GFRIEND (Members)
GFriend Members: Where Are They Now?
In the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop, GFRIEND carved a niche for themselves with their catchy tunes, intricate dance moves, and relatable themes. From their debut with "Glass Bead" to hit tracks like "Me Gustas Tu," "Rough," and "Navillera," the group became synonymous with a powerful yet graceful concept that resonated with fans worldwide. Their disbandment in 2021 left a void in the K-pop industry and the hearts of BUDDYs (GFRIEND fans). However, the members have since embarked on new journeys, continuing to showcase their talents in various forms and arenas.
GFRIEND members—Sowon, Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, SinB, and Umji—highlighting their transition from a cohesive group to individual artists and actors. From Sowon's foray into acting to Yuju's solo career; from the formation of VIVIZ with Eunha, SinB, and Umji at the helm, to Yerin's solo artist activities, each path taken is a testament to their growth and evolution post-GFRIEND. Additionally, it will touch upon the activities of VIVIZ, providing insight into how they continue to carry the legacy of GFRIEND into new realms. This transition signals a new chapter not just for the members but also for the fans, as they navigate the ever-changing tides of the music industry.
GFRIEND Fandom Name: BUDDY
GFRIEND Official Fan Color: Cloud Dancer, Scuba Blue, and Ultra Violet
GFRIEND Official Accounts:
Official Website: sourcemusic.com/girf_profile.php
Official Website (Japan): gfriendofficial.jp
Twitter: gfrdofficial
Twitter (Japan): @GFRDofficialJP
Instagram: @gfriendofficial
Instagram (Japan): @gfriend_japan_official
Facebook: gfrdofficial
Fan Cafe: gfrdofficial
Weibo: GFRIEND_OFFICIAL
Youtube: GFRIEND Official
V LIVE: GFriend
Weverse: GFRIEND
Tik Tok: @official_gfriend
Sowon – Journey from Idol to Actress
Early Career and Debut
Kim So-jung, formerly known as Sowon from GFriend, began her career in the entertainment industry after training for nearly five years. She debuted as the leader of GFriend with the EP "Season of Glass" on January 15, 2015. Her leadership and musical talents helped propel the group to significant fame, culminating in hits like "Me Gustas Tu" and "Rough."
Post-GFriend Activities
Following the disbandment of GFriend in May 2021, Kim So-jung signed an exclusive contract with IOK Company to pursue an acting career under her real name. She later transitioned to OUI Entertainment in November 2022, where she continues to develop her acting skills.
Current Projects
Kim So-jung is currently starring in "Chilling Co-Habitation," a horror romantic-comedy K-drama where she plays a young woman who can see ghosts. The drama is a novel "cine-rama" format, blending cinema and television, and co-stars Chanwoo from iKon. Her transition to acting marks a significant shift from her music career, aiming to showcase her versatility across various entertainment genres.
Stage Name: Sowon (소원)
Birth Name: Kim So Jung (김소정)
Position: Leader, Vocalist, Visual
Birthday: December 7, 1995
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 173 cm (5’8″)
Weight: 51 kg (112 lbs)
Blood Type: A
MBTI Type: INFP
Instagram: @onedayxne
Yerin – From GFriend to Solo Artist
Early Days
Yerin, originally a member of the popular K-pop group GFriend, embarked on her music career with the group's debut in January 2015. Her journey began with the release of their first mini-album, Season of Glass. Yerin's talents were not just confined to singing and dancing as she also made her acting debut in the web drama Midnight's Girl shortly after her musical debut.
Solo Career Launch
Following the disbandment of GFriend in May 2021, Yerin signed an exclusive contract with Sublime Artist Agency to pursue a solo career in music and acting. She made her solo debut with the extended play Aria in May 2022, marking a new chapter in her artistic journey.
Current Endeavors
In 2023, after her contract with Sublime Artist Agency ended, Yerin transitioned to Bill Entertainment. Under this new label, she continued to flourish, releasing her first full-length album and her second mini-album Ready, Set, Love in August 2023 . This move solidified her position as a versatile artist in the ever-evolving K-pop industry.
Stage Name: Yerin (예린)
Birth Name: Jung Ye Rin (정예린)
Position: Lead Dancer, Vocalist, Center, Face of the Group
Birthday: August 19, 1996
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Official Height: 168 cm (5’6″)/Real Height: 167.4 cm (5’6″)
Weight: 49 kg (108 lbs)
Blood Type: O
MBTI Type: ENFJ
Instagram: @every__nn
V Live: 예린 (YERIN)
Eunha – New Beginnings with VIVIZ
Eunha, a former member of the beloved K-pop group GFRIEND, has embarked on a fresh journey with VIVIZ, showcasing her continued evolution in the music industry. During her tenure with GFRIEND, Eunha was celebrated for her versatility and sweet vocal tone, contributing significantly to the group's success with hits like "Me Gustas Tu" and "Rough".
GFriend Era
The disbandment of GFRIEND in May 2021 marked a pivotal turning point for Eunha. The group, known for their strong fanbase and successful album sales, saw each member pursue individual paths post-disbandment. Eunha, along with SinB and Umji, chose to continue her music career by forming a new group under Big Planet Made Entertainment.
Formation of VIVIZ
Eunha's transition into VIVIZ was officially announced in October 2021, with the group debuting on February 9, 2022. The formation of VIVIZ allowed Eunha to explore new musical styles and concepts, significantly differing from her previous work with GFRIEND.
Current Activities
VIVIZ debuted with their mini album "Beam of Prism," marking a new chapter in Eunha's career. This debut showcased a transformation in her musical style, embracing a more glamorous and trendy image. The group's initial releases, including tracks like "BOP BOP" and "MANIAC," have been well-received, highlighting the successful rebranding and continued appeal of Eunha and her fellow members.
Eunha's journey from GFRIEND to VIVIZ illustrates her adaptability and commitment to her craft, as she continues to captivate fans with her musical talents and innovative approach.
Stage Name: Eunha (은하)
Birth Name: Jung Eun Bi (정은비)
Position: Lead Vocalist
Birthday: May 30, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Height: 162.7 cm (5’4″)
Weight: 45 kg (99 lbs)
Blood Type: O
MBTI Type: ISTP
Instagram: @rlo.ldl
SoundCloud: rlo.ldl
Yuju – Soaring Solo
GFriend Contributions
Yuju, a standout vocalist in GFriend, contributed significantly to the group's success. Notable for her performance on a slippery stage during the promotion of "Me Gustas Tu," she demonstrated remarkable professionalism, especially notable when she continued performing despite a twisted finger. Her vocal talent shone brightly in the soundtrack "Spring Is Gone by Chance" for the drama A Girl Who Sees Smells, which dominated the Music Bank OST Chart for ten consecutive weeks and won "Best OST" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards.
Transition to Solo Artist
After GFriend's disbandment in May 2021, Yuju embarked on her solo career by signing with Konnect Entertainment. She debuted as a solo artist with the extended play Rec. and its lead single "Play" in January 2022. This marked a new chapter in her career, showcasing a shift towards a more personal and distinct musical identity. Her involvement in writing the Korean version lyrics for Yurina Kawaguchi's "Look at Me" further highlights her evolving artistry.
Latest Projects
Yuju's solo career continues to flourish with several projects. She released her second digital single "Evening" in July 2022, collaborated with rapper Big Naughty, and served as a radio DJ on KBS Cool FM's Station Z from August to December 2022. In 2023, she announced her second extended play O, with the lead single "Without U" released in March. Her most recent work includes the single "Rewind" from the +memory project and the upcoming release "Dalala" scheduled for September 2023. These projects reflect her continuous commitment to exploring new musical landscapes and connecting with her audience.
Stage Name: Yuju (유주)
Birth Name: Choi Yu Na (최유나)
Position: Main Vocalist
Birthday: October 4, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Official Height: 170 cm (5’7″) / Real Height: 169.4 cm (5’7″)
Weight: 49 kg (108 lbs)
Blood Type: B
MBTI Type: ENFJ
Instagram: @yuuzth
Twitter: @konnect_YUJU
Youtube: 유주 YUJU
V Live: 유주 (YUJU)
SinB – A New Chapter with VIVIZ
Time with GFriend
SinB, born Hwang Eunbi, embarked on her musical journey as a key member of GFriend, debuting with the group's EP Season of Glass on January 15, 2015. Her role as the main dancer, center, and vocalist was pivotal in defining the group's success over the years. GFriend's disbandment came on May 22, 2021, after the members decided not to renew their contracts with Source Music.
Joining VIVIZ
Shortly after the disbandment of GFriend, SinB, along with Eunha and Umji, signed with BPM Entertainment. This new chapter began with the formation of VIVIZ, a three-member group that debuted on February 9, 2022. Their first release, the mini album Beam of Prism, marked a significant shift in SinB's career, showcasing her versatility and continued appeal in the K-pop industry.
Ongoing Activities
As a member of VIVIZ, SinB continues to explore new musical styles and concepts, differentiating her current work from her time with GFriend. The group's debut was well-received, highlighting their ability to adapt and resonate with both old fans and new audiences. SinB's journey reflects her adaptability and commitment to her craft, promising more innovative contributions to the music scene.
Stage Name: SinB (신비)
Birth Name: Hwang Eun Bi (황은비)
Position: Main Dancer, Vocalist, Center
Birthday: June 3, 1998
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Height: 166 cm (5’5″)
Weight: 47 kg (103 lbs)
Blood Type: AB
MBTI Type: ISFJ
Instagram: @bscenez
Umji – Continuing the Legacy
GFriend Highlights
Umji, a cherished member of the once-popular K-pop group GFriend, embarked on her music career with the group's debut in January 2015. Her early days in the industry were marked by her youthful charm and evolving style, which captured the hearts of fans globally. As the youngest member, Umji witnessed the group's rapid rise to fame, characterized by their refreshing concepts and impressive synchronicity. Despite the group's unexpected disbandment in May 2021, Umji's journey did not halt; it transformed as she and her fellow members faced new beginnings.
VIVIZ Formation
Following the disbandment of GFriend, Umji, along with Eunha and SinB, signed with BPM Entertainment. This marked a significant turn in her career as they debuted as a three-member group, VIVIZ, on February 9, 2022. Their debut mini-album, "Beam of Prism," introduced a sleek, glamorous, and trendy image, showcasing a new musical style and concept that differed significantly from their previous work with GFriend.
Current Engagements
Today, Umji continues to explore and establish her identity within the music industry as part of VIVIZ. The group's ability to adapt and resonate with both old fans and new audiences highlights their ongoing appeal and success. Umji's journey is a testament to her adaptability and commitment to her craft, promising further innovative contributions to the music scene.
Stage Name: Umji (엄지)
Birth Name: Kim Ye Won (김예원)
Position: Vocalist, Maknae
Birthday: August 19, 1998
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Height: 164.5 cm (5’5″)
Weight: 48 kg (106 lbs)
Blood Type: O
MBTI Type: INFJ / INFP
Instagram: @ummmmm_j.i
What the Future Holds for Former GFriend Members
Possible Collaborations
The future teems with potential collaborations for the former GFriend members, particularly highlighted by the interactions between them and prominent figures in the music industry. Notably, during a festival, members of VIViz and the soloist Yuju shared a memorable encounter with American rapper Lil Uzi Vert, a self-proclaimed fan of GFriend. This interaction has sparked hopes among fans for future collaborations, which could blend K-pop with international music styles.
Speculations and Fan Theories
Fans and observers speculate on the individual career paths the GFriend members might take. Sowon, known for her visual appeal and leadership, is seen potentially excelling in acting or modeling. Similarly, Yerin's recent endeavors in modeling and variety shows suggest a continued presence in these domains. Eunha, with her strong vocal skills and acting background, might focus on a solo singing career while also exploring acting opportunities. For Yuju, SinB, and Umji, a full-time solo singing career seems the most likely path, possibly peppered with occasional modeling and acting gigs. Their ongoing solo activities and individual growth indicate a promising future in diverse entertainment fields.
The anticipation of a reunion on stage has been openly discussed by members like Yuju and Yerin, expressing a mutual desire for performing together again. Although no specific plans have been confirmed, the possibility remains a topic of hopeful conversation among the members and fans alike.
여자친구 GFRIEND - 너 그리고 나 (NAVILLERA) M/V
Conclusion
As the individual journeys of GFRIEND's members unfold post-disbandment, their diverse career paths—from solo music careers to acting and joining new groups—illustrate a vibrant tapestry of growth and exploration. Each member, whether stepping into the spotlight alone or as part of VIVIZ, has shown resilience and adaptability, navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry with grace and determination. Their continued endeavors not only preserve the cherished legacy of GFRIEND but also pave the way for future achievements, highlighting their unending commitment to their crafts and their fans.
Looking ahead, the potential for collaborations, further solo projects, and perhaps even a reunion keeps the spirit of GFRIEND alive in the hearts of BUDDYs worldwide. The anticipation around their future steps speaks volumes about their lasting impact on the K-pop industry and beyond. As they continue to explore and refine their talents in various avenues, they promise to bring more innovative and engaging content to the global stage, further cementing their status as multifaceted artists in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.
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