Hidden Facts About Yujin IVE That Even Die-hard Fans Don't Know

From being crowned the "CF Queen" among 4th generation idols to earning a prestigious Baeksang Arts Award nomination, Yujin IVE has proven herself as more than just another K-pop idol.

While many fans know her as the talented performer who helped IVE secure their first music show win just 10 days after debut, An Yujin's journey started long before. Her path to stardom began in 2017 when she first appeared in Soyou and Baekhyun's "RAIN" music video, followed by her remarkable achievement of maintaining the second rank for five consecutive episodes on Produce 48.

Standing at 173 cm tall and known for her exceptional ability to learn choreography faster than her peers, this 21-year-old idol has countless fascinating stories and hidden talents that even her dedicated fanbase might not know.

An Yujin's Secret Pre-debut Life

Long before stepping into the spotlight, An Yujin harbored dreams quite different from her current path as an idol.

Yujin's Childhood Dreams

Initially, Yujin aspired to become an elementary school teacher or a flight attendant. Her perspective shifted dramatically after attending the 2014 Melon Music Awards, where watching BTS perform sparked her interest in pursuing an entertainment career.

Yujin's First Audition Story

Subsequently, Yujin began her journey toward stardom by sending email auditions to various entertainment companies. Her determination paid off when Starship Entertainment responded with an invitation to a private audition. Notably, she found herself in a unique position as the only candidate auditioning that day, leading to her immediate acceptance as a trainee.

Yujin's Training Period Challenges

Throughout her 1-year-and-4-month training period, Yujin demonstrated remarkable versatility. She made her first appearance in Soyou and Baekhyun's "RAIN" music video in February 2017, followed by a role in SANDEUL and Yoo Seungwoo's "OPPA" music video. Furthermore, she gained recognition through commercial appearances, starring in advertisements for ACUVUE Vita Lenses and collaborating with ASTRO's Cha Eunwoo for the skincare brand Clearteen. Her training period culminated in a backup dance performance for Jeong Sewoon's "BABY, IT'S U" on M COUNTDOWN.

Personal Style Evolution

Starting as a contact lens model, An Yujin's fashion trajectory soared to unprecedented heights in the luxury fashion world.

Yujin's Fashion Journey

Throughout 2022-2023, Yujin secured major fashion collaborations:

Versace Spring/Summer Collection 2022
Fendi Brand Ambassador 2023
L'Occitane Partnership

Yujin's Style Inspiration

Primarily influenced by the fusion of casual and sophisticated elements, Yujin's fashion philosophy centers on confidence. At Milan Fashion Week, she demonstrated this blend through an elegant yellow and nude floor-length gown. Her approach to fashion reflects in her statement, "In fashion, confidence is the most important part".

Yujin's Fashion Goals

Currently serving as the youngest member of the Fendi family, Yujin aims to bridge high fashion with K-pop's youthful energy. Notably, her Instagram presence showcases this vision through various Fendi ensembles, including a striking houndstooth playsuit layered over a striped button-up. Her fashion aspirations extend beyond modeling, as she expressed interest in brand promotion and social media management. At the Fendi Palazzo Seoul Boutique opening, she paired a grey wool ensemble with blue patent leather boots, establishing herself as a versatile fashion icon for Generation Z.

Hidden Talents Beyond Performing

Beyond her captivating stage presence, Yujin possesses an array of hidden talents that showcase her versatility as an artist.

Yujin's Unknown Musical Skills

Particularly skilled in piano, Yujin demonstrates remarkable musical aptitude that extends beyond her vocal abilities. Her journey as a vocalist has shown significant growth, specifically in her understanding of dynamics and stylistic choices. Moreover, she stands out for her consistent live performances, with her adlibs receiving praise for their raw authenticity.

Yujin's Athletic Abilities

Physical prowess comes naturally to Yujin, as evidenced by her exceptional athletic capabilities. Her fitness routine includes:

Running and jump rope exercises
Sports activities
Dance training, specifically girls' hip-hop

Yujin's Language Capabilities

As her career expands internationally, Yujin continues to enhance her English language skills. Her growing proficiency opens doors for international opportunities, specifically in global entertainment ventures. Her communication abilities shine through in her role as an MC, where she has hosted major events like the "2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon SUMMER" with remarkable fluency. Her hosting received numerous compliments for delivering even lengthy scripts flawlessly, demonstrating her linguistic dexterity.

Behind Earth Arcade Scenes

The story behind An Yujin's casting in Earth Arcade reveals fascinating insights into her entertainment journey. Park PD's decision to cast Yujin came after hearing consistent praise from other variety show producers. Consequently, the show became a turning point in her career, establishing her as the most talked-about celebrity in non-drama series.

Yujin's Off-camera Moments

Behind the scenes, Yujin admitted that filming Earth Arcade provided her most stress-free moments since IZ*ONE's disbandment. The production team often found themselves learning IVE's choreography during shoots, occasionally debating moves in front of an amused Yujin. Meanwhile, her filming schedule coincided with IVE's comeback preparations, showcasing her dedication to both commitments.

Yujin's Friendship with Cast

The chemistry among cast members blossomed naturally, creating genuine bonds that extended beyond filming. Accordingly, Yujin formed a particularly close relationship with Lee Young Ji and Mimi, leading to their continued collaboration on other shows. Their friendship grew so strong that Young Ji would often playfully ask about Yujin's whereabouts during public appearances.

Yujin's Memorable Episodes

Throughout the series, Yujin demonstrated her quick wit and entertainment skills. She particularly excelled in physical challenges, including a memorable zombie escape sequence. Nevertheless, some of her most endearing moments came from unexpected situations, such as an awkward first conversation with her CEO during a callback challenge. The show successfully captured her natural humor and personality, earning her the title "entertainment industry's gem".

Unique Fan Interactions

Genuine connections with fans shape An Yujin's journey as an artist, creating memorable moments both on and off stage.

Yujin's Fan Meeting Stories

First of all, IVE's SHOW WHAT I HAVE world tour brought unique fan encounters. At NTSU Arena in Taiwan, Yujin responded to a marriage proposal with gentle humor, forming an 'X' with her arms while offering an apologetic smile. Her thoughtful interactions extend to various fan meetings, where she demonstrates remarkable patience and sincerity.

Yujin's Letter Responses

Coupled with her stage presence, Yujin maintains active communication through the Bubble app. At length, a translation mishap occurred when her message about music show performance satisfaction received an incorrect interpretation. This incident prompted her to be more mindful of potential translation issues, leading to enhanced communication strategies with international fans.

Yujin's Special Fan Moments

Yujin's approach to fan interactions reflects her genuine personality. Her notable encounters include:

Responding to fan letters with personalized messages
Creating special moments during fansign events
Addressing misunderstandings with grace

Ultimately, her dedication to fan communication earned recognition when Starship Entertainment acknowledged her thoughtful approach to managing social media interactions. This commitment to maintaining authentic connections with fans while respecting professional boundaries demonstrates her maturity as an artist.

Unknown IZ*ONE Memories

First of all, Yujin's journey through IZ*ONE reveals untold stories of friendship, growth, and leadership that shaped her current success.

Yujin's Trainee Friendships

In fact, Yujin's bond with fellow trainees began at Starship Entertainment, where she trained alongside Jang Wonyoung. Their connection grew stronger through shared experiences, ultimately leading to their nickname "Annyeongz". As a result of their similar backgrounds, both maintained nearly identical height measurements throughout their careers, with Yujin recently reaching 173cm.

Yujin's Practice Room Stories

Throughout her IZ*ONE period, Yujin demonstrated remarkable growth in performance skills. Her journey from initial struggles in "I AM" as center to becoming a refined performer showcased her dedication. Indeed, her practice room achievements included:

Earning an "A" grade in dance evaluations
Developing precision in choreography execution
Mastering vocal techniques under Starship guidance

Yujin's Group Dynamic

The group dynamic within IZ*ONE highlighted Yujin's natural leadership abilities. Despite being the second youngest, she often took charge of on-camera activities. Her relationship with former leader Eunbi proved particularly influential, as Eunbi's strict dance practice methods later influenced Yujin's own leadership style. Ultimately, this experience prepared her for future responsibilities, with fellow members noting her exceptional ability to care for teammates while maintaining professional standards.

Hidden Talents in Acting

Stepping into the world of acting represents a natural progression for An Yujin, whose theatrical foundation began at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the department of theatre and film.

Yujin's Drama Interests

Primarily drawn to heartwarming narratives, Yujin finds inspiration in school-themed dramas and romantic animations. Her favorite series include Modern Family, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and My Lovely Sam-soon, with Mr. Sunshine holding a special place as her all-time favorite drama.

Yujin's Acting Training

Throughout her time at SOPA, Yujin developed fundamental acting skills alongside fellow students like Fromis_9's Jiheon and Fanatics' Kim Doah. Her acting abilities received recognition in 2024 when she joined the cast of "Crime Scene Returns" on TVING. On the show, Yujin demonstrated exceptional acting prowess while maintaining her role as a "clear-eyed clue obsession" character.

Yujin's Future Plans

In a candid conversation with Na Young Seok PD, Yujin addressed the industry's growing interest in her potential acting career. Numerous K-Drama writers actively monitor IVE members for potential roles. While expressing that acting "would be really fun," Yujin skillfully prioritized IVE's current activities, stating, "Acting? Please wait a little bit! IVE is currently promoting!". This response earned praise from Na PD for its leader-like quality, demonstrating her commitment to group responsibilities while keeping future possibilities open.

Hidden Musical Influences

First and foremost, musical influences shape An Yujin's artistic journey, reflecting her diverse taste and appreciation for various genres.

Yujin's Favorite Artists

SHINee's Taemin stands as Yujin's primary role model, alongside Dasom. Furthermore, she draws inspiration from IU, particularly admiring her clear, healing voice. Her admiration extends to international artists, as she finds creative motivation in the works of Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé.

Yujin's Playlist Essentials

Her musical preferences span multiple genres, with SHINee's 'View' holding a special place as her favorite song. Her personal playlist includes:

Bruno Mars' 'Leave The Door Open'
The Weeknd's 'Out of Time'
Sabrina Claudio's 'Runnin' Thru Lovers'

In 2022, Yujin's cover of Younha's 'Event Horizon' on Instagram garnered nearly a million likes, earning praise from Younha herself.

Yujin's Music Production Interest

Ultimately, Yujin's passion for music extends beyond performance. She actively writes rap lyrics and explores R&B music, demonstrating particular interest in artists like Red Velvet and Lee Hi. Looking ahead, she aspires to become an artist capable of mastering various genres. Her commitment to musical growth shows through her consistent practice of piano, while her appreciation for jazz hints at potential future musical directions.

Backstage Concert Stories

Remarkable stage moments define An Yujin's concert experiences, ranging from professional handling of unexpected situations to heartwarming fan encounters.

Yujin's Pre-performance Rituals

Throughout IVE's first world tour, Yujin demonstrated exceptional leadership in pre-show preparations. At Lollapalooza Chicago, she gathered feedback from members and coordinated audience interaction strategies. Her preparation process primarily includes:

Reviewing setlist arrangements
Coordinating with team members
Discussing audience engagement plans

Yujin's Funny Stage Incidents

Significantly, Yujin's professionalism shone through during challenging moments. At the 2023 Ulsan Summer Festival, she handled a fireworks incident with remarkable composure, continuing her performance despite smoke entering her eyes. In another instance, when preparing for the wrong song sequence, Wonyoung quietly corrected her about the upcoming track, showcasing their seamless teamwork.

Yujin's Fan Interactions

Ultimately, Yujin's genuine personality emerges through her fan encounters. During IVE's world tour in Taiwan, she responded to a marriage proposal with gentle humor, crossing her arms to form an 'X' while maintaining a sweet demeanor. A particularly memorable moment occurred when Na PD and other Earth Arcade staff surprised her at an IVE concert, leading to an endearing interaction. Her encounter with Anne Hathaway at an Atlanta Hawks' basketball game further highlighted her growing international presence.

Fashion and Style Secrets

From runway appearances to street fashion, An Yujin's style journey reflects her evolution as a prominent figure in K-pop.

Yujin's Personal Style Evolution

At Milan Fashion Week, Yujin turned heads in a grey slip dress with a distinctive back slit, priced at $225,000. Ultimately, her appearance at the Fendi Fall/Winter Show 2024 showcased her mature fashion sense through an elegant yellow and nude floor-length gown. Her style transformation includes experimenting with various looks, primarily mixing casual and high-fashion elements.

Yujin's Fashion Inspiration

Essentially, Yujin's approach to fashion centers around confidence. "In fashion, confidence is the most important part. We have confidence, so we can try different styles," she explains. Her role as a Fendi house ambassador stems from her natural elegance and style versatility. Generally, she gravitates toward combining classic pieces with modern touches, often adding statement accessories to complete her looks.

Yujin's Beauty Routine

Her beauty regimen focuses on maintaining healthy skin through consistent care. Yujin's essential beauty practices include:

Immediate makeup removal upon returning home
Regular use of cleansing oils for facial massage
Application of foam roller for skin maintenance

Overall, her approach to beauty remains understated yet effective, undoubtedly contributing to her reputation for maintaining flawless skin throughout demanding schedules. Her makeup preferences lean toward minimal, dewy looks that enhance her natural features, reflecting the Korean beauty aesthetic of glowing, healthy skin.

Leadership Style Insights

As IVE's leader, An Yujin demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities that blend professional guidance with personal care.

Yujin's Team Management

Her management style primarily focuses on building strong team bonds through structured activities. In pre-debut days, she organized weekly Sunday meals with members to foster closer relationships. Her approach to team coordination includes:

Regular group discussions
Weekly bonding activities
Open communication channels
Collaborative decision-making sessions

Yujin's Decision Making

Quick judgment and smart thinking characterize Yujin's decision-making process. Hence, when asked about potential acting opportunities, she skillfully redirected attention to IVE's current activities, earning praise from Na PD for her leader-like response. Her ability to handle sensitive situations became apparent when she managed Rei's temporary health-related hiatus announcement with grace and professionalism.

Yujin's Member Care

Yujin's leadership extends beyond professional duties. She reads leadership books like "How to Win Friends & Influence People" to enhance her management skills. Her caring approach earned recognition from Wonyoung, who initially struggled with the leadership transition but later acknowledged Yujin as "the best member to be our leader". Through tears and triumphs, she maintains composure while comforting members, creating an environment where each member's preferences and boundaries receive respect. This balanced approach to leadership has contributed significantly to IVE's harmonious group dynamic.

Unknown Variety Show Moments

Behind the cameras, An Yujin's variety show journey unveils a collection of memorable moments that showcase her natural entertainment abilities.

Yujin's Unaired Clips

On Running Man, Yujin's mock 'strict senior' persona emerged when Yang Se-chan asked about addressing her as a senior. Simultaneously, her appearance on No Prepare with Lee Young Ji revealed candid conversations about their friendship. Currently, fans anticipate her upcoming appearance on You Quiz alongside Wonyoung, scheduled to air on January 15th, 2024.

Yujin's Improvisation Skills

Primarily known for her quick wit, Yujin demonstrated exceptional variety skills during a Running Man episode titled "We Must Be Number One." Her comedic timing shone through when she playfully declared, "Trainees can't even look me in the eye". On Salon Drip 2, she seamlessly took over the opening segment when host Jang Do-yeon briefly left the set.

Yujin's Show Preparations

Producer Kim Tae-ho recognized Yujin's dedication by gifting her natural ginger extract from Jeju-do, a gesture reserved for his favorite entertainers. Her preparation process includes:

Studying previous episodes
Consulting with Producer Na Young-seok
Developing improvisational skills through practice

Ultimately, her variety show presence earned her the 'Female Variety Idol of the Year' award at the Korea Brand Awards for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024).

Behind Music Video Shoots

Recording studios and film sets reveal An Yujin's meticulous approach to music video production, showcasing her growth as an artist.

Yujin's Preparation Process

Recording "This Wish" for Disney marked Yujin's first solo venture, bringing both excitement and pressure. "Actually, it is my first time singing a song with my voice from the start to end," she shared, describing her thorough preparation. Her preparation routine includes:

Diligent vocal lessons
Extended recording sessions
Detailed script review
Set familiarization visits

Yujin's Filming Stories

Throughout the "All Night" music video shoot in the United States, Yujin embraced new creative opportunities. She experimented with unique styling choices, sporting a distinctive red sleeveless top paired with a black denim skirt, complemented by playful double buns. The filming process allowed for greater artistic freedom, enabling spontaneous adlibs and natural expressions.

Yujin's Creative Input

Primarily focused on authenticity, Yujin emphasized genuine enjoyment during shoots. "A must-have part was probably us genuinely having fun!" she explained, highlighting IVE's commitment to showcasing their natural personalities. For the Disney collaboration, she channeled her inner fan, visiting the Disney store between takes and immersing herself in the magical atmosphere. Her involvement extended beyond performance, contributing to creative decisions and maintaining group dynamics during international productions.

Surprising Food Preferences

Behind the glamorous idol life, An Yujin's culinary preferences reveal a deep connection to her Korean roots.

Yujin's Favorite Korean Dishes

Primarily drawn to traditional Korean cuisine, Yujin considers gukbap (pork soup with rice) her ultimate comfort food. She especially craves this dish after returning from overseas tours. Her love for Korean food runs deep, as she once stated that having a proper Korean meal would be her final wish. Additionally, she enjoys:

Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)
Chicken feet
Ramen

Yujin's International Food Choices

Despite her strong preference for Korean cuisine, Yujin has developed a taste for international flavors. She particularly enjoys Vietnamese spring rolls. Rather unexpectedly, she became fascinated with tororo soba, a Japanese-style noodle dish with Chinese yam, during 2022-2023.

Yujin's Unique Eating Habits

During her appearance on MBC's "Buddy Into The Wild," Yujin shared her distinctive eating philosophy: "Even if I eat one meal, I want to eat it properly". She prefers dipping sauce over pouring sauce and chooses fried chicken over seasoned varieties. Surprisingly, she enjoys seonji (hardened blood lumps), which often startles others. In terms of specific preferences, she opts for carp bread filled with red bean paste rather than shu cream, considering the former the authentic version.

Unexpected Skills

Beyond her entertainment prowess, An Yujin's repertoire includes remarkable abilities that set her apart in the industry.

Yujin's Hidden Abilities

Throughout her appearances on "Crime Scene Returns," Yujin earned the nickname "Clear-Eyed Sleuth" for her exceptional deduction skills. Her sharp reasoning and precise questioning abilities left audiences impressed, leading to her selection as a regular cast member in "Crime Scene Zero". First of all, her variety show presence earned her the "U+ WHY NOT Award" at the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards.

Yujin's Learning Journey

Primarily recognized for her quick learning abilities, Yujin stands out among IVE members for mastering new choreographies fastest. Her dedication extends to teaching others, as she often leads practice sessions and provides detailed feedback to fellow members. Her achievements include:

Earning an "A" grade in dance evaluations
Mastering choreography without separate dance lessons post-debut
Leading group practice sessions with professional guidance

Yujin's Surprising Talents

Yujin's unexpected skills include perfect imitations of animal sounds, particularly dogs, earning praise from variety show veterans. Her athletic prowess shines through her ability to perform 100 "double unders" in jump rope consecutively. Ultimately, her truck driving skills impressed Na PD during filming, demonstrating her versatility beyond the entertainment sphere.

Personal Growth Journey

Throughout her journey in the entertainment industry, An Yujin's dedication to personal development stands as a testament to her professional mindset.

Yujin's Self-improvement Goals

In 2019, Yujin made the pivotal decision to switch to homeschooling, prioritizing her career development while maintaining educational progress. This choice proved successful as she passed the GED exam in 2020. Her motto, "Your efforts will never betray you," reflects her commitment to continuous growth.

Yujin's Learning Experiences

Yujin's growth journey involved navigating public scrutiny. She acknowledged checking public comments at midnight and upon waking, describing the experience as "frightening and worrisome". Although challenging, these experiences shaped her resilience. Her performance evolution demonstrates this growth, particularly in her ability to interpret songs and deliver compelling stage presence.

Yujin's Future Aspirations

Yujin maintains a balanced approach to future opportunities. When questioned about potential acting ventures, she skillfully prioritized IVE's current activities. Her future goals encompass:

Protecting and nurturing IVE's growth
Exploring diverse performance styles
Developing her artistic range

Therefore, while expressing interest in acting, Yujin's immediate focus remains on her group's success, demonstrating her mature approach to career development. Her journey reflects a thoughtful balance between personal ambitions and group responsibilities, marking her evolution from a talented performer to a well-rounded artist.