So, you’re scrolling through TikTok or Twitter and everyone is obsessing over how old is Wonhee. It feels like just yesterday she was that shy trainee on R U Next? who looked like she’d stumbled onto a stage by accident, yet here she is, leading one of the biggest girl groups in the world.
The short answer? Wonhee is 18 years old.
But if you’re a K-pop fan, you know it’s never actually that simple. Between international ages, the now-officially-retired "Korean age" system, and the "legal adult" status in South Korea, there is a lot of noise. Honestly, the confusion is real. Let’s break down the actual timeline because 2026 has been a massive year for her.
✨ Don't miss: Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze Chippendales: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The Birthday Basics: When Was Wonhee Born?
Lee Won-hee was born on June 26, 2007.
If you do the math from today’s date in early 2026, she is 18. However, she’s currently in that weird transition phase where she’s "turning 19" later this year. In the global K-pop fandom, we usually stick to her birth date, which means she celebrated her 18th birthday in mid-2025.
It’s wild to think she was only 16 when she debuted with ILLIT. Most of us at 16 were struggling with algebra, not performing "Magnetic" in front of millions. She’s definitely grown up fast, but the "baby of the group" energy is still very much there, even if she isn't actually the youngest (that title belongs to Iroha, who was born in 2008).
The Big "Coming of Age" Moment in 2026
You might have seen the "Breaking News" posts on Instagram or Reddit recently about Wonhee becoming an adult. This is where things get kinda technical.
In South Korea, there’s a concept called Year Age. Even though the government officially switched to the international system recently to avoid administrative headaches, social traditions die hard. On January 1, 2026, Wonhee technically hit the milestone of becoming a legal adult in the eyes of many Korean fans.
Why does this matter?
📖 Related: Jocelyn Wildenstein Young Pictures: What Most People Get Wrong
- She can finally watch those late-night horror movies she always talked about.
- The "unnie" line (the older members like Yunah and Minju) can't tease her as much about being a "kid."
- There's a shift in the types of solo brand deals and magazine covers she’s taking on.
Just this month, she landed a solo digital cover for W Korea (January 2026). In the interview, she mentioned that it doesn’t quite feel real yet. She basically said she still feels like the same person, just with more responsibilities and a goal to read 16 books this year.
Why People Were Confused About How Old Is Wonhee
When R U Next? was airing back in 2023, the internet was a mess of rumors. People were arguing left and right about whether she was born in 2007, 2009, or even 2010. Some fans thought she was way younger because of her "round" features and the way she was styled.
The truth is, Wonhee had a very short training period—only about two months before the show started. Because she was scouted at a bus terminal (literally just a regular student waiting for a bus!), she didn't have years of "idol training" to polish her image. She looked like a normal high schooler because she was one.
A Quick Age Comparison (International Age):
- Yunah: 22 years old
- Minju: 21 years old
- Moka: 21 years old
- Wonhee: 18 years old (Turning 19 in June)
- Iroha: 17 years old (The actual maknae)
Is Wonhee Still in School?
This is a question that pops up a lot. Most idols her age attend schools like SOPA (School of Performing Arts Seoul) or Hanlim. Wonhee has been balancing her career with her studies, though she did mention in 2024 and 2025 that the schedule was pretty grueling.
Interestingly, she’s often seen as the "relatable" one. She likes cleaning her room to clear her head and hates mint chocolate—a very "Gen Z" set of priorities. Even though she’s technically an adult now, her fans (GLLIT) still see her as the "Stingray" or "Axolotl" they fell in love with during her trainee days.
What’s Next for Wonhee in 2026?
Now that we’ve cleared up how old is Wonhee, the real focus is on her "adult" era. Since turning 18 (and 20 in the traditional Korean sense this January), her style has been subtly shifting. She’s moving away from the ultra-youthful, "student" vibe and experimenting with more "feminine and intense" concepts, as she told W Korea.
If you're trying to keep up with her, here are a few things to keep an eye on:
🔗 Read more: How Much is Cassie Ventura Worth? The Real Numbers Behind the Headline
- Solo Activities: Expect more high-fashion editorials. Now that she's 18, brands are going to be jumping at the chance to sign her for global campaigns.
- Musical Growth: She’s expressed interest in trying "intense" musical concepts. We might see a darker or more mature side of ILLIT in their next comeback.
- Personal Goals: She’s serious about that "16 books in a year" resolution. Don't be surprised if she starts sharing a reading list on Weverse.
The bottom line is that while her age says "adult," her journey is really just beginning. She’s handled the pressure of being a global star at 16 and 17 with a lot of grace, even when hit with weird online rumors or bullying allegations (which were debunked as fake by the way).
If you want to stay updated on her latest milestones, the best thing to do is follow the official ILLIT Weverse or Instagram. They usually post a huge celebration for her birthday on June 26th—that’ll be her official 19th (international) birthday!
Actionable Insight: If you’re a collector or a new fan, keep an eye on her 2026 birthday merch. The first "adult" birthday for a K-pop idol is usually a huge deal for fans and agencies alike, often featuring limited-edition photobooks or special events. Stay tuned to Belift Lab’s official announcements around June.