Won-young Jang

Jang Won-young: The Multifaceted Star of K-Pop

Early Life and Education

Jang Won-young (장원영), born on August 31, 2004, in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea, is the younger of two siblings. Her older sister, Jang Da-ah, is also in the entertainment industry as an actress under King Kong by Starship. Growing up in a bilingual environment, Jang attended an English kindergarten, which contributed to her fluency in English. She began her formal education at Seoul Shinyongsan Elementary School and later enrolled at Yonggang Middle School. However, due to her burgeoning career, she opted for home-schooling and successfully passed the middle school qualification exam with perfect scores in Korean, English, and Mathematics. Demonstrating her commitment to education, she graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) on February 9, 2023 .

Rise to Stardom: Produce 48 and IZ*ONE

Jang's entry into the entertainment world was serendipitous. She was scouted by a Starship Entertainment staff member while attending her sister's graduation ceremony. After training for just over a year, she participated in Mnet's reality-survival show "Produce 48" in 2018. Her exceptional talent and charisma led her to secure the first place, making her the center and face of the project girl group IZ*ONE . The group officially debuted on October 29, 2018, with their mini-album "Color*IZ" and its title track "La Vie en Rose." IZ*ONE quickly gained popularity, earning numerous awards and establishing a significant fanbase. The group disbanded on April 29, 2021, following the expiration of their contract.

Re-debut with IVE and Continued Success

Following IZ*ONE's disbandment, Jang returned to Starship Entertainment. On December 1, 2021, she re-debuted as a member of the girl group IVE, alongside fellow former IZ*ONE member An Yu-jin. Their debut single "Eleven" received critical acclaim and commercial success. As a member of IVE, Jang has contributed to the group's discography not only as a performer but also as a lyricist. She has writing credits for songs such as "Mine," "Shine with Me," "OTT," and "Blue Heart," showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist .

Hosting and Media Presence

Beyond her musical endeavors, Jang has made a significant impact as a television host. From October 2021 to January 2023, she co-hosted KBS's music program "Music Bank" alongside Enhypen's Sunghoon and later with Lee Chae-min. Her hosting skills were recognized when she received the Best Couple Award at the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards. Jang has also been a recurring host for major events such as the Asia Artist Awards and the KBS Song Festival, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry .

Fashion and Brand Endorsements

Jang's influence extends into the fashion and beauty industries. She has been appointed as a brand ambassador and model for numerous high-profile brands, including Miu Miu, Innisfree, Fred Joaillier, and Kérastase. In 2022, she was named the first Korean ambassador for the French jewelry brand Fred Joaillier. Her presence at the 2023 Paris Fashion Week garnered significant attention, with her appearance generating an estimated media value of $3 million for Miu Miu . In 2025, she continued her endorsement streak by becoming the promotional model for Woori Bank and the brand ambassador for Dyson Korea and Dashing Diva.

Personal Life and Interests

Known for her disciplined lifestyle and dedication to self-improvement, Jang maintains a balance between her professional and personal life. Her hobbies include cycling, photography, and flying yoga, activities she occasionally shares with fans through social media . Despite her busy schedule, she remains committed to her personal growth and well-being.

Conclusion

Jang Won-young's journey from a young trainee to a multifaceted star exemplifies her talent, resilience, and versatility. As a singer, lyricist, model, and host, she continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her position as one of the leading figures in the K-pop industry.