Gong Minji (공민지)

“I'd rather just think of everything positively.”

Name: Gong Minji/공민지
Stage Name: Minzy
Date of Birth: 18th January 1994
Hometown: Gwangju, South Korea
Height: 161cm (still growing )
Weight: 44kg
Blood Type: O
Religion: Christian
Label: YG Entertainment – 2NE1
Position: Vocal, Rapper, Dancer
Group Position: Maknae (Youngest)
Hobbies: Music production, writing lyrics, dancing, singing, photography, drawing
Specialties: Japanese, Chinese
Favorite Color: Purple

Minzy was born in Seoul, South Korea, but moved to Gwangju shortly thereafter where she participated in many dance contests and competitions during her younger years. Minzy is the granddaughter of Gong Okjin, a legendary folk dancer in South Korea.

Minzy was discovered by YG Entertainment through a video uploaded on the internet, which showed her dancing. The video got many hits and praises for her ability to dance. Because of her rising popularity through the internet, YG contacted and recruited her, after which she became a trainee in the entertainment company.

2NE1′s maknae has evolved alot over the last few years. She consistently improves and reveals new talents. Dubbed  as Eromaknae, when she first emerged on the scene it was her sexy dance moves that grabbed everyone’s attention. Since then Minzy has shown that she is so much more than a one-dimensional idol. Minzy sings, dances, raps, draws, designs clothes, builds Gundnams, is learning to speak three languages, knits….and has an endless list of other hobbies.

In her own words….

“I like to do new things as well as try new things. I dream of freedom like the sky and like the color pink. I like funny things. I hate to think that anything is impossible; I am stubborn, prideful, as well as competitive. I love to read, and if I start something it is hard for me to stop. I don’t like difficult and confusing things; I like being organized and like to think by myself sometimes. I like to plan ahead and dream that those plans will come true. I like to give and it makes me happy to see smiles when I give. I seem like a strong person but I do get hurt a lot because I am young. But I tend to hide those feelings. Sometimes I explode when my patience can hold no longer. Even though it is a difficult time for me, I can go on with my life with the thought of happiness in the future. But when I do feel content and joyful I feel impressed. I know that time goes by really fast and move quickly with it. I can’t get what I want if I don’t move fast. Time, Passion and effort is important in reaching out goals. I try not to forget the person God has made me into. THIS IS ME….”

→ Trivia ←

1. Minzy is the granddaughter of dancer and actress Gong Ok Jin, who was a performer of Pyeongshin choon.

2. Minzy went to the same dance company, Millyohrae Joy Dance Academy and Plug In Music Academy, with Bigbang’s Seung Ri, Yunho, and KARA’s Goo Hara.

3. There was a video of Minzy dancing that was uploaded in the Internet and got many hits and praises for her dancing ability. Because of her rising popularity, YG contacted her and recruited her.

4. Originally she was supposed to debut in Japan with ex-YG trainee May Doni, who left YG Family for another record label.

5. She joined YG Entertainment when she was in 6th grade.

6. Minzy has a Gundam collection.

7. She loves taking photographs and wants to be a professional photographer someday.

8. She is the best cook among the 2NE1 members.

9. She sings 24/7 even when she is not on stage or on rehearsals.

10. Yang Goon loves her so much that he gave her a nickname, “Brilliance”.

11. Minzy confessed on Yoo Hee Yeol’s Sketchbook that she sometimes has trouble understanding lyrics.

12. Minzy likes cross stitching.

13. She called herself as “Bom Junior” because of her exercising and dieting.

14. She is known as the “child that G-Dragon adores even more than Seungri”.

15. She cited famous entertainer Michael Jackson as her musical influence.

16. She’s a member of 문미엔 (Moonmien), which stands for “Christian meeting for culture media entertainment workers”.  It has small scale worships and prayer meetings. Siwon (Super Junior), Tiffany, Yoona, Hyoyeon & Hyoyeon (SNSD), Jungjoon, Kim Junghwa, Yang Donggeun, Kim Soohyun and Ryu Won are also members of 문미엔.

17. She is a huge fan of Usher.

18. Minzy is known for her thick lips.

19. Minzy can dance sexy to any song even if it’s a children song.

20. She loves wearing dresses and skirts.

21. She is noted for her popping and locking dance skills and it has seemed to be her signature moves.

22. She wanted to be a contemporary dance choreographer but ended up to be a singer.

23. Minzy loves songs from 90’s and 70’s even 80’s trot songs.

24. She loves to read and if she start something, it is hard for her to stop.

25. Minzy loves puppies, but a bit scared of dogs.

Solo Work/Collaborations:

☆2009☆

- “Please Don’t Go” (Minzy and CL)

☆2013☆

- “Miracle” (w/ Other SBS Friendship Project Artist)

Filmography:

Films

Girlfriends (Cameo) [2009]

Television

2NE1 TV [2009]

Style (Cameo) [2009]

2NE1 TV Season 2 [2010]

2NE1 TV Season 3 [2011]

Strong Heart (Ep.123 “YG Family Special) [2012]

Running Man (Ep.156) [2013]

Mamma Mia [2013]

Running Man (Ep.195) [2014]

The Pre-debut Dance Clip that captured the attention of YG Entertainment:

Special live Performance:

“Please Don’t Go” [w/ CL]