Liz

Kim Ji-won, known by her stage name Liz, was born on November 21, 2004, on Jeju Island, South Korea, a place famous for its natural beauty, unique culture, and distinctive dialect. Growing up on the island gave her an upbringing unlike most K-pop idols — she spent her childhood absorbing the Jeju language and local culture, and despite the island's coastal geography, she never learned to swim. From an early age she was drawn to music and vocal performance, practicing at the Jeju Hallyu Training Center with clear ambition toward a professional career.

In the summer of 2019, Liz participated in Starship Entertainment's "Pepsi Summer Open Audition," where she was immediately noted by the agency's rookie development team for her overwhelming vocal talent and visuals. She was accepted into Starship's trainee program and relocated to Seoul, dropping out of Cheongdam High School to focus on training. As trainees she was roommates with Rei, and the two became close. She chose the stage name "Liz" in reference to Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice — a character she admired for her self-assurance and independence. Liz trained for approximately two years before IVE's debut.

Liz was revealed as the fourth IVE member and debuted on December 1, 2021. She rapidly established herself as the group's main vocalist, her powerful and emotionally resonant voice serving as an anchor for IVE's larger musical productions. Beyond IVE's group releases, she contributed OST tracks for Korean dramas, and together with Rei covered a Seiko Matsuda classic on an official tribute album, demonstrating her versatility as a vocalist.

Liz is described as shy and quiet in everyday life — a common profile for INFP/INTP-type individuals whose rich inner world can make them appear reserved in public settings. However, on stage she transforms into a commanding presence, particularly during vocal performances. She has a younger brother and cites Taeyeon as her idol and the benchmark she aspires to reach vocally. Her love of cooking is genuine — she frequently prepares food for the members — and she navigates Seoul's food scene with the perspective of someone who grew up appreciating the distinctive flavors of Jeju Island cuisine.