Rei

Introduction

Rei, born Naoi Rei on February 3, 2004, in Nagoya, Japan, is a Japanese singer and rapper best known as a member of the K-pop girl group IVE under Starship Entertainment. She made her official debut with the group on December 1, 2021, and quickly gained attention for her charismatic stage presence, deep-toned rap voice, and unique fashion sense.

As the first Japanese idol to debut under Starship, Rei stands out not only for her talent but also for her fluency in Korean, which earned her the affectionate nickname “Kim Rei” from her fellow members. She moved to South Korea at the age of 14 to pursue her dream, attending the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) and later enrolling in Chung-Ang University to study Theater and Film.

Rei is known for her duality—soft and adorable off-stage, yet bold and confident when performing. Her visuals often draw comparisons to anime characters, and her expressive style has made her a Gen Z fashion icon. Whether she’s delivering sharp rap verses or charming fans with her mochi-like cheeks, Rei continues to captivate audiences with her blend of elegance, edge, and authenticity.