Julie Han is a Honolulu-born rapper, singer, and songwriter best known as the leader of the South Korean girl group KISS OF LIFE. Born on March 29, 2000, she is 26 years old as of July 2026.

Julie developed her performance skills through ballet, hip-hop dance, and several years of K-pop training. Since debuting with KISS OF LIFE in 2023, she has worked as a rapper and performer while earning verified lyric and composition credits.

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Profile Summary

Early Life and Background

Julie Han was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She spent her childhood in Hawaii and studied ballet before moving to South Korea at the age of 13.

In a 2024 interview, Julie explained that she stopped practicing ballet after moving but later returned to dance through hip-hop classes. Learning choreography to a Rihanna song helped her recognize that she wanted to sing, rap, dance, and perform professionally. Teen Vogue reported that she trained at different agencies for approximately six years before debuting.

Julie speaks both Korean and English. Her bilingual background has also allowed her to assist with communication during international interviews and activities involving KISS OF LIFE.

Her brother, Joseph Han, is a Korean-American writer and professor. He is the author of the 2022 novel Nuclear Family. Joseph has publicly identified Julie as his sister and shared support for her work with KISS OF LIFE. Other private family details have not been widely documented through authoritative sources.

Career and Professional Journey

Pre-Debut Training

Julie’s path into the Korean music industry involved an extended trainee period. She attended dance training and was formerly associated with The Black Label before eventually joining S2 Entertainment. Her experience at The Black Label has been reported by Korean entertainment publications, including Korea JoongAng Daily.

Julie and Natty had trained together before joining S2 Entertainment. The two were later placed in a group with Belle and Haneul, forming the four-member lineup of KISS OF LIFE.

Debut With KISS OF LIFE

Julie was introduced as a KISS OF LIFE member in May 2023. The group officially debuted on July 5, 2023, with its self-titled EP and the lead single “Shhh.”

The debut project presented each member through an individual song. Julie’s solo track, “Kitty Cat,” combined pop and hip-hop elements and emphasized her rap delivery and performance style. The EP also included “Bye My Neverland” and solo tracks by Natty, Belle, and Haneul.

As the eldest member, Julie was selected as the group’s leader. Her responsibilities include supporting communication among the members and representing their ideas during discussions about music, performances, and visual concepts.

Songwriting and Creative Credits

Julie has participated in the writing of several KISS OF LIFE songs. The official credits for the group’s debut EP list her as a lyricist on “Shhh.” She received both lyric and composition credits for “Bye My Neverland.” Bugs Music’s album information documents these contributions.

On the group’s second EP, Born to Be XX, Julie contributed to the Korean lyrics of “Nobody Knows.” She also received a lyric credit on the English version of “Bad News.” These roles are confirmed in the album’s published track credits.

The credits should be understood as collaborative work. Julie was one of several writers or composers involved, rather than the sole creator of these songs.

Later Releases and Collaborations

KISS OF LIFE expanded its catalog in 2024 through releases including “Midas Touch,” “Sticky,” and the EP Lose Yourself. The group also began its first world tour, Kiss Road, with Julie continuing in her leadership and performance roles.

Julie appeared as a featured artist on “Magic,” a track from TWICE member Nayeon’s 2024 solo EP NA. The two later performed the song together at Waterbomb Seoul. NME covered the collaboration and live performance.

In 2025, she was featured on Red Velvet–Irene & Seulgi’s song “What’s Your Problem?” Julie also received a writing credit on “Heart of Gold,” a track from KISS OF LIFE’s fourth EP, 224. The EP was released on June 9, 2025, with “Lips Hips Kiss” as its lead track. Korea JoongAng Daily documented the album and its member contributions.

KISS OF LIFE returned on April 6, 2026, with the two-track single album Who is she. The project contained the title track and the B-side “Don’t mind me,” both performed during the group’s Seoul showcase. Korea JoongAng Daily reported on the release.

Public Statements and Accountability

In July 2023, Julie issued a public apology after an old trainee-era cover video resurfaced in which she sang a racial slur contained in the original lyrics. Her official statement acknowledged that the performance could cause harm and expressed her intention to act more carefully.

In April 2025, KISS OF LIFE faced criticism over an “old-school hip-hop”-themed birthday livestream that was widely described as culturally insensitive. The content was removed, and the four members issued a group apology. The 2025 incident was separate from Julie’s 2023 individual statement and should be reported as a group matter. Teen Vogue covered the response.

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Major Achievements and Recognition

Julie’s principal individual milestones include debuting as the leader of KISS OF LIFE, receiving a solo track on the group’s first EP, and earning writing credits across several releases. Her appearances on songs by Nayeon and Red Velvet–Irene & Seulgi also expanded her work beyond the group’s main discography.

KISS OF LIFE won Rookie of the Year at the 2024 Korean Music Awards. The group became the third idol group to receive that award, following aespa and NewJeans. Born to Be XX was also nominated for Best K-pop Album at the same ceremony. These are group honors rather than individual awards for Julie. NME published the results.

The 2024 single “Sticky” reached No. 87 on the Billboard Global 200. During the group’s first North American tour, demand resulted in additional dates and venue upgrades. These developments reflected the group’s growing international audience. People reported on the tour and the group’s expanding profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Julie Han?

Julie Han is 26 years old as of July 2026. She was born on March 29, 2000.

Where is Julie Han from?

Julie was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. She lived in Hawaii during her childhood before moving to South Korea at age 13.

What is Julie’s role in KISS OF LIFE?

Julie is the leader and a rapper in KISS OF LIFE. The other members are Natty, Belle, and Haneul.

Which songs has Julie helped write?

Julie has verified lyric credits on “Shhh,” “Nobody Knows,” “Bad News (English Version),” and “Heart of Gold.” She is credited for both lyrics and composition on “Bye My Neverland.”

Who is Julie Han’s brother?

Her brother is Joseph Han, a Korean-American writer and professor. He is best known for his debut novel, Nuclear Family.

Conclusion

Julie Han is a Honolulu-born performer whose career developed through ballet, hip-hop dance, and approximately six years of K-pop training. She debuted as the leader of KISS OF LIFE in July 2023 and has since contributed to the group as a rapper, performer, lyricist, and occasional composer.

Her verified work includes writing credits on “Shhh,” “Bye My Neverland,” “Nobody Knows,” “Bad News (English Version),” and “Heart of Gold.” As of July 2026, she remains active with KISS OF LIFE while also building individual experience through collaborations with other established K-pop artists.