Arin (born Choi Ye-won) is a South Korean singer, actress, and television personality best known as the youngest member of the girl group Oh My Girl. Born on June 18, 1999, she debuted under WM Entertainment in 2015 at just sixteen years old. Over the past decade, she has grown from a shy rookie vocalist into a prominent K-pop idol and an accomplished television actress.
If you're looking for a complete breakdown of her age, background, and career trajectory, you're in the right place. Beyond group activities, she has established herself as a versatile performer through major K-drama acting roles, television hosting gigs, and high-profile fashion endorsements.
Early Life and Trainee Years
Choi Ye-won grew up in Busan, South Korea. She attended Dongduk Middle School and later transferred to the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SPASS), where she specialized in practical music and theater.
In 2013, she auditioned successfully for WM Entertainment. She spent nearly two years as a trainee, balancing her high school education with intense daily vocal, rap, and choreography practices. Unlike many trainees who entered the industry with prior television exposure, she focused entirely on refining her technical skills before stepping into the public eye.
Debut and Rise with Oh My Girl
Arin debuted with Oh My Girl on April 20, 2015, releasing their self-titled mini-album with the lead single "Cupid". As the group's maknae (youngest member), she quickly drew attention for her bright stage presence and youthful image.
The group initially built a dedicated fanbase with whimsical, fairy-tale-inspired concepts before achieving mainstream commercial breakthroughs with tracks like "Secret Garden" and "Nonstop". Her vocal tone and clean choreography added stability to the group's performances. You can read more about the group's discography on the Official WM Entertainment Profile.
Transition Into Acting and Television Hosting
While group activities kept her busy, she expanded her portfolio into television and acting. In 2020, she landed her first major acting role in the web drama The World of My 15, playing the lead character Oh Na-ri. Her performance earned praise for its natural portrayal of high school friendships and insecurities.
She followed this up with a supporting role in the fantasy romance drama Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023), portraying Jin Cho-yeon. This project proved crucial in shifting her public image from a purely cute idol to a capable dramatic actress.
Alongside acting, she gained massive popularity as a co-host of KBS's Music Bank from July 2020 to October 2021, partnering with Tomorrow X Together member Soobin. Their chemistry won the Best Couple Award at the 2020 KBS Entertainment Awards.
Solo Ventures and Fashion Influence
Beyond music and acting, her clean, elegant image made her a favorite among luxury brands and cosmetic lines. She has fronted campaigns for various skincare and apparel brands, establishing herself as a distinct commercial draw independent of her group.
Her transition into mature roles and solo magazine spreads demonstrates how modern K-pop idols diversify their skill sets to sustain long-term careers in the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Arin from Oh My Girl?
Arin was born on June 18, 1999. As of 2026, she is 27 years old.
What is Arin's real name?
Her birth name is Choi Ye-won. She uses "Arin" as her stage name in the entertainment industry.
What are Arin's most famous acting roles?
Her most notable acting credits include playing Oh Na-ri in the web series The World of My 15 and Jin Cho-yeon in the tvN fantasy drama Alchemy of Souls.
When did Oh My Girl debut?
Oh My Girl officially debuted on April 20, 2015, under WM Entertainment with their first mini-album.
