History of Kang Ji-young in Timeline

Kang Ji-young, known as Jiyoung or JY, is a South Korean singer and actress. She gained prominence at 14 as a member of the girl group Kara in 2008. Kara achieved significant success across Asia, particularly in Japan, becoming the first South Korean female act to perform at the Tokyo Dome. She left Kara in 2014, but rejoined for their 15th-anniversary album 'Move Again' in 2022 and their subsequent 2024 concert tour. She is known for her contributions to K-pop and her work as an actress.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 18, 1994: Kang Ji-young Born

On January 18, 1994, Kang Ji-young, also known as Jiyoung, was born. She is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress.

Others born on this day/year

June 2008: Accepted as a trainee at DSP Media

In June 2008, at the age of 14, Kang Ji-young auditioned for DSP Media and was accepted as a trainee.

July 24, 2008: Broadcast debut on M Countdown

On July 24, 2008, Kang Ji-young made her broadcast debut alongside Goo Hara on the music program M Countdown on Mnet.

2008: Joined Kara

In 2008, at the age of 14, Kang Ji-young joined the South Korean girl group Kara and rose to fame.

April 2009: Featured on Jumper's single Dazzling

In April 2009, Kang Ji-young was featured on the hip-hop duo Jumper's single "Dazzling" (눈이부셔).

2009: Kara gained popularity with Mister

In 2009, Kara gained significant popularity following the release of their hit single "Mister".

July 2010: Presented I Love Pets and Guest Appeared on Haha-Mong Show

In July 2010, Kang Ji-young began presenting the MBC Every1 variety show I Love Pets alongside Han Seung-yeon and made a guest appearance on the SBS variety program Haha-Mong Show.

December 2010: Featured on Big Thing Soundtrack and Released Merry Love

In December 2010, Kang Ji-young was featured on the soundtrack for the drama Big Thing with the track "My Love", and she released a digital single titled "Merry Love" in collaboration with Supernova's Kim Sung-je.

January 2011: Announced Contract Termination with DSP Media

In January 2011, Kang Ji-young announced that she would be terminating her contract with DSP Media alongside Han Seung-yeon and Nicole Jung, citing unfair treatment; a lawsuit was filed on their behalf.

March 23, 2011: Released Japanese version of Merry Love

On March 23, 2011, Kang Ji-young released the Japanese version of the song 'Merry Love' in Japan.

April 28, 2011: Dispute with DSP Media Amicably Resolved

On April 28, 2011, the dispute between Kang Ji-young and DSP Media was amicably resolved, with the members returning to DSP Media.

October 2011: Joined Invincible Youth and Cast in Rainbow Rose

In October 2011, Kang Ji-young joined the cast of the second season of the KBS reality show Invincible Youth and was cast as the lead role in the romantic drama series Rainbow Rose.

November 11, 2011: Invincible Youth Season 2 Premiered

On November 11, 2011, the second season of the KBS reality show Invincible Youth premiered.

April 13, 2012: Rainbow Rose Premiered in Japan

On April 13, 2012, the series Rainbow Rose premiered in Japan on TV Tokyo.

September 7, 2012: Rainbow Rose Aired in South Korea

On September 7, 2012, the series Rainbow Rose aired in South Korea on Tooniverse.

September 2012: Cast in Iris II: New Generation

In September 2012, Kang was cast in the espionage thriller series Iris II: New Generation.

November 17, 2012: Last Episode of Invincible Youth Season 2 Aired

On November 17, 2012, the last episode of the second season of the KBS reality show Invincible Youth aired.

November 30, 2012: Released Wanna Do and Music Video

On November 30, 2012, Kang released her solo single "Wanna Do" and its music video in support of the compilation album Kara Solo Collection.

2012: Graduated from Muhak Girls' High School

In 2012, Kang Ji-young graduated from Muhak Girls' High School.

2012: Kara ranked in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40

In 2012, Kara was included in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list as one of the most influential celebrities in South Korea, ranking 4th.

January 2013: Dropped out of Iris II: New Generation

In January 2013, Kang dropped out of the espionage thriller series Iris II: New Generation due to creative differences.

February 2013: Enrolled at Sungkyunkwan University

In February 2013, Kang Ji-young enrolled at Sungkyunkwan University, majoring in performing arts.

May 2013: Filming for Secret Love

In May 2013, Kang Ji-young filmed the anthology series Secret Love, which was directed by Kim Kyu-tae.

2013: Kara ranked in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40

In 2013, Kara was included in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list as one of the most influential celebrities in South Korea, ranking 13th.

January 15, 2014: Announced Departure from Kara

On January 15, 2014, Kang Ji-young announced her departure from Kara to study abroad and focus on acting.

April 2014: End of Contract with DSP Media

Following the end of her contract with DSP Media in April 2014, Kang Ji-young moved to London to study English.

April 2014: Left Kara

In April 2014, Kang Ji-young left the girl group Kara.

June 13, 2014: Secret Love Began Airing

On June 13, 2014, Secret Love, an anthology series starring Kang Ji-young, began airing on Dramacube.

August 2014: Signed with Sweet Power

In August 2014, while living in London, Kang Ji-young signed with the Japanese talent agency Sweet Power as an actress and moved to Japan.

2014: Modeled for Non-no

Between 2014 and 2016, Kang Ji-young's modeling work included being an exclusive model for the women's fashion magazine Non-no.

2014: Moved to Japan and Acted in Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube

In 2014, after leaving Kara, Kang Ji-young moved to Japan and focused on her acting career, including playing Yukime in the Nippon TV series Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube.

July 17, 2015: Tamiou Premiered on TV Asahi

On July 17, 2015, the political comedy drama series Tamiou, in which Kang Ji-young portrayed Erika Murano, premiered on TV Asahi.

December 3, 2015: How Is the Sky Over There? Premiered

On December 3, 2015, Kang Ji-young's short film How Is the Sky Over There?, a promotional film for Kit Kats in Japan, premiered on Nestlé Theater's YouTube channel.

December 2015: Signed to Sony Music Japan as JY

In December 2015, Kang Ji-young signed to Sony Music Japan and announced that she would be resuming her music career under the alias JY.

2015: Acted in Assassination Classroom films

In 2015, Kang Ji-young portrayed Irina Jelavić in the Assassination Classroom films.

2015: Signed with Sony Music Japan

In 2015, Kang Ji-young signed with Sony Music Japan as a solo artist.

2015: Global Brand Ambassador for Kit Kat

In 2015, Kang Ji-young was selected as a global brand ambassador for the confectionery brand Kit Kat. She appeared in several Japanese commercials to promote the expansion of the number of Kit Kat Chocolatory stores in the country.

January 2016: Reprised Role in Whispers from a Crime Scene

In January 2016, Kang Ji-young reprised the role of Nagami in Whispers from a Crime Scene, a sequel series to Higanbana: Women's Crime File.

March 2016: Acted in Assassination Classroom: Graduation

In March 2016, Kang Ji-young reprised the role of Irina Jelavić in Assassination Classroom: Graduation, the sequel to Assassination Classroom (2015).

March 2016: Appointed Ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo

In March 2016, Kang Ji-young was appointed as an official ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo.

June 2016: Acted in Life Is...

In June 2016, Kang Ji-young acted in the short film Life Is..., portraying Yuna, a photography student.

August 2016: Released Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto

In August 2016, Kang released her second Japanese single, "Suki na Hito ga Iru Koto" (There's Someone I Like).

October 2, 2016: Sweet Charity Production Ends

On October 2, 2016, Kang Ji-young's run as Charity Hope Valentine in the Tokyo Galaxy Theater production of 'Sweet Charity' concluded. The musical was directed and translated from English to Japanese by Yukio Ueshima, with a limited run starting September 23, 2016.

October 22, 2016: Premiere of Mission Commander Ayaka Goma

On October 22, 2016, the made-for-television detective film 'Mission Commander Ayaka Goma,' starring Kang Ji-young, premiered on Fuji TV.

November 2016: Listed as a biggest female breakout artist in Japan

In November 2016, Kang was listed as seventh in a list of the biggest female breakout artists of that year in Japan, compiled by Oricon News.

December 7, 2016: Release of Japanese Singles "Fake" and "Koiwo Shiteitakoto"

On December 7, 2016, Kang Ji-young simultaneously released her third and fourth Japanese singles, "Fake" and "Koiwo Shiteitakoto" ("I Was in Love"). Both singles peaked in the top 25 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

2016: Modeled for Non-no

Between 2014 and 2016, Kang Ji-young's modeling work included being an exclusive model for the women's fashion magazine Non-no.

2016: Acted in Assassination Classroom films

In 2016, Kang Ji-young portrayed Irina Jelavić in the Assassination Classroom films.

January 2017: Starred in Osaka Loop Line: Part 2

In January 2017, Kang Ji-young starred in an episode of the Kansai TV anthology series 'Osaka Loop Line: Part 2'.

May 2017: Appearance at GirlsAward S/S Fashion Show

In May 2017, Kang Ji-young made an appearance at the GirlsAward S/S fashion show, both as a runway model for the Non-no collection, and as a musical guest.

2017: Acted in Orphan Black - 7 Genes

From 2017 to 2018, Kang Ji-young played the lead role in the science-fiction thriller series Orphan Black – 7 Genes.

2017: Released Many Faces album

In 2017, Kang Ji-young released her debut studio album, Many Faces, which spawned two top-ten singles in Japan.

2018: Acted in Orphan Black - 7 Genes

From 2017 to 2018, Kang Ji-young played the lead role in the science-fiction thriller series Orphan Black – 7 Genes.

2019: Acted in Tokyo Ghoul S

In 2019, Kang Ji-young played Itori in the film Tokyo Ghoul S.

2020: Acted in Sweet Munchies

In 2020, Kang Ji-young appeared in Korean dramas with a lead role in the JTBC series Sweet Munchies.

February 2022: Decision Not to Renew KeyEast Contract

In February 2022, it was reported that Kang Ji-young decided not to renew her contract with KeyEast.

April 6, 2022: Signed with ELRIS Entertainment

On April 6, 2022, it was announced that Kang Ji-young signed with ELRIS Entertainment.

July 2022: Released Project Solo Lucid Dream

In July 2022, Kang released Project solo Lucid Dream.

2022: Special appearance in Let Me Be Your Knight

In 2022, Kang Ji-young made special appearances in Let Me Be Your Knight.

2022: Rejoined Kara for 15th anniversary album

In 2022, Kang Ji-young rejoined Kara for the group's 15th anniversary commemorative album, Move Again.

2022: Spokesmodel for Unda Hair

Since 2022, Kang Ji-young has been a spokesmodel for the hair care brand Unda Hair.

2023: Special appearance in Doctor Cha

In 2023, Kang Ji-young made special appearances in Doctor Cha.

November 2024: Appointed Film Industry Ambassador

In November 2024, Kang Ji-young was appointed as the film industry ambassador for the 2025 Seoul Barrier-Free Film Festival, a non-profit organization which produces, screens and distributes films for blind and deaf audiences.

2024: Kara Concert Tour

In 2024, Kang Ji-young participated in Kara's subsequent concert tour.

2025: Judge on Korea–Japan King of Singers: Japan Round

In 2025, Kang Ji-young served as one of the judges on the reality singing competition program 'Korea–Japan King of Singers: Japan Round', a Japanese spin-off of the South Korean MBN series 'Korea–Japan King of Singers.' It premiered on Fuji TV on January 16.

2025: Film Industry Ambassador

In 2025, Kang Ji-young was appointed as the film industry ambassador for the 2025 Seoul Barrier-Free Film Festival, a non-profit organization which produces, screens and distributes films for blind and deaf audiences.