Jang Gyu-ri

Biography

Jang Gyu-ri (Korean: 장규리, born December 27, 1997) is a South Korean actress and former singer. She finished ninth in Mnet's girl group survival show Idol School, becoming a member of the resulting girl group Fromis 9, but left after her contract expired with Pledis Entertainment in July 2022, and later transitioned to an acting career. She gained more recognition after starring in the television series It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020).

Early life and education

Jang Gyu-ri was born on December 27, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea. She attended Seoul Institute of the Arts, majoring in acting.

2017: Pre-debut

In 2017, Jang made a cameo in KBS drama Ms. Perfect before she became a trainee.
Later that year, Jang participated in the Mnet reality-survival program Idol School to form a new girl group. Jang placed 9th overall in the show's finale on September 29, becoming a member of Fromis 9. On November 29, Jang, together with Fromis 9, performed their pre-debut single titled "Glass Shoes" at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan.

2018: Debut with Fromis 9 and Produce 48

Jang officially made her debut as a member of Fromis 9 with the EP To. Heart on January 24, 2018.

On May 10, it was confirmed that Jang would be representing Stone Music Entertainment alongside Jo Yu-ri and 2 other contestants in Produce 48. She revealed that she had participated in the show in hopes of growing and further improving on herself. Jang was eventually eliminated after finishing in 25th place at the 3rd elimination round. She then returned to Fromis 9.

2019–2020: Acting debut

On May 10, 2019, Jang made her acting debut and starred in the web drama Dating Class as Kang Ji-young.
In 2020, she starred in the tvN television series It's Okay to Not Be Okay, where she gained more recognition.

2022–present: Departure from Fromis 9 and solo activities

On July 28, 2022, Pledis Entertainment announced that member Jang would be leaving Fromis 9 on July 31. Jang chose to maintain the conditions of the original contract with her former agency CJ E&M that would last only one year and not sign the new contract with Pledis Entertainment.
She starred in the SBS television series Cheer Up in the second half of 2022, making it her first project since leaving the group. In August 2022, Jang signed an exclusive contract with Just Entertainment as an actress.
In June 2024, Jang left Just Entertainment after her contract expired. In September, Jang signed with new agency Namoo Actors. She was cast in MBC television series When the Phone Rings later that month, receiving praise for her performance.