Personal Details :
- Full Name: Nicole Yongju Jung (정용주)
- Stage Name: Nicole
- Date of Birth: October 7, 1991 (age 33)
- Birthplace: Glendale, California, USA
- Nationality: Korean-American
- Height: 165 cm (5′5″)
- Blood Type: A
- Education: Attended Mark Keppel Elementary & Toll Middle (GL), studied at Konkuk University
- Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Dancer, Actress
- Years Active: 2007–present
- Group Membership: KARA (2007–2014, 2022–present)
- Solo Label: iNKODE (since February 2025)
- Languages: Korean, English, Japanese
- MBTI: ENFJ
- Instruments: Vocals, Violin
Social Media Presence :
- Instagram: @nicolej112
- Twitter: @nicolej112
- YouTube: Nicole Jung Official
- Facebook: Nicole Jung Official
Career Overview :
Early Life and Debut with KARA
Born on October 7, 1991, in Glendale, California, Nicole Yongju Jung, known mononymously as Nicole, moved to South Korea in 2007 to pursue a career in music. She debuted as the youngest member of the girl group KARA under DSP Media on March 29, 2007, with their single “Break It”. The group quickly gained popularity with hits like “Honey” and “Mister,” the latter featuring the iconic “butt dance” choreography that became a defining moment in K-pop history.
Solo Career
In January 2014, Nicole left KARA after choosing not to renew her contract with DSP Media. She then trained extensively in the U.S. before making her solo debut in Korea with the mini-album First Romance in November 2014. Her Japanese debut followed in 2015 with singles like “Something Special” and the album Bliss (2016), solidifying her as a solo act in both Korea and Japan.
Reunion with KARA
In 2022, Nicole rejoined the remaining original members of KARA (Gyuri, Seungyeon, Jiyoung, and herself) for a special 15th-anniversary comeback with the album MOVE AGAIN. The release was seen as a tribute to the group’s late member Goo Hara and marked their first group activity in nearly a decade.
Recent Activities (2023–2025)
Nicole continued to release solo singles such as “You.F.O” (2022), “Mysterious” (2023), and “5!6!7!8!” (2024), blending her signature dance-pop style with fresh production. In 2024, she joined the Chinese survival show Ride the Wind 2024, where she topped early rankings and captivated a new audience with her maturity and versatility.
As of 2025, Nicole has signed with INKODE Entertainment, where she is expected to expand her solo activities in Korea and China while maintaining close ties with KARA.
Personal Life & Interests :
- Nicole was born and raised in Glendale, California, before moving to South Korea to pursue her music career.
- She is known for her passion for dancing and often incorporates it into her solo performances.
- Nicole enjoys spending time with family and friends and often shares moments from her personal life on social media.
- She is interested in fashion and has been involved in various style and beauty projects.
- Nicole is fluent in English and Korean, which has helped her connect with fans worldwide.
Net Worth :
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $5 million
Primary Sources of Income:
- Music Career: Earnings from album sales, digital streaming, and royalties from her work with KARA and as a solo artist.
- Endorsements: Collaborations with various brands and appearances in commercials.
- Television Appearances: Participation in variety shows and dramas, contributing to her income.
- Social Media and YouTube: Revenue from her active presence on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Note: Net worth estimates can vary, and the figures provided are based on available information as of 2025.
Awards & Achievements :
- 2009: Nominated for Mnet 20’s Choice Award – Hot New Variety Star
- 2012: Won 2nd Place in Miss Korea at Miss and Mister Idol Korea 2012
- 2024: Won Best Stage Charisma of the Year at the Weibo Music Awards
- 2024: Won Best Stage of the Year on the Chinese variety show Ride the Wind 2024
Fun Facts :
- Nicole is fluent in both English and Korean, making her a versatile entertainer in both countries.
- She trained extensively in the United States before debuting with KARA.
- Nicole is known for her powerful dance skills and often participates in choreography creation.
- She is close friends with several K-pop idols and often appears in their social media posts.
- Nicole is a big fan of musical theater and enjoys watching Broadway shows when she can.