Irene

Biography

Bae Joo-hyun, known professionally as Irene, is a South Korean singer, rapper, dancer, actress, television host, and model. She is best known as the leader, main rapper, lead dancer, vocalist, visual, and center of the South Korean girl group Red Velvet, managed by SM Entertainment. She is also a member of the sub-unit Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi and has pursued solo and acting activities throughout her career.

Early Life and Education

Bae Joo-hyun was born on March 29, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea, and grew up in the Buk-gu district of the city. She has a younger sister and comes from a close-knit family. Irene attended Haknam High School in Daegu, where she completed her secondary education.

Her interest in performing began early, and she was recognized for her beauty and stage presence even before her official debut. In 2009, she successfully auditioned for SM Entertainment and became a trainee, undergoing five years of training in vocals, dance, and performance under the company’s intensive development system.

Career

Pre-Debut and SM Rookies (2009–2014)

While training at SM Entertainment, Irene appeared in music videos for labelmates, including Henry Lau’s “1-4-3 (I Love You)” in 2013 and other company projects that showcased her developing skills. On December 9, 2013, she was revealed as part of SM Rookies, a pre-debut trainee team created to introduce future SM artists to the public.

Debut and Red Velvet Activities (2014–present)

Irene officially debuted as a member of Red Velvet on August 1, 2014, with the digital single Happiness, marking the beginning of her professional music career. As the leader of the group, she has played a central role in establishing Red Velvet’s musical identity, known for their dual concept blending bright “Red” and more sophisticated “Velvet” styles.

With Red Velvet, Irene has contributed to numerous successful albums and singles, performing on major music shows, tours, and international stages. The group has become one of K-pop’s leading acts, widely celebrated for their artistic versatility and global impact.

Sub-Unit: Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi (2020–present)

In 2020, Irene formed the first official Red Velvet sub-unit with fellow member Seulgi, titled Red Velvet – Irene & Seulgi. The duo debuted with the extended play Monster, showcasing a more mature and dynamic musical style. The sub-unit continued activity with further releases and performances.

Solo and Acting Career

Beyond group activities, Irene has expanded into acting and television hosting. She hosted music programs such as Music Bank (2015–2016) and variety shows including Laundry Day (2016–2017) and Irene’s Work & Holiday (2022). As an actress, she appeared in the 2016 web drama Women at a Game Company and starred in the 2021 film Double Patty, playing the lead role. In 2024, she also made her solo music debut with the mini-album Like A Flower. 

Controversy

In October 2020, Irene was involved in a public controversy after a former stylist alleged that she had been subjected to verbal abuse by the singer during a professional work setting. The stylist shared the experience through a social media post, describing inappropriate behavior and emotional distress caused by the incident. Although the post did not initially name Irene, it was later confirmed that she was the individual involved.

Following widespread public discussion and media coverage, SM Entertainment released an official statement acknowledging the incident. Irene subsequently issued a public apology, expressing remorse for her actions and stating that she had personally met with the stylist to apologize directly. She admitted that she had acted thoughtlessly and reflected on her behavior.

After the incident, Irene temporarily reduced her public activities. Over time, she gradually resumed group and individual schedules, continuing promotions with Red Velvet and pursuing solo and acting projects.