Before she was Red Velvet’s Irene, Bae Joo-hyun was already a name that stirred awe.
Born in 1991 in Daegu, South Korea, Irene’s story could rival the plot of a K-drama. Her entry into the entertainment world began almost by accident. In her final year of high school, she tagged along with a friend to an audition. Though she didn’t make it to the finals, a mere three-second clip from her audition circulated online—and it was enough to catch the eye of SM Entertainment. By 2009, she joined as a trainee, and five years later, debuted as the leader and center of Red Velvet with their breakout single “Happiness.”
“Daegu Goddess” Before Debut
Even before fame, Irene’s beauty had its own mythos. Known as the Daegu Goddess, she was said to attract boys from other schools who would loiter outside her campus. On MBC FM4U’s Noon Song of Hope, DJ Kim Shin-young asked if these tales were real. Irene laughed and confirmed, “Seniors would use placement tests as an excuse to come by.” A classmate once commented, “It was like people were touring the country to see her face.”
Her school photos still go viral today, praised for her “unchanging goddess visuals.”
While her current stage presence exudes warmth, Irene was once known for her aloof and reserved demeanor during her trainee years. Seulgi admitted, “She was so pretty we couldn’t even talk to her at first,” while Joy described her as “stoic and expressionless.”
Yet behind the elegant image was a leader full of quirky pranks and affectionate teasing. Over time, her members saw a fun-loving, grounded woman who provided quiet strength and unwavering support behind the scenes.
More Than Just a Visual
Irene proved herself beyond visuals, with her on-stage charisma in hits like “Red Flavor,” “Ice Cream Cake,” and “Psycho.” Her ability to command the camera with subtle expressions and impeccable timing became her trademark. She also thrived as a Music Bank MC and charmed fans on reality shows like Level Up Project.
Her versatility extended into acting, taking on roles in Game Development Girls and the 2021 film Double Patty, expanding her repertoire beyond idol activities.
In recent years, Irene has embraced her solo identity. She continued performing in the Irene & Seulgi subunit, building on the success of “Monster,” and captivated audiences with her solo debut single “Like A Flower” in 2024.
From a high school girl whose beauty caused a stir in Daegu to a K-pop leader, actress, and now soloist, Irene’s journey reflects more than just her legendary looks. That fleeting 3-second audition clip didn’t just hint at star potential—it was the beginning of a legacy that continues to blossom.
