Kim Yu-bin

Kim Yu-bin was born in Gwangju, on October 4, 1988.{{cite book|author=Mark Russell|title=K-Pop Now!: The Korean Music Revolution|page=80|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=etDZAwAAQBAJ|date=April 29, 2014|publisher=Tuttle Publishing|isbn=978-1-4629-1411-1}} She lived in Korea until high school, attending Anyang High School for a while before moving to San Jose, California, where she studied at and graduated from Leland High School.{{Cite web|title='The Wonder Girls': How the TV Movie Helped Set the Stage For Korean Pop's Global Takeover in 2012|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/wonder-girls-tv-movie-kpop-nick-1235035708/|website=Billboard|language=en-US|last=Michel|first=Patrick St|date=February 24, 2022|orig-date=February 24, 2022|access-date=October 31, 2024|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224220832/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/wonder-girls-tv-movie-kpop-nick-1235035708/|url-status=live}} Yubin graduated from Myongji University with a degree in Film and Music.

She was originally set to debut as a member of Five Girls under Good Entertainment, along with G.NA, After School's Uee, Secret's Jun Hyo-seong, and Spica's Yang Ji-won. However, the group disbanded shortly before their scheduled debut in 2007 due to Good Entertainment's financial troubles and the members all left for separate South Korean entertainment companies.{{cite news|title=Spica's Yang Ji Won Talks Being the Last Five Girls′ Girl|url=http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/3179/spicas-yang-ji-won-talks-being-the-last-five-girls-girl|work=enewsWorld|publisher=CJ E&M|author1=Kim JiYeon|date=February 3, 2012|df=mdy-all|access-date=February 18, 2015|archive-date=February 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219014421/http://mwave.interest.me/enewsworld/en/article/3179/spicas-yang-ji-won-talks-being-the-last-five-girls-girl|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Wonder Girls}}

File:Yubin in 2007 02.jpg

Yubin made her debut as a new member of the Wonder Girls on September 7, 2007. She was introduced as the main rapper of the group, replacing Hyuna.{{cite news|script-title=ko:원더걸스, 새멤버 공개..19세 김유빈|url=http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007090508020097127|publisher=Star News|language=ko|last=Kim|first=Won-gyum|date=September 5, 2007|access-date=October 8, 2007|archive-date=August 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802215412/http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007090508020097127|url-status=dead}} Although she is known mostly as the rapper of the Wonder Girls, Yubin occasionally acts as an additional vocalist to the group. Examples of which include, "This Time" and "Wishing on a Star". Aside from performing with the group, she has appeared in several music videos including labelmate 2PM's "10 Out of 10" and Shinhwa's "Once in a Life Time". Yubin has also featured in several different artists' singles, i.e. Shinhwa's Andy Lee, Lee Min-woo, Kim Bum-soo, and Chun G. In 2008, she made a short cameo in MBC's popular sitcom, Here He Comes.

Yubin showcased her written lyrics for the first time in Kim Bum-soo's song "Do You Know That?". Since then, Yubin has written her own raps for several other songs. In 2011, she wrote the lyrics for "Girls Girls", "Me, In", and "Sweet Dreams" from the Wonder Girls' second studio album Wonder World. Yubin also wrote the song "Hey Boy" for the group's mini album Wonder Party released on June 3, 2012. In 2013, she made her official acting debut in OCN's drama, The Virus, where she played the role of Lee Joo-yeong, a genius hacker and an IT specialist.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls′ Yubin Cast for OCN′s ′The Virus′|url=http://mwave.interest.me/news/newsdetail/print/popup.m?searchNewsVO.news_id=201302011811_28130|website=Mwave|date=February 1, 2013|df=dmy-all|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035703/http://mwave.interest.me/news/newsdetail/print/popup.m?searchNewsVO.news_id=201302011811_28130|url-status=dead}}

File:Kim Yu-bin at a fanmeet in July 2016 02.jpg

On June 24, 2015, it was announced that the Wonder Girls will be making comeback after two-year hiatus as a band.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls confirmed to return as band|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201506250933404661012_2|website=Kpop Herald|publisher=The Korea Herald|last=Ho-jung|first=Won|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=June 25, 2015|archive-date=August 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813224830/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201506250933404661012_2|url-status=live}} On August 17, 2015, Yubin was confirmed to join Unpretty Rapstar{{'s}} second season. Her popularity exploded and as a consequence, her makeup and hairstyle became popular in South Korea.{{Cite news|script-title=ko:유빈 '무심한 헤어 걸크러쉬' 전문가의 리얼팁-'언프리티 랩스타2|url=http://chicnews.mk.co.kr/article.php?aid=144825256680086014|last=김|first=수경|date=November 23, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2016|archive-date=April 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418162138/http://chicnews.mk.co.kr/article.php?aid=144825256680086014|url-status=live}}

On January 26, 2017, it was announced that the Wonder Girls were to disband after their contracts had expired. Yubin was one of two members who chose to remain with JYP Entertainment as solo artists and renewed her contract.{{cite news|title=Wonder Girls share thoughts about disbandment|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201702101646232909170_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=Kpop Herald|date=February 10, 2017|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035518/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201702101646232909170_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}}

The group released their final single, "Draw Me", on February 10.{{cite web|script-title=ko:JYP 측 "원더걸스 해체...예은·선미 떠난다" [공식입장 전문]|url=http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0000942230&gid=999339&cid=1054686|access-date=January 30, 2017|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616054036/http://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=213&aid=0000942230&gid=999339&cid=1054686|url-status=live}}

In April 2018, Yubin announced that she is preparing her solo debut through a Cosmopolitan magazine interview.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[화보] 유빈 "데뷔 후 첫 솔로앨범 준비..다른 원더걸스 활동 보면 대견해"|url=http://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003765691|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=June 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605095412/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=109&aid=0003765691|url-status=live}} On May 15, JYP Entertainment announced that she has finished filming the music video for the lead single, which is planned to be released alongside her album in early June.{{cite web|script-title=ko:[공식입장] JYP 측 "유빈 MV 촬영 완료, 솔로 데뷔일 미정"|url=http://m.entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0000646644}}{{cite web|script-title=ko:[단독] 원더걸스 유빈, 데뷔 11년만 솔로데뷔...6월초 출격확정|url=http://m.entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003782808|access-date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143444/http://m.entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003782808|url-status=live}} Yubin's first single album City Woman was released digitally on June 5, 2018, with the retro lead single "Lady".{{cite magazine|title=Former Wonder Girls Member Yubin Debuts First Solo Song 'Lady': Watch the Video|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8459434/wonder-girls-yubin-lady-video|magazine=Billboard|date=June 15, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909040939/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8459434/wonder-girls-yubin-lady-video|url-status=live}} The B-side track, "City Lover", was not released due to copyrights after previously announcing the track would be delayed,{{cite web|title=Yubin cancels release of new song amid plagiarism dispute|url=http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201806071823581408225_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|website=Kpop Herald|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=September 8, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035506/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201806071823581408225_2&ACE_SEARCH=1|url-status=live}} due to similarities with Mariya Takeuchi's 1984 Japanese city pop song "Plastic Love".{{cite news|title=Yubin cancels release of new song amid plagiarism dispute|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/06/07/3001000000AEN20180607008500315.html|work=Yonhap News Agency|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=October 29, 2018|archive-date=October 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029112329/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/06/07/3001000000AEN20180607008500315.html|url-status=live}}

On November 27, 2018, Yubin's first EP #TUSM was released digitally alongside the title track "Thank U Soooo Much".{{Cite magazine|title=Yubin Unleashes Her Galactic Goddess in 'Thank U Soooo Much' Video: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8486817/yubin-thank-u-soooo-much-video|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=January 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102021633/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/8486817/yubin-thank-u-soooo-much-video|url-status=live}} The song's lyrics tell off a former partner for providing "too much information" during a breakup, sarcastically thanking them for their unnecessary revelations. Yubin co-wrote all three tracks on the EP and also co-composed the third track "Game Over". "Thank U Sooo Much" charted at number 21 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, marking her first appearance on the chart.

In April 2019, Yubin served as a judge for the JTBC dance competition television show Stage K.{{cite web|script-title=ko:산다라박 "'스테이지K' 통해 2NE1 오랜만에 뭉치고파"|trans-title='We want to get 2NE1 back together for Stage K,' says Sandara Park|url=https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003981326|website=Naver|language=ko|date=April 2, 2019|access-date=October 26, 2019|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406114304/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=109&aid=0003981326|url-status=live}} On October 30, Yubin released her third single album, Start of the End, alongside lead single "Silent Movie" featuring Yoon Mi-rae.{{cite web|script-title=ko:'30일 컴백' 유빈 "신곡 '무성영화', 톤 다운된 콘셉트..새로운 모습 보여드릴 것"|trans-title=Yubin to return with toned-down concept with "Silent Movie" on October 30th|url=https://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/10/24/2019102401549.html|website=The Chosun Ilbo|language=ko|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=October 26, 2019|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025203623/https://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/10/24/2019102401549.html|url-status=live}} She co-wrote "Silent Movie" and wrote the B-side track "Not Yours".

File:Kim Yu-bin in June 2020.png

Yubin left JYP Entertainment on January 25, 2020, with her departure announced three days later.{{cite web|script-title=ko:JYP 측 "유빈·혜림 전속계약 종료..함께해 영광이었다"[전문]|trans-title=JYP announces, "Yubin and Hyerim's contract ended, it's been an honor"|url=https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20200128143737924|website=Daum|language=ko|date=January 28, 2020|access-date=January 28, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128064220/https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20200128143737924|url-status=live}} In February 2020, Yubin founded her own music label, RRR Entertainment.{{cite web|title=Wonder Girls' Yubin has Successfully Established Her Own RRR Entertainment Agency|url=https://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/291608/20200218/wonder-girls-yubin-has-successfully-established-her-own-rrr-entertainment-agency.htm|website=Kpopstarz|access-date=February 18, 2020|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221030531/http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/291608/20200218/wonder-girls-yubin-has-successfully-established-her-own-rrr-entertainment-agency.htm|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source|reason=Per WP:KO/RS#UR|date=February 2025}} Former bandmate Woo Hye-rim is also signed to the label.

In May 2020, Yubin released her single "Yaya (Me Time)", her first released under her own music label named RRR Entertainment (usually stylized in all lowercase).{{cite web|title=Yubin Enjoys Her Freedom In Easy-Going "yaya (ME TIME)" MV|url=https://www.soompi.com/article/1399830wpp/yubin-shares-fun-teaser-for-1st-comeback-since-starting-her-own-agency|website=Soompi|date=May 12, 2020|access-date=May 12, 2020|archive-date=May 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519141037/https://www.soompi.com/article/1399830wpp/yubin-shares-fun-teaser-for-1st-comeback-since-starting-her-own-agency|url-status=live}} Since, she has also released the special single "Wave", in partnership with CLEF Entertainment on their project "Traveller", in December 2020.{{cite web|title=Yubin (Wonder Girls) reveals preview of 'Wave' in making-of film|url=https://www.allkpop.com/video/2020/12/yubin-wonder-girls-reveals-preview-of-wave-in-making-of-film|website=Allkpop|access-date=February 17, 2021|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116202912/https://www.allkpop.com/video/2020/12/yubin-wonder-girls-reveals-preview-of-wave-in-making-of-film|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source|reason=Per WP:KO/RS#UR|date=February 2025}}{{cite web|title=Yubin returns as a groovy rapper in 'Wave' MV for 'Traveller' music project|url=https://www.allkpop.com/video/2020/12/yubin-returns-as-a-groovy-rapper-in-wave-mv-for-traveller-music-project|website=Allkpop|access-date=February 17, 2020|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210034228/https://www.allkpop.com/video/2020/12/yubin-returns-as-a-groovy-rapper-in-wave-mv-for-traveller-music-project|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source|reason=Per WP:KO/RS#UR|date=February 2025}}

Her follow-up lead single "Perfume" was released in January 2021, with an accompanying single album.{{cite web|title=Yubin bathes in 'Perfume' in sweet MV|url=https://www.allkpop.com/video/2021/01/yubin-bathes-in-perfume-in-sweet-mv|website=Allkpop|access-date=February 17, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203030418/https://www.allkpop.com/video/2021/01/yubin-bathes-in-perfume-in-sweet-mv|url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source|reason=Per WP:KO/RS#UR|date=February 2025}} The same year, she competed on MBC's King of Mask Singer as "Snow Flower". She also was a cast member of Goal Girls and We're Family.

In 2022, Yubin participated in the television shows The Last Survivor, Dating is Straight, and Queen of Ssireum.

On May 22, 2023, RRR Entertainment confirmed that Yubin was dating tennis player Kwon Soon-woo.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:원더걸스 유빈, 9살 연하 韓 테니스 간판 권순우와 열애 인정..."좋은 감정으로 만남 중" [공식]|trans-title=Wonder Girls' Yubin admits to dating Kwon Soon-woo, a Korean tennis player who is 9 years younger... "Meeting with good feelings" [Official]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003732000|via=Naver|publisher={{ill|My Daily|ko|마이데일리}}|language=ko|last=Park Yoon-jin|date=May 22, 2023|access-date=May 22, 2023|archive-date=May 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522065553/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003732000|url-status=live}} On October 5, 2023, the agency confirmed their break-up.{{Cite web|script-title=ko:유빈-권순우 결별 "응원하는 친구로 남기로" [공식입장]|trans-title=Yubin and Kwon Soonwoo break up, "We will remain as supportive friends" [Official statement]|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0001078986|via=Naver|publisher=Sports Donga|language=ko|last=Jung|first=Hee-yeon|date=October 5, 2023|access-date=October 5, 2023|archive-date=October 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011103941/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=382&aid=0001078986|url-status=live}}

All credits are adapted from MelOn.

All credits are adapted from Korea Music Copyright Association (KMCA) database.{{cite web|title=Songs Registered under Yubin (10008775)|url=https://www.komca.or.kr/srch2/srch_01_popup_mem_right.jsp?S_MB_CD=10008775|website=Korea Music Copyright Association|access-date=January 9, 2024|archive-date=January 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109125354/https://www.komca.or.kr/srch2/srch_01_popup_mem_right.jsp?S_MB_CD=10008775|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Wonder Girls}}

{{Notelist-ua}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Wonder Girls}}

{{JYP Entertainment}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kim, Yu-bin}}

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:Wonder Girls members

Category:English-language singers from South Korea

Category:Japanese-language singers of South Korea

Category:JYP Entertainment artists

Category:Mandarin-language singers of South Korea

Category:Leland High School (San Jose, California) alumni

Category:Musicians from Gwangju

Category:South Korean expatriates in the United States

Category:South Korean female idols

Category:South Korean women rappers

Category:South Korean women pop singers

Category:South Korean television actresses

Category:South Korean television personalities

Category:South Korean women composers

Category:Unpretty Rapstar contestants

Category:21st-century South Korean women singers

Category:21st-century South Korean singers

Category:21st-century South Korean actresses

Category:Actresses from Gwangju