Jeon Somi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jeon Somi
Jeon in September 2024
Born	Ennik Somi Douma (2001-03-09) March 9, 2001 (age 24) Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Citizenship	South Korea Canada Netherlands
Alma mater	Hanlim Multi Art School
Occupation	Singer songwriter rapper dancer
Musical career
Origin	South Korea
Genres	K-pop dance-pop R&B
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2014–present
Labels	JYP YMC The Black Label Interscope
Korean name
Hangul	전소미
Hanja	全昭彌
Revised Romanization	Jeon So-mi
McCune–Reischauer	Chŏn Somi
Birth name
Hangul	에닉 소미 다우마
Revised Romanization	Enik Somi Dauma
McCune–Reischauer	Enik Somi Tauma
Signature

Jeon Somi (born Ennik Somi Douma on March 9, 2001) is a popular singer from South Korea and Canada. She is known for her amazing voice and dance moves. Somi became famous after winning the TV show Produce 101. She then joined the girl group I.O.I. After I.O.I finished their group activities, Somi started her solo career. Her first song, "Birthday", came out in 2019. In 2021, she released her first album, XOXO. Her song "Fast Forward" became a top-five hit in South Korea in 2023.

Early Life and Dreams

Jeon Somi was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Her mother is South Korean, and her father, Matthew Douma, is Canadian with Dutch roots. When she was just six months old, her family moved to Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, South Korea.

Somi appeared on TV with her dad when she was only four years old. This was for a news interview about her father helping clear snow. She first went to a school for foreign students. Later, she moved to a Korean school to learn Taekwondo. Somi shared that she sometimes faced teasing because she looked different. She even wanted to change her hair color to black to fit in.

She finished elementary school in 2013 and middle school in 2017. Somi then studied Practical Music and Vocal at Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in 2020. Somi dreamed of becoming a singer after watching Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" video. When she was nine, she discovered K-pop and loved Park Bom's unique voice.

Journey to Stardom

Starting Out and Joining I.O.I

Jeon Somi performing with I.O.I in 2016

Somi started auditioning for entertainment companies in fourth grade. In 2013, she appeared on a TV show called Let's Go! Dream Team Season 2. She also sang in a music video for English education.

In 2014, Somi auditioned for JYP Entertainment and became a trainee. She even appeared in Got7's "Stop Stop It" music video. In 2015, Somi joined the survival show Sixteen. This show aimed to create a new girl group, which became Twice. Somi was eliminated in the final round but kept training.

In January 2016, Somi competed on Produce 101. She won first place with many votes! At 15, she officially debuted with the project group I.O.I on May 4. They released their first album, Chrysalis. I.O.I also formed a smaller group that released "Whatta Man". This song reached number two on the charts. Somi and I.O.I won their first music show award with this song. Somi also collaborated on the song "Flower, Wind and You" with other K-pop idols. In October, she became a host for the music show The Show.

Jeon Somi heading to Music Bank in 2017

After I.O.I disbanded in January 2017, Somi signed a solo contract with JYP Entertainment. She joined the TV show Sister's Slam Dunk as a regular cast member. On March 9, she released a song called "You, Who?" with Eric Nam. This song reached number 16 on the charts. In May, Somi joined Unnies, a group from Sister's Slam Dunk 2. They released "Right?" and "Lalala Song". "Right?" sold over 950,000 digital copies!

Somi also joined the show Idol Drama Operation Team. She and six other girl group members wrote and acted in their own drama. They formed a group called Girls Next Door and released the song "Deep Blue Eyes".

Solo Career and Big Hits

In August 2018, Somi left JYP Entertainment. The next month, she joined The Black Label, a company under YG Entertainment. She felt that The Black Label would help her grow as an artist.

Jeon Somi at her "Birthday" debut showcase in 2019

On June 13, 2019, Somi made her solo debut with "Birthday". The music video got over four million views in just 24 hours! She performed "Birthday" and "Outta My Head" on Show! Music Core. Both songs did well on international charts. Somi also appeared on TV shows like Law of the Jungle in Chuuk.

In March 2020, Somi started a reality series called I Am Somi on YouTube. Her next song was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 22, she released "What You Waiting For". She also signed with Interscope Records for her music outside Asia. On August 6, 2020, Somi won her first music show award for "What You Waiting For".

In March 2021, Somi was invited to a special event by The Blue House for the Korean Declaration of Independence. She was chosen as a multicultural representative. On May 4, Somi reunited with most of the I.O.I members for their fifth anniversary.

On August 2, 2021, Somi released "Dumb Dumb". Its music video got 10 million views in less than 24 hours! This song became her first top-ten hit as a solo artist. Somi also started a "Dumb Dumb Challenge" on TikTok, which became very popular.

On October 29, 2021, Somi released her first full album, XOXO. It included her previous hit singles. The album did well on the charts.

On August 7, 2023, Somi released her new album Game Plan with the song "Fast Forward". This song was a big success and was named one of the best K-pop songs of 2023. In December 2023, she released a Christmas song called "Ex-Mas" with rapper Big Naughty. On August 2, 2024, Somi released the summer song "Ice Cream".

Personal Life and Talents

Jeon Somi at her middle school graduation in 2017

Somi is very skilled in Taekwondo. She has practiced this Korean martial art for over 10 years! Her father, who has a fourth-degree black belt, taught her. Somi earned her third-degree black belt and later, at 17, passed the test for her fourth-degree black belt. This means she is qualified to teach Taekwondo.

Somi and her family follow Korean Buddhism. She also has three passports: one for South Korea, one for Canada, and one for the Netherlands.

Fashion and Songwriting

Somi loves expressing herself through fashion. She even customized her own Louis Vuitton bag with a unicorn drawing. For her music video "What You Waiting For", she helped plan the styling. Somi also enjoys DIY projects, taking clothes apart and putting them back together.

Somi started writing songs in middle school. Her first self-composed song was "Outta My Head". She often writes songs in English first, then changes the lyrics to Korean. This helps her get the "feel" of the song right. Somi has a lot of creative control over her music at The Black Label. She learns a lot from her mentor, Teddy Park, who is a famous songwriter.

Musical Inspirations

When she was young, Somi loved music from Cyndi Lauper, Rihanna, and 2NE1. Her mother introduced her to South Korean singer Seo Taiji. Somi's father also helped her discover music from different countries. She looks up to Lee Hyori as a role model for female solo artists. Lee Hyori showed many different styles in her career. Somi also sees Teddy Park as a huge influence. She said he is "the most successful songwriting and composing figure in K-pop."

Other Activities

Endorsements and Campaigns

Somi is known for her bright and energetic image. This has led to many endorsement deals. She has been a model for skincare brands like Hada Labo, Kiss Me, Shiseido Korea, and COSRX. She also models for shoe brand Nuovo and fashion brands like Beanpole Sports and United Colors of Benetton Korea. In 2022, she became an ambassador for Converse, and in 2023, for The North Face.

In October 2021, Somi became a public relations ambassador for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. She took part in the "Korea Contents Week" campaign.

Helping Others

In July 2016, Somi and other I.O.I members joined the "Shoot For Love" campaign. This campaign raised money and awareness for children with pediatric cancer. They raised ₩1 million (about $750 USD). In October 2018, Somi became an international ambassador for The Wetskills Foundation, which focuses on water management. In October 2020, she participated in a campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Music Albums and Songs

Studio Albums

Extended Plays

Singles

As Lead Artist

As Featured Artist

Film and TV Appearances

Film

Television Shows

Hosting

Awards and Achievements

Images for kids

• 

  Jeon Somi's signature

See also

In Spanish: Jeon Somi para niños