Who is Yena? The Untold Story of IZ*ONE's Rising Solo Star

Yena's journey from childhood cancer survivor to K-pop stardom stands as a testament to her extraordinary resilience. After battling lymphoma during her early years, when her family sold kimbap to cover medical expenses, she emerged stronger to become one of South Korea's most promising musical talents.

From ranking 4th in Produce 48 with 285,385 votes to debuting as a member of IZ*ONE, Choi Yena has consistently proven her versatility as an artist. Notably, her 2022 solo debut with "SMiLEY" garnered over 32 million views, establishing her as a formidable solo presence in the K-pop industry. Her upcoming first solo concert at Yonsei University Grand Auditorium in January 2025 marks another milestone in her evolving career.

The Early Life of Choi Yena

Born on September 29, 1999, in Gil-Dong, Gangdong, South Korea, Choi Yena's early life was marked by both significant challenges and unwavering family support. Her family, despite financial constraints, created a protective environment where young Yena remained unaware of their economic struggles. Subsequently, the reality became apparent as their living conditions changed, with each move bringing them to increasingly smaller homes.

Childhood in Seoul and Family Background

Yena's artistic inclinations ran in the family, as her older brother, Choi Sung Min, pursued an entertainment career as a member of the co-ed group Coed School and the boy group SPEED. Initially, her parents expressed reservations about her pursuing an idol career, primarily due to her brother's challenging experiences in the industry.

Overcoming Health Challenges

The most defining challenge of Yena's early years came in the form of lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymph nodes. The situation appeared dire, with medical professionals advising her parents to prepare for the worst. Despite these circumstances, her parents demonstrated remarkable dedication. Each morning, they ventured out to sell kimbap to cover the mounting medical expenses.

Her father later reflected on this period with profound emotion, stating, "Just the fact that you've grown up healthy and bright is a huge gift to us". The visible reminder of this battle remains in the form of a tracheal tube scar on the lower front of her neck.

Initial Steps into Entertainment

Following her recovery, Yena began pursuing her artistic passions. She attended Joy Dance Academy, where she specialized in hip-hop dance. Her journey in the entertainment industry began as a trainee at Polaris Entertainment before transitioning to Yuehua Entertainment. Furthermore, she dedicated herself to rigorous training, spending 3 years and 5 months preparing for her debut.

The experience of overcoming such significant health challenges early in life shaped Yena's perspective and drive. She developed a deep sense of gratitude toward her parents, particularly acknowledging their sacrifices. This awareness fueled her determination to achieve success, not just for herself but as a way to repay her parents' unwavering support and dedication.

Rising Through Produce 48

On May 11, 2018, Choi Yena stepped onto the Produce 48 stage as a Yuehua Entertainment trainee, marking the beginning of her transformative journey in the K-pop industry.

Journey from Trainee to IZ*ONE

After 3 years and 5 months of intensive training, Yena entered the competition alongside fellow Yuehua trainees Kim Si-hyeon and Wang Yiren. Throughout the show, she demonstrated exceptional versatility, establishing herself as an all-rounder performer. Her journey culminated in securing fourth place with 285,385 votes, earning her position in the final lineup of IZ*ONE.

Key Performances and Moments

Her standout moments on Produce 48 included:

Participation in the performance team "1AM" alongside Lee Ga Eun, An Yu Jin, Heo Yun Jin, and Takahashi Juri
Memorable stages that showcased her adaptability across different concepts
Strong presence in the theme song "Nekkoya (Pick Me)" performances

The competition revealed Yena's unexpected talent as a rapper, although she originally trained as a vocalist and dancer. This versatility ultimately led to her position as IZ*ONE's main rapper, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in new roles.

Building Her Fanbase

Even prior to her Produce 48 appearance, Yena had already cultivated a dedicated following. Her bright personality offstage contrasted with her powerful stage presence, creating a unique appeal that resonated with viewers. Throughout the competition, she became known for her bubbly nature and strong performance skills.

The finale episode on August 31, 2018, solidified her position in the industry as she joined the final lineup of IZ*ONE. Her journey through Produce 48 not only showcased her talents but also established her as a multifaceted performer capable of handling various entertainment roles. Soon after debut, she expanded her presence by joining variety shows such as Prison Life of Fools, demonstrating her entertainment versatility beyond music.

IZ*ONE Years: Growth and Development

After securing her place in IZ*ONE, Choi Yena emerged as one of the group's most versatile members, showcasing remarkable adaptability across multiple roles.

Role and Position in IZ*ONE

While originally trained as a vocalist and dancer, Yena adapted to become IZONE's main rapper alongside her positions as lead vocalist and lead dancer. Her versatility allowed her to excel in these diverse roles, contributing significantly to the group's dynamic performances. Moreover, she demonstrated leadership qualities by serving as IZONE's creative director during their online concert.

Notable Achievements with the Group

Throughout her tenure with IZ*ONE, Yena accumulated significant accomplishments:

Composed and produced the Japanese track 'Lesson,' showcasing her musical prowess
Earned the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards' Daesang as 'Influential Entertainment Idol (Female)'
Became the first IZ*ONE member to receive an individual award and Daesang

Additionally, she expanded her presence beyond music through various entertainment ventures. Simultaneously with her group activities, Yena joined the cast of 'Prison Life of Fools,' performing alongside established artists including Got7's JB and Jang Do-yeon.

Development as a Performer

Throughout her time with IZ*ONE, Yena's growth as an artist became increasingly evident. Her journey from a trainee to an accomplished performer reflected in her ability to handle multiple positions within the group. Consequently, she developed a distinctive style that combined powerful vocals with precise rap delivery.

In December 2020, she further broadened her entertainment portfolio by joining TVING's first original variety show, 'Girls High School Mystery Class'. This opportunity, along with her subsequent roles in 'Idol Dictation Contest' and 'Game of Blood,' demonstrated her evolution as a well-rounded entertainer.

As IZ*ONE approached their final months, Yena continued to push her boundaries. Her participation in various shows and performances helped establish her individual identity within the industry. Furthermore, her contributions to the group's creative direction highlighted her growing artistic maturity and understanding of performance production.

Transformation into a Solo Artist

First of all, after IZ*ONE's disbandment in April 2021, Choi Yena strategically positioned herself in the entertainment industry through multiple variety show appearances.

Post-IZ*ONE Career Decisions

In August 2021, Yuehua Entertainment announced Yena's upcoming solo debut, though specific details remained under discussion. Accordingly, the agency later postponed the debut to early 2022, ensuring thorough preparation and quality production.

Solo Debut Preparation

Throughout the preparation phase, Yena demonstrated remarkable dedication to her craft. Specifically, she participated in writing lyrics for four out of five songs on her debut mini-album. The preparation process often conflicted with her variety show commitments, leading to numerous late-night recording sessions and intensive practice.

Musical Style Evolution

On January 17, 2022, Yena made her highly anticipated solo debut with SMiLEY, establishing herself as the third IZ*ONE member to embark on a solo career. The title track featured BIBI, reflecting Yena's collaborative approach to music-making. Her musical journey continued with several significant releases:

Second mini-album Smartphone (August 3, 2022)
Single album Love War (January 16, 2023)
Single album Hate XX (June 27, 2023)
Third mini-album Good Morning (January 15, 2024)

In essence, Yena's artistic identity evolved beyond mere performance. She actively participated in songwriting and production processes, incorporating autobiographical elements into her work. Her third mini-album, Good Morning, specifically showcased this personal approach, featuring honest storytelling and authentic expressions of her experiences.

The evolution of her musical style reflected a conscious effort to create a unique identity in the industry. Her commitment to authenticity manifested in co-writing "Hate Rodrigo," which creatively expressed the concept of "cute jealousy" towards American pop singer Olivia Rodrigo. Furthermore, Yena expanded her reach internationally, making her Japanese debut with "Smiley" featuring Chanmina, followed by the release of "DNA" in early 2024.

Artistic Identity and Creative Vision

First and foremost, Choi Yena has carved out a distinctive musical identity through her commitment to rock-based tracks and alternative sounds. Her preference for pop punk and alternative rock genres stems from a deep personal connection to performance energy.

Musical Direction and Influences

In fact, Yena's musical direction reflects a conscious choice to pursue rock-based tracks, as these allow her to perform with maximum joy and receive enthusiastic responses from fans. Her sound has evolved to incorporate various elements, from energetic drumbeats to electronic bass sounds.

Songwriting and Production Process

The artist's approach to songwriting emphasizes authenticity and personal experience. She took part in writing melodies and lyrics for "Love War", demonstrating her growing confidence as a songwriter. Her creative process often draws inspiration from various media sources, as she explains, "Maybe it's because I watch a lot of animations, dramas and movies, or because of my sensitive and empathetic personality, but the lyrics and melodies came out naturally".

Stage Presence and Performance Style

Yena's performance style combines powerful vocals with distinctive energy. Her stage presence manifests through:

Energetic live performances that showcase her versatility
Unique atmosphere and visual styling
Natural ability to capture audience attention through dynamic presentations

Breaking Industry Norms

Therefore, Yena has distinguished herself by challenging conventional K-pop approaches. She actively participates in many aspects of production, including choreography and music video concepts. Her willingness to explore different musical directions sets her apart, as evidenced by her Japanese debut featuring Chanmina.

Influence on Next Generation

Indeed, Yena's impact extends beyond her own performances. Through her first solo concert, she aims to share the message of "A dream that turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary". Her approach to creating autobiographical content and honest expressions of emotions has established a new benchmark for authenticity in K-pop.

As a result of her dedication to artistic growth, each album release reveals new aspects of her creativity. "I worked even harder because I wanted to express honest and autobiographical stories," she shares. This commitment to personal artistic vision, combined with her willingness to accept feedback and evolve, continues to shape her identity as an influential figure in the contemporary K-pop landscape.

Beyond Music: Multi-Faceted Star

Alongside her musical endeavors, Choi Yena has established herself as a prominent figure across multiple entertainment sectors.

Television and Variety Show Presence

Since her debut, Yena has remarkably expanded her television portfolio. Her versatility shines through an impressive array of variety show appearances:

TVING's first original variety show "Girls High School Mystery Class"
Solo MC for "Yena's Animal Detective" web variety show
Fixed MC panels for "Fireworks Handsome" and "Game of Blood"
Cast member of "Idol Dictation Contest"

Presently, Yena continues to broaden her acting career, evidently shown by her upcoming role in the family sitcom "Villain's Country".

Brand Endorsements and Business Ventures

In a significant career development, Yena secured an exclusive modeling contract with Lilybyred, a prominent K-beauty cosmetics brand under DYD company. The brand representatives emphasized that her "cute and refreshing appearance, multifaceted performance, and vocal skills" aligned perfectly with Lilybyred's vision of "multifaceted beauty".

Social Media Influence

Upon launching her personal social media accounts, Yena's impact became immediately apparent. Her Instagram debut garnered over 250,000 likes on her first post, accumulating more than 330,000 followers within 24 hours. Her username choice, "Yena.Jigumina," meaning "The same as always" in Korean, showcases her creative approach to maintaining authenticity.

Nevertheless, Yena's social media journey has included learning experiences. In one instance, she faced public criticism over a sensitive post, ultimately demonstrating accountability by issuing a prompt apology and removing the content. This experience highlighted the responsibilities that come with significant social media influence.

The star maintains active communication with fans through her official accounts under the handle '@YENA_OFFICIAL' on Twitter and '@yena.jigumina' on Instagram. Her social media presence reflects her genuine personality, featuring a mix of professional updates and personal moments that resonate with her growing fanbase.

Impact on K-pop Industry

Throughout her evolving career, Choi Yena has garnered numerous accolades that reflect her growing influence in the K-pop industry. Her impact extends beyond mere recognition, as evidenced by her consistent presence in major award ceremonies and industry events.

Recognition and Awards

The breadth of Yena's achievements spans multiple categories, highlighting her versatility as an entertainer. Her initial breakthrough came with the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards, where she claimed the title of Female Variety Idol. This recognition marked the beginning of a remarkable streak of accolades.

In 2022, Yena's artistic excellence earned her the prestigious Best Musician Award at the Asia Artist Awards. Her influence continued to grow as she secured the Trendy Wannabe Icon title at the 2nd Hanteo Music Awards. These achievements underscored her rising status in the industry.

The year 2023 brought even more significant recognition:

Brand Customer Loyalty Awards: Most Influential Female Solo Artist
Brand Customer Loyalty Awards: Most Influential Female Entertainer Idol
Brand of the Year Awards: Best Rookie Solo Artist
Circle Chart Music Awards: New Icon of the Year

Alongside these major awards, Yena received multiple nominations that demonstrated her competitive standing in the industry. She was nominated for the Golden Disc Awards' Digital Song Bonsang for "Smiley" featuring Bibi. Additionally, she earned nominations for Best New Female Artist and Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10 at the MAMA Awards.

Her song "SMILEY" emerged as her most awarded track, contributing significantly to her industry recognition. This success translated into tangible results, with her music show appearances resulting in one music show win. The achievement holds particular significance given the competitive nature of K-pop music shows.

Ultimately, Yena's impact resonates within the broader context of K-pop's global influence. The industry has experienced remarkable growth, rising from 19th to 7th place in global music industry rankings between 2002 and 2022. This ascent coincides with K-pop's increasing contribution to South Korea's economy, particularly in areas such as music sales, streaming platforms, and derivative industries.

Meanwhile, her success aligns with the industry's expanding global footprint. K-pop's fusion with various music genres, including pop, hip-hop, R&B, funk, rap, and rock, has created new opportunities for artists like Yena to showcase their versatility. This evolution has positioned her among the artists contributing to K-pop's establishment as a distinct global genre.

Looking ahead, Yena's participation in the upcoming 32nd Hanteo Music Awards, scheduled for February 15-16, 2025, at Jangchung Arena in Seoul, represents her continued prominence in the industry. The event's comprehensive evaluation system, incorporating album sales, digital music performance, social media impact, and broadcasting presence, reflects the multifaceted nature of modern K-pop success.