ArtistSM Entertainment
Irene
Bae Joo-hyun (쌌주현), known as Irene (아이린), is a South Korean singer, rapper, and actress under SM Entertainment. Born March 29, 1991 in Daegu, she trained for five years before debuting on August 1, 2014 as the leader of Red Velvet.
As Red Velvet's leader and oldest member, Irene anchored the group through landmark releases including The Red (2015), Perfect Velvet (2017), and Queendom (2021). In July 2020, she and Seulgi launched Red Velvet's first official sub-unit, Red Velvet - Irene and Seulgi, releasing the mini album Monster. The project was one of the year's most-anticipated K-pop releases and expanded Irene's creative identity beyond her main group work.
On November 26, 2024, Irene made her solo debut with the mini album Like a Flower. The fourth Red Velvet member to go solo, the release drew major attention from K-pop listeners who had followed her career since debut. Long dubbed the "CF Queen" for her commercial magnetism, she has served as brand ambassador for Prada, Damiani, Clinique Asia-Pacific, Burberry, and Nike Women Korea.
Beyond music, Irene hosted Music Bank (2015-2016) and appeared as an actress in the film Double Patty (2021).
1 articles5 creditsDebut: August 1, 2014South Korean
Gallery
Discography
2026
Biggest FanAlbum
Lead Artist
2024
Like a FlowerEP
Lead Artist
2020
MonsterEP
Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi
Filmography
2021
Double PattyFilm
Actress
Other Credits
2016
Women at a Game CompanyDrama
Actress
Fans Also Ask
Who is Irene and what is her role in Red Velvet?
Irene (Bae Joo-hyun, 배주현) is a South Korean singer, rapper, actress, and television personality born March 29, 1991 in Daegu. She is the leader, main rapper, and lead dancer of Red Velvet, one of SM Entertainment's flagship girl groups. Debuting August 1, 2014, she has been the group's visual representative and is widely regarded as one of K-pop's iconic 'CF Queens' for her prolific endorsement career.
What is Irene releasing in 2026?
Irene is releasing her first full-length solo album 'Biggest Fan' on March 30, 2026. It marks her second solo release following the 'Like a Flower' mini-album (November 2024) and her first studio album as a solo artist.
What brands has Irene endorsed?
Irene is one of K-pop's most prolific endorsers. Campaigns include Prada Beauty (global ambassador), Clinique Korea, Damiani jewelry, and a long roster of Korean beauty and fashion partners. Her clean, sophisticated aesthetic and measured public presence have made her a recurring first choice for luxury and premium lifestyle brands.
Is Irene still a member of Red Velvet?
Yes. Irene remains a member of Red Velvet under SM Entertainment while actively pursuing solo activities. Red Velvet continues to release music and tour with all five members participating. Irene has also been part of the SM girl group super-unit Got the Beat, which debuted in January 2022.
What sub-units has Irene been part of?
Irene is one half of the Red Velvet sub-unit Red Velvet - Irene & Seulgi, which debuted in July 2020 with the EP Monster. The unit was praised for its darker, more experimental direction compared to Red Velvet's main discography. She also participated in the SM Entertainment girl group project Got the Beat, whose debut full album 'TAL' released in 2023.
