Biography
Kang Hye-won (강혜원), known as Hyewon, is a South Korean actress and singer, best known as a former member of the South Korean-Japanese girl group IZ*ONE. Before debuting, she was a pre-debut member of DAYDAY, but the group was disbanded before their debut. In 2018, she competed in Produce 48, finishing 8th and earning a spot in IZ*ONE, where she debuted as the lead rapper, sub-vocalist, and visual with ColorIZ. After IZ*ONE disbanded in April 2021, she pursued acting, debuting in the web drama “Best Mistake 3,” and later released a special winter album, W, as a tribute to her fans. Now under 8D Entertainment, she is focusing on her acting career.
Profile
- Name: Hyewon
- Birth name: Kang Hyewon
- Birthday: July 5, 1999
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Height: 163 cm
- Blood type: B
- MBTI: ESFP/ISFP
- Instagram: @hyemhyemu
- Twitter: @hyemu_official
Career
Kang Hye-won first gained recognition in 2018 when she joined the survival show Produce 48. Finishing in 8th place with 248,432 votes, she secured a spot in the project group IZ*ONE, debuting on October 29, 2018, with their first mini-album ColorIZ and the title track “La Vie en Rose.” As the group’s lead rapper, sub-vocalist, and visual, she actively promoted until their contract ended in April 2021, leading to the group’s disbandment.
Following IZ*ONE’s disbandment, Hyewon transitioned into solo activities under 8D Entertainment. She made her acting debut in the web drama “Best Mistake 3” in 2021 and later starred in “Seasons of Blossom in 2022.” That same year, she released her winter special album W, dedicated to her fans, and followed up with the single “Like A Diamond” featuring Stella Jang. In 2023, she gained widespread attention for her role in the Coupang Play series “Boyhood.” Kang Hye-won revealed she auditioned three times for the role and was grateful to be chosen despite the director’s initial doubts. She admitted feeling pressure portraying a “knockout” due to the character’s innocence but remained optimistic despite the challenge of perfection. Due to the show’s success, industry insiders named Hyewon as one of the “2024 Rising Actresses to Look Forward to.”
“Friendly Rivalry” is Kang Hye-won’s latest project, marking her successful transition from idol to actress. She plays Joo Ye-ri, a cunning character who manipulates others by exploiting their weaknesses, sending chills down viewers’ spines with every appearance. This role has received the most support from audiences among all her performances.
Hyewon has also become a sought-after figure in fashion and advertising. She has collaborated with multiple brands, starting with her first CF deal for the camera app SODA in 2021. Since then, she has worked with renowned names such as New Balance, Radley London, Roem, and Vaseline Korea. Her brand partnerships have resulted in notable sales increases, particularly her work with Roem, which led to a 30% sales boost and a new slogan, “Romantic Is Everywhere.” In 2024, she continued her brand influence, becoming a pictorial model for Narciso Rodriguez Korea and Vaseline’s Lip Therapy campaign.
Personal Life
Charming and Easy-Going Idol
Before her rise to fame, Kang Hye-won trained for the girl group DAYDAY but was eliminated before debut. She later joined Produce 48, where her innocent visuals and honest personality won over fans, securing her a spot in IZ*ONE.
During her time in IZ*ONE, she gained popularity not only for her beauty but also for her easy-going nature. She often showed affection toward fellow members, earning playful nicknames like “handsy member” and “skinship villain.” Despite her celebrity status, she lives simply, often taking public transportation alone, saying, “Even during rush hours, no one recognizes me.”
Her visuals have been admired since school, with a teacher once asking, “How does it feel to live with that face?” Fans continue to praise her past photos, calling her “born to be a celebrity.” Even Kang Hye-won playfully acknowledges her charm, once joking, “Innocence? I’m always number one.”
Now with over 1.6 million followers, she remains a fan favorite, drawing attention for her stunning visuals in a viral social media post.
Performance Criticism
Kang Hye-won has often been at the center of controversy regarding her performance skills. While praised for her beauty and intelligence, she has faced criticism for her limited abilities compared to her IZ*ONE groupmates, who were recognized for their steady improvement.
Her dance skills, in particular, have been a hot topic among netizens, with many pointing out that she struggled to keep up with the group’s choreography, often falling behind and disrupting formations. A notable example was her performance in “Fiesta,” where her stiff and unenthusiastic moves drew criticism. Additionally, her facial expressions on stage were frequently labeled as lacking energy and engagement. While other Produce 48 contestants, such as Minju and Sakura, showed noticeable growth, many felt that Hye-won remained stagnant.
In 2024, she held a fan meeting that attracted a large audience but reignited debates about her dancing. During the event, she performed covers of hit songs like aespa’s “Drama,” NewJeans’ “Super Shy,” and former IZ*ONE member Kwon Eunbi’s “Underwater.” Though meant to be lighthearted, her performances were met with backlash, with critics calling her “lazy” and mocking her dance skills and expressions. Some even resurfaced past complaints about her stage presence in IZ*ONE.
However, many fans defended her, arguing that as someone no longer active as an idol, it was unreasonable to expect polished performances from her. They pointed out that the dance segment was simply for fun and that Hye-won had been out of practice. Despite this, the negativity surrounding her dancing continues to follow her.
Controversy Over My K-Star Family
Kang Hye-won and AB6IX’s Lee Dae-hwi recently sparked controversy after a scene of them sharing a bed aired on the reality show My K-Star Family. The moment quickly became a heated topic on Korean online forums, drawing mixed reactions from netizens.
The program follows celebrities living together as a “virtual family,” reminiscent of the past idol dating show We Got Married. From the beginning, the show attracted attention with its unique pairings, such as Super Junior’s Yesung with former IOI member Nayoung. Meanwhile, Hye-won and Dae-hwi, both Produce series alumni, were introduced as a sibling-like duo, earning praise for their cute chemistry.
However, the latest episode featuring them sleeping in the same bed shocked many viewers and led to criticism, with some fans expressing discomfort over the scene.
Dating Rumor with Actor Im Si-wan
In 2023, a post titled “Actor Im Si-wan and Kang Hye-won’s Dating Suspicion” went viral online. The post featured photos of a man and woman, believed to be Im Si-wan and Kang Hye-won, walking together. Their chemistry and height difference quickly caught fans’ attention.
Another photo showed the two smiling while signing autographs for children at a BBQ restaurant, leading to enthusiastic reactions from netizens who commented, “They look great together” and “A handsome man and a beautiful woman, it makes sense!”
However, many pointed out that the photos were likely taken during the filming of Boyhood, the Coupang Play series they recently starred in. Fans later clarified that the signing took place while the cast and crew were having a meal together, dismissing the dating rumors.
Shines in Friendly Rivalry
In “Friendly Rivalry,” Kang Hye-won plays Joo Ye-ri, the “queen of rumors” at Chaehwa Girls’ High School, obsessed with weight and luxury brands. To fit the role, she underwent strict dieting, dropping to 37kg at 163cm.
Her portrayal of the manipulative Ye Ri, who skillfully uses information to her advantage, showcases sharp expressions and nuanced acting. Previously criticized for stiffness, Hye-won’s performance in “Friendly Rivalry” marks a significant breakthrough, earning praise for her transformation.
Fun Facts
- She is known as the Innocent Rapper. While on Produce 48, despite being a vocalist, she had to do rap for the first evaluation and ended up liking it so she did it in future evaluations.
- She has a younger brother (3 years younger).
- She’s a former Music K Entertainment trainee (Hong Jinyoung and IZ’s company).
- She’s a former HYWY Entertainment trainee.
- She attended Bokwang High School in Yangsan. Then she transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School.
- At Hanlim Multi Art School she studied in Broadcasting & Entertainment Department.
- Her hobby is watching animations and dramas.
- She is very close with AKB48’s Kenkyuusei Sato Minami and wants to visit her in Japan.
- She can play the piano and the guitar.
- She likes anime and takoyaki.
- She has a dog named Zeze.
- She can eat a small cup of noodles in three bites.
- Her favorite ice cream flavor is vanilla.
- She is known for her pure and innocent looks.
- Choi Yena and Hyewon went to school together but didn’t meet until Produce 48.
- Her nickname given by her fans is Gwang-snail, because of the fan-chat incident.
