Minzy
Gong Min-ji (born January 18, 1994), known professionally as Minzy, is a South Korean singer, rapper, and dancer.[1] She rose to international prominence as the maknae, main dancer, lead rapper, and lead vocalist of the YG Entertainment girl group 2NE1, which debuted in 2009 and became one of the leading acts in second-generation K-pop with hits like "I Am the Best" and "Fire."[2] Minzy's powerful dance skills and charismatic stage presence established her as a key figure in the group's edgy, influential style that blended hip-hop, electronic, and pop elements.[3] In April 2016, Minzy left 2NE1 amid the group's eventual disbandment the following year, citing personal reasons including struggles with mental health; she later revealed in interviews that depression and suicidal thoughts contributed to her departure.[4] Transitioning to a solo career, she signed with The Music Works and released her debut single "I Wanted to Love" in January 2017, which served as the OST for the historical drama Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People.[5] Her official solo debut followed on April 17, 2017, with the mini-album Minzy Work 01 Uno, led by the upbeat dance track "Ninano," marking her evolution into a multifaceted artist focused on vibrant choreography and self-produced elements.[3] Minzy has since released additional solo projects, including the 2020 single "Lovely", while expanding into acting and variety shows.[1] In 2024–2025, she rejoined her 2NE1 bandmates—CL, Dara, and Bom—for the group's reunion world tour Welcome Back, performing across Asia in cities like Tokyo, Singapore, and Taiwan, reigniting fan enthusiasm for their legacy.[6] Beyond music, Minzy remains active in dance festivals and endorsements, solidifying her status as a enduring icon in K-pop known for her resilience and artistic versatility.[7]Biography
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 |