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Wonhee

South Korean singer (born 2007) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lee Won-hee (Korean: 이원희; born June 26, 2007), known mononymously as Wonhee, is a South Korean singer. She is a member of the girl group Illit under Belift Lab and Hybe, formed through the 2023 survival show R U Next?. Beyond her activities with the group, she has established a solo presence through endorsements, fashion campaigns, editorial features and television appearances.[1][2][3]

Born
Lee Won-hee

(2007-06-26) June 26, 2007 (age 19)
Busan, South Korea
Occupation
  • Singer
GenreK-pop
InstrumentVocals
Quick facts Born, Occupation ...
Wonhee
Wonhee in 2026
Born
Lee Won-hee

(2007-06-26) June 26, 2007 (age 19)
Busan, South Korea
Occupation
  • Singer
Musical career
GenreK-pop
InstrumentVocals
Years active2024–present
LabelBelift Lab
Member ofIllit
Korean name
Hangul
이원희
RRI Wonhui
MRI Wŏnhŭi
Signature
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Early life

Lee Won-hee was born on June 26, 2007, in Busan, South Korea.[4] Her family includes her parents and older brother.[5] During her elementary school years, her family relocated to Changwon.[6] She was scouted by a Hybe employee at a bus station in February 2023 while she was visiting Seoul.[7]

Career

2023–2024: R U Next? Debuted with ILLIT

In 2023, Wonhee participated in R U Next?, a survival show co-produced by JTBC and Belift Lab aimed at forming a new girl group.[4] She ranked first in the finale, becoming a member of Illit.[4]

Illit debuted on March 25, 2024, with the EP Super Real Me and the lead single "Magnetic".[8] At the group's debut press conference in Seoul, Wonhee spoke about the group's identity and their debut single: "The title track expresses the honesty and confidence of a teenage girl in love. The song carries our fresh and charming vocals".[9]

In May 2024, Wonhee withdrew from a scheduled university festival appearance due to health issues.[10] The agency Belift Lab confirmed that she had received medical treatment and would not attend the event on the advice of medical professionals.[10]

2025–present: Solo activities and acting debut

In May 2025, Wonhee made her solo OST debut with "The Look In Your Eyes", Part 3 of the soundtrack for the SBS drama Spring of Youth.[11] She subsequently made a cameo appearance in the final episode of the same drama, aired on July 2, 2025.[3]

On September 26, 2025, it was confirmed that Wonhee would star in her first own solo variety show, titled Still Rough with Wonhee.[12] Produced by Studio Horakhollak (a digital content studio created by tvN production directors), the reality program focuses on showcasing her quirky personality and adaptive nature through unpredictable, real-world challenges.[12]

On December 31, 2025, Wonhee performed a solo cover of IU's "Good Day" at the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, an event that had been announced in advance as one of the highlights of the year-end music festival.[13][14][15]

In January 2026, Wonhee was featured on her first solo magazine cover for the January digital issue of W Korea.[1] The feature included an exclusive pictorial and an interview discussing her personal growth, artistic ambitions, and goals as she transitioned into adulthood.[1]

In May 2026, Coupang Play announced that Wonhee would star in her second solo variety show, Wonhee Is Twenty.[16][17] The program, which premiered on June 6, 2026, follows her as she completes her bucket list after turning 20 in Korean age, accompanied by various celebrity guests who assist her with the challenges.[16][17]

Other ventures

Endorsements

In April 2024, Wonhee was selected as a model for the Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat.[18]

In February 2026, Wonhee was selected as the official brand model for the South Korean cosmetics brand Rom&nd, fronting their Glasting Color Gloss campaign.[2][19] In the same month, Wonhee collaborated with the mobile phone case brand Casetify.[2][20] In March, Wonhee was selected as the official brand model for the global hair treatment brand Fino.[2] In the same month, Wonhee was announced as a model for a new marketing campaign for coffehouse chain A Twosome Place.[21] In May, she was selected as the model for Abib Cosmetic, a popular skincare South Korean brand.[22] In the same month, she was selected as the model for Dong-A Pharmaceutical's acne scar treatment Noscana Gel.[23] In September, Wonhee was announced as the first model of Chuulens, a South Korean fashion-inspired color contact lens brand.[24]

Fashion

On May 26, 2026, Wonhee attended a high-profile French luxury brand's 2026 atelier collection fashion show held at the Pompidou Center Hanwha Seoul, in Yeouido, Seoul.[25]

Discography

Soundtrack appearances

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Drama Ref.
2025 "The Look In Your Eyes" Spring of Youth OST Part 3 [11]
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Songwriting credits

More information Year, Artist ...
Year Artist Song Album Lyricist Composer
2026 Illit "Love, Older You"[26] Mamihlapinatapai Yes No
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Filmography

Television series

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Ref.
2025 Spring of Youth Cameo [3]
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Television shows

More information Year, Title ...
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2023 R U Next? Contestant Ranked 1st place [4]
2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon Performer Solo special stage [13][14][15]
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Hosting

More information Year, Channel/Platform ...
Year Channel/Platform Title Notes Ref.
2024 MBC Show! Music Core Special MC [27]
2025 Mnet M Countdown [28]
KBS Music Bank [29]
Studio Horakhollak Still Rough with Wonhee Host [12][30]
2026 Mnet M Countdown Special MC [31]
MBC Show! Music Core [32][33]
Coupang Play Wonhee Is Twenty Host [16][34]
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Awards and nominations

References

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Timelines

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