Red Velvet's Irene Reflects on the Age Labels She Faced After Debuting at 24

Red Velvet's Irene recently opened up about the constant focus on her age since she debuted at 24 years old, a relatively late age for a K-pop idol. Fans will appreciate her honest take on how this label followed her throughout her early career.

On August 14, rapper Lee Youngji’s YouTube talk show released a new episode featuring a candid conversation with Irene. The two shared memories from Irene's journey since debuting with Red Velvet.

Lee Youngji noted that 24 seemed quite mature at the time of Irene's debut, but once she reached that age herself, her perspective changed. She then asked Irene if she often faced comments about debuting at a later age compared to typical idols.

Irene laughed and confirmed she heard about her age on every broadcast. Because she debuted at a later age than most idols, the topic came up frequently in interviews and shows. However, she admitted she didn’t focus much on the number itself during those early days.

Instead, Irene prioritized looking after the younger members of the group. She recalled, "I had to look after the members beside me. There was so much to take care of that my actual age wasn’t that important." This reveals her strong sense of responsibility as the eldest member and leader.

As the leader and eldest sister, Irene spent much of her early career focusing on her members rather than herself. She reflected that only with time did she start to take better care of herself. When asked if she now looks after herself well, she confidently replied, "Of course." Her growth in self-care shows a meaningful change.

Irene also shared her close bond with member Yeri, naming her as the younger member she cherishes most. She revealed that she has known Yeri since she was 12 years old, dating back to Irene’s trainee days at age 20. This long-standing relationship highlights Irene’s nurturing role within the group.

Since debuting with Red Velvet in 2014, Irene has led the group through many hits such as "Red Flavor," "Psycho," and "Feel My Rhythm." This year marks her first solo Asia tour after 12 years of group activities, continuing her active career in music and performance.

Fans and industry watchers will be interested to see how Irene’s leadership and personal growth continue to shape her path in the years ahead.