Kim Yooyeon (tripleS)

Kim Yooyeon's journey to becoming a tripleS member

Educational background and early life

Born in Banpo-dong, Seocho District, Seoul, Yooyeon studied abroad in New Zealand and the United States to learn English during her childhood. She attended Seoul Wonchon Elementary School, Wonchon Middle School, and graduated from Sehwa Girls' High School. Her parents, a pharmacist mother and doctor father, wanted her to pursue a career in the medical field. She took the college entrance exam three times, passing each time. Initially enrolled at Dongguk University in the Engineering department, she dropped out following her parents' urging and later enrolled at Ewha Womans University majoring in Science Education. She is currently on a leave of absence to focus on her entertainment career.

My Teenage Girl appearance

Yooyeon participated in MBC's survival show My Teenage Girl after promising her parents she would attempt to debut through the program. She was eliminated in Episode 1 after receiving only one vote from the masters during the "Gashina" performance. Mentor Jeon Soyeon brought her back in Episode 3, noting that Yooyeon appeared first in online searches for the show, demonstrating her public appeal. She ranked consistently within the top three throughout the competition, finishing eighth in the final episode.

Joining tripleS without training

Jaden Jeong, CEO of MODHAUS, personally contacted Yooyeon after watching My Teenage Girl and invited her to join tripleS. She is recognized as an idol with zero days of formal training.

Kim Yooyeon's career in tripleS

Sub-units and positions in tripleS

Following her announcement as S5, Yooyeon debuted with the sub-unit Acid Angel from Asia on October 28, 2022, with the extended play ACCESS and lead single "Generation". She was determined as the final member of this unit through the First Grand Gravity vote on September 25, 2022. Yooyeon serves as leader of both Acid Angel from Asia and EVOLution, with the latter debuting on October 11, 2023. She was announced as the first member of EVOLution on April 28, 2023. Her sub-unit memberships include ACID EYES, Visionary Vision (announced June 18, 2024), Hatchi, Alphie, and Sun.

Kim Yooyeon songs and discography

Yooyeon's notable tracks include "Generation," "Rising," "Girls Never Die," "Are You Alive," "Invincible," and "Hit the Floor". She participated in tripleS' full group debut on February 13, 2023, with the mini album ASSEMBLE. In 2023, tripleS received multiple Rookie of the Year awards, including recognition from MAMA Awards and Hanteo Music Awards.

Acting debut and other activities

Yooyeon made her acting debut on April 7, 2024, portraying Lee Yujin, a broadcasting writer, in the web drama What's Up. She described the character as possessing a warm, tsundere personality with endearing mannerisms.

Kim Yooyeon's impact and recognition

Public image as 'Ewha Goddess'

Following her participation in My Teenage Girl, Yooyeon acquired the nickname "Ewha Goddess," which became her most frequently used descriptor. She was named one of the top five visual contestants of My Teenage Girl, alongside fellow tripleS member Lee Ji-woo, Classy members Myung Hyung-seo and Kim Ri-won, and Rescene's Minami. Netizens noted her resemblance to DIA's Jung Chae-yeon, citing similar features including immaculate skin, delicate characteristics, and an innocent image. She ranked consistently high in most searched hot topics among non-drama television show subjects during the competition. In June 2024, she entered the Girl group individual brand reputation results for the first time at 51st place.

Brand endorsements and media appearances

Yooyeon appeared in a GS25 commercial alongside Kim Chae-yeon in September 2022. In May 2023, she became the brand promoter for CODINGON X SeSAC, appearing in various commercials throughout 2023. She secured her first solo endorsement in June 2023 as the product packaging model for Korean brand GRN+ and their "Sky Diet" line. Shortly after her tripleS announcement, her confident response about leaving university gained viral attention, with netizens praising her optimistic mindset.

Personal interests and hobbies

Her hobbies include sleeping, skiing, taking walks, traveling, watching movies, and visiting restaurants. She dreams of eating sushi and skiing in Switzerland. Yooyeon is currently learning Japanese and achieved a TOEIC score in the 800s. Her grandfather works as a painter, which fostered her appreciation for artwork. She prefers sleeping at home during days off and enjoys adding string cheese to ramen.

FAQs

What is Kim Yooyeon's age?

Kim Yooyeon was born on February 9, 2001. As of 2026, she is 25 years old and remains the only tripleS member born in 2001.

Did Kim Yooyeon have any idol training before debut?

Yooyeon is recognized as an idol with zero days of formal training. She joined tripleS directly after her My Teenage Girl appearance without undergoing traditional trainee preparation.

What university does Kim Yooyeon attend?

Yooyeon attends Ewha Womans University, majoring in Science Education. She is currently on a leave of absence to pursue her entertainment career. She took the college entrance exam three times and passed each time.

What is Kim Yooyeon's family background?

Her mother works as a pharmacist and her father as a doctor. Her parents initially wanted her to pursue a medical career, however, they were against her becoming a celebrity and expressed disappointment in the idea.

How did she respond to concerns about leaving university?

Following her tripleS announcement, Yooyeon confidently stated she has no regrets about taking leave from university. She expressed that she could retake the CSAT if needed, reassuring fans not to worry about her decision.