HyoGyeong

In October 2017, HyoGyeong auditioned for survival reality show MIXNINE. Having passed the audition, she made to rank 8 in the girls' team until the final episode, but was eliminated when the boys' team won against the girls', and hence ultimately did not get to debut. Following the reality show, HyoGyeong was then added to the line-up of Star Empire Entertainment's pre-debut girl group, then known as 'Empire Girls'.

On September 16, 2019, Star Empire's affiliate label, Rising Star Entertainment, announced that Empire Girls would be officially debuting under the name ARIAZ in October. The same day, HyoGyeong was the first member to be revealed through a teaser concept photo. On April 10, 2022, Rising Star announced that HyoGyeong had terminated their contract with the agency and left the group.