Personal Details
- Full Name: Heo Young-ji (허영지)
- Stage Name: Youngji
- Birth Date: August 30, 1994 (Age: 30)
- Birth Place: Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
- Occupation: Singer, Actress, Entertainer, Television Personality
- Years Active: 2014–present
- Agency: SM C&C (2024–present), DSP Media (2014–2024)
- Group Affiliation: KARA (2014–2016, 2022–present)
- Fandom Name: Hurming
- Fandom Color: Pearl-Peach
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @youngji_02
- Threads: @youngji_02
- YouTube: Youngji
- Twitter: @dokgodieinsaeng
- Weibo: Youngji
Career Overview
Heo Young-ji (허영지), commonly known as Youngji, is a South Korean singer, rapper, dancer, and television personality who rose to fame as a member of the girl group KARA and later established herself as a successful solo artist and entertainer.
Early Career and KARA
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Youngji debuted in 2014 as the new member of the iconic K-pop girl group KARA, joining after a public audition process called KARA Project. She replaced former members who had left and quickly gained attention for her powerful vocals, dance skills, and charismatic stage presence.
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During her time with KARA, she contributed to various releases and tours until the group’s eventual disbandment in 2016, which marked the end of an era for the group.
Solo Music and Rap Career
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After KARA, Youngji transitioned into a solo career with a focus on rap and hip-hop. She garnered widespread recognition by winning the third season of the competitive rap show High School Rapper, showcasing her talent as a rapper.
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She further cemented her status as a leading female rapper by becoming the first female contestant to win the popular hip-hop competition show Show Me the Money (Season 10), which boosted her credibility and popularity within the Korean hip-hop scene.
Television and Variety Shows
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Beyond music, Youngji has been active on South Korean television, appearing in a variety of programs as a guest and host.
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She hosts her own YouTube talk show titled My Alcohol Diary, where she conducts intimate and candid interviews with celebrities, discussing their personal and professional lives.
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She has appeared on popular variety shows such as Earth Arcade, demonstrating her vibrant personality and versatility as an entertainer.
Fashion and Brand Endorsements
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In 2023, Youngji made history by becoming the first South Korean global ambassador for the luxury brand Coach, reflecting her influence and status beyond music.
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She often collaborates with fashion brands and appears in campaigns, making her a style icon to many fans.
Public Image and Influence
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Youngji is known for her strong stage presence, confident rap style, and relatable personality, which have helped her maintain a loyal fanbase.
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Her success in hip-hop competitions has opened doors for more female rappers in a traditionally male-dominated genre.
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She actively engages with fans across social media, sharing insights into her life and career.
Personal Life & Interests
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Background: Youngji was born on August 30, 1994, in Gwangju, South Korea. She grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged her passion for music and performing arts from a young age.
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Personality: Known for her bright and cheerful personality, Youngji is often described as down-to-earth and approachable by fans and peers alike. Her genuine charm shines through both on and off stage.
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Hobbies: Outside of her professional career, Youngji enjoys various activities including dancing, rapping, and writing music. She has expressed interest in fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Interests:
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Music and Dance: Music is central to her life, and she continuously hones her skills in rap and dance.
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Fashion: Youngji has a strong passion for fashion, which is reflected in her collaborations with luxury brands and her own stylish public appearances.
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Travel: She enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, often sharing glimpses of her trips with fans on social media.
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Cooking: Youngji occasionally shares cooking videos or posts, showing a playful side to her culinary interests.
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Philanthropy: She has participated in charity events and supports causes related to youth and education, reflecting her desire to give back to the community.
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Public Image: Youngji embraces authenticity and often speaks about mental health awareness, encouraging fans to stay positive and resilient.
Net Worth
As of July 2025, Heo Young-ji (허영지), known mononymously as Youngji, has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million. This estimation reflects her multifaceted career as a singer, dancer, actress, and television personality in South Korea.
Youngji gained prominence in 2014 after winning the reality show KARA Project, leading to her joining the K-pop girl group KARA. Following the group’s disbandment in 2016, she pursued a solo career, releasing music and appearing on various variety shows. Her income sources include music sales, television appearances, brand endorsements, and public performances.
Awards & Achievements
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Music & Variety
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Beauty Icon Award
At the 2021 Korea Best Awards, Youngji received the Beauty Icon Award, celebrating her influence and presence in the entertainment industry. -
Immortal Songs 2 – “Festival” Performance
In 2018, Youngji impressed audiences with her energetic performance of “Festival” by Uhm Jung Hwa on KBS’s Immortal Songs 2. She secured a win with 422 points, narrowly losing the final round by a single point.
Television & Broadcasting
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SBS Entertainment Awards 2014 – Female Newcomer
Youngji was nominated for the Show Variety Female Newcomer award at the 2014 SBS Entertainment Awards for her participation in the variety show Roommate. -
Blue Dragon Series Awards 2023 – Best New Female Entertainer
She was nominated for the Best New Female Entertainer award at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards for her role in the reality show Change Days.
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Fun Facts
- He was a college football quarterback before pursuing music.
- He raps in an offbeat style that went viral on social media.
- He jokingly ran for President in 2020 on Instagram.
- He is an avid boxer and trains regularly outside of music.
- He opened a restaurant called Blue’s Fish & Soul in California.


