Born in Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, Ahn Ji-young developed an early passion for music. She co-founded the band Bolbbalgan4 with her high school friend Woo Ji-yun in 2014. The duo first gained public attention through their appearance on the Mnet reality competition show Superstar K6.
Bolbbalgan4 officially debuted in 2016 with the EP Red Ickle, followed by their breakout studio album Red Planet later that year. The album's lead singles, "Galaxy" and "Hard to Love," propelled them to mainstream success. Ahn Ji-young's distinctive and often ethereal vocal timbre, combined with the duo's unique indie-pop sound, contributed to their rapid rise in popularity. They became known for their honest and relatable lyrics, often addressing themes of youth, love, and everyday life.
Throughout their career, Bolbbalgan4 consistently achieved high positions on South Korean music charts with numerous hit songs, including "Tell Me You Love Me," "Travel," "Bom," and "Workaholic." Their music garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, establishing them as one of the most successful acts in the Korean indie and pop music scene.
In 2020, following Woo Ji-yun's departure from the duo, Ahn Ji-young continued to promote as a solo artist under the name BOL4. She has since maintained the group's musical style and continues to write, compose, and perform new music, further solidifying her position as a prominent voice in contemporary Korean music.