Hyomin
South Korean singer and actress (born 1989) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Park Sun-young (Korean: 박선영; born May 30, 1989),[1] known professionally as Hyomin (효민), is a South Korean singer and actress, known for her work as a member of South Korean girl group T-ara. Apart from her group's activities, Hyomin has also starred in various television dramas such as My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox, Gyebaek, The Thousandth Man, and in various films such as Ghastly and Jinx!!!.
Hyomin | |
|---|---|
Hyomin in October 2024 | |
| Born | Park Sun-young May 30, 1989 Busan, South Korea |
| Education | Sungkyunkwan University (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting) |
| Occupations |
|
| Agent | Andmarq |
| Spouse |
Unknown (m. 2025) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | K-pop |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Member of | |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 박선영 |
| Revised Romanization | Bak Seonyeong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Pak Sŏnyŏng |
| Stage name | |
| Hangul | 효민 |
| Revised Romanization | Hyomin |
| McCune–Reischauer | Hyomin |
| Signature | |
 | |
She debuted as a solo artist with her debut EP, Make Up, on June 30, 2014 with the lead track "Nice Body" which earned her 3 nominations at Seoul Music Awards.[2] Since then, she has released 2 EPs: Sketch (2016) and Allure (2019). In 2019, Hyomin released the digital single "Cabinet" with JustaTee, which topped Vietnam's V Heartbeat monthly chart for four consecutive months.[3]
Hyomin is known for her direct involvement with project-making, including songwriting, production, styling and design. KBS referred to her as "one of the leading fashionistas in girl groups".[4] In 2019, Hyomin launched a self-produced make-up brand named MINITT which was followed by a clothing line "Say No More" in 2021.
Early life and education
Hyomin was born Park Sun-young on May 30, 1989, in Busan, South Korea, an only child. In 1997, she won the MiMi Princess modeling contest,[5][6] and became a well-known internet ulzzang before debuting with T-ara.[7] She was a trainee under JYP Entertainment and was considered to be a replacement for Hyuna, who was a member of the Wonder Girls in 2007.[8] She got accepted into Sungkyunkwan University in 2008, prior to her debut, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts in Acting in 2011.[9]
Hyomin is Catholic and her baptismal name is Christina.[10]
Career
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2009–2011: Career beginnings
Hyomin debuted in 2009 as a member of T-ara, which made their debut stage on July 30 on the music program M Countdown with their single "Lie".On June 14, 2011, Core Contents Media announced that Hyomin would take over leadership as T-ara's third leader for their comeback album, John Travolta Wannabe, and Japanese promotions. The leader is responsible for the group's dynamic as well as determining its artistic direction by meeting composers and stylists and participating directly in album concepts and styling. She later passed on her leadership to fellow member, Park So-yeon.[11][12]
Hyomin was a regular cast member of KBS' variety show Invincible Youth from October 23, 2009, to December 24, 2010.[13] The show received positive reviews both fans and critics, earning several accolades, including an appreciation plaque from the Korean Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,[14] a President's commendation from Korea Rural Community Cooperation,[15] and a special award at the 16th Hongcheon WaxyCorn King Festival.[16] In November 2009, she was cast in the musical production of I Really Really Like You,[17] an adaption of the popular drama Love Truly.[18]
She starred in the drama My Girlfriend is a Nine-Tailed Fox as Ban Sun-nyeo, which aired from August 11 to September 30, 2010.[19] The drama achieved nationwide and later international success, ranking among the Top 10 most-watched dramas during its run. Hyomin made her big-screen debut in the horror film Ghastly, released on August 4, 2011.[20]
2012–2013: Acting career and T-ara N4
In 2012, Hyomin was cast in the musical "Our Youth Roly-Poly" along with group members Park Ji-yeon and Park So-yeon, a musical adaptation of T-ara's 2011 hit song "Roly Poly". Hyomin was also cast in the Chinese version of We Got Married, in which her partner is Fu Xinbo, a Chinese idol. On June 14, 2012, it was confirmed that Hyomin was cast in a supporting role in MBC's fantasy sitcom The Thousandth Man.[21]
On February 10, 2013, Hyomin was cast in a lead role in the Japanese film Jinx!!!, starring Kento Yamazaki and Kurumi Shimizu.[22] which earned a special nomination at Tokyo International Film Festival and marked Hyomin's first appearance at the said event. In April 2013, Hyomin along with T-ara member Hahm Eun-jung, Park Ji-yeon and former member Areum formed a subgroup called T-ara N4,[23] releasing their first mini-album titled Jeon Won Diary.
2014–present: Solo debut and label changes
On June 30, 2014, Hyomin released her first solo extended play Make Up, featuring the lead single "Nice Body". The song was hit in both in and outside Korea, peaking at number 1 on YinYueTai chart, the largest Chinese streaming platform. Her second extended play Sketch with the title track "Sketch" was released on March 17, 2016.[24][unreliable source?] The album earned Hyomin's first award at the YinYueTai V-Chart Awards for Best Female Artist.[25]
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In January 2018, Hyomin left MBK Entertainment after her contract ended.[26] She intends to continue promoting with T-ara in the future.[27] In May 2018, Hyomin joined Sublime Artist Agency to pursue her solo career in South Korea and China.[28][29][30]
On January 20, 2019, Hyomin released her second digital single, "U Um U Um" as a pre-release ahead of her third mini-album, which was scheduled for mid-February.[31] On February 20, 2019, Hyomin released her third extended play, Allure, with title track of the same name.[32] The album became Hyomin's second to surpass 10,000 physical copies sold on Gaon Chart and her first to Top the Taiwanese album chart.[33] Additionally, the song "Allure" became her fifth Number-one hit on YinYueTai chart, setting a record for the most chart-toppers by any Korean female artist.
In May 2021, Hyomin left Sublime Artist Agency after her contract with them had expired.[34] In June 2023, Hyomin signed with new agency Andmarq.[35]
Personal life
On 11 February 2025, Sports Kyunghyang announced that Hyomin will get married on 6 April 2025 to an anonymous non-celebrity who works in finance. The wedding will be held in Seoul at Hotel Shilla.[36] The couple married on April 6, 2025.[37]
Artistry
Much like her own group's career, Hyomin's discography is known for its versatility and creativity, with her experimental music and album concepts, while being directly involved in all aspects of production, from songwriting to costume design. Her debut single, "Nice Body", sparked discussions on societal beauty standards, with PopMatters praising the music video's commentary on the pressure placed on women and pop stars.[38]
Hyomin is credited as the executive producer for her albums, contributing to the production of its costumes, hair styling, packaging, choreography, music video, design, and more.[39] Recognized as "The K-Pop Female Rapper" by Vietnam's Women's Newspaper, her debut song as a songwriter garnered praise, particularly for its thoughtful lyrics.[40] In 2018, her third EP was part of a "color project", starting with the release of the single "Mango" (Yellow), proceeded by "U Um U Um" (Emerald green), and concluding with "Allure" (Red), the latter became the lead single for the EP of the same name.
Public image and impact
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In 2012, Kim Ji-il from The Korea Economic Daily praised Park's fashion sense in his article Rise of the New Fashion Icon, after one of her photos gained significant attention in South Korea. He highlighted her distinctive appearance, along with her airport fashion and stage outfits.[41] Vietnamese magazine Kenh14 selected Hyomin as one of the top Korean celebrities with the best style in 2013 praising her simple airport outfits and recognizing her as one of the idols with the best fashion style.[42]
"The Fashion Icon" and "South Korea's Fashionista", as E-Times and Chosun Ilbo described her, Park has been recognized by multiple local and international publications.[43] In 2013, Asia Time editor Cho Seonghwa referred to her as "a certified fashionista.[44] Since 2016, Cosmopolitan has frequently featured her, highlighting her fashion choices across different styles as a source of inspiration for readers.[45][46][47][48][49] In May 2022, Hyomin's fashion style on her 1-month trip to Australia became a Cosmopolitan article in which she was described as "well-rounded".[50] An editor of the magazine praised her trip looks, focusing especially on her casual outfits.
Additionally, She has landed multiple covers and editorials of numerous prominent fashion magazines both in Korea and abroad, including for Allure, Cosmopolitan [51], Vogue, Marie Claire [52], #Legend (Hong Kong), GQ, Shanghai Entertainment (China), Nylon, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle,[4] Dazed [53] and BNT International.[54] Hyomin has been a regular VIP guest at the Seoul Fashion Week since 2012, modeling for otable brands like Beyond Closet, YCH, FleaMadonna and pushBUTTON. Fashion experts frequently place her on "The Best Dressed" lists.[55][56] In January 2016, Allure Magazine praised her Seoul Fashion Week outfits for making trendy pieces wearable [57] Hyomin's influence extends beyond music into the fashion industry; hailed as "20s Wannabe Star", she is recognized as an influence for women in their 20s, especially for "bold" choices of clothes.[43][58][59]
Writing for E-Times, Hwang Yeong-cheol highlighted Hyomin's strong presence in the fashion industry, particularly after her appearances at various fashion events.[43] In 2016, Hyomin received an invite to attend the menswear brand Beyond Closet's pop-up launching show held at PMQ Shopping Mall in Hong Kong.The event, which included about 50 celebrities from the beauty industry, saw Park as the only foreign celebrity invited.[60] Hyomin is also known for her hands-on involvement in fashion styling and critique. In an interview with Dazed, she shared that she personally selects her outfits for airport appearances and public events. Additionally, she plays an active role in conceptualizing her pictorials and photoshoots, choosing the outfits and brands featured.[61]
Hyomin frequently topped the most visited and popular Cyworld pages, an old popular social platform at the time, since her debut with hundreds of thousands of weekly views.[62] over the years, Hyomin has been selected as a role model for several newer idols. In July 2018, (Former) IOI and Weki Meki member Yoojung revealed that she was inspired by Hyomin's "Nice Body" performance to become an idol as quickly as possible. In 2017, she was placed at 14th on Forbes China's Global Idol Chinese Popularity Ranking.
Business endeavors
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Fashion and beauty
On June 14, 2011, Hyomin was appointed as T-ara's leader, under the group's rotational leadership system. Leaders in this system played a critical role in conceptualizing ideas, collaborating with composers, deciding on styling, and managing group activities and schedules while providing support for members' individual projects. During her tenure, she oversaw the promotion period for T-ara's John Travolta Wannabe and Roly Poly In Copacabana.[11] Notably, Hyomin contributed to the production of the album by designing the retro-inspired stage costumes for "Roly-Poly" which featured patterns and styles reminiscent of the era, earning widespread praise.[63][64]
On June 4, 2012., Hyomin launched her exclusive clothing collection and solo shop on G-Market in collaboration with celebrity stylist Kim Sung-il.[65] The collection featured around 150 products, including one-piece dresses, beachwear, shorts, and coordination sets. Earlier that year, she became the stylist and creative director for labelmate Gangkiz's debut, personally curating costumes for their debut song "Honey Honey".[66] Hyomin also demonstrated her versatility by serving as the group's assistant photographer for their high-profile debut project, valued at approximately ₩1 Billion (~$980,000), and narrating their reality show 9 Days 8 Nights in Europe.[67]
In April 2013, Hyomin extended her creative contributions to T-ara's sub-unit, T-ara N4, where she took charge of styling for their debut single album Jeon Won Diary. She personally curated hip-hop-inspired stage costumes, incorporating baggy clothing with electronic elements and traditional South Korean themes. In 2014, to celebrate her solo debut album Make Up, Hyomin designed a special collection of T-shirts sold exclusively on T-ara's mobile app, "T-ara Holic". The collection sold out in under 24 hours, with all profits donated to charity. She also designed a set of personalized wrist-bands which were sold o the same app.[64] In 2021, she designed a summer collection, in collaboration with Korean clothing brand LAZY CORNER, which included a set of dresses, tops and skirts. In 2023, Italian-Korean tote bag brand Toitt Bag selected Hyomin as their newest model, producer and stylist for the line's future seasonal line.[68]
On February 25, 2019, Hyomin launched her exclusive cosmetic brand "MINITT" in collaboration with VT Cosmetics. She was deeply involved in the entire production process, from brand planning to product development. The brand name, a blend of "Min" from Hyomin and "Minute," symbolizes the idea of falling for MINITT's charm in an instant. Guided by her vision to inspire beauty, the brand's slogan was, "Through MINITT, you can feel Hyomin's makeup know-how, lifestyle, and inspiration." The makeup line featured a variety of products, including essence cushions, artistic eyeliners, perfumes, lip-tail pencils, and radiance ampoules.[69] In September 2021, Hyomin expanded her entrepreneurial ventures by launching her clothing line, "SAY NO MORE".[70] The brand made its debut with a pop-up store in Seoul, South Korea, on March 19, 2022. The event was graced by numerous artists and celebrities, including, Jiyeon;Eun-jung and Qri (T-ara), Woo-ri and Ji-sook (Rainbow), Yein (Lovelyz), Yebin (DIA), Jane (Momoland), Hwang Jae-gyun. Prominent industry professionals were also in attendance, such as, Ralph Joosong (Art Director), Cho Chowon (AVAM Founder and Designer ), Hong Seung-hyun (Photographer and CEO of Photomatic), Lee Se-hee (Marie Claire Korea Editor),(Esquire Korea Editor), Yoo Eana (Leha Studio Creative Director), Yoo Hanna (Leha Studio Founder and Director), Yu Haeng (DAZE DAYZ Founder and Designer), and Yun Hyun Ju (Handsome Corp Fashion Director), among others. Hyomin, as the designer behind the brand, showcased her creative direction and eye for fashion, further cementing her position as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur.[71][72]
Culinary ventures
In 2016, Hyomin appeared on the MBC Chuseok Special cooking program Idol King of Cooking.[73] In 2019, she earned a certification as a Japanese cuisine chef and expressed her aspirations to enter the food industry.[74] Her culinary pursuits continued in 2021, when she participated in the JTBC cooking show Cooking - The Birth of a Cooking King advancing to the second round as a contestant.[75]
In December 2023, Hyomin officially launched her own alcoholic brand, HyominSour, in collaboration with Brewguru. The brand, developed entirely under Hyomin's direction—from the recipe, design and visual concept, was accompanied by a pre-launch event hosted by the singer on November 30.[76] Hyomin also served as the brand's ambassador and led the promotional campaign, which included distribution plans for large supermarkets and major liquor stores.[77][78] On April 5, 2024, HyominSour received the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2024 Korea Wine & Spirit Awards.[79] The brand has since expanded with new flavors and announced its entry into the international market. The GS Retail Marketing team commended Hyomin's dedication to promotion and product development, revealing plans to create "Hyomin's Universe" through diverse promotional materials.[80] By April 24, Brewguru announced that HyominSour has topped sales charts , surpassing one million units sold in South Korea within just four months of its launch, solidifying Hyomin's success as a culinary entrepreneur.[81]
Other ventures
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Ambassadorships
In 2011, Hyomin was chosen as Thailand's ambassador and judge for the one-billion idol audition program Global Super Idol. Hyomin attended the press conference for the program in Bangkok, Thailand on September 20, 2011.[82] In 2019, Hyomin was selected as the public relations ambassador for "South Korea's National Youth Day" and received an ambassador's certificate for her role, she was chosen as an ambassador again the following year,[83][84]
Endorsements and promotions
Hyomin modeled for various shopping malls and brands such as Japanese-American store 7-Eleven before her debut.[85] In 2017, Hyomin filmed a commercial for Adidas and also served as a Style runner for the brand.[86] In 2018, Hyomin became a model for clothing brand GGPX for which T-ara modeled for in the past, she promoted the brand not only in Korea but also in Asia specifically in China due to her popularity in the country.[87] In 2020, Hyomin became the global muse for Asian cosmetic brand "Abib Global" which was sold mainly in parts of South East Asia and China. Several commercial films were released for the promotion campaign.[88] In 2022, she became French sportswear brand Le Coq Golf's muse.[89] The same year, she advertised Australian wine brand Penfolds. In November, 2022, she attended to the brand's 'Venture Beyond by Penfolds' event held in Singapore.[90] In 2023, Italian-Korean bag brand Toitt Bag selected her their newest as the model, producer and stylist.[68] In March 2025, Hyomin became a model for Spanish luxury fashion brand LOEWE.[91]
Philanthropy and activism
Hyomin is an advocate for pet protection. In July 2016, Eunjung participated in the 'Protect Us' campaign. Hosted by premium pet magazine Life & Douge and Thank You Studio, It aimed to revise the animal protection act in South Korea and prevent animal abuse.[92]
In 2014, a self-designed collection of t-shirts made by Hyo-min was put on sale exclusive on T-ara's mobile app "T-ara Holic" to celebrate her solo debut. The entire collection was sold-out in less than 24 hours. Hyomin donated all profits to charities. In September 2014, Hyomin along with T-ara members donated 1,500Kg of rice "Dongducheon Angel" Movement. She personally delivered the donation to "Dongducheon Angel" Headquarters and held an additional fan-sign event to celebrate the Chuseok holiday with Boram and Qri.[93]
In January 2017, Hyomin participated in "Give Love" campaign, a charity event organized by Save the Children Korea. Hyomin donated several personal products.[94] The same year, she, along with her groupmate Qri participated in the "Donation Applause 337 Relay" campaign. Proceeds were donated to the community chest of South Korea, Green Umbrella Children's Foundation and the Children's Rehabilitation Establishment Fund.[95]
In 2019, Hyomin donated relief supplies for the victims of Gangwon-do wildfire disaster.[96] In February 2020, Hyomin donated 3,000 masks to Daegu City citizens during the spread of COVID-19.[97] On March 8, 2022, Hyomin donated items to help the victims of the fire that started in Uljin, Gyeongbuk and has spread to Samcheok, Gangwon. Hyomin personally helped deliver the goods to charity organizations and people in need.[98]
Discography
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Extended plays
| Title | Album details | Peak positions | Sales | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [99] | ||||||
| Make Up |
|
6 |
| |||
| Sketch |
|
3 |
| |||
| Allure |
|
11 |
| |||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | ||||||
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [103] |
KOR Hot [104] |
CHN | ||||
| As lead artist | ||||||
| "Wonder Woman" (with Eunjung, Seeya and Davichi) |
2010 | 6 | — | — |
|
Non-album single |
| "Nice Body" | 2014 | 13 | 18 | — |
|
Make Up |
| "Sketch" | 2016 | 120 | — | 1 |
|
Sketch |
| "Mango" | 2018 | —[b] | — | — | Allure | |
| "U Um U Um" | 2019 | —[c] | — | — | ||
| "Allure" | —[d] | — | — | |||
| As featured artist | ||||||
| "Blue Moon" (SeeYa, Davichi and Black Pearl feat. Hyomin & Eunjung) |
2008 | — | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "—" denotes recordings which were released before the creation of the listed charts or failed to chart. | ||||||
Promotional singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [103] | ||||
| "N-Time" (Hwang Jung-eum feat. Hyomin & Eunjung) |
2009 | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Beautiful Girl" (with Brave Brothers and Electroboyz) |
2011 | 23 | Non-album single | |
| "Cabinet" (with JustaTee) |
2019 | — | Non-album single |
Soundtrack appearances
| Song | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales[111] | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR[103] | ||||
| "Coffee Over Milk" (with Jiyeon and Lee Bo-ram) |
2010 | 74 |
|
Coffee House OST Part 3 |
| "Empty Space" | 2021 | —[e] | Summer Guys OST Part 3 | |
| "—" denotes recordings which were not released in that country or failed to chart. | ||||
Compilation appearances
| Song | Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Not Everyone Can Love" (Live; with Eunjung) |
2013 | Immortal Song: Singing a Legend | Original song by Tae Jin Ah |
| "Faraway Home" (Live) (with Eunjung) |
2014 | Immortal Song: Singing a Legend (Lunar New Year Special) | Original song by Na Hoon-a |
| "Still Have You" (Live; with Eunjung) |
Music Trip Yesterday (College Song Festival) | Original song by YB | |
| "Vision" | 2017 | Mix And The City | |
| "Just One More" (prod by CashCash) (with Jessi, DJ H.ONE, Tritops, Jimin and Xie) |
|||
| "I Love You" (Live) |
2018 | King of Mask Singer | Original song by Shin Hyo-Bum |
| "Late Regret" (Live) |
2021 | The Playlist | Original song by Jo Hyun-ah |
Other appearances
| Song | Year | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Dangerous" (with Eunjung & Jiyeon) |
2013 | T-ara | "Bunny Style" |
| "Love Suggestion" | |||
| "Ooh La La" | 2017 | What's My Name? |
Songwriting credits
| Year | Album | Song | Lyrics | Music | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credited | With | Credited | With | |||
| 2014 | Make Up | "Overcome" |  |
Solo | |
Konquest |
| 2016 | Sketch | "Only We Are Aware Of Our Story" | |
With Alex Kang | |
Mokujins |
| "Still" |  |
Yeong Jun-hyung | |
— | ||
Filmography
Concerts
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Powerstar Awards | 2016 | Most Influential Female Foreign Artist | Hyomin | Nominated | [112] |
| 2017 | Nominated | [113] | |||
| 2018 | Won | [114] | |||
| 2019 | Nominated | [115] | |||
| Gaon Chart Music Awards | 2010 | Best Selling Ringtone | "Wonder Woman" | Won | [116] |
| 2015 | Weibo Star Award | Hyomin | Nominated | [117] | |
| Korea Wine & Spirit Awards | 2024 | Grand Prize (Daesang) | HYOMINSOUR | Won | [79] |
| KU Awards | 2014 | Best Female Artist | Nice Body | Won | [118] |
| MBC Drama Awards | 2011 | Best New Actress | Gyebaek | Won | [119] |
| MIMI Model Contest | 1997 | Best Model | Hyomin | Won | [5] |
| MTV Best of the Best Awards | 2014 | Best Sexy | Nice Body | Won | [120] |
| Instyle Korea Awards | 2016 | Star Beauty Award | Hyomin | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Nominated | [121] | |||
| Seoul Music Awards | 2014 | Bonsang Award (Main Prize) | Nice Body | Nominated | [2] |
| Hallyu Special Award | Nominated | ||||
| Popularity Award | Nominated | ||||
| V Live Awards | 2019 | Song of The Month – August | "Cabinet" | Won | |
| Song of The Month – September | Won | ||||
| Song of The Month – October | Won | ||||
| Song of The Month – November | Won | ||||
| 2020 | Stage of K-pop | Hyomin | Won | [122] | |
| YinYueTai V-Chart Awards | 2015 | Artist of the Year | Nice Body | Nominated | |
| 2017 | Best Female Artist | Sketch | Won | [25] | |
| Artist of the Year | Nominated |
Other recognitions
Listicles
| Publisher | Year | List | Ranking | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forbes China | 2017 | Global Idol Chinese Popularity Ranking | 14th | [125] |
Notes
References
External links
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