Irene is a stunning South Korean singer and rapper known for her visuals. She has a powerful stage presence and calm personality. Fans call her the “Original Visual” of K-pop. Her real name is Bae Joo-hyun. People know her best by her stage name Irene.
She was born on March 29, 1991 in Daegu, South Korea . Her age in 2026 is 35 years old internationally. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall . Her weight is around 44 kg. Irene works as a singer, rapper, and actress. She is the leader of Red Velvet.
Her career started in 2014 with Red Velvet’s debut. She has released multiple hit albums with the group. Her family includes her parents. She is not married as of 2026. Her net worth is estimated at $8 million. Her main income sources include music, endorsements, and acting.
Irene Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bae Joo-hyun (배주현) |
| Birth | March 29, 1991 |
| Age (2026) | 35 years |
| Height | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
| Weight | 44 kg (97 lbs) |
| Body Measurements | 33-24-34 inches |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Body Type / Build | Slim / Petite |
| Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) / 235 mm |
| Dress Size | 0 (US) / XS |
| Bra Size | 32A |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Occupation | Singer, Rapper, Actress, Model |
| Education | Haknam High School |
| Career Highlights | Red Velvet Leader (2014-Present) |
| Net Worth | $8 million (2026) |
| Wealth Sources | Music, Endorsements, Acting, Merchandise |
| Notable Skills | Rapping, Dancing, Visuals |
| Family | Parents (no siblings public) |
| Social Presence | Instagram: @renebaebae |
Irene Real Name
Bae Joo-hyun is the singer’s complete Korean birth name. She uses Irene as her stage name professionally. The name Irene means “peace” in Greek . She chose this name because it sounds elegant and pure.
Her family name “Bae” is common in Korea. Her given name “Joo-hyun” means “jewel and wise”. Fans sometimes call her “Baechu” as a nickname. The name Irene fits her graceful image perfectly. She legally remains Bae Joo-hyun on all documents.
She introduced herself as Irene since 2014 debut. Most international fans know her only as Irene. The stage name helped her build global recognition. Her real name appears on official SM Entertainment records. She signs autographs sometimes with Bae Joo-hyun.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Bae Joo-hyun (배주현) |
| Stage Name | Irene (아이린) |
| Name Meaning (Irene) | Peace |
| Name Origin | Greek |
| Nicknames | Baechu, Original Visual |
Irene Early Life and Education
Irene was born in Daegu, South Korea on March 29, 1991. She grew up in a middle-class family environment. Her hometown is known for producing talented idols. She moved to Seoul as a teenager for school.
She attended Haknam High School in Daegu. She was a quiet and studious student in school. Her teachers remembered her as polite and hardworking. She did not dream of becoming an idol initially. She wanted to be a news anchor or announcer.
She joined SM Entertainment as a trainee in 2009. She trained for 5 years before debut. She learned singing, rapping, and dancing. She was the oldest trainee in her group. Her patience and discipline helped her lead Red Velvet later.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth City | Daegu, South Korea |
| High School | Haknam High School |
| Trainee Period | 2009 to 2014 (5 years) |
| Original Dream | News Anchor |
| Agency | SM Entertainment |
| Training Focus | Vocals, Rap, Dance |
Irene Parents and Siblings
Irene’s father works in the public sector. Her mother is a homemaker. Her parents raised her in Daegu with strong values. They supported her move to Seoul for training. Her mother often sent her homemade food packages.
She has no publicly known siblings. She has mentioned being an only child in interviews. She considers her Red Velvet members as sisters. Her parents attend her concerts and events privately. They live mostly in Daegu, not Seoul.
Her father encouraged her education before debut. He wanted her to finish high school first. Her mother helped her pack for auditions at SM. Both parents were cautious about idol life. They now fully support her successful career.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father’s Job | Public sector worker |
| Mother’s Job | Homemaker |
| Siblings | None (only child) |
| Parents’ Residence | Daegu, South Korea |
| Family Support | High (attends events) |
Irene Husband or Boyfriend
Irene is not married as of 2026. She has no public boyfriend or dating history. She keeps her personal life very private. SM Entertainment rarely confirms her relationships.
She was rumored to date EXO’s Kai in 2015. Both agencies denied the dating rumors. She has no confirmed past relationships. She focuses on Red Velvet activities and solo work. She once said she is married to her work.
Fans respect her privacy about romance. She rarely discusses love life in interviews. Her ideal type is a kind person. She values loyalty and sense of humor. She will likely reveal relationships only if serious.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried (2026) |
| Public Boyfriend | None |
| Dating Rumors | Kai (EXO) – Denied |
| Ideal Type | Kind, loyal, funny person |
| Relationship Policy | Private (rarely shares) |
Irene Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Irene turns 35 years old in 2026 internationally. Her birthday falls on March 29 every year. In Korean age, she is 36 or 37 . She looks much younger than her actual age. Fans call her “ageless vampire” for her visuals .
Her height is 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) . She weighs around 44 kilograms or 97 pounds. Her petite frame is famous in K-pop. Her body measurements are 33-24-34 inches. She wears a bra size 32A. Her dress size is US size 0.
She has dark brown eyes and dark brown hair. She often changes hair colors for comebacks. Her pale skin tone is called “milky skin” by fans. Her small face is considered perfect for cameras. She maintains her weight through portion control. She does Pilates and light exercise.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 35 years (international) |
| Height | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
| Weight | 44 kg (97 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim / Petite |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Black |
| Skin Tone | Pale / Fair |
| Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) / 235 mm |
Irene Before Fame
Before fame, Irene was a quiet student in Daegu. She never imagined becoming a K-pop star. She dreamed of being a news anchor on TV. She practiced speaking clearly and formally. She won several school speech contests.
She was discovered by SM Entertainment in 2009. A casting agent saw her on the street in Daegu. She passed the audition on her first try. Her parents were surprised she wanted to sing. She moved to Seoul alone at age 18.
She trained for 5 long years before debut. She almost quit several times due to difficulty. She watched f(x) and Girls’ Generation for motivation. She was told she was too old to debut. She proved everyone wrong by leading Red Velvet successfully.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Discovery Year | 2009 (street casting) |
| Pre-Debut Dream | News Anchor |
| Training Length | 5 years |
| Debut Age | 23 years (2014) |
| Role Model | Girls’ Generation |
| Debut Struggle | “Too old” criticism |
Irene Career
Irene debuted as Red Velvet’s leader on August 1, 2014. The group released “Happiness” as debut single. She is the main rapper and lead dancer. She also serves as center and visual of the group. Her stage presence is known as intense.
Red Velvet released hits like “Ice Cream Cake” in 2015. The song won multiple music show awards. “Dumb Dumb” became a viral sensation. “Red Flavor” was summer anthem of 2017. “Psycho” earned critical acclaim in 2019. The group has over 10 million album sales .
She debuted as a solo artist in 2024 with album “Like A Flower”. The album sold over 500,000 copies. She acted in the film “Double Patty” in 2021. She hosted “Music Bank” from 2015 to 2016. She has 30+ endorsement deals over her career.
| Era | Release | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut | Happiness | Leader, Rapper | 2014 |
| Breakthrough | Ice Cream Cake | Rapper, Center | 2015 |
| Peak | Red Flavor | Lead Rapper | 2017 |
| Solo Debut | Like A Flower | Singer, Rapper | 2024 |
Irene Social Media Presence
Irene has an Instagram account @renebaebae. She has 8 million followers on the platform. She posts fashion, food, and behind-the-scenes content. She is not very active daily. She posts once or twice per month.
She has no personal Twitter or TikTok accounts. Red Velvet’s group accounts represent her. Her official fan cafe has 500,000 members. She uses Bubble app to message fans. She sends personal texts and photos there.
She avoids social media controversies carefully. Her posts are professional and curated. She does not share family or dating life. Her Instagram is verified by Meta. She earns estimated $200,000 per sponsored post.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| @renebaebae | 8 million | |
| Bubble | Irene (SM) | 500,000 (paid) |
| None (group only) | N/A | |
| TikTok | None (group only) | N/A |
Irene Net Worth and Achievements
Irene’s net worth in 2026 is $8 million. She earned this through 10+ years of music. Her group album sales exceed 10 million copies. She earns from solo music and acting. Her endorsements add significant income.
She has endorsed 30+ major Korean brands. These include L’Oreal Paris and Mamonde. She was brand ambassador for Prada in Korea. She modeled for Clinique and SK Telecom. Her commercial fees range from $500,000 per year.
She won multiple awards for visuals. She won “Most Beautiful Face” polls. She received Best Female Artist nominations. Her group won Daesang (Grand Prize) awards. She holds 5 music show MC awards. Her solo album charted at #2 on Billboard.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $8 million |
| Group Album Sales | 10+ million |
| Endorsement Count | 30+ brands |
| Solo Album Sales | 500,000+ |
| Music Show Wins (group) | 85+ |
| Major Endorsement Fee | $500,000/year |
Irene Legacy and Impact
Irene changed K-pop visual standards forever. She is called the “3rd Generation Original Visual” . She set a new beauty benchmark for idols. Many young trainees cite her as inspiration. Her face is used for beauty standards.
Her “Psycho” era visuals went viral worldwide. She proved age is just a number in K-pop. At 35, she still looks 10 years younger . Her “vampire skin” became a beauty trend. She inspired pale makeup and skincare routines.
She showed older idols can succeed. She debuted at 23, which is considered old in K-pop. She led a top girl group for 12+ years. Her leadership style is respected by peers. She will be remembered as a true K-pop icon.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Visual Standards | 3rd Gen Original Visual |
| Age Perception | Older idols can succeed |
| Beauty Trends | Pale “vampire” skin |
| Leadership | Longest female leader |
| Endorsements | 30+ major brands |
Irene Nationality and Religion
Irene holds South Korean nationality by birth. She was born in Daegu, South Korea. She is a natural-born Korean citizen. She has no dual citizenship with any country. She represents Korea proudly globally.
Her religion is not publicly confirmed. She was likely raised Christian or Buddhist. She keeps her religious beliefs private. She celebrates Korean traditional holidays. She has never discussed faith in interviews.
She respects all religions equally publicly. She bowed to various religious sites on trips. Her fans respect her privacy here. She focuses on music and work instead. Her spiritual life remains her own.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Daegu, South Korea |
| Citizenship | Korean only |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Religious Practice | Private |
Irene Future Plans and Goals
Irene plans to release more solo music in 2026. Her solo career started strongly in 2024. She wants to act in more films or dramas. She seeks serious acting roles next.
Red Velvet will tour again in 2026-2027. The group has 10+ year anniversary plans. She wants to design her own merchandise. She may launch a beauty or fashion brand. She follows her member Seulgi’s lead in business.
She wants to buy a house for her parents. She wishes to travel more in her 30s. She will slow down group activities eventually. She has no marriage or kids plans now. Her fans will support her either way.
| Future Plan | Target |
|---|---|
| Solo Music | 2026 album |
| Acting | Film or drama role |
| Red Velvet Tour | 2026-2027 |
| Business | Possible beauty brand |
| Personal | House for parents |
Irene Category Section
Irene is primarily a singer and rapper. She is also an actress and model. Her main category is K-pop idol. She has been active since 2014 with Red Velvet.
Irene Songs List
- Happiness (2014)
- Be Natural (feat. Taeyong) (2014)
- Ice Cream Cake (2015)
- Automatic (2015)
- Dumb Dumb (2015)
- One of These Nights (2016)
- Russian Roulette (2016)
- Rookie (2017)
- Red Flavor (2017)
- Peek-A-Boo (2017)
- Bad Boy (2018)
- Power Up (2018)
- Really Bad Boy (2018)
- Zimzalabim (2019)
- Umpah Umpah (2019)
- Psycho (2019)
- Queendom (2021)
- Feel My Rhythm (2022)
- Birthday (2022)
- Chill Kill (2023)
Irene Hobbies
- Reading books at home quietly
- Organizing and cleaning her room
- Watching Korean dramas on Netflix
- Playing with her pet dogs
- Listening to classical music
- Taking care of her skin daily
- Drawing and sketching portraits
- Collecting perfume bottles
- Baking simple desserts
- Walking in parks alone
Irene Favorite Things
- Color: Purple and Pink
- Food: Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
- Drink: American coffee (iced)
- Season: Autumn (fall)
- Movie: The Notebook
- Singer: BoA and Taeyeon
- Perfume: Jo Malone Peony
- Animal: Dogs and bunnies
- Fashion Brand: Prada and Chanel
- Book: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”
Irene Interesting Facts
- She trained for 5 years, the longest in Red Velvet.
- She is the oldest member of the group.
- She cannot eat spicy food very well.
- She has a fear of heights and water.
- She was voted “Most Beautiful Face” in 2019.
- She cried when she first met SNSD’s Taeyeon.
- Her favorite word is “peace” (Irene’s meaning).
- She hosted Music Bank for 2 years.
- She has a tattoo behind her ear (small flower).
- She almost quit training three times.
FAQs
1. What is Irene’s real name from Red Velvet?
Her real name is Bae Joo-hyun. She uses Irene as her stage name professionally.
2. How old is Irene in 2026?
She is 35 years old internationally. Her birth date is March 29, 1991 .
3. Is Irene married or has a boyfriend?
No, Irene is not married as of 2026. She has no public boyfriend.
4. What is Irene’s height and weight?
She is 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall. She weighs 44 kg (97 lbs) .
5. What is Irene’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is $8 million in 2026. She earns from music, endorsements, and acting.
Conclusion
Irene is a 35-year-old South Korean singer and leader of Red Velvet. She stands 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 44 kilograms. She is not married and has no public boyfriend. Her net worth in 2026 is $8 million. This makes her one of the richest 3rd gen K-pop idols.
She debuted as Red Velvet’s leader in 2014. She spent 5 years as a trainee before debut. She released her solo album “Like A Flower” in 2024. She has 30+ endorsement deals with major brands. Her visuals are called “Original Visual” of K-pop.
She continues to lead Red Velvet after 12 years. Her ageless appearance goes viral every year . She remains one of K-pop’s most respected figures. Her legacy includes visual standards and longevity. She inspires young idols to chase their dreams.
