T.T.Ma Members Profile 2026: Bio, Age, Career & Interesting Facts
Before the rise of second-generation K-pop giants, before the global Hallyu wave swept across the world, there was a group that helped pave the way for Korean girl groups-T.T.Ma. Active from 1999 to 2002, T.T.Ma (티티마) was a five-member South Korean girl group that captured the hearts of fans with their youthful energy, catchy pop dance tracks, and refreshing image. Often referred to as the “female version of NRG,” they were one of the pioneering girl groups of the first generation of K-pop.
But who were the members of T.T.Ma? What happened to them after the group disbanded? And what is their legacy in the K-pop industry today?
In this comprehensive T.T.Ma members profile, we will explore everything you need to know about this iconic group-from their formation and debut to detailed biographies of every member, including those who joined later. We will cover their ages, career journeys, net worth, and fascinating facts that every K-pop fan should know.
Whether you are a first-generation K-pop enthusiast or a new fan discovering the roots of the genre, this guide will give you the complete picture of T.T.Ma and their lasting impact on Korean pop music.
Quick Facts Table
Table of Contents
Who Is T.T.Ma?
T.T.Ma (Korean: 티티마) was a five-member South Korean girl group that debuted in 1999 under Music Factory Entertainment. The group’s name originally meant “To the Maximum” but was later changed to “Taste the Maximum,” carrying the meaning of “taste the best” and “feel the best.”
The group consisted of talented young women aged 15 to 18 at the time of their debut. They were known for their healthy and charming image, as well as their outstanding vocal abilities. T.T.Ma was often referred to as the female version of NRG, a popular boy group of the same era.
T.T.Ma released two studio albums during their active years: In The Sea (1999) and T.T.MA 2nd Story I Wanna Be (2000). Despite their talent and early promise, the group struggled to compete in the crowded K-pop market and officially disbanded in 2002.
However, their legacy lives on. One of their songs, “Loner,” was featured in the popular South Korean dance simulation game Pump It Up. The group briefly reunited in 2007 to release a Christmas single. Today, T.T.Ma is remembered as one of the pioneering girl groups of the first generation of K-pop, having laid the groundwork for the many girl groups that followed.
Group History
Formation and Pre-Debut
T.T.Ma was formed by Music Factory Entertainment in the late 1990s. The group’s original lineup consisted of five members: Soy, Semi, Ujin, Queena, and Juhae. The members were recruited from various backgrounds-some were VJs, others were magazine models, and some had international backgrounds having lived in the United States.
Soy (Kim So-yeon), the group’s leader, had a particularly interesting pre-debut story. She was previously a trainee at SM Entertainment sometime before 1997 and was intended by Lee Soo Man to debut as a member of S.E.S. , which at the time was a four-member pre-debut girl group. However, Soy faced difficulties preparing for debut while also preparing for college entrance exams. Ultimately, she chose to depart from S.E.S. and SM Entertainment to focus on her academic advancement.
In 1998, Soy joined Music Factory Entertainment and became a member of their five-member pre-debut girl group T.T.Ma.
Official Debut
On May 1, 1999, T.T.Ma made their official debut. Their debut studio album, In The Sea, was released on May 18, 1999, under Music Factory Entertainment. The album featured a mix of High energy and Hip Hop风格的歌曲, with the music video for the title track “My Baby” filmed in Thailand.
The album included tracks such as “Come To Me,” “My Baby,” “Prism,” “Audition,” “Heaven,” “Smile Again,” “It’s Me,” “A+ (A Plus),” “Loving,” and “Loner.” The group promoted actively on music shows and quickly gained attention for their youthful energy and catchy songs.
Breakthrough Success and Lineup Changes
T.T.Ma‘s debut was met with moderate success, and they were recognized as a promising new girl group. However, the K-pop industry was highly competitive, and the group faced challenges in establishing a strong foothold.
In 2000, T.T.Ma released their second studio album, T.T.MA 2nd Story I Wanna Be. The album included songs like “Going Crazy” and “Special.” However, by this time, the group’s lineup had changed. Juhae and Queena left the group, and Zin and Euni joined as new members.
Despite the lineup changes, the group continued to promote. However, sales were scarce, and the group struggled to compete on the market amongst more popular girl groups. This ultimately led to inactivity during 2001.
Disbandment and Brief Reunion
By 2002, T.T.Ma officially disbanded. After some speculation of a third album, the group was disbanded, with only Soy (the group leader) continuing in the entertainment industry as a VJ.
However, the story of T.T.Ma did not end there. On May 15, 2007, Ujin released a solo single, and the band reunited for a Christmas single that same year. They released the special single “Come Back With Christmas” before going back to their individual activities.
Recent Activities
Soy has been the most active member since the group’s disbandment. She formed the duo band Raspberry Field in 2010 with musician Jang Junseon. They debuted on July 16, 2010, with the digital single “Saturday Afternoon.” In 2014, Soy joined the vocal project band UniBlend and debuted with them with the release of their third digital single “Hold On” on August 6, 2014.
Soy has also pursued acting, debuting as an actress in 2004 in the drama Du-Gun Du-Gun Change as Dorothy. She later made her film debut in the 2005 film The Wig. On April 2, 2026, Soy made her debut in American media when she was cast as ‘Yisoo’ in a high-profile production.
Semi (Kang Se-mi) married and has appeared on variety programs, even filming an advertisement with Epik High member Tablo’s daughter.
Zin (Choi Jin-kyung) married in May 2010.
Agency and Management
T.T.Ma was managed by Music Factory Entertainment throughout their active years from 1999 to 2002. Music Factory Entertainment was a South Korean record label that operated during the first generation of K-pop. The label also managed other artists during that era.
After the group’s disbandment, the members pursued individual careers under various agencies or independently. Soy, for instance, continued her career as a solo artist under the name ‘Raspberry Field’ and as an actress.
Member Profiles
Soy (소이) – Leader, Main Vocalist
Personal Information
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) | Leader, Main Vocalist, Rapper |
| Training Period | Trained at SM Entertainment before 1997 |
Early Life and Education
Soy was born Kim So-yeon on November 24, 1980, in British Hong Kong (according to some sources) or Seoul. She grew up in a family that included her grandmother, father, mother, and older sister.
Soy demonstrated academic excellence from a young age. She attended Korea University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious universities, where she majored in Chinese and was in her second year (having skipped a grade) at the time of T.T.Ma‘s debut.
Career Journey
Pre-debut: Soy’s journey to becoming a K-pop idol began at SM Entertainment, where she trained alongside the members who would eventually form S.E.S. . Lee Soo Man, the founder of SM Entertainment, intended for Soy to debut as a member of S.E.S., which at the time was planned as a four-member group. However, Soy faced difficulties balancing her training with college entrance exam preparations and ultimately chose to leave SM Entertainment to focus on her academics.
T.T.Ma Debut: In 1998, Soy joined Music Factory Entertainment and became a member of T.T.Ma. On May 1, 1999, T.T.Ma made their debut with Soy as the group’s leader and main vocalist. She led the group through two album releases and numerous promotions.
Post-T.T.Ma: After T.T.Ma disbanded in 2002, Soy took a break from celebrity life to focus on her studies at university and to pursue acting. In 2004, she debuted as an actress in the drama Du-Gun Du-Gun Change. She later appeared in the 2005 film The Wig.
In 2010, Soy formed the duo band Raspberry Field with musician Jang Junseon, debuting with the digital single “Saturday Afternoon.” In 2014, she joined the vocal project band UniBlend and released “Hold On.”
In 2026, Soy made her debut in American media, being cast as ‘Yisoo’ in a high-profile production.
Family Background
Soy’s family includes her grandmother, father, mother, and older sister.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available.
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Soy are not publicly available. However, as a former K-pop idol who has continued working in the entertainment industry as a singer and actress for over two decades, her net worth is estimated to be modest but stable.
Social Media Profiles
- Instagram: @soy_weird
Interesting Facts
- Soy was originally intended to debut as a member of S.E.S. but left the group to focus on her studies.
- She attended Korea University, one of South Korea’s top universities, and majored in Chinese.
- Her nickname is “Soy sauce” (in Japanese, “soy” means soy sauce).
- She carries a friend’s earring as a随身物品.
- Her most treasured item is a Bible and cross necklace given to her by her mother as a birthday gift.
- She has worked as a VJ for KM-TV, KBS, and MBC Music Camp.
- She can speak English and Chinese.
- She enjoys reading comics, writing poetry, and playing games.
Semi (세미) – Sub Vocalist, Rapper
Personal Information
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) | Sub Vocalist, Rapper |
| Training Period | This information is not publicly available. |
Early Life and Education
Semi was born Kang Se-mi on February 12, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea. She grew up in a family that included her father, mother, and older brother. Semi attended Myongji College for her higher education.
Before becoming a singer, Semi worked as a magazine model and was relatively well-known in the fashion industry.
Career Journey
Pre-debut: Before joining T.T.Ma, Semi worked as a magazine model. Her experience in the fashion industry helped her develop a confident and charismatic stage presence.
T.T.Ma Debut: Semi debuted as a member of T.T.Ma on May 1, 1999, serving as a sub-vocalist and rapper. She contributed to the group’s energetic and youthful image. She remained with the group throughout their active years from 1999 to 2002.
Post-T.T.Ma: After T.T.Ma disbanded, Semi continued to appear in the entertainment industry. She married and has participated in variety programs. She also filmed an advertisement with Epik High member Tablo’s daughter.
Family Background
Semi’s family includes her father, mother, and older brother.
Relationship Status
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Semi are not publicly available. However, as a former K-pop idol and magazine model, she has likely maintained a stable financial standing.
Social Media Profiles
This information is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts
- Semi worked as a magazine model before becoming a singer.
- She has an older brother.
- Her favorite colors are white and blue.
- She enjoys watching movies, reading cartoons, and sleeping.
- She is skilled in swimming and ballet.
- Her personality is described as indecisive, emotional, and unable to refuse others easily.
- She is afraid of pigeons.
- Her nickname is “Little Lion” (related to her appearance).
Ujin (유진) – Main Vocalist
Personal Information
Group Role
Early Life and Education
Ujin was born Choi Yoo-jin on April 1, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea. She attended Dongduk Women’s University for her higher education. Ujin was recognized for her vocal abilities from a young age and won a music competition award.
Career Journey
Pre-debut: Before joining T.T.Ma, Ujin won a music competition award, showcasing her vocal talents from an early age.
T.T.Ma Debut: Ujin debuted as a member of T.T.Ma on May 1, 1999, serving as the group’s main vocalist. Her powerful vocals were a key element of the group’s sound. She remained with the group through both albums and all lineup changes.
Post-T.T.Ma: After T.T.Ma disbanded in 2002, Ujin continued her music career. On May 15, 2007, she released a solo single. She also participated in the group’s brief reunion for a Christmas single later that year.
Family Background
This information is not publicly available.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available.
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Ujin are not publicly available.
Social Media Profiles
This information is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts
- Ujin won a music competition award before debuting.
- She is the main vocalist of T.T.Ma.
- She released a solo single in 2007.
- She attended Dongduk Women’s University.
- She has been active in the music industry since the late 1990s.
Queena (퀴나) – Vocalist, Rapper
Personal Information
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) | Vocalist, Rapper |
| Training Period | This information is not publicly available. |
Early Life and Education
Queena was born Lee Ju-ri on May 19, 1983, in the United States. She attended Seoul Foreign School for her education. Queena and her sister Juhae were known for their international background, with the sisters speaking both English and Spanish.
Career Journey
T.T.Ma Debut: Queena debuted as a member of T.T.Ma on May 1, 1999, serving as a vocalist and rapper. She was one of the original members of the group.
Departure: At the time of the second album, Queena left T.T.Ma along with Juhae. The reasons for their departure have not been publicly disclosed. Zin and Euni replaced them.
Post-T.T.Ma: After leaving T.T.Ma, Queena pursued other endeavors. She has not been publicly active in the entertainment industry in recent years.
Family Background
Queena has a sister, Juhae, who was also a member of T.T.Ma.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available.
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Queena are not publicly available.
Social Media Profiles
This information is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts
- Queena was born in the United States.
- She and her sister Juhae both speak English and Spanish.
- She attended Seoul Foreign School.
- She left T.T.Ma before the second album.
- She was a vocalist and rapper in the group.
Juhae (주혜) – Vocalist, Rapper, Center, Maknae
Personal Information
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) | Vocalist, Rapper, Center, Maknae (youngest) |
| Training Period | This information is not publicly available. |
Early Life and Education
Juhae was born Lee Joo-hye on September 5, 1984, in the United States. She attended Seoul Foreign School for her education. At the time of T.T.Ma‘s debut, Juhae was the youngest member at just 15 years old.
Career Journey
T.T.Ma Debut: Juhae debuted as a member of T.T.Ma on May 1, 1999, at the age of 14 (international age). She served as a vocalist, rapper, center, and the group’s maknae (youngest).
Departure: At the time of the second album, Juhae left T.T.Ma along with Queena. The reasons for their departure have not been publicly disclosed. Zin and Euni replaced them.
Post-T.T.Ma: After leaving T.T.Ma, Juhae pursued other endeavors. She has not been publicly active in the entertainment industry in recent years.
Family Background
Juhae has a sister, Queena, who was also a member of T.T.Ma.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available.
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Juhae are not publicly available.
Social Media Profiles
This information is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts
- Juhae was born in the United States.
- She is the youngest member (maknae) of T.T.Ma.
- She and her sister Queena both speak English and Spanish.
- She attended Seoul Foreign School.
- She left T.T.Ma before the second album.
- She was the center of the group.
Former Members (Later Lineup)
Zin (진경) – Sub Vocalist, Maknae
Personal Information
Group Role
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position(s) | Sub Vocalist, Maknae (later lineup) |
| Training Period | This information is not publicly available. |
Early Life and Education
Zin was born Choi Jin-kyung on October 31, 1981, in South Korea. She attended Soongui Girls’ High School for her education.
Career Journey
T.T.Ma: Zin joined T.T.Ma at the time of the second album, replacing Juhae and Queena who had left the group. She served as a sub-vocalist and the maknae in this new lineup.
Post-T.T.Ma: After T.T.Ma disbanded, Zin married in May 2010.
Family Background
This information is not publicly available.
Relationship Status
Zin is married (as of May 2010).
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Zin are not publicly available.
Social Media Profiles
This information is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts
- Zin joined T.T.Ma during the second album era.
- She is born on October 31 (Halloween).
- She married in May 2010.
- She attended Soongui Girls’ High School.
Euni (은희) – Sub Vocalist
Personal Information
Group Role
Early Life and Education
Euni was born Shin Eun-hee on February 12, 1981, in South Korea. She attended Gwanak Information Industrial High School for her education.
Career Journey
T.T.Ma: Euni joined T.T.Ma at the time of the second album, replacing Juhae and Queena who had left the group. She served as a sub-vocalist.
Post-T.T.Ma: After T.T.Ma disbanded, Euni pursued other endeavors. She has not been publicly active in the entertainment industry in recent years.
Family Background
This information is not publicly available.
Relationship Status
This information is not publicly available.
Net Worth
Exact net worth figures for Euni are not publicly available.
Social Media Profiles
This information is not publicly available.
Interesting Facts
- Euni joined T.T.Ma during the second album era.
- She shares the same birthday (February 12) as fellow member Semi.
- She attended Gwanak Information Industrial High School.
Discography
Studio Albums
| Title | Album Details | Peak Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| In The Sea | Released: May 18, 1999 Label: Music Factory Format: CD, cassette | 43 |
| T.T.MA 2nd Story I Wanna Be | Released: 2000 Label: Music Factory | Not publicly available |
Album Tracklists
In The Sea (1999)
T.T.MA 2nd Story I Wanna Be (2000)
Singles
| Title | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “My Baby” | 1999 | Debut title track |
| “Going Crazy” | 2000 | From second album |
| “Special” | 2000 | From second album |
| “Loner” | 1999 | Featured in Pump It Up game |
| “Come Back With Christmas” | 2007 | Reunion single |
Solo Releases
Music Style and Influence
Musical Identity
T.T.Ma‘s music was characterized by pop dance sounds with elements of High energy and Hip Hop. Their songs were upbeat, catchy, and designed to appeal to the youth of the late 1990s. The group’s healthy and charming image was a key part of their appeal, distinguishing them from other girl groups of the era.
Concepts
T.T.Ma embraced a youthful and energetic concept, with members ranging in age from 15 to 18 at debut. Their music videos, such as the one for “My Baby” filmed in Thailand, showcased their vibrant and playful image.
Artistic Evolution
While T.T.Ma only released two studio albums, their sound evolved from the High energy and Hip Hop influences of their debut to a more polished pop sound on their second album.
Influences
T.T.Ma was influenced by the dance-pop and hip-hop trends of the late 1990s. They were also compared to NRG, a popular boy group of the same era, earning them the nickname “female NRG.”
Legacy
As one of the first-generation girl groups, T.T.Ma helped pave the way for the many girl groups that followed. Their blend of catchy pop music, energetic performances, and charming visuals set a template that would be refined by later generations. Today, they are remembered as pioneers of the K-pop girl group scene.
Awards and Achievements
Note: T.T.Ma did not achieve significant award wins during their active years, as the first-generation K-pop landscape was highly competitive and dominated by a few major groups. However, their contribution to the genre is recognized by fans and historians of K-pop.
Tours and Concerts
Information about T.T.Ma‘s tours and concerts is not publicly available. As a first-generation group with a relatively short active period, they likely performed at music shows, festivals, and small-scale events.
Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships
Information about T.T.Ma‘s brand endorsements is not publicly available. However, member Semi (Kang Se-mi) appeared in an advertisement with Epik High member Tablo’s daughter after the group’s disbandment.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soy (Instagram) | @soy_weird | Active |
| Other Members | N/A | Not publicly available |
Note: As a first-generation group that disbanded in 2002, T.T.Ma does not have official group social media accounts. Individual members may have personal accounts.
Net Worth and Revenue Sources
As a group that was active from 1999 to 2002, T.T.Ma‘s revenue sources during their active years included:
- Album Sales –In The Sea and T.T.MA 2nd Story I Wanna Be
- Music Streaming -Royalties from streaming platforms
- Live Performances -Music shows, festivals, and events
- Merchandise -Limited merchandise sales
After disbandment, individual members pursued various careers:
- Soy -Continued as a singer (Raspberry Field, UniBlend) and actress
- Semi – Appeared on variety programs and in advertisements
- Ujin – Released a solo single
- Zin -Married and stepped back from the entertainment industry
Exact net worth figures for the members are not publicly available.
20 Interesting Facts About T.T.Ma
- T.T.Ma stands for “Taste The Maximum,” originally meaning “To the Maximum.”
- The group debuted on May 1, 1999, making them one of the first-generation K-pop girl groups.
- T.T.Ma was often called the “female version of NRG.”
- The members were aged 15 to 18 at the time of their debut.
- Soy, the leader, was originally a trainee at SM Entertainment and was intended to debut with S.E.S.
- Soy attended Korea University and majored in Chinese.
- The music video for their debut song “My Baby” was filmed in Thailand.
- Their song “Loner” was featured in the dance simulation game Pump It Up.
- The group had lineup changes-Juhae and Queena left, and Zin and Euni joined.
- Queena and Juhae are sisters and were born in the United States.
- Queena and Juhae both speak English and Spanish.
- The group disbanded in 2002 after two albums.
- They briefly reunited in 2007 to release a Christmas single.
- Ujin released a solo single on May 15, 2007.
- Soy formed the duo band Raspberry Field in 2010.
- Soy joined the vocal project band UniBlend in 2014.
- Soy made her American media debut in 2026.
- Semi appeared in an advertisement with Epik High member Tablo’s daughter.
- Zin married in May 2010.
- Semi and Euni share the same birthday-February 12, 1981.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is the leader of T.T.Ma?
Soy (Kim So-yeon) was the leader and main vocalist of T.T.Ma.
2. How many members does T.T.Ma have?
T.T.Ma was a five-member girl group, though the lineup changed over time.
3. When did T.T.Ma debut?
T.T.Ma debuted on May 1, 1999.
4. Who is the oldest member of T.T.Ma?
Soy (born November 24, 1980) is the oldest member.
5. Who is the youngest member of T.T.Ma?
Juhae (born September 5, 1984) was the youngest member (maknae) in the original lineup.
6. What agency managed T.T.Ma?
T.T.Ma was managed by Music Factory Entertainment.
7. What is the fandom name of T.T.Ma?
T.T.Ma‘s official fandom name is not documented in publicly available sources.
8. What are the members’ positions in T.T.Ma?
- Soy: Leader, Main Vocalist, Rapper
- Semi: Sub Vocalist, Rapper
- Ujin: Main Vocalist
- Queena: Vocalist, Rapper
- Juhae: Vocalist, Rapper, Center, Maknae
- Zin (later): Sub Vocalist, Maknae
- Euni (later): Sub Vocalist
9. When did T.T.Ma disband?
T.T.Ma officially disbanded in 2002.
10. Did T.T.Ma ever reunite?
Yes, T.T.Ma briefly reunited in 2007 to release a Christmas single.
11. What was T.T.Ma‘s debut song?
T.T.Ma‘s debut title track was “My Baby” from the album In The Sea.
12. Who are the sister members in T.T.Ma?
Queena (Lee Ju-ri) and Juhae (Lee Joo-hye) are sisters.
13. Where were Queena and Juhae born?
They were born in the United States.
14. What happened to Soy after T.T.Ma?
Soy continued as a singer with Raspberry Field and UniBlend, and also pursued acting. She made her American media debut in 2026.
15. What happened to Semi after T.T.Ma?
Semi married and appeared on variety programs and in advertisements.
16. What happened to Ujin after T.T.Ma?
Ujin released a solo single in 2007.
17. What happened to Zin after T.T.Ma?
18. What is the meaning of T.T.Ma?
T.T.Ma stands for “Taste The Maximum,” meaning “taste the best” and “feel the best.”
19. What game featured T.T.Ma’s song “Loner”?
The song “Loner” was featured in the dance simulation game Pump It Up.
20. Is T.T.Ma still active?
No, T.T.Ma is not active as a group. They disbanded in 2002, with a brief reunion in 2007.
Conclusion
T.T.Ma may have had a relatively short career in the spotlight, but their impact on the K-pop industry should not be underestimated. As one of the first-generation girl groups, they helped lay the foundation for the vibrant and diverse girl group scene that exists today. Their catchy pop songs, energetic performances, and charming image captured the hearts of fans in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
From Soy’s remarkable journey-from SM Entertainment trainee to leader of T.T.Ma, and later to a successful solo career and acting-to the international backgrounds of Queena and Juhae, each member brought something unique to the group. The lineup changes, the disbandment, and the brief reunion all tell the story of a group that, despite the challenges, left a lasting impression on K-pop history.
Today, T.T.Ma is remembered by first-generation K-pop fans as a beloved group that represented the spirit of the era. For new fans discovering the roots of K-pop, T.T.Ma offers a glimpse into the early days of the genre-a time when the industry was still finding its footing and groups like T.T.Ma were helping to shape its future.
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