Arin: The Versatile Journey of Oh My Girl's Star Singer and Actress
Choi Ye-won, known professionally as Arin, has established herself as a multifaceted talent in the South Korean entertainment industry. From her beginnings as a K-pop idol to her evolution into a respected actress, Arin has consistently expanded her artistic reach while maintaining a strong commitment to philanthropy.
Born on June 18, 1999, in Busan, Arin's journey began with a rigorous education in the arts. She attended Dongduk Middle School and the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul, providing her with the foundational training necessary for her dual career in music and acting.
Key Facts
- Birth Name: Choi Ye-won
- Debut Date: April 20, 2015, with Oh My Girl
- Musical Roles: Member of Oh My Girl and the sub-unit Oh My Girl Banhana
- Acting Highlights: Starred in Alchemy of Souls and S Line
- Current Agency: ATRP (signed June 10, 2025)
- Philanthropy: Significant donations to The Beautiful Foundation and Busan Elderly Welfare Center
Musical Career and Evolution
Arin officially entered the music scene on April 20, 2015, as a member of the girl group Oh My Girl. Her first public performance took place the following day on SBS MTV's The Show. Over the years, she has become a staple of the K-pop genre, known for her vocals and stage presence.
In April 2018, Arin expanded her musical footprint by debuting in Oh My Girl Banhana, the group's first sub-unit. Her versatility was further showcased through various television appearances, including the competition show Queendom in 2019 and the variety program The Ultimate Watchlist 2.
Transition to Acting and Hosting
Arin's transition into acting began in earnest in 2020 when she was cast as Oh Na-ri in the Naver TV web series The World of My 17. This marked the start of a prolific period in her acting career, leading to roles in high-profile projects such as the Netflix anthology Urban Myths and the fantasy period drama Alchemy of Souls in 2022.
Her acting portfolio continued to grow with the short-form drama Summer Love Machine Blues (2023) and the webtoon-based mystery S Line (2023). Most recently, she was cast in the romantic comedy My Girlfriend Is the Man! in August 2024.
Beyond acting, Arin proved her charisma as a host. From July 2020 to October 2021, she served as an MC for Music Bank alongside TXT's Choi Soo-bin. Their chemistry was highly praised, earning them the Best Couple Award at the 2020 KBS Entertainment Awards.
Philanthropy and Brand Endorsements
Arin is widely recognized for her generous contributions to society. She has made several significant donations to The Beautiful Foundation, including ₩30 million on her 22nd birthday to support young adults leaving foster care and ₩20 million on Coming-of-Age Day in 2022. Her charitable work also extends to her hometown of Busan, where she has supported the Busan Elderly Welfare Center and the Busan Briquette Bank.
Her clean image and popularity have made her a sought-after brand ambassador. Arin has worked with diverse brands, including the clothing label BYC, the French beauty brand Clarins, and Kumbokju's cham soju. She also served as a promotional model for Busan's bid to host Expo 2030 and the mobile game Luna: Moonlight Chronicles.
Career Summary
| Category | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Music Groups | Oh My Girl, Oh My Girl Banhana |
| Notable Dramas | Alchemy of Souls, S Line, The World of My 17 |
| Hosting | Music Bank (2020–2021) |
| Major Agencies | WM Entertainment (2015–2025), ATRP (2025–present) |
| Key Awards | Best Couple Award (2020 KBS Entertainment Awards) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arin still a member of Oh My Girl?
Yes. Although Arin ended her contract with WM Entertainment on May 8, 2025, it was explicitly stated that she would remain a member of Oh My Girl.
Who is Arin's current agency?
Arin signed an exclusive contract with ATRP on June 10, 2025.
What are some of Arin's most notable acting roles?
Some of her most prominent roles include appearing in the fantasy drama Alchemy of Souls, the mystery series S Line, and the web series The World of My 17.
How has Arin contributed to philanthropy?
Arin has donated millions of won to The Beautiful Foundation to support foster care leavers, provided briquettes to the Busan Briquette Bank, and donated to the Busan Elderly Welfare Center.
What was Arin's role on Music Bank?
Arin served as a host (MC) for Music Bank from July 2020 until October 2021, partnering with Choi Soo-bin of TXT.