In the year 1991, when major events like Operation Desert Storm or the break up of the Soviet Union were happening, people were dying and being born too like usual. But some of the births in Asia weren’t the same as others as nobody had any idea that some people born in 1991 would grow up to become k-pop idols. They ace the glamorous vocals, and they take over the stage with their killer performances as their fans cheer for them in support. From distinctive choreographies and captivating melodies to heartwarming ballads, these idols have been making fans feel things ever since their debut.
According to the Chinese zodiac that most k-pop idols follow, 1991 is the year of the goat or a sheep. Known to have a kind heart and being ambitious, responsible, cautious, efficient, and enterprising, these idols have been true to their personality and qualities. Many k-pop idols born in the year are a part of either the second or third generation of k-pop groups and are popular for their creativity, expressive, brave, and meaningful lyrics, along with a touch of techno and electronic music. They are known to have a captivating stage presence, put on an amazing performance, and have charming visuals.
Here Are Some Of The Most Popular K-pop Idols Born In 1991:
1. SOLAR
Kim Yong Sun is popularly known by her stage name Solar. Born on February 21, 1991, Solar is the leader of MAMAMOO, one of the most popular girl groups out there. The idol’s journey as a k-pop idol has been very surprising. While Solar was all set to be a flight attendant after graduating with a degree in airline service, a street audition changed her life. Participating in a street busking event, an entertainment recruiter saw her and went on to scout her. While the idol initially told the scout no due to a lack of interest, later on, she went on to appear for many auditions. In 2011, Solar became a trainee under RBW Entertainment and, in 2014, made her debut with MAMAMOO.
She has been a part of several reality shows, including Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook, KBS’s Immortal Songs 2, MBC’s King of Mask Singer, and We Got Married. The idol has also been working as a solo artist. Throughout the years, Solar has released EP in six parts, the final EP released in 2018 followed by an LP version of the EP. The next few years have been filled with Solar’s liver performances and heartwarming OSTs. In a V-LIVE done in January 2022, the idol hinted that she’s been working on a comeback album too.
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2. CL
Lee Chae Rin is popular all over the world as one of the raddest k-pop idols in the world. Born on February 26, 1991, the idol made her debut with YG Entertainment’s one of the most popular girl groups 2NE1. Becoming public in 2009, the 2NE1 took over the heart of k-pop fans as they broke stereotypes through their fashion. They had an amazing stage presence and interesting music videos. While CL claimed her throne in the industry as one of the best rappers in South Korea, her journey with YG Entertainment wasn’t so smooth. According to the girls, YG used to put girls down and didn’t believe in them despite 2NE1 being one of the most selling artists of the company. In 2016, the news of the sudden disbanding of the group hit the internet.
Talking about the time, CL revealed that being a member of the group, the news was a surprise even for her. She was at a Thanksgiving dinner when the news was announced, and she had no idea how to react. Years later, CL has finally ended her contract with YG Entertainment. While the idol made her solo debut in 2013, after years of dropping singles, she finally went on to release a proper album in 2021 only. The idol has now founded her agency named ‘Very Cherry’ and is at the perfect balance right now. The idol also revealed that ‘CL’ is a character that always presents the ideal image she envisions.
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3. IRENE
Bae Joo Hyun is popularly known as Irene of Red Velvet. Making her debut with SM Entertainment in 2015, Irene was born on March 29, 1991. The leader of Red Velvet also serves as the vocalist, lead dancer, main rapper, visual, and center of the group. Being one of the most popular idols right now, working in the k-pop industry wasn’t Irene’s first choice. The idol originally wanted to be a newscaster when she was young. Stepping towards her dream, she even worked as an announcer for her elementary school broadcast club. But participating in a talent show might’ve been the reason that changed Irene’s vision. The idol went on to train as a flight attendant and even took makeup classes.
During high school, she tagged along with her friend to an audition and ended up auditioning herself. While she couldn’t clear the audition at first, later on, she received a call from SM Entertainment congratulating her for passing. Joining pre-debut group SM Rookies in December 2013, the idol was known for her exceptional visuals and dance skills. Years after the debut, Red Velvet is reaching new levels of success every day. Irene is currently working on Red Velvet’s new comeback set to release between late March 2022 to April 2022.
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4. Park Chorong
Park Chorong is popularly known by her first name Chorong. Born on March 3, 1991, the idol is known as the leader of the second-generation girl group APINK. Dreaming of becoming an idol from the start, Chorong started her trainee days with JYP Entertainment in 2009. But after getting eliminated from the final round, the idol went on to join Cube Entertainment. Making their debut in 2011, APINK still stands strong after completing a decade in the k-pop industry. All the members of the girl group have their success too. Recently the girls came together for their comeback too. While being one of the most loved k-pop idols, an accusation from the past came knocking down on Chorong’s door.
In April 2021, it was revealed that a childhood friend of Chorong had been continuously threatening her with false claims. The friend was blackmailing the idol to retire from the entertainment industry. The two drifted apart because of a certain event, and Chorong had apologized to them if they felt uncomfortable. But the friend went on to record Chorong’s calls and sent them to media outlets. Fortunately, Chorong’s company was quick to clear things to the fans before the situation got too messy. Months after a proper investigation, Chorong too released a public statement explaining the whole thing going on.
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5. Suho
Kim Jun Myeon is one of the most popular and desired k-pop idols in the world without any doubt. He was born on May 22, 1991. Popular by his stage name Suho and being the leader of one of the biggest k-pop groups in the world, i.e., EXO. The idol has always dreamed of becoming a singer ever since he was in elementary school. But couldn’t do anything as his parents were opposed to the idea. But luck was on his side as Suho got scouted on the street by SM Entertainment. Clearing the audition, the idol joined the company as a trainee in 2005. Training for six years, the idol was already working on a backup plan. Just in case being an idol doesn’t work out, he had the offer letter from the Korea National University of Arts in his hands.
But soon after the debut, Suho went on to cancel his admission. EXO has been one of the first third-gen k-pop groups to go global. With his increasing popularity, the idol went on to make his solo debut in 2013. His solo album peaked at #13 on the US World Album Chart. The idol has also been a part of many successful k-drama projects. Leaving for his military service, the idol returned on February 13, 2022, after serving for 19 months. Welcomed by fans all over the world, Suho is back on his schedule and ready to make his fans happy. The idol has also revealed that the next solo album is already on the way.
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6. Seohyun
Seo Ju Hyun is popularly known for her stage name Seohyun. She was born on June 28, 1991. Trending for her recent film ‘Love and Leashes’, Seohyun is without a doubt one of the most successful idols and actresses in the industry. Making her debut with SM Entertainment’s most popular girl group Girls Generation, the idol was scouted on a subway station. Coming from a family of musicians, the idol dreamed of becoming a pianist. She planned to move abroad and major in classical music. Auditioning for the company, Seohyun went on to sing a children’s song and showed ballet moves. Despite having no idea about being an idol, Seohyun passed the audition and made her debut as Girls Generation’s maknae.
Along with her singing career, the idol worked in a good number of k-dramas and movies and is now a fan favorite. And with time, Seohyun has come a long way. In an interview, the idol revealed that during her debut, there were times when she always felt like crying and used to swallow the urge. But with time, she has learned to express and let her emotions out. Giving herself a break, Seohyun is redeeming herself. Her role in the recent Netflix film made netizens ask a lot of questions about her role. But holding her ground and staying true to herself, the idol aced the role.
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7. Jinu
Kim Jin Woo is popularly known for his stage name Jinu and is a member of YG Entertainment’s boy group ‘WINNER’. He was born on September 26, 1991. Dreaming of becoming an idol from the start, Jinu went on to join the Joy Dance Academy run by BIGBANG’s former member Seungri. With his exceptional dance skills, he caught the senior idol’s eye and won a ticket to YG’s office. Training for five years, he even performed as a backup dancer at the 2011 YG Family Concert. In 2013, winning in Mnet’s survival program “WIN: Who Is Next,” Jinu went on to make his debut with the boy group WINNER. He’s even been called the ‘Face Genius’ of YG Entertainment because of his charming visuals.
He also became the first K-pop idol to be part of contemporary dance production after he was announced as the lead in the production of The Little Prince by the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company. The idol went on to make his solo debut with a single album, “Call Anytime,” in 2019. While after continuing for six years, ‘WINNER’ went on to announce a hiatus, Jinu went on to enlist for his mandatory military service in 2020. In December 2021, Jinu was discharged from the service making the fans happier and more excited than ever.
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8. Minho
Popular by his first name on the stage, Choi Min Ho was born on December 9, 1991. He is a member of SHINee, i.e., the Kings of K-pop. The second-generation group has completed over a decade in the k-pop industry and still owns the title of ‘The Best’. While the idol’s father wanted him to be an athlete, Minho was not fit enough to play the sport. Focusing on studies for a while as soon as the idol started growing up, he started to work on becoming a model. Before becoming an idol trainee, Minho had already made his modeling debut with Ha Sang Baek’s “Seoul Collection F/W 08-09”. Getting scouted at “2006 SM Casting System”, years later, the idol went on to debut with SHINee.
Becoming the most popular member of the group, he made his debut as an actor in the 2010 drama, ‘Pianist’. With time, the idol became one of the most popular actors in the industry and had many k-dramas and movies to his name. Having all his focus on his acting career for a while, Minho went on to release a digital single titled ‘Heartbreak’ unexpectedly in December 2021. Along with a solo fan meeting event.
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