Wonyoung debuted as a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE in 2018, after placing first and subsequently becoming one of 12 finalists for "Produce 48," a Mnet-created K-pop survival show with female K-pop trainees from various agencies. After the group's contract ended in April 2021, Wonyoung joined IVE as the group debuted in December 2021. She holds the center position in IVE and was one of two hosts of KBS's weekly music show "Music Bank," — along with boy band Enhypen member Sunghoon — until January 2023.