Kim Min-ji, better known by her stage name JiU, was born on May 17, 1994, in Daejeon, South Korea. She grew up with a younger brother and her English name is Lily. From a young age, JiU showed a passion for performing arts, particularly singing and dancing.
JiU started her career in the K-pop industry as a member of the group MINX. Despite the group's short-lived success, JiU's talent and dedication caught the attention of Happy Face Entertainment, leading to the formation of Dreamcatcher. As the leader, lead vocalist, and lead dancer of the group, JiU played a crucial role in shaping Dreamcatcher's unique sound and style.
Since its inception, Dreamcatcher has gained a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim for their powerful performances and genre-bending music. JiU's vocals and dance skills have been central to the group's success, with hits like their 2020 single "BOCA" garnering millions of streams and cementing Dreamcatcher's place in the K-pop scene.
Outside of her work with Dreamcatcher, JiU has also made a name for herself as an individual artist. She participated in the YG survival show MIXNINE, where she showcased her talents and earned a spot in the top 100 participants. Additionally, JiU made a memorable acting cameo in the web drama Hororong Story, further showcasing her versatility as a performer.
JiU's impact on the K-pop industry extends beyond her role in Dreamcatcher. Her dedication to her craft, charismatic stage presence, and unwavering commitment to her fans have made her a beloved figure in the music world. Together with her bandmates, JiU continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a successful K-pop artist.
As she continues to evolve and grow as an artist, JiU remains a shining example of talent, hard work, and passion in the competitive world of K-pop.