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Minzy
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Gong Min-ji (Korean: 공민지; born January 18, 1994),[1] better known by her stage name Minzy, is a South Korean singer and dancer. She debuted in 2009 as a member of South Korean girl group 2NE1, which became one of the best-selling girl groups worldwide before her departure in April 2016.[2] She released her first solo EP, Minzy Work 01: "Uno", in April 2017.[3] On November 20, 2020, Minzy made her debut in the Philippines with the Tagalog version of her single "Lovely".
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Minzy was born in Seoul, South Korea on January 18, 1994. She is the granddaughter of folk dancer Gong Ok-jin and, through her, a descendant of Confucius. When she was young, she moved to Gwangju with her family, but then her mother brought Minzy and her sister back to Seoul while traveling between Seoul and Gwangju to work with Minzy's father. She participated in many dance contests and competitions, winning various awards. A video of her at a dance competition in Gwangju was uploaded onto the Internet and became popular with many people sending praise for her ability to dance. This video was then uploaded onto YG's homepage, whereupon the CEO, Yang Hyun-suk, contacted and recruited her to join the agency when she was only in sixth grade.[4]
Career
[edit]2009–2016: 2NE1
[edit]
YG Entertainment stated in early 2009 that they would be debuting a new four-member group that had been training for four years and that their debut album would contain songs produced by 1TYM's leader Teddy Park and G-Dragon of Big Bang. The group's name was initially announced as "21"; however, due to the discovery of a singer with the same name, the group was renamed "2NE1", with "NE" being an abbreviation of "New Evolution". Minzy was placed in 2NE1 as the main dancer, alongside Park Bom, Sandara Park and CL.[5] The group went on to debut with their first single "Fire" in May 2009, with Minzy being the youngest member at just 15 years old. On November 20, 2009, CL and Minzy released a digital single, "Please Don't Go".
In October 2015, while 2NE1 was on hiatus, Minzy founded her own dance studio named the "Millennium Dance Academy" as a personal project, unconnected to YG Entertainment.[6] The studio is based in Seoul, South Korea.
Minzy officially left the group and the group's agency, YG Entertainment, on April 5, 2016. Because of this, she did not take part in 2NE1's last song "Goodbye", released on January 21, 2017.[7][8]
2016–present: Solo career and MZ Entertainment
[edit]In May 2016, Minzy signed with CJ E&M's subsidiary label Music Works.[9][10][11] It was revealed that Minzy is currently preparing for her solo album and is interested in trying out different types of music and doesn't want to limit herself to one specific genre. Music Works stated, "We are focusing on producing a first solo album which can portray all of Gong Minzy's talent and potential. We will continue the preparations without being chased by time".
On January 17, 2017, a representative from KBS revealed that Minzy has been confirmed as a cast member of the second season of Sister's Slam Dunk together with Kim Sook, Hong Jin-kyung, Kang Ye-won, Han Chae-young, Hong Jin-young and Jeon So-mi. The show aired its first broadcast on February 10, where Minzy was appointed to become the main singer, main dancer, dance tutor, and choreographer for the second generation of Unnies by legendary producer and composer Kim Hyung Suk (mentor of JYP), and was voted as leader of the group on the third episode. She is also qualified to be the team's rap teacher, but due to her heavy workload, the role went to LA-born newcomer KillaGramz. In episode 12, she was named the rapping director as Kim Hyung Suk has no rapping knowledge, and named Hong Jin-young as the sole rapper of the group, with Jeon So-mi the rap lyricist for "Right?". In March 2017, Minzy released her first solo single, "I Wanted To Love" as the soundtrack of the MBC drama The Rebel[12]
On April 17, 2017, Minzy released her solo debut EP, Minzy Work 01. "Uno", along with title track "Ninano".[13] The EP debuted at number 2 on the Billboard World Albums Chart as the highest-ranking debut before it fell to number 9 in the second week.[14] On September 28, Minzy announced she would go on tour in North America, however the tour got postponed and then cancelled due to her working on new music.[15][16][unreliable source?] On December 1, 2018, Minzy released her first English language solo single, "All of You Say".[17]
On April 17, 2020, Minzy left Music Works after her legal dispute was settled.[18] On May 24, 2020, Minzy released her single "Lovely", her first released as an independent artist.[19] In October 2020, Minzy founded her own company MZ Entertainment and will carry out her future activities on her future agency.[20] A month later, Minzy signed with Viva Entertainment for her musical activities in the Philippines. She released the Tagalog version of her single "Lovely" on November 20, 2020.[21]

On June 6, 2021, MZ Entertainment announced that Minzy is planning for a comeback with a new single in July.[22] The new single, titled "Teamo", was released on July 11.[23] On December 12, 2021, Minzy released her new single "Fantabulous".[24]
Personal life
[edit]In August 2017, Minzy graduated from Baekseok University magna cum laude from the Department of Theology.[25]
Discography
[edit]Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [26] |
NZ Heat [27] |
US Heat [28] |
US World [29] | |||
| Minzy Work 01: "Uno" |
|
10 | 10 | 21 | 2 |
|
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions |
Sales | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [31] |
US World [32] | ||||
| Korean | |||||
| "Please Don't Go"[33] (with CL) | 2009 | 7 | — | — | To Anyone |
| "Ninano" (니나노) (featuring Flowsik) | 2017 | 44 | 18 |
|
Minzy Work 01: Uno |
| "Lovely"[A] | 2020 | —[B] | — | — | Non-album singles |
| "Teamo" | 2021 | —[C] | 6 | ||
| "Fantabulous" (기깔나) | —[D] | — | |||
| English | |||||
| "All of You Say" | 2018 | — | — | — | Non-album single |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | |||||
Soundtrack appearances
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "I Wanted to Love" | 2017 | The Rebel |
| "I Miss You" (보고 싶다) (With Sohyang) |
The King of Mask Singer Episode 105 | |
| "Sick and Sick Name..." (아프고 아픈 이름...) | ||
| "Walking" (걸어가) | 2018 | Partners for Justice |
| "My Everything" | 2021 | The Playlist |
| "As I Told You" (with Taeil) |
Watcha Original <Double Trouble> Episode.1 Black Swan | |
| "Must Have Love" (with Inseong) |
2022 | Watcha Original <Double Trouble> Episode.2 Crown |
| "Energetic" (with Inseong) |
Watcha Original <Double Trouble> Episode.3 Sporty | |
| "When We Disco" (with Jang Hyun-seung) |
Watcha Original <Double Trouble> Episode.4 Legend Duet | |
| "Me Gustas Tu" (with Taeil) |
Watcha Original <Double Trouble> Episode.5 History |
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lovely Voice: The Beginning | Musical Film | [39] |
Television shows
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Sister's Slam Dunk | Cast member | ||
| King of Mask Singer | Contestant | As "A Richly-toned Perilla Leaf Girl" | [40] | |
| 2021 | South Korean Foreigners | |||
| Wild Idol | Trainer Corps | [41] | ||
| 2022 | The Origin – A, B, Or What? | Judge | [42] | |
| 9low On Top | Thai audition program | [43] |
Web shows
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Double Trouble | Contestant | [44] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Grand Prize Awards | 2021 | 10 People Who Shined Korea – Artist Award | Minzy | Won | [45] |
Notes
[edit]- ^ "Lovely (Filipino Version)" was released as a digital single on November 20, 2020.[35]
- ^ "Lovely" didn't enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 71 on the component BGM chart.[36]
- ^ "Teamo" didn't enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 55 on the component Download chart.[37]
- ^ "Fantabulous" didn't enter the Gaon Digital Chart, but peaked at number 181 on the component Download chart.[38]
References
[edit]- ^ Russell, Mark (2014). K-Pop Now!: The Korean Music Revolution. Tuttle Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 978-1-4629-1411-1. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
- ^ Suacillo, Angela Patricia (December 12, 2021). "Former 2NE1 member Minzy unveils new single, 'Fantabulous'". NME. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
- ^ Herman, Tamar (April 19, 2017). "Former 2NE1 Member Minzy Debuts as Soloist With 'Minzy Work 01 Uno' EP". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
- ^ "Yg Entertainment". Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ Jeff Benjamin (April 6, 2016). "Why Minzy was always 2NE1'S secret weapon". fuse.tv. Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ 김, 예나 (October 5, 2015). "투애니원 공민지, 댄스 아카데미 YG 별개로 운영". TV Report (in Korean). (주)티비리포트. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
- ^ Tamar Herman (April 5, 2016). "K-Pop Group 2NE1 Becomes Trio Following Departure of Minzy". billboard.com. Archived from the original on June 25, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ E. Alex Jung (April 5, 2016). "It's a Sad Day in K-Pop: Minzy Leaves 2NE1". vulture.com. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ Lord Justin Castillo (April 16, 2016). "Minzy reportedly to have a new record label". newseveryday.com. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ Maolen E. (May 18, 2016). "Ex-2NE1 member Minzy officially signs new record deal with Music Works". yibada.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ Ash Krater (May 16, 2016). "2NE1 Ex-Member Minzy Puts YG Entertainment Behind Her, Officially Signs With Music Works". designntrend.com. Archived from the original on June 22, 2016. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
- ^ 인용
- ^ Park, Sae-jin (April 17, 2017). "Former 2NE1 member Minzy debuts solo with 'NINANO'". ajudaily. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
- ^ Benjamin, Jeff (April 26, 2017). "Minzy Sends Debut Solo EP to World, Heatseekers Albums Chart". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 23, 2020. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
- ^ Kim Myung-mi (September 28, 2018). "공민지, 첫 솔로 북미투어 확정..10개 지역 찾는다(공식입장)". Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
- ^ "Minzy dedicates a handwritten letter about the postponement of her 'North America Dance Break Tour'". allkpop. November 2018. Archived from the original on June 24, 2021. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ Kim, Jae-min (December 3, 2018). "Minzy releases first English single "All of You Say"". www.koreaherald.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2019. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- ^ "공민지, 소속사와 계약 분쟁 마무리 "자유 얻었다"". Yonhap News. April 17, 2020. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
- ^ "3년 공백기 깨고 'LOVELY' 솔로로 돌아온 공민지". ENews24. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
- ^ 김, 효정 (October 22, 2020). "공민지, MZ엔터테인먼트 설립..."총괄이사로 후배 양성"". Yonhap News. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo (November 14, 2020). "'Mabuhay, Minzy': Former 2NE1 member to launch a music career in Philippines". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
- ^ Kim Na-young (June 6, 2021). "공민지, 7월 컴백 확정...화려한 퍼포먼스 예고". Maekyung Sports (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
- ^ Yoon Seong-yeol (June 23, 2021). "공민지, 1년만에 가수 컴백..7월 11일 'TEAMO' 발매 [공식]" [Minji Gong, comeback as a singer after a year..July 11th release of 'TEAMO' [Official]]. Naver (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on July 10, 2021. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
- ^ Yoon Seong-yeol (November 30, 2021). "[단독]공민지, 5개월만에 전격 컴백..12월 12일 '기깔나' 발표" [[Exclusive] Minji Gong, comeback after 5 months..December 12th release of 'Fantabulous'] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on May 21, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
- ^ "백석대, 2017학년도 후기졸업식...2NE1 공민지 대표로 학위증서 받아". Asia Today (in Korean). August 17, 2018. Archived from the original on June 6, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
- ^ "Gaon Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 26, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
- "Minzy Work 01: "Uno"". April 16–22, 2017. Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2018.
- ^ "NZ Heatseekers: Minzy Work 01: Uno". Archived from the original on May 7, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- ^ "Top Heatseekers: Minzy Work 01: Uno". Archived from the original on January 14, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- ^ "World Albums: Minzy Work 01: Uno". Archived from the original on April 29, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
- ^ 2017년 04월 Album Chart [April 2017 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 15, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2017.
- ^ Peak chart positions for singles in South Korea:
- "Please Don't Go (December 2009)". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 25, 2022.
- "Ninano" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
- ^ "Minzy Chart History: World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ "CL, 민지 - Please Don't Go (Digital Single)" (in Korean). Melon. Archived from the original on May 25, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
- ^ "2017년 16주차 Download Chart (2017.04.16~2017.04.22)" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart. Archived from the original on May 26, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
- ^ "Minzy Lovely (Tagalog Version) - single (Apple Music)". November 20, 2020. Archived from the original on July 20, 2021. Retrieved July 20, 2021.
- ^ 2020년 22주차 BGM Chart [Week 22 of 2020 BGM Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 15, 2021. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
- ^ 2021년 29주차 Download Chart [Week 29 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 23, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
- ^ 2021년 51주차 Download Chart [Week 51 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Lee Jae-hoon (February 18, 2022). "2AM 진운·AOA 혜정·원걸 유빈·2NE1 공민지, 뮤지컬영화 캐스팅" [2AM Jinwoon, AOA Hyejeong, Wongirl Yubin, 2NE1 Gong Minji, cast for musical movie] (in Korean). NEWSIS. Archived from the original on February 18, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim Mi-hwa (April 2, 2017). "'복면가왕' 깻잎소녀는 공민지..2NE1아닌 솔로 첫무대". Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 3, 2017. Retrieved April 2, 2017.
- ^ Jang Woo-young (August 20, 2021). "[단독] 샤이니 민호·공민지, '야생돌' 트레이너 군단 합류" [[Exclusive] SHINee's Minho and Gong Minji join the 'wild idol' trainer corps]. Osen (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
- ^ Ha Kyung-heon (February 16, 2022). "카카오TV-MBN 오디션 '디 오리진', 김성규-공민지-제이비 등 심사위원 라인업 공개" [Kakao TV-MBN audition 'The Origin', Kim Seong-gyu, Gong Min-ji, JB, etc. Judge lineup revealed] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved February 16, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Jeon Hyo-jin (July 21, 2022). "김우석·이진혁, 태국 남자 그룹 뽑는다...심사위원 발탁" [Kim Woo-seok and Lee Jin-hyuk to choose a male group from Thailand... Selection of judges] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim Ji-hye (November 17, 2021). "더블 트러블' 임슬옹·장현승부터 공민지·효린·초아까지..10인 라인업 공개" [From 'Double Trouble' Lim Seulong and Jang Hyunseung to Gong Minji, Hyorin, and Choa..10 lineup revealed] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on November 17, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021 – via Naver.
- ^ "공민지, 아티스트 상 수상 하러 왔어요 [포토엔HD]" [Minji Gong, I'm here to receive the Artist Award [PhotonHD]]. Newsen (in Korean). Naver. November 11, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
External links
[edit]Minzy
View on GrokipediaBiography
Early life
Gong Min-ji, known professionally as Minzy, was born on January 18, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea.[1] She is the granddaughter of Gong Ok-jin, a renowned traditional Korean folk dancer and pansori performer celebrated for her solo artistry and contributions to Korean cultural heritage.[8] Minzy's family later relocated to Gwangju, where she spent much of her childhood and developed a strong interest in dance.[2] From an early age, Minzy demonstrated exceptional talent in dance, participating in numerous competitions and winning multiple awards starting in elementary school.[9] By the sixth grade, she had gained local recognition through her performances, including a dance routine at a Gwangju competition that was captured on video and uploaded online, quickly going viral.[10] This exposure led to her discovery by YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk in 2005, when she was 11 years old; the video clip of her dancing caught the attention of the agency's scouts, prompting her to audition and join as a trainee.)Personal life
Gong Min-ji, known professionally as Minzy, was born on January 18, 1994, in Seoul, South Korea. She spent part of her childhood in Gwangju after her family relocated there, before returning to Seoul at age 11 to pursue her training in dance and entertainment. Minzy hails from an artistic family; she is the older sister of Gong Min-young, a contemporary Christian music singer who debuted in 2014. Additionally, Minzy is the granddaughter of the renowned traditional Korean folk dancer and pansori performer Gong Ok-jin (1932–2012), who influenced her early interest in dance. Through this lineage, Minzy is a descendant of Confucius. Minzy grew up in a Christian household, which shaped her personal values and later academic pursuits. She did not attend traditional high school due to her early debut but successfully passed the High School Graduation Certification Examination in 2013, enabling her to apply for higher education. In 2014, she enrolled at Baekseok University, majoring in Christian theology, and graduated magna cum laude in August 2018 with a bachelor's degree in the field. Minzy has described her university experience as a period of personal growth, balancing studies with her career commitments.Career
2009–2016: 2NE1
Gong Min-ji, known professionally as Minzy, trained for five years at YG Entertainment before debuting as the main dancer, lead rapper, lead vocalist, and maknae of the girl group 2NE1 in 2009.[2] The group, consisting of Minzy, CL, Dara, and Bom, first appeared in a pre-debut collaboration with BigBang on the promotional single "Lollipop" in March 2009.[11] Their official debut followed on May 17 with the single "Fire," which showcased Minzy's prominent dance choreography and energetic stage presence, leading to the release of their self-titled EP in July that included "I Don't Care" and topped South Korean charts.[12][11] In 2010, 2NE1 released their debut studio album To Anyone, which debuted at number one on the Gaon Album Chart and reached number seven on the Billboard World Albums chart, with Minzy contributing to tracks like "Clap Your Hands" through her rap verses and synchronized dance routines.[11] The album earned them Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards.[11] By 2011, their second EP Lonely featured hits such as "Don't Cry" and "I Am the Best," the latter peaking at number one on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart in 2014; Minzy's dynamic footwork and group formations were central to their live performances.[11] That year, 2NE1 expanded internationally with their Japan debut EP Nolza, and in 2012, they embarked on a solo U.S. concert tour, performing in cities like Los Angeles and Newark, where Minzy's solo dance breaks highlighted her technical skills.[11] Following singles like "Falling in Love" and "Do You Love Me" in 2013, 2NE1 released their final album Crush in 2014, which debuted at number 61 on the Billboard 200—the first K-pop girl group album to enter the chart's top 100—and included collaborations such as "Come Back Home" featuring Teddy Park.[13] Minzy's role in the album's choreography emphasized powerful, synchronized movements that defined the group's bold aesthetic.[11] After a period of hiatus beginning in 2015, during which Minzy focused on personal dance projects, she announced her departure from 2NE1 and YG Entertainment in April 2016 at age 22, citing a desire for individual growth after 11 years with the agency.[14][4] The group officially disbanded in November 2016.[11]2016–2019: Departure from 2NE1 and early solo career
In April 2016, YG Entertainment announced that Minzy had chosen not to renew her contract with the agency after 11 years, leading to her departure from 2NE1 to focus on solo endeavors.[14] The group proceeded as a trio for a final album and concert tour that summer, but disbanded in November 2016 following the expiration of the remaining members' contracts.[15] Minzy's exit marked the beginning of significant changes for the influential girl group, which had been a cornerstone of K-pop since their 2009 debut. Following her departure, Minzy signed an exclusive contract with The Music Works, a subsidiary of CJ E&M, in May 2016, where she began preparing her solo material under artists like Baek Ji-young.[16] She made her solo debut on April 17, 2017, with the extended play Minzy Work 01 Uno, featuring the lead single "Ninano" with rapper Flowsik.[3] The EP, which blended dance-pop and R&B elements, debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard World Albums chart and No. 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, highlighting her transition to a solo artist emphasizing her dance roots.[13] Throughout 2017 and 2018, Minzy promoted her debut through various television appearances, including guest spots on shows like One Night Food Trip Season 2 and I Can See Your Voice Season 5, where she showcased her vocal and performance skills.[17] In December 2018, she released her first English-language single, "All of You Say," a reggaeton-influenced track aimed at international audiences, accompanied by a music video that emphasized her choreography.[18] This release was part of her efforts to expand beyond Korea, though it faced challenges amid growing tensions with her agency. By September 2019, Minzy filed a lawsuit against The Music Works seeking to nullify her exclusive contract and claiming damages of approximately 50 million KRW (about $42,000 USD), citing unmet promotional promises and inadequate support for her activities.[19] The court rejected her injunction request in December 2019, keeping her bound to the label temporarily, which underscored the hurdles in her early solo phase as she navigated independence and creative control.[20]2019–present: MZ Entertainment and solo endeavors
In 2019, Minzy continued her activities under The Music Works, releasing the digital single "Tomorrow's Hangover" on August 30 as part of her ongoing solo efforts. Later that September, she filed an injunction to suspend her exclusive contract with the agency and sought 50 million KRW (approximately $42,000 USD) in compensation, citing unmet promises for album releases and promotions. The court denied her request in December, ruling that the contract remained valid despite the agency's shortcomings.[21][19] The dispute was resolved amicably in early 2020, allowing Minzy to depart from The Music Works on April 17. She marked her independence with the release of her second digital single "Lovely" on May 24, a upbeat track produced in collaboration with GFMA that highlighted her vocal and dance prowess. In October, Minzy established her own label, MZ Entertainment, to oversee her career and creative projects moving forward.[22][23][24] Under MZ Entertainment, Minzy resumed her solo releases with the collaborative single "You Are Not Alone" on January 29, 2021, featuring various artists for a mental health awareness campaign. She followed this with "Teamo" on July 11, a Latin-hip-hop infused track that debuted at No. 6 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, and "Fantabulous" on December 12, emphasizing her charismatic performance style. In 2022, she contributed to the soundtrack of the Watcha web series Double Trouble, including duets like "Must Have Love" with Inseong in January and "Energetic" with Inseong in May, as well as "When We Disco" with Jang Hyun-seung in February, showcasing her versatility in reinterpretations of classic hits. Minzy expanded her solo endeavors into live performances, launching her first Asia tour titled Glee in 2023, which kicked off with a sold-out concert in Manila on June 4 at the New Frontier Theater, where she performed hits from her 2NE1 days alongside solo tracks like "Ninano" and "Teamo." The tour highlighted her enduring dance skills and fan engagement through interactive segments. In subsequent years, she maintained momentum with standalone shows, including Minzy Live in Japan 2024 at Club Piccadilly in Osaka on December 27, blending high-energy choreography and vocal performances. No full-length album was released in 2023, though she continued with singles such as a cover of "Beautiful Fact" in January 2024. By 2025, Minzy continued solo appearances at major events, such as the KFinity Music Festival in Kuala Lumpur on November 1, solidifying her role as an independent artist focused on global outreach and dance innovation through MZ Entertainment.[25][26]2024–present: 2NE1 reunion
In July 2024, 2NE1 announced their reunion as a full group—comprising CL, Sandara Park, Park Bom, and Minzy—to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut, following discussions with YG Entertainment founder Yang Hyun-suk.[27][6] The group confirmed the news through individual social media posts, expressing gratitude to fans and hinting at upcoming performances. Minzy, in particular, shared her excitement on Instagram, describing her bandmates as "the coolest sisters in the world" and emphasizing her fortune in reuniting with them.[28] This marked the first official group activity since Minzy's departure from 2NE1 in 2016, reigniting anticipation among global fans known as Blackjacks. The reunion culminated in the "Welcome Back" world tour, which commenced with three sold-out concerts at Olympic Hall in Seoul's Olympic Park on October 4–6, 2024, drawing over 15,000 attendees across the shows.[27][29] The tour spanned 27 performances primarily in Asia, featuring high-energy sets of the group's classic hits like "I Am the Best" and "Fire," alongside solo segments that showcased each member's evolution. Minzy's performances highlighted her signature powerful dance routines, earning praise for her dynamic stage presence and updated choreography.[30] Key stops included Manila (November 2024), Tokyo (December 2024), Bangkok (January 2025), and Kuala Lumpur (February 2025), with the tour concluding via encore dates at KSPO Dome in Seoul on April 12–13, 2025.[31] In a pre-tour interview, Minzy reflected on the reunion's significance, thanking fans for their patience and committing to deliver memorable performances as repayment for their enduring support.[30] During the Seoul opener, she addressed the audience, expressing hopes that the shows would create "beautiful memories" akin to the energy received from fans.[29] The tour received widespread acclaim for recapturing 2NE1's trailblazing charisma, though no new music was released as part of the activities.[27]Artistry
Musical style
Minzy's musical style is characterized by a blend of energetic hip-hop elements and dance-oriented pop, rooted in her role as a rapper and main dancer in 2NE1. During her time with the group from 2009 to 2016, she delivered sharp, rhythmic rap verses that complemented the ensemble's bold, urban sound, often infusing performances with high-energy choreography inspired by hip-hop and street dance traditions. Her contributions emphasized fierce, empowering themes, aligning with 2NE1's signature electro-hip-hop and reggae-infused tracks.[32] Transitioning to her solo career in 2017, Minzy expanded into more versatile genres, prioritizing danceable rhythms and vocal expressiveness while maintaining a focus on choreography as a core element of her artistry. Her debut EP, Minzy Work 01 UNO, incorporated R&B, reggae, and dance-pop, with the lead single "Ninano" featuring hip-hop beats and an edgier melody to highlight her vocal range and performance prowess.[33] Subsequent releases like the 2018 single "All of You Say" fused reggaeton, K-pop, and hip-hop, showcasing her interest in global rhythms that encourage movement.[34] By 2020–2021, she ventured into acoustic pop with "Lovely," a lighter, upbeat track that allowed for emotional vocal delivery, and Latin-influenced works such as "Teamo" and "Fantabulous," which blend Latin hip-hop and pop for infectious, choreography-driven appeal.[35][36][37] In 2023, Minzy released her album MC1, continuing her exploration of dance-pop and hip-hop with self-produced elements emphasizing vibrant choreography.[5] Her influences draw from a wide array, including Michael Jackson's dynamic performance style, which shaped her early dance and rap approach, as well as rock acts like Radiohead and The Rolling Stones for their emotional depth.[38] Minzy has expressed a fondness for reggaeton and Latin pop, citing their dance-inducing beats as favorites, and old-school hip-hop for its raw energy.[39] This eclecticism reflects her evolution toward greater artistic freedom under her own label, MZ Entertainment, where she experiments with genres that suit her versatile voice and choreography expertise.[36]Influences and dance career
Minzy's influences encompass a blend of global pop icons and traditional Korean artistry, shaping her distinctive performance style. She has long admired Michael Jackson for his groundbreaking choreography and commanding stage presence, often channeling his energy in her own routines, as seen in her transformative performances during 2NE1 promotions. This admiration extends to her musical aspirations, where Jackson's innovative fusion of music and movement inspired her to pursue multifaceted artistry. Complementing this, Minzy's heritage as the granddaughter of Gong Ok-jin—a celebrated National Treasure of Korea known for her solo folk dance and pansori performances—instilled a deep sense of cultural pride and patriotism from childhood. In reflections on her grandmother's legacy, Minzy has noted how it motivates her to represent Korean traditions authentically on the global stage, blending them with contemporary expressions.[40][8] Minzy's dance career began in earnest during her childhood in Gwangju, South Korea, where she honed her skills through participation in local contests and competitions, securing multiple awards for her talent. A pivotal moment came in elementary school when a video of her competition performance gained widespread online attention, leading to her recruitment by YG Entertainment in 2006 at age 12. She underwent rigorous five-year training focused on dance, vocals, and performance, debuting as 2NE1's main dancer in 2009 at just 15 years old. Throughout the group's active years, Minzy's powerful, precise movements—characterized by sharp isolations and high energy—became a hallmark of hits like "Fire" and "I Am the Best," earning her recognition as one of K-pop's premier dancers and contributing to 2NE1's revolutionary stage presence.[41][42] Following 2NE1's hiatus in 2016, Minzy expanded her dance footprint by establishing the Millennium Dance Academy in Seoul in October 2015 as an independent venture, unaffiliated with YG. The academy serves as a training ground for aspiring dancers, offering classes in various styles and fostering a supportive environment that reflects her own early experiences; she has expressed a sense of responsibility in mentoring youth, drawing from her path of self-discovery through dance. In her solo endeavors since 2017, Minzy integrates choreography central to her releases, such as the Latin hip-hop-infused routines in "Teamo" (2021), where she collaborates with choreographers to evoke emotional depth. She describes dancing as "like my friend," a therapeutic outlet that alleviates stress and fuels her artistic evolution, even amid personal challenges like depression during her idol years. The 2024 2NE1 reunion further highlighted her enduring prowess, with performances reaffirming her role as the group's dance anchor.[43][42][6]Discography
Extended plays
Minzy released her debut extended play, Minzy Work 01: "Uno", on April 17, 2017, under The Music Works, with distribution by Genie Music and Sony Music. The EP marked her transition to a solo artist following her departure from 2NE1, showcasing her as a singer, rapper, and dancer with a focus on dance-pop and electronic influences. It consists of six tracks, including the lead single "Ninano" featuring Flowsik, which highlights Minzy's rapping and vocal delivery over an upbeat, tropical house-inspired beat.[3] The EP's production blends EDM elements with pop sensibilities, reflecting Minzy's artistic versatility. Key tracks include "Superwoman," an empowering EDM anthem emphasizing self-confidence, and "Flashlight" featuring Jay Park, which incorporates R&B and hip-hop vibes. Other songs like "ING" explore playful synth-pop, while "Beautiful Lie" adds a more introspective tone with emotional lyrics. An English rap version of "Ninano" closes the project, demonstrating Minzy's bilingual capabilities. The tracklist is as follows:| No. | Title | Featured Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Ninano" (니나노) | Flowsik | 3:11 |
| 2 | "Superwoman" (수퍼우먼) | – | 3:29 |
| 3 | "ING" (알쏭달쏭) | – | 3:19 |
| 4 | "Flashlight" | Jay Park | 3:15 |
| 5 | "Beautiful Lie" | – | 4:16 |
| 6 | "Ninano (English Rap Ver.)" (니나노) | – | 3:11 |
Singles
Minzy has released several digital singles as a solo artist since her debut in 2017, showcasing a blend of K-pop, Latin influences, and English-language tracks aimed at international audiences. Her singles often highlight her dance-oriented style and vocal range, with lead promotions emphasizing choreography and music videos. Notable releases include her debut lead single from her first EP and subsequent standalone tracks under MZ Entertainment.| Title | Release date | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Ninano" (feat. Flowsik) | April 17, 2017 | Digital single (lead from EP Minzy Work 01 Uno) | Upbeat dance track blending hip-hop and tropical house elements; debuted at No. 18 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.[3][13] |
| "All of You Say" | December 3, 2018 | Digital single | Her first English-language solo release, a reggaeton-inspired track marking her U.S. market entry; promoted during her "Dance Break" tour.[45][46] |
| "Lovely" | May 24, 2020 | Digital single | Debut release under MZ Entertainment after leaving Music Works; a vibrant pop track with empowering lyrics, followed by a Tagalog version for Philippine debut on November 20, 2020.[35][47] |
| "Teamo" | July 11, 2021 | Digital single | Latin hip-hop fusion; peaked at No. 6 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, praised for its rhythmic beats and performance.[48][49] |
| "Fantabulous" (기깔나) | December 12, 2021 | Digital single | A confident Latin pop track with addictive hooks; music video emphasized glamorous visuals and dance breaks.[50][51] |
Soundtrack appearances
Minzy has contributed to Korean drama soundtracks with emotional ballads that highlight her vocal range and interpretive skills, marking key moments in her post-2NE1 solo career.[52] Her debut solo release came in 2017 with "I Wanted to Love" (사랑하고 싶었던 거야), featured as Part 4 of the OST for the MBC historical drama Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People. Released on March 7, the track was produced by Snow Entertainment and served as her first independent single after leaving YG Entertainment, blending soft piano melodies with heartfelt lyrics about unspoken longing.[53][54] In 2018, Minzy provided "Walking" (걸어가) for Partners for Justice (also known as Investigation Couple), released on June 4 as Part 3 of the OST. This acoustic ballad, composed by Taeyunmi and arranged by Gaemi, captures themes of exhaustion and quiet resilience amid personal struggles, aligning with the drama's forensic thriller narrative.[55][52] Minzy also contributed several tracks to the Watcha Original web series Double Trouble in 2021–2022, performing duets that served as episode soundtracks.| Year | Title | Soundtrack | Album Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | I Wanted to Love (사랑하고 싶었던 거야) | Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People OST Part 4 | Released March 7, 2017; length 4:07; lyrics by Shin Jae-hong, Shin Hyung, Rapsta[53] |
| 2018 | Walking (걸어가) | Partners for Justice OST Part 3 | Released June 4, 2018; length 3:31; composed by Taeyunmi, Gaemi; arranged by Kim Se-jin[55][52] |
| 2021 | As I Told You (말하지 않아도) | Double Trouble Episode.1 Black Swan OST | Released October 8, 2021; duet with Taeil (NCT); length 3:45; cover of original by Paul Kim |
| 2022 | Must Have Love (사랑이 필요해) | Double Trouble Episode.2 Crown OST | Released January 14, 2022; duet with Inseong (SF9); length 3:00; cover of original by SG Wannabe & Gain |
| 2022 | Energetic | Double Trouble Episode.3 Sporty OST | Released January 28, 2022; duet with Inseong (SF9); length 3:30; cover of original by Wanna One |
| 2022 | When We Disco (디스코) | Double Trouble Episode.4 Legend Duet OST | Released February 18, 2022; duet with Jang Hyun-seung; length 3:04; cover of original by Sunmi & Paul Kim |
| 2022 | Me Gustas Tu | Double Trouble Episode.5 History OST | Released March 4, 2022; duet with Taeil (NCT); length 3:20; cover of original by Zion.T & Crush |
Filmography
Film roles
Minzy made her film debut in a minor capacity early in her career. In the 2009 romantic comedy Girlfriends (also known as Aloha or Girlfriends), directed by Kang Seok-beom, she appeared as a club party guest in a cameo role, marking her first on-screen appearance shortly after 2NE1's debut.[56][57] Her next film role came over a decade later in the 2022 musical drama From Today's Choir (international title: Lovely Voice: The Beginning), directed by Park Chan-yool and Yang Hoon-jik. Minzy portrayed a supporting character in this ensemble cast featuring fellow idols like Thunder from MBLAQ and Yubin from Wonder Girls, contributing to the story of aspiring singers forming a choir to chase their dreams. The film highlighted her transition into acting post-2NE1, showcasing her versatility beyond music.[58][59]Television and web shows
Minzy has appeared on numerous South Korean television and web programs, both as part of 2NE1 and in her solo endeavors, often highlighting her dance expertise, vocal talents, and vibrant personality. Early in her career, she co-hosted the group's reality series 2NE1 TV, which chronicled their professional and personal lives across multiple seasons.[60] In her post-2NE1 phase, she transitioned to contestant and judging roles on music and survival shows, while also participating in sports variety programs to demonstrate her athletic side. The following table summarizes her notable television and web show appearances:| Year | Title | Role | Network/Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2011 | 2NE1 TV (Seasons 1–3) | Main host/cast member | Mnet | Reality series documenting 2NE1's activities and tours.[60] |
| 2010 | Running Man (Episodes 156, 195) | Guest | SBS | Participated in games and challenges with 2NE1 members.[17] |
| 2017 | King of Mask Singer (Episode 121) | Contestant ("Leaf Girl") | MBC | Performed "A Painful and Painful Name" by Ann, advancing in the competition.[61] |
| 2020 | King of Mask Singer (Episode 287) | Contestant | MBC | Featured a dance battle performing 2NE1's "I Am the Best."[17] |
| 2021 | King of Mask Singer (Episode 288) | Judge/panelist | MBC | Provided feedback on contestants' performances.[17] |
| 2021 | Wild Idol | Trainer | MBC | Served as part of the trainer corps for the survival show.[17] |
| 2021–2022 | Double Trouble | Contestant | Watcha (web series) | Formed duos with other idols for music performances, including stages with Block B's Taeil and former BEAST's Hyunseung.[62] |
| 2022 | The Origin: A, B, or What? | Judge/balancer | MBN | Evaluated trainees for IST Entertainment's boy group survival program alongside Kim Sunggyu and Jay B.[63] |
| 2023 | A Song That Rings in My Ears (Episodes 9-10) | Guest | KBS2 | Appeared as a guest on the music talk show.[17] |
| 2023–2024 | Kick a Goal (Shooting Stars) | Regular member (FC Top Girl #21) | SBS | Joined as a soccer player in the female celebrity football league, appearing in over 50 episodes including the 2024 SBS Cup.[64][65] |
| 2024 | Dara Tour (Episode 1) | Guest | YouTube/OTT | Appeared alongside former 2NE1 member Dara for a travel and variety segment.[66] |
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Grand Prize Awards | 2021 | 10 People Who Shined Korea – Artist Award | Minzy | Won | Newsen |
