Kang Ji-young

Kang Ji-young (KARA) Profile

Kang Ji-young of KARA: From K-Pop Star to Japanese Screen Queen

Who is Kang Ji-young ?

Kang Ji-young (강지영), born January 18, 1994, is a South Korean singer, actress, and former member of the iconic Kpop girl group KARA. Known as the youngest member during her time with the group, Ji-young quickly captivated fans with her youthful charm and stage presence.

Kang Ji-young – Biodata Profile

Comprehensive biodata of Kang Ji-young, former member of KARA, including her background, education, MBTI, and more.

• Music group: KARA
• Siblings: Kang Ji-eun, Kang Ji-soo
• Parents: Kang Keon-wook, Jang Seung-eun
• Education: Sungkyunkwan University

Kang Ji-young Biography – From KARA to JY

Complete biography of Kang Ji-young. Explore the inspiring journey of Kang Ji-young, former KARA member, who rose from K-pop stardom to become a top actress and solo artist in Japan and South Korea.

Early Life

Kang Ji-young (강지영) was born on January 18, 1994, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. She is the youngest in her family and the cousin of famous Korean singer NS Yoon-G. From a young age, Ji-young displayed a strong interest in music and performance. Her early exposure to the entertainment world would shape her path toward K-pop stardom.

Debut with KARA

In 2008, at the age of 14, Kang Ji-young joined the girl group KARA as part of its second generation lineup, following the departure of former member Kim Sung-hee. Along with Goo Hara, she helped redefine KARA’s image and contributed to their massive popularity in South Korea and Japan.

With hits like “Honey”, “Mister”, “Lupin”, and “Step”, KARA became one of the most successful second-generation K-pop girl groups. Ji-young stood out for her charm, visuals, and maturity beyond her years despite being the youngest member (“maknae”).

Departure and Career Abroad

In 2014, Ji-young chose not to renew her contract with DSP Media. After her departure, she moved to London to study English and acting, a decision that signaled her ambition to grow beyond the idol industry. Shortly thereafter, she signed with the Japanese talent agency Sweet Power, known for managing popular actresses.

Under the stage name JY, she debuted as a solo artist and actress in Japan. Her musical style evolved, showing maturity and emotion, with singles like “Radio” and “Call Me Now”.

Acting Career

Kang Ji-young transitioned successfully into acting, particularly in Japan. Her notable roles include:

• Hell Teacher Nube (2014)
• Assassination Classroom (2015–2016)
• Orphan Black: 7 Genes (2017–2018) – a Japanese adaptation of the sci-fi series
• Tokyo Ghoul S (2019)

Her performances received positive reviews, earning her respect in a market often difficult for foreign actresses to break into.

Return to Korea

After years abroad, Ji-young returned to the Korean entertainment industry. In 2020, she played the lead role in the JTBC drama Sweet Munchies, followed by cameos and supporting roles in Doctor Cha (2023) and Let Me Be Your Knight (2022).

KARA’s 15th Anniversary Reunion

In 2022, Kang Ji-young rejoined her fellow KARA members for the group’s highly anticipated 15th anniversary comeback album, Move Again. The reunion was both emotional and symbolic, celebrating the group’s legacy and honoring the memory of late member Goo Hara.

Personal Life and Personality

Ji-young is known for her grounded, kind-hearted nature and multilingual skills (Korean, Japanese, and English). She has spoken out about generational respect and societal issues, endearing her further to fans. Her reported MBTI type is INFP—often associated with creativity and empathy.

She enjoys hobbies like photography, drawing, and traveling. Despite years in the spotlight, she maintains a relatively private lifestyle.

Legacy

Kang Ji-young remains a respected figure in both the K-pop and J-pop industries. Her successful transition from idol to actress, and her ability to bridge Korean and Japanese markets, sets her apart from many of her peers. With continued activity in both acting and music, her future remains bright and diverse.

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Kang Ji-young Discography – Solo & KARA Works

Full discography of Kang Ji-young (JY), including her solo releases and KARA albums.

Solo Discography (as JY)

Japanese Singles

• Radio (2016) — Debut solo single
• Call Me Now (2016)
• フェイク (Fake) (2016)
• 好きな人がいること (Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto) (2016) — Theme for Fuji TV drama

Digital Singles / OST Contributions

• Secret Crush – Drama OST (2020)
• My Love – Web drama theme (2021)

Albums (Japan)

• Many Faces – EP (2017)
• JY Mini Album (compilation) – Various editions (2016–2018)

Discography with KARA

Studio Albums (Korea)

• Revolution (2009)
• Step (2011)
• Full Bloom (2013)

Mini Albums (EPs)

• Pretty Girl (2008)
• Honey (2009)
• Lupin (2010)
• Jumping (2010)
• Pandora (2012)
• Move Again (2022) — 15th Anniversary Comeback

Japanese Albums

• Girl’s Talk (2010)
• Super Girl (2011)
• Girls Forever (2012)
• Fantastic Girls (2013)

Notable Singles

• Mister (2009) — Signature dance hit
• Lupin (2010)
• Jumping (2010)
• Step (2011)
• Pandora (2012)
• When I Move (2022) — KARA comeback title track

Soundtrack Appearances

• “I Love You” – Tokyo Ghoul S OST (2019)
• “Love Your W” – Japanese drama insert theme (2018)

Other Collaborations & Appearances

• “Rainbow” – Featured with Japanese band Spankers (2017)
• Guest vocals on KARA special albums and remixes

Legacy

Kang Ji-young’s music career showcases impressive dual-market success. With powerful pop anthems under KARA and emotional solo ballads as JY, she remains a unique presence in Asian pop music. Her work is noted for its blend of mainstream appeal and subtle emotional expression, bridging cultures between Korea and Japan.

Kang Ji-young Filmography – Dramas, Movies & More

Full filmography of Kang Ji-young (JY), including her appearances in Korean and Japanese dramas, movies, web series, and music videos.

Television Dramas (Korea)

• Sweet Munchies (JTBC, 2020) – Kim Ah-jin (Main Role)
• Let Me Be Your Knight (SBS, 2021–2022) – In Yoon-joo (Supporting Role)
• Night Has Come (2023) – Cameo Appearance
• Doctor Cha (JTBC, 2023) – Cameo

Japanese Dramas

• Hell Teacher Nūbē (NTV, 2014) – Yukime
• Kanojo wa Uso o Aishisugiteru (Fuji TV, 2015) – Asami Kurumi
• Orphan Black: 7 Genes (WOWOW, 2017–2018) – Sara Aoyama (Lead role; multiple characters)
• Yubiwa o Hametai (WOWOW, 2021) – Rika (Supporting Role)

Films

• Assassination Classroom (2015) – Irina Jelavić
• Assassination Classroom: Graduation (2016) – Irina Jelavić
• Reon (2018) – Reon Takanashi (Lead Role)
• Tokyo Ghoul S (2019) – Touka Kirishima (Lead Role)

Web Series / OTT

• Night Workers (AbemaTV, Japan, 2020) – Special Guest
• Somehow Family (TV Chosun, canceled, unaired fully)

Music Video Appearances

• Rainbow – Spankers feat. JY (2017)
• Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto – Solo MV (2016)
• Call Me Now – Solo MV (2016)
• Mister – KARA (2009)
• Step – KARA (2011)

Voice Acting / Narration

• Voice appearance – Various Japanese variety shows and CM narration (2016–2021)

Variety & Guest Appearances

• Law of the Jungle (SBS) – Guest appearance (2019)
• Knowing Bros – Guest appearance as KARA member (2022)
• Music Station, Hey! Hey! Hey!, Music Core – Multiple promotions as KARA and JY

Legacy in Acting

Kang Ji-young has successfully built a dual-market acting career in both South Korea and Japan. Notably praised for her roles in Reon and Orphan Black: 7 Genes, she is recognized for taking on versatile and challenging characters across languages and genres. Her evolution from K-pop idol to credible actress has been widely respected.

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Interesting & Fun Facts About Kang Ji-young

Discover fun, personal, and career facts about Kang Ji-young, former KARA member and solo artist known as JY.

• Kang Ji-young was born on January 18, 1994, in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.
• She was the youngest member (maknae) of the girl group KARA, joining in 2008 at just 14 years old.
• Her Korean name is 강지영 (Kang Ji-young), and she uses “JY” as her solo stage name in Japan.
• After leaving KARA in 2014, she moved to London to study English and acting.
• Ji-young successfully transitioned into an actress and starred in both Japanese and Korean productions.
• She played multiple clones in the Japanese version of Orphan Black: 7 Genes.
• Her Japanese debut single “Radio” was released in 2016 under Sony Music Japan.
• She graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul and studied in the UK post-KARA.
• Her blood type is O, and she stands approximately 168 cm (5’6″) tall.
• She is fluent in Korean and Japanese and speaks English proficiently.
• Her hobbies include photography, illustration, and playing the guitar.
• She starred in the films Tokyo Ghoul S and Reon, both lead roles in Japan.
• Ji-young’s first leading role in a Korean drama was in Sweet Munchies (2020).
• She reunited with KARA for their 15th anniversary comeback “Move Again” in 2022.
• She is known for her calm, grounded personality and MBTI type INFP.
• Ji-young is cousins with Korean-American singer NS Yoon-G (Kim Yoon-ji).
• She is one of the few K-pop idols to build a successful acting career in Japan without a hiatus.
• Her favorite musical genres include jazz, indie rock, and acoustic pop.
• Ji-young often shares artistic travel photos and sketches on her social media.
• Despite her fame, she has maintained a relatively low profile and avoids celebrity gossip.

Kang Ji-young – Social Media Accounts

Find all official social media accounts of Kang Ji-young (JY), including Instagram and agency profiles.

• Instagram: @_jy_
  Main platform for updates, selfies, behind-the-scenes, travel, and art.
• Instagram (KARA Group): @official_kara
  Updates about group activities, comebacks, and schedules.
• YouTube (Fan uploads & MV appearances): Search: “JY Kang Ji-young”
  Various music videos and drama clips available through public channels.

Note: As of now, Kang Ji-young does not operate official X (Twitter), TikTok, or Facebook accounts. Beware of impersonation accounts.