Wonhee (singer)
| Wonhee | |
|---|---|
 ILLIT Wonhee at Canada Goose Photo Call.png Wonhee in 2024 | |
| Born | Lee Won-hee June 26, 2007 Busan, South Korea |
| 💼 Occupation |
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Lee Won-hee (Hangul: 이원희; born June 26, 2007), known mononymously as Wonhee, is a South Korean singer and actress. She debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group Illit in 2024, a result of finishing first[1] in JTBC and Hybe's 2023 girl group reality survival television show R U Next?. Beyond her group activities, Wonhee has pursued individual ventures including serving as a music show host, recording drama soundtracks, and making her acting debut.[2]
Early life
Lee Won-hee was born on June 26, 2007, in Busan, South Korea.[3] She has an older brother.[4] During her elementary school years, her family relocated to Changwon.[2] She was street-cast by Belift Lab at the Express Bus Terminal in Seoul in February 2023.[2] She currently attends Hanlim Multi Art School, majoring in practical music.[5][unreliable source?]
In interviews, Wonhee has described her personality transformation after deciding to pursue a career as an idol. She stated that up until her second year of middle school, she was "an extreme E: super outgoing without a hint of shyness," but became more introverted after moving to Seoul as a trainee, where "everyone I knew was suddenly gone and replaced entirely with people I didn't know."[2]
Career
2023–2024: R U Next? and debut with Illit
In 2023, Wonhee participated as a contestant in the South Korean girl group reality survival show R U Next?, a girl group reality competition show to determine the members of Belift Lab's first girl group.[6] At the time of her participation, Wonhee had trained for only one month, the shortest training period among all contestants.[7]
Ranking first of the six successful participants,[1][unreliable source?][8] she went on to join the newly formed girl group Illit. During the show, she was noted for her continuous growth in each round, with coach Gyuri observing how she "always brought something new and amazing to the table each time."[2]
On February 13, 2024, Belift Lab officially confirmed that Illit would debut in March of the year.[9] The group's EP debut, Super Real Me, was released on March 25, 2024, alongside the release of the music video for its lead single, "Magnetic".[9][10]
At the debut press conference, Wonhee introduced the group, saying: "I am thankful to debut with these members. Please look forward to our whimsical and confident characteristics. I think the name 'Illit' best portrays the group which consists of members with unique colors".[7]
In October 2024, during the showcase for Illit's second EP I'll Like You, Wonhee discussed the group's working relationship with Bang Si-hyuk, stating: "Chairperson Bang gave us meticulous advice on how to convey the song's message, from choreography to facial expressions. His input helped the song become even more dynamic and engaging".[11] She also expressed her aspirations for the new release, saying: "We didn't have any grand expectations for this release, but if we could dream, it would be incredible to make it onto the Billboard charts again, like we did with 'Magnetic'".[11]
In June 2025, ahead of Illit's third EP bomb, Wonhee reflected on the group's artistic growth, stating: "I'm already excited just thinking about showing our new side to many people. This third EP is one where you can really see Illit's bold charm and our growth as a team".[12] She added: "After performing at college festivals and various events, I developed a hunger for better stages. I hope fans will notice our enhanced expressiveness this time".[12]
2024–present: Solo activities and acting debut
In May 2025, Wonhee made her solo debut as an OST singer with "The Look In Your Eyes", which served as Part 3 of the soundtrack for the SBS drama Spring of Youth. The ballad was released on May 14, 2025, and featured in Episode 3 of the drama.[13][unreliable source?]
She subsequently made her acting debut with a cameo appearance in the final episode of Spring of Youth, which aired on July 2, 2025.[14]Lua error: not enough memory.[<span title="Lua error: not enough memory.">unreliable source?] In the episode, she portrayed an energetic character referred to as the "airport girl" who appears alongside the drama's lead character.[14]Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
On December 31, 2025, Wonhee performed a solo cover of IU's "Good Day" at the 2025 MBC Gayo Daejejeon, a collaboration stage that also featured Hearts2Hearts' Ian and Izna's Bang Jeemin. The performance included the song's notoriously difficult triple high note, which garnered significant attention on social media. IU herself praised Wonhee's rendition, stating on the fan platform Berriz that "both her singing and her facial expressions were really great".[15]Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.
Endorsements
In April 2024, Wonhee was confirmed as a new model for the Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat, becoming the brand's 18th model.[16]
Discography
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Soundtrack appearances
| Year | Title | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | "The Look In Your Eyes" | Spring of Youth OST | [13]Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. |
Videography
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Filmography
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Television series
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Spring of Youth | Cameo | [14]Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1. |
Television shows
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | R U Next? | Contestant | [17] |
References
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External links
Media related to [[commons:Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.|Lua error: Internal error: The interpreter exited with status 1.]] at Wikimedia Commons
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