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The K-pop world is full of fascinating stories, and one that often piques the curiosity of fans is how young some idols are when they debut or join a group. A particularly interesting case is Yeri of Red Velvet. So, exactly how old was Yeri when she joined Red Velvet? She was just 16 years old (international age) and 17 years old (Korean age) when she officially became a member of the popular girl group.
Yeri’s Debut Age Decoding the Numbers
Understanding Yeri’s age when she joined Red Velvet requires a bit of context about Korean age reckoning. In South Korea, people are considered one year old at birth, and everyone adds a year on January 1st, regardless of their actual birth date. Therefore, Yeri, born on March 5, 1999, was already considered 1 year old at birth. By the time she joined Red Velvet in March 2015, she was technically 17 years old in Korean age. This makes her one of the youngest idols to join an already established group in K-pop history, highlighting her early start in the industry.
To break it down further, here’s a simple comparison:
- International Age (at debut): 16 years old
- Korean Age (at debut): 17 years old
The difference stems from the way Koreans calculate age from birth. Her addition to the group came at a significant point in her life, as she was still navigating her teenage years while simultaneously entering the demanding world of K-pop. She wasn’t part of the group’s original lineup, which debuted in August 2014. She joined Red Velvet during their “Ice Cream Cake” promotions in March 2015. Her youthful energy and vibrant personality quickly made her a beloved member, contributing to Red Velvet’s ever-growing success. Consider these important events:
- August 2014: Red Velvet Debut
- March 5, 1999: Yeri’s Birthday
- March 2015: Yeri Joins Red Velvet
The table below shows how her ages are interpreted in the different forms:
| Age Standard | Age at Debut |
|---|---|
| International Age | 16 |
| Korean Age | 17 |
Want to learn more about Yeri and Red Velvet’s journey? The source material mentioned in the section that follows this CTA paragraph goes into even greater detail about their debut and the impact Yeri had on the group’s overall dynamic!