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Irene (Bae Joo-hyun) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 4, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth29 March 1991

Age32 Years (as of 2023)

BirthplaceDaegu, South Korea

ProfessionSinger, television host, actress

NationalitySouth Korean

Marital statusUnmarried

FamilyHas a younger sister

Irene (Bae Joo-hyun) Biography

Irene (born Bae Joo-hyun) is a South Korean singer, television host and actress best known as the leader of the girl group Red Velvet. A native of Daegu,她́

Early life and background

Bae Joo-hyun was born on March 29, 1991, in Daegu, South Korea. She grew up in the Buk-gu district of the city and attended Haknam High School. Known to fans by several nicknames, she began training with SM Entertainment in 2009 and spent several years preparing for debut.

Career

Irene emerged publicly as part of SM Rookies before debuting as the leader of Red Velvet on July 27, 2014. The group’s debut single attracted immediate attention online and marked an early milestone: Red Velvet became the first K-pop girl group to place a debut single on the Billboard World Digital Songs chart. The group followed with additional releases and built a strong presence in K-pop, with Irene contributing as a vocalist and as the group’s leader.

Beyond group activities, Irene has worked across multiple entertainment formats. Her earliest on-screen appearance listed is in a 2013 music video. She has credits in film and television — including a documentary-style film in 2015, a cameo as herself on a 2016 KBS2 drama, and a 2016 web series role. She has also released music as part of the Red Velvet subunit Irene & Seulgi.

Her broadcast work includes a well-received run as co-host of the music program Music Bank with Park Bo-gum from May 2015 to June 2016, and hosting duties at large events such as the 2017 KBS Song Festival.

Irene has also worked on voice and film roles in recent years. She voiced a character in the international animated film Trolls World Tour in 2020 and played a lead role in the 2021 South Korean film Double Patty.

Public profile

Irene’s public image stretches beyond music into fashion and endorsements. She has been described as a powerful commercial presence, accumulating numerous endorsement deals across cosmetics, fashion and other products. In 2019 she became the first Asian muse for Italian jewellery brand Damiani and was selected as a face for the fashion house Miu Miu. By 2020 she was appointed brand ambassador for Prada. Her visibility in branding and media contributed to frequent high rankings in Korean brand-power and popularity lists compiled by industry observers.

Recognition for Irene and her group includes multiple industry awards across consecutive years, with honours for rookie achievements, digital song awards, and group and individual accolades at major Korean music ceremonies. She has also been honoured by the South Korean government with a Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism commendation.

Irene’s influence has been noted by international outlets as well: she appeared on Forbes’ Korea Power Celebrity lists and was included among a regional list of digital stars. Red Velvet also performed in Pyongyang in 2018, an unusual cultural event that brought wider attention to the group.

Personal notes and public life

Irene is known to enjoy cooking and has been described as talented in the kitchen. She reportedly favors purple and collects items in that color. She has a younger sister and remains unmarried. Personality profiles circulated in public sources list her MBTI type as ISFJ.

Irene has spoken publicly about personal interests and habits: she dislikes coffee, is allergic to chicken, and likes doing household tasks such as laundry and ironing in her downtime. She is also known among peers for a playful side, including the ability to imitate a popular animated character’s voice.

Controversy

In October 2020 Irene faced public criticism over allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a fashion editor. She issued a public apology for her words and actions, and her agency expressed regret over the incident. The matter sparked broad discussion in South Korea about workplace power dynamics. Some colleagues later shared that they had not experienced rude treatment while working with her, and the parties involved later exchanged apologies.

Latest updates

In recent years Irene has continued to divide her time between music, acting and brand activities. Her film work and voice acting credits in 2020 and 2021 reflect an ongoing expansion of her career beyond group promotions. She has also maintained a prominent position in endorsement and fashion work, reinforcing her profile as a multifaceted public figure.
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Recent Work

Trolls World Tour (voice role)

Voiced the character Baby Bun in the American animated film.

2020
Double Patty

Played the main role Lee Hyun-ji in the South Korean film.

2021
Monster (EP) — Irene & Seulgi

Release with Red Velvet subunit Irene & Seulgi.

2020
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Career Highlights

  1. Leader of Red Velvet (debut 2014)
  2. Co-host of Music Bank (May 2015–June 2016)
  3. Brand ambassador roles for luxury fashion and jewellery brands
  4. Multiple major Korean music awards and national commendation
  5. Included on Forbes Korea Power Celebrity lists
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Irene (Bae Joo-hyun) born?

29 March 1991

What is Irene (Bae Joo-hyun) known for?

Singer, television host, actress

What is Irene (Bae Joo-hyun)’s marital status?

Unmarried