professional career, several interesting characteristics define Leeseul:

Her zodiac sign is Gemini
She originally hails from Busan, showing regional diversity among stellar kpop members
Before Stellar's debut, she made a cameo appearance in the drama "Spy Myung-wol" alongside fellow member Gayoung

Leeseul post-Stellar activities

After leaving the stellar kpop group, Leeseul took a new direction in her musical career. Most notably, she now releases music under a completely different name - Kim Gyurang (김규랑), representing a fresh artistic identity separate from her past with Stellar.

Through her journey with stellar kpop songs and beyond, Leeseul's story provides an interesting glimpse into the often-changing lineup dynamics common in many girl kpop groups, where even founding members may depart as groups evolve their sound and image.

JoA

Cho Young-jin, better known by her stage name JoA, paved her path in the K-pop industry first through the duo Honey Dew before becoming one of the original Stellar kpop members. Her brief yet significant contribution helped establish the foundation for what would become one of the most discussed girl kpop groups of the decade.

JoA basic info

Born Cho Young-jin on August 15, 1991, in Busan, South Korea, JoA stands at 166 cm (5'5") with a weight of 43 kg (94 lbs). With blood type A and Leo as her zodiac sign, she pursued higher education at Baekseok University of Arts, balancing academic pursuits alongside her entertainment career.

JoA's journey in the music industry began before Stellar, as she first debuted as a member of the duo Honey Dew on May 14, 2010, with their digital single "Like a Fool". This collaboration ultimately dissolved upon Stellar's formation, marking a transitional phase in her career trajectory.

JoA role in Stellar

Within the stellar kpop group structure, JoA held the position of Lead Vocalist, contributing her vocal talents to the group's debut. Alongside fellow Honey Dew member Lee Seul, she officially debuted with Stellar on August 28, 2011, with their first single "Rocket Girl".

Nevertheless, her tenure with the girl kpop group proved remarkably brief. On January 26, 2012, The Entertainment Pascal announced both JoA and Lee Seul would be departing from Stellar. They were promptly replaced by Minhee and Hyoeun for the group's comeback track "UFO".

JoA fun facts

Besides her professional achievements, JoA hails from Busan, bringing regional diversity to the stellar kpop members. Like fellow original member Gayoung, she made a cameo appearance in the drama "Spy Myung-wol", showing her versatility beyond singing.

JoA post-Stellar activities

After departing from the stellar kpop group, JoA reinvented herself musically. Currently, she performs as an independent soloist under the stage name JEINSTEIN. Under this new artistic identity, she released her debut digital single "Found, At, I, On" on January 29, 2019, showcasing her continued passion for music long after her brief chapter with the girl kpop group concluded.