Kaori Minami was born on June 25, 1969, in Yamato Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture, Japan. She is a graduate of Kyoto Women's University. Her career encompasses work as a voice actor, television personality, radio announcer, and narrator. She is affiliated with the talent agency Office Keyword.

Minami is particularly known for her extensive work in video games, especially those produced by SNK. She has voiced several prominent characters in the company's fighting game franchises. A significant role is Shiki, which she originated in the 1997 game Samurai Spirits (Samurai Shodown 64) and reprised for its 1999 OVA sequel, Samurai Spirits 2: Asura Zanmaden, as well as in subsequent games like SVC Chaos and Neo Geo Battle Coliseum. Another major recurring role is Vanessa in The King of Fighters series, which she voiced from the character's debut in The King of Fighters '99 Evolution through several sequels including The King of Fighters 2000, 2001, 2002, and XI. Her other notable video game credits include Kisarah Westfield and Yuzu Makishima in Neo Geo Battle Coliseum, as well as Diana in The King of Fighters 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Beyond video games, Minami's voice acting work includes a role as a reporter in Satoshi Kon's acclaimed 1998 animated film Perfect Blue. In addition to her voice work, she is a well-known media personality in the Kansai region of Japan, having hosted numerous television and radio programs for decades, including the long-running radio show青春Radimenia. She has also served as a host for anime-related events, such as the钢之炼金术师 Festival 2009 and events for The Eccentric Family.