Where Is Lovelyz Kei Now? Main Vocalist's Status After Group's Indefinite Hiatus
Kim Ji Yeon, or popularly known as Kei, is a former Lovelyz member. When the group laid low, this led several members, including Kei, to pursue different endeavors.
Would you like to know Kei's current activities? Then read on!
Kei's Personal Background & Journey As Lovelyz Member
Kei was born on March 20, 1995, in Incheon, South Korea. As for her educational background, it's known that she studied at Incheon Youngsun High School.
On November 12, 2014, Kei debuted with Lovelyz with their first full-length album "Girls' Invasion" alongside its title track "Candy Jelly Love." Lovelyz was comprised of eight members, namely Sujeong, Jin, Jiae, Yein, Jisoo, Mijoo, Baby Soul and Kei herself.
Their successful debut was followed by numerous bops such as "Hi~," "For You," and "Destiny." On February 26, 2017, the girls released their second full-length album, with "WoW!" as the title track. It was then trailed by several releases such as "Now, We," "Ah-Choo!," "Twinkle," "That Day," "Wag-Zak," "Lost N Found."
During her promotions with the group, Kei made her solo debut on October 8, 2019, with album "Over and Over," with "I Go" as the title track. Compared to her stage name in Lovelyz, Kei goes by her real name Kim Ji Yeon when it comes to her solo activities.
The group's final and seventh mini album "Unforgettable" was released on September 1, 2020, along with title track "Obliviate." This was their last comeback before going an indefinite hiatus that lasted for nearly a year, which led to the news that shocked their fandom Lovelinus.
On November 16, 2021, seven out of eight Lovelyz members left Woollim Entertainment, with Baby Soul the only exception. On November 1, Woollim released an official statement, detailing the group's sudden changes.
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"We are here to announce Lovelyz's exclusive contract expiration, which will take effect on November 16, 2021. After a thorough discussion with the members, an agreement to take a fresh start has been made."
"Among all members, Baby Soul is the only one who renewed her contract with us, as we'll look forward in supporting her activities and promotions."
Even though most of the members have ended their exclusive contracts, a report stated that Lovelyz is only undergoing an indefinite hiatus, with the aim on flourishing each members' solo activities.
This was also backed up by Baby Soul's statement, where she claimed that members are still willing to hold group activities in the future.
Kei was one of the members who chose not to renew her contract with Woollim. On January 10, 2022, she penned a contract with new agency Palmtree Island, where she promoted as a musical actress.
After nine months, the agency announced her departure on September 27, 2022.
On December 2, 2022, Kei signed in to A2Z Entertainment, the agency who houses top soloist Ailee. The report also stated that Kei is in the final stages of solo album preparations.
Where Is Kei Now? Here's What We Know
On April 24, Mnet revealed the first lineup of their upcoming program "Queendom Puzzle," a spin-off of "Queendom," which was previously attended by Lovelyz themselves.
In the surprising lineup, Kei is confirmed joining the program, alongside contestants former IZ*ONE Lee Chaeyeon, former CLC Yeeun, former MOMOLAND JooE, LABOUM Haein, "Produce 48" contestant Shiroma Miru, H1-KEY Riina and Hwiseo, as well as several members from Weeekly.
With Kei's forthcoming appearance on the show, Lovelinus is expected to see more of the main vocalist's performances and activities. Aside from this announcement, Kei is also shown to be active in her Instagram, where she posts photos of her daily life.
Are you excited for Kei's appearance on "Queendom Puzzle?"
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