Mingyu (rapper)

Kim Min-gyu (born April 6, 1997), professionally known mononymously as Mingyu, is a Korean rapper and singer. Managed by Pledis Entertainment, he is a member of the idol group Seventeen.

2013–2014: Pre-debut
Mingyu joined Pledis Entertainment in 2012, where we would undergo singing and dancing training for four years. As a trainee, he participated from the first season onwards of Seventeen TV, an online reality show that introduced Pledis' trainees and showed potential members of the boy group Seventeen before their official debut. The show was broadcast periodically on Ustream, where the trainees showed themselves training, singing, creating choreographies and playing games. The online show also included participation in concerts, titled Like Seventeen. Before officially debuting, Mingyu was featured in music videos of other Pledis artists at the time, include Nu'est and Hello Venus.

2015–present: Seventeen and solo activities
In 2015, Mingyu debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group Seventeen with the extended play 17 Carat on May 29. Since debuting in Seventeen, he has participated in the songwriting of over 45 songs.

In February 2018, Mingyu was announced as the new MC for weekly SBS' Music Show Inkigayo alongside Jung Chae-yeon of DIA and actor Song Kang. He held the role until late 2019.

In 2021, Mingyu and Seventeen bandmate Wonwoo released a digital single titled "Bittersweet", featuring Lee Hi. "Bittersweet" ranked first on the iTunes song chart in ten regions upon release.

Fashion
In 2022, Mingyu attended an event with French jeweler Cartier in Seoul. He was later featured on the cover of Dazed Korea's December issue again wearing the brand. In February 2023, Mingyu attended Italian fashion house Marni's Fall/Winter 2023 runway show in Tokyo. In February 2024, Mingyu attended French fashion house Dior's show at Paris Fashion week, where he was profiled by Vogue. In June, he attended the opening of American fashion brand Calvin Klein's new global flagship store in Paris.

Ambassadorships
In 2022, Mingyu was appointed as the ambassador of French cosmetic house Lancome. In 2023, Mingyu was announced as the new global model for South Korean skincare brand Innisfree. In March 2024, Mingyu was selected as the new local ambassador for Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. In May 2024, Mingyu was announced as the new brand ambassador for French luxury skincare brand L'Occitane for Asia.

Composition credits
All credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association.