Meenoi
Meenoi (Korean: 미노이), born Park Min-young on April 9, 1997, is a South Korean singer-songwriter recognized for her versatile style blending R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and ballads.[1][2] Debuting on July 31, 2019, under Inplanet Entertainment with the single "NDGGA" (너답기기안), she quickly established herself as a rising talent in the Korean music scene through her smooth vocals and introspective lyrics.[2] Her debut studio album, In My Room, released in 2021, showcased her ability to craft laid-back, emotive tracks that resonated with listeners, marking a significant milestone in her early career.[2] In November 2023, Meenoi signed an exclusive contract with the prominent hip-hop label AOMG, which supported her growth by producing collaborative works such as the 2023 single "어떨것같애 (and you)" featuring Zico and "Ticket."[2] Under AOMG, she expanded her discography with her second full-length album This is my life in July 2024, which highlighted her broad musical spectrum and garnered attention for its diverse genres.[2] The EP NOI MAS, released in 2022 prior to the signing, was indicative of her evolving sound. Meenoi's career has not been without challenges; in early 2024, she faced public scrutiny over a missed promotional event, leading to tensions with AOMG that culminated in contract termination discussions.[3] By April 2024, the parties issued a joint statement reconciling and reaffirming their commitment to her music, allowing the release of This is my life.[4] However, the partnership ended amicably in February 2025 amid ongoing industry issues, including claims of embezzlement and breach of trust, which Meenoi addressed through her independent work.[3][5] Following her departure from AOMG, Meenoi launched her independent EP 2.5 VIBES on February 15, 2025, featuring five tracks like the double title songs "Hair Loss" and "Trapped," where she candidly explored personal and professional struggles through raw, confessional lyrics.[5] In April 2025, she released the single "9 to 2," further showcasing her quirky charm.[6] Beyond music, she has hosted content like the YouTube series "meenoi’s Yorizori," sharing cooking and lifestyle insights, further endearing her to fans.[2] As of November 2025, Meenoi continues to build her career independently, emphasizing artistic autonomy and resilience in the competitive K-pop landscape.Early life and education
Early years
Meenoi, born Park Min-young on April 9, 1997, in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, spent her early childhood in a rural setting before her family relocated to Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, where she was primarily raised.[7][8] Her family included her parents and an older sister, who played a role in introducing her to extracurricular activities during her formative years.[9] During elementary school in Bucheon, Meenoi's initial exposure to music came through piano lessons, which she began attending as a young child.[9] A pivotal moment occurred when she visited a karaoke room with a friend who demonstrated exceptional singing talent; motivated by a desire to surpass her friend, Meenoi started practicing singing diligently, marking the spark of her lifelong passion for music.[10] This experience, coupled with her piano training, laid the groundwork for her musical interests, though she also pursued other childhood activities such as taekwondo, which she took up in second grade at her sister's encouragement and eventually mastered to the level of a third-degree black belt, even winning a regional competition in Gyeonggi-do.[9]Academic background
Meenoi graduated from Wonmi High School in Bucheon, South Korea, where she maintained upper-middle grades and demonstrated diligence in her studies.[11][12] She subsequently enrolled at Hanyang University ERICA Campus in the Department of Practical Music, majoring in vocals as part of the 2016 class.[13][14] Admitted via the practical skills examination track, she performed a jazz piece, an original composition, and a ballad during her audition, securing a scholarship as a top-ranked entrant.[13] Her university coursework emphasized vocal training and performance techniques, building on her high school interest in music to develop skills in songwriting, arrangement, and live execution across genres like R&B and jazz.[13][15] Notable extracurricular experiences included participation in vocal showcases, such as her rendition of the jazz standard "Cheek to Cheek" during her studies.[15] Meenoi eventually withdrew from the program to prioritize her emerging career in music.[11]Career
Debut and early career (2019–2020)
Meenoi entered the South Korean music industry with her official debut on July 31, 2019, releasing the single "NDGGA" under the independent label Inplanet.[16] The track, which she wrote and composed herself, was accompanied by an official music video uploaded to YouTube on the same day, serving as her primary promotional tool to introduce her sound to audiences in the K-hip-hop and R&B genres.[17] This debut marked her transition from behind-the-scenes production work to a performing artist, with initial promotion focused on digital streaming platforms and social media channels managed by Inplanet.[18] Throughout late 2019 and early 2020, Meenoi continued releasing music under Inplanet to build momentum, including the single "Do Not Want To Do It" on October 17, 2019 and the double A-side single album "02" on February 27, 2020, featuring "Something in my" and "apple." These releases, also self-produced, emphasized her versatility in blending R&B elements with introspective lyrics, though they received modest attention within the competitive indie scene, where new artists often face challenges in securing widespread media coverage and playlist placements.[19] Promotional efforts remained grassroots, relying on lyric videos and streaming uploads to engage early fans, highlighting the hurdles of visibility for emerging female producers in K-hip-hop. In 2020, Meenoi signed with the indie label 8BallTown, a move that expanded her reach within the hip-hop community.[20] Her first release under the label was the self-written and produced single "sunbeam" on August 14, 2020, followed shortly by her debut EP "DA DA!" on September 11, 2020, which included a collaboration with pH-1 on the title track.[21] This affiliation provided better distribution through partners like Genie Music and Stone Music Entertainment, aiding her breakthrough in gaining initial traction among hip-hop listeners.[22]Breakthrough and major releases (2021–2022)
Meenoi's breakthrough came in 2021 with the release of her debut studio album In My Room on October 13, 2021, under 8BallTown. The nine-track project showcased her signature blend of mellow R&B vocals and sharp hip-hop delivery, featuring highlights like the upbeat "Salang Salang" and the edgy "Fuxk Off," which captured her quirky, introspective lyricism about personal spaces and relationships. The album received positive attention for its cohesive sound, establishing Meenoi as an emerging talent in the Korean R&B scene.[23][24] Building on this momentum, Meenoi released the single "Ghosting" (Korean: 잠수이별) featuring Woo Won-jae on August 18, 2022, produced by Code Kunst. The track, a melancholic R&B piece exploring abrupt relationship endings, peaked at number 29 on the Circle Digital Chart and garnered significant media buzz for its relatable theme and chemistry between the artists. It also earned a nomination for Best Collaboration at the 2022 MAMA Awards, marking Meenoi's first major award recognition.[25][26] Later in 2022, Meenoi dropped her second EP NOI MAS on November 30, a Christmas-themed release filled with festive yet emotional tracks like "Never Leave Me" featuring pH-1 and "Santa Coming Back" featuring Wonstein. The EP emphasized her vocal warmth and holiday-inspired storytelling, further solidifying her growing fanbase. During this period, she performed at events like the Blue Spring Hip-Hop Festival in July 2022 alongside artists such as Simon Dominic and Loco, where she delivered live renditions of her recent material, boosting her visibility in the hip-hop and R&B communities.[27][28]Label transitions and controversies (2023–2025)
In November 2023, Meenoi signed an exclusive contract with the hip-hop label AOMG, marking a significant shift in her career following her independent success.[29] Under AOMG, she released singles including "As If" (feat. Kid Milli) and the collaborative track "어떨것같애 (and you)" (feat. Zico) in 2023, along with "Ticket," which highlighted her integration into the label's roster. Her second studio album, This Is My Life, followed on July 3, 2024, which featured 11 tracks and explored themes of personal autonomy and daily struggles.[30][31] Tensions arose in early 2024 when Meenoi failed to appear for a scheduled commercial shoot, leading AOMG to issue a statement citing a "discrepancy in understanding" over the company's rights to manage such endorsements.[32] Meenoi countered by alleging embezzlement, breach of trust, and the use of a forged signature on the contract without her full consent, claiming the label had inserted a fake seal to bind her to the ad deal.[33][34] In response, Dispatch published KakaoTalk conversations and documents in March 2024, revealing that the signature was an electronic one provided by the contract platform, not a forgery, and that Meenoi had previously agreed to similar terms for other projects in 2022 and 2023.[33][34] The outlet also fact-checked her claims of unauthorized endorsements, noting AOMG's efforts to clarify the electronic process.[35] By April 2024, Meenoi and AOMG issued joint apologies, restoring mutual trust and committing to continued collaboration, with the label pledging enhanced support for her career.[4][32] However, this resolution proved temporary, as AOMG announced the contract's termination on February 5, 2025, following ongoing discussions; Meenoi confirmed the end via Instagram, expressing gratitude to supporters without detailing the reasons.[3][36] Following the termination, Meenoi transitioned to independent activities under EMA Recordings, releasing the EP 2.5 VIBES on February 15, 2025, which included the single "Trapped" alongside tracks such as "Hair Loss" and "X Cat."[37][38] The music video for "Trapped" directly addressed her past disputes, with lyrics critiquing industry exploitation and personal betrayals.[38] She continued with further independent releases, including the single "2+2=4 (Broken)" in March 2025, the EP "[MAL]" later that year, "When you feel alone" in June 2025, and "UU" in July 2025. As of November 2025, Meenoi continues to release self-produced projects independently through EMA Recordings, emphasizing artistic autonomy.Artistry
Musical style
Meenoi's music is characterized by a fusion of alternative R&B, chill R&B, soul, pop, trap, and pop rap elements, creating a distinctive sound that blends smooth, atmospheric melodies with rhythmic intensity.[39][40] Her tracks often incorporate light, funky beats alongside electronic influences, resulting in an uplifting yet laid-back vibe that distinguishes her within the Korean indie and R&B scenes.[41] Her vocal tone is soft and mesmerizing, delivered in a casual, introspective manner that mixes melodic singing with spoken-word elements, evoking a sense of personal reflection over minimalistic instrumentation like piano and percussion.[41][42] This approach, paired with dreamy and light vocal phrasing, adds emotional depth without overpowering the production.[43][24] In terms of production, Meenoi frequently takes on self-composition and arrangement roles, showcasing her hands-on involvement in crafting her sound; for instance, she wrote the lyrics and co-composed the track "Trapped" from her 2025 EP 2.5 VIBES, with arrangements handled collaboratively.[44][45] This producer background allows her to integrate trap beats and pop rap flows seamlessly into R&B frameworks, emphasizing quirky rhythms and atmospheric layers.[46] Her style has evolved from the chill, introspective R&B of her 2019–2020 debut era to more experimental blends in recent works, notably incorporating bolder trap and hip-hop influences in 2025 releases like 2.5 VIBES (February 2025), the single "2+2=4 (Broken)" (March 2025), the EP [MAL] (April 2025), "When you feel alone" (June 2025), and "UU" (July 2025), where she amplifies rhythmic edges and playful vocal cadences for a fresher, independent edge as of November 2025.[46][38][47]Themes and influences
Meenoi's lyrics frequently explore themes of daily life, relationships, emotional vulnerability, and self-reflection, drawing from personal and relatable experiences to connect with listeners. In the 2022 collaboration "Ghosting" with Woo, the track addresses the abrupt cessation of communication in romantic relationships, portraying the frustration and heartache of emotional avoidance and unrequited pursuit.[48] Similarly, her 2025 single "Hair Loss" uses the physical symptom of hair thinning as a metaphor for the mental strain of overthinking, adult responsibilities, and everyday stressors, blending humor with introspection to highlight self-reflection amid chaos.[49] She employs unique, colloquial language in her songwriting to authentically capture these intimate moments, often incorporating casual Korean expressions and spoken-word elements that mirror conversational tones from her life. This approach enhances the raw, personal feel of her narratives, making themes of vulnerability more immediate and accessible. Meenoi's creative output has been shaped by influences within the K-hip-hop scene. Her musical style's fusion of hip-hop rhythms and R&B melodies further supports the delivery of these themes, allowing for nuanced expression of vulnerability without delving into overt sentimentality.Personal life
Family and relationships
Meenoi, born Park Min-young on April 9, 1997, in Taean, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, maintains a notably private family life with limited public disclosures about her immediate relatives.[18] She was raised by her parents alongside an older sister and a younger sister born in 2003, though specific details on their names or professions remain undisclosed.[18] No verified information exists regarding direct influences from her parents on her upbringing or career path, reflecting her general reticence in sharing familial anecdotes beyond basic composition.[18] Public knowledge of sibling dynamics is similarly sparse, with no reports of overt family support in her music endeavors or collaborative appearances involving her sisters. Meenoi has occasionally alluded to a close-knit family environment during her formative years in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, but she avoids elaborating on personal interactions to preserve privacy.[18] Regarding romantic relationships, Meenoi has no confirmed dating history, consistently emphasizing her preference for keeping such matters out of the public eye amid her rising fame in the K-hip-hop scene. In 2023, she directly refuted rumors of a romantic involvement with AOMG labelmate Woo Won-jae, clarifying in a YouTube video that their collaboration on the track "Ghosting" stemmed from a platonic friendship rather than anything more.[50][51] This approach underscores her broader strategy of compartmentalizing professional success from personal intimacies, allowing her to navigate celebrity scrutiny without substantiated romantic disclosures.Interests and pets
Meenoi is a dedicated pet owner with two cats, Mingming and Sesum, whom she has described as adorable and gentle companions in her home.<sup>[52]</sup> These pets play a significant role in her public image, frequently appearing in content that highlights her relaxed and endearing personal side.<sup>[52]</sup> Beyond her feline family, Meenoi has shown a keen interest in cooking, which she explores through her hosted web series Meenoi's Yorizori (2021–2022), a casual program produced by AOMG where she prepares meals alongside guests, blending culinary experimentation with lighthearted banter.<sup>[53]</sup> The series underscores her enjoyment of home cooking as a leisurely pursuit, allowing her to connect with others over simple, everyday recipes.<sup>[53]</sup> She also incorporates elements of her casual routines, such as unwinding with music or light exercise, into her lifestyle, reflecting a balanced approach to personal leisure amid her professional commitments.<sup>[54]</sup> <sup>[52]</sup> Kpop Singers profile<sup>[53]</sup> Weverse Magazine article
<sup>[54]</sup> Kpop Profiles
Other ventures
Television appearances
Meenoi made her notable television debut as a contestant on the MBC variety show King of Mask Singer during the 177th Generation, spanning episodes 355 and 356, which aired on May 15 and 22, 2022, respectively.[55] Performing under the mask name "Mackerel" (고등어), she competed in a blind vocal battle format, showcasing her singing abilities without revealing her identity. In the first round, Mackerel defeated "Mother" (Lee Yeon-kyung), who performed "Round and Round" (빙글빙글) by Na-mi, securing a victory with 15 votes to 6 and advancing to the next stage.[56] In the second round, she performed a soulful cover of "One More Chance" (널 생각해) by One More Chance but was defeated by "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" (스물다섯 스물하나) with a vote of 5 to 16, leading to her elimination and unmasking as Meenoi.[57] During the reveal, Meenoi expressed fulfillment in achieving her long-held dream of performing masked on the show, emphasizing her desire to be recognized as a singer-songwriter rather than solely a rapper, which highlighted her vocal versatility to a wide audience.[58] Prior to 2023, Meenoi appeared as a guest on several popular Korean variety programs, further endearing her quirky and charismatic persona to viewers. On May 7, 2022, she joined tvN's Amazing Saturday (놀라운 토요일) in episode 211, participating in the show's signature word-guessing games alongside hosts and fellow guests Joo Woo-jae and Joo Hyun-young, where her humorous reactions and quick wit contributed to the episode's lively energy.[59] Days later, on May 12, 2022, she guested on SBS's The Tale of Nogari (꼬리에 꼬리를 무는 그날 이야기), discussing personal anecdotes tied to trending search terms like "sunglasses," which playfully referenced her public image and added a relatable touch to her on-screen presence.[60] In July 2022, Meenoi featured on MBC's Radio Star in a special "Dance Prodigy" episode aired on July 13, where she displayed her dance skills, including a viral "G.N Dance," and engaged in candid conversations about her career, solidifying her reputation as an entertaining all-rounder.[61] These television outings, especially her competitive showcase on King of Mask Singer, amplified Meenoi's visibility by exposing her multifaceted talents to mainstream audiences, bridging her underground hip-hop roots with broader pop appeal and aiding her ascent in the competitive music landscape during 2022.[62]Web series and media projects
Meenoi hosted Meenoi's Yorizori, a cooking talk show series produced by AOMG and aired exclusively on the label's official YouTube channel.[63] The show premiered on August 27, 2021, with its first episode featuring rapper Loco as the guest, where Meenoi prepared simple home-style dishes while engaging in lighthearted conversations.[64] The format emphasized casual interactions in a relaxed kitchen setting, blending cooking tutorials with personal anecdotes to highlight Meenoi's unfiltered and endearing personality, often marked by her self-deprecating humor and awkward charm.[65] This approach allowed guests to open up in a low-pressure environment, contrasting with the high-energy demands of traditional Korean variety programming.[65] The series spanned three seasons, running from 2021 to 2022. Season 1 included episodes with musicians like Woo and BE'O, while Seasons 2 and 3 expanded to feature prominent actors and idols such as Ra Mi-ran and Kim Moo-yul in Season 3, Episode 17; Lee Dong-wook in Season 3, Episode 16; and high-profile pairs like Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung in Season 3, Episode 11 (aired July 22, 2022).[66][67][68] Meenoi's hosting role not only demonstrated her culinary skills but also served as a platform to reveal her approachable and relatable side beyond her music persona, fostering deeper fan connections through authentic moments.[65] Meenoi's Yorizori received positive reception for its fresh take on variety content, appealing particularly to younger audiences who preferred its intimate, YouTube-native style over broadcast television.[69] Critics and viewers praised the show's ability to showcase Meenoi's natural charisma and create comfortable guest dynamics, with episodes often garnering millions of views; for instance, the Lee Jung-jae and Jung Woo-sung installment amassed over 5.8 million views shortly after release.[65][68] Beyond the series, Meenoi engaged in interactive digital content through Instagram Live sessions, where she connected directly with fans via unscripted broadcasts discussing personal updates and career reflections.[70] Following her departure from AOMG on February 5, 2025, she continued independent digital activities, including Instagram posts and reels to announce projects like her EP 2.5 VIBES on February 10, 2025, maintaining an active online presence for fan engagement.[71][72] As of November 2025, no major new television appearances or web series have been reported.Discography
Studio albums
Meenoi's debut studio album, In My Room, was released on October 13, 2021, through 8BallTown. The album explores introspective themes of personal emotions and inner spaces, blending alternative R&B with trap elements across its nine tracks. Key singles included "Fuxk off," which served as a pre-release track highlighting Meenoi's versatile vocals and rap delivery. The album debuted and peaked at number 44 on the Circle Chart's weekly album rankings for the week of November 10, 2021. Critical reception praised its concise structure and Meenoi's charismatic vocal performance, though production was noted as unremarkable.[73][74][75]Tracklist
- LIVIN (Intro)
- 살랑살랑
- Fuxk off
- Fish
- In my room (Interlude)
- 우리사랑을만들어 (feat. 종한)
- 지갑에게
- 못참아! (feat. Woo)
- In My Room (Outro)[73]
Tracklist
- No.3
- HIP AS F (ㅈ나 힙하게)
- Pick you up (꼬셔야겠어)
- 10mint (10분 안에)
- A night of crisis (오늘 밤은 고비다)
- 지금 여기에
- This is my life
- Hair Loss (탈모)
- X Cat
- I hate you
- Outro[30][77]
Extended plays
Meenoi's holiday-themed EP, Noi Mas, was released on December 1, 2022, under 8BallTown. It delves into festive and relational motifs, incorporating jazz, R&B, and pop influences to evoke year-end reflections and intimacy. Production emphasized collaborative features with artists like Wonstein and pH-1, creating a warm, varied soundscape. The project charted modestly on the Circle Chart but lacked detailed sales figures in public records. No certifications were awarded.[79]Tracklist
- Santa Coming Back (feat. Wonstein)
- Never Leave Me (feat. pH-1)
- No Santa
- Cheek to Cheek
- faraway
- Precious
Tracklist
- No.2
- NEEDS
- Hair Loss (머리카락 빠질라)
- X Cat (X연 고양이)
- Trapped