Jeon HeeJin: The Untold Story Behind ARTMS's Rising Star (2024 Profile)

Jeon HeeJin's journey from a solo debut in 2016 to becoming one of K-pop's most resilient artists showcases her unwavering determination. After winning a groundbreaking lawsuit against BlockBerryCreative in January 2023, she embarked on a new chapter that would redefine her career.

Following her departure from LOONA, HeeJin signed with MODHAUS in March 2023, marking a fresh start in her musical journey. Her transition led to the release of her first mini-album "K" and the formation of ARTMS, where she continues to showcase her talents as both a singer and lyricist. The story of a young artist who transformed industry challenges into stepping stones for success, exploring her evolution from her early days in Daejeon to her current status as a rising star in the K-pop industry.

The Early Days: HeeJin Before the Spotlight

Born on October 19, 2000, in Daejeon, South Korea, Jeon HeeJin entered the world as the youngest of three daughters in her family. Her early years were split between her birthplace and Incheon, where she completed her elementary education at Incheon Hambak Elementary School. This geographic diversity early in life foreshadowed the journey that would eventually lead her to K-pop stardom.

Growing up in Daejeon and Incheon

HeeJin's childhood included an interesting international experience when she briefly lived in São Paulo, Brazil for one month during her grade school years. Specifically, she resided in the Bom Retiro neighborhood, famous for being the largest Koreatown in Brazil where part of her family still lives today.

After completing elementary school in Incheon, HeeJin continued her education at Saint Paul Girls' Middle School in Chungnam. Her formative years were shaped not only by academic pursuits but also by the dreams that ran in her family. Both her older sisters had once harbored similar aspirations of becoming performers, though these remained unfulfilled. HeeJin has openly shared that one of her motivations for pursuing a singing career was to make her sisters' unrealized dreams come true.

Her first steps into music and dance

HeeJin's passion for performing arts blossomed relatively early. "I loved to dance so I dreamed of being an idol since sixth grade," she revealed in an interview. This dream took concrete form in her first year of middle school when she began seriously pursuing her musical ambitions.

Despite living in a rural area far from the entertainment industry's center, HeeJin was determined to follow her passion. She began attending a dance academy in Daejeon, which required significant travel. Her commitment was evident as she navigated these logistical challenges, often traveling long distances just to practice her craft.

Initially, HeeJin faced resistance from her parents who viewed the idol profession skeptically. "My parents were against me becoming an idol. I think at the time, they thought that being an idol was a light profession," she explained. While her mother secretly permitted her audition attempts, her father remained opposed to her pursuing a career in entertainment.

Auditioning and becoming a trainee

HeeJin's path to becoming a trainee was paved with rejection and perseverance. She commuted between her home in Nonsan, Chungnam and Seoul to attend multiple auditions. Each trip cost approximately 50,000 won in transportation fees—a substantial expense for a middle school student. In this challenging period, HeeJin's older sister became her greatest supporter, using her part-time job earnings to fund these costly trips.

After facing rejection from approximately 20 different agencies, many would have given up. However, HeeJin's determination remained unshaken. The turning point came in 2015 when BlockBerryCreative discovered her through social media. She successfully auditioned by singing Lyn's "Ring Tone" and also performed BTS's "Dope" during her audition process.

Once accepted as a trainee, HeeJin faced new challenges. She lived in the countryside, over four hours away from Seoul, which significantly limited her training time. Additionally, she struggled financially with affording transportation to and from training sessions. Nevertheless, she persevered through these difficulties during her one-year training period.

Her dedication and natural talent ultimately paid off when she was selected as the first member to be revealed for BlockBerryCreative's new girl group project. HeeJin later noted that "talent" was the reason she was chosen as the first member, mentioning that she was told she displayed "a different aura and expression" when in front of the camera.

Debuting with LOONA: A New Star is Born

The fall of 2016 marked a pivotal moment in K-pop history when BlockBerry Creative unveiled an ambitious 18-month pre-debut project for their first girl group. On September 26, 2016, Jeon HeeJin stepped into the spotlight as the very first member of what would become one of K-pop's most conceptually innovative groups—LOONA (stylized as LOOΠΔ).

Being the first revealed member

BlockBerry Creative's unconventional approach to group formation centered around introducing one member each month—hence the group's Korean name "Idarui Sonyeo" (이달의 소녀), literally meaning "Girl of the Month." As the inaugural member, HeeJin bore the responsibility of setting the tone for the entire project. The company strategically released teasers across multiple social media platforms, building anticipation for the new face of their upcoming group.

HeeJin's selection as the first member wasn't arbitrary. According to company statements, she was chosen because she displayed "a different aura and expression" when in front of the camera, showcasing her natural talent and presence. This distinction placed her in the crucial position of introducing the LOONA concept to the world.

Solo debut with 'ViViD'

Following the teaser period, HeeJin officially made her solo debut on October 5, 2016, with the release of her self-titled single album. The album contained two tracks—the single "ViViD" and its acoustic mix. Music videos for both versions were released simultaneously, with the main version produced by VM Project, the same team behind EXO's "Love Me Right" and BLACKPINK's "Whistle."

"ViViD" presented a colorful lo-fi track that effectively showcased HeeJin's character and vocal abilities. The song tells the story of finding vivid colors in life after meeting someone special:

Originally titled "Hashtag" before being changed to "ViViD"
Features a unique concept where the music video's intro also appears at the end
Marked the first step in LOONA's elaborate pre-debut project that would ultimately span 18 months

As other members were gradually revealed—HyunJin in October, HaSeul in December, and YeoJin in January—HeeJin participated in collaborative tracks with them, further establishing her presence within the evolving group.

Joining LOONA 1/3 and full group debut

By February 2017, BlockBerry Creative announced another phase in the LOONA project—the formation of sub-units. On February 14, HeeJin was revealed as a member of the group's first sub-unit, LOONA 1/3, alongside HaSeul, HyunJin, and a new member, ViVi. The unit officially debuted on March 13, 2017, with the mini-album "Love & Live" and its title track of the same name.

LOONA 1/3 made the group's first television appearance with promotions exclusively on SBS's Inkigayo. In April 2017, the sub-unit returned with a repackaged version of their album titled "Love & Evil" featuring the title track "Sonatine." Through these releases, HeeJin continued to develop her skills and public presence.

After all twelve members had been introduced through solos and various sub-unit activities, LOONA released their first group song "Favorite" on August 7, 2018. This pre-debut digital single featured all members and came with a choreography-focused music video.

Finally, on August 20, 2018—nearly two years after HeeJin's initial debut—LOONA officially debuted as a complete twelve-member ensemble with the release of their EP "[+ +]" (read as "plus plus"). The album included "Favorite" and the title track "Hi High," with HeeJin positioned as the group's unofficial center, solidifying her importance within LOONA's formation and identity.

Survival Shows and Setbacks

In October 2017, just months after LOONA began taking shape through sub-unit activities, Jeon HeeJin embarked on an unexpected challenge that would test her resilience and determination. Along with fellow LOONA members HyunJin and HaSeul, she ventured into the competitive world of survival reality shows.

Competing in MIXNINE

MIXNINE, a survival program produced by JTBC and YG Entertainment, became HeeJin's proving ground outside the LOONA ecosystem. Under the scrutiny of YG founder Yang Hyun-suk, who traveled across Korea seeking promising K-pop talents, HeeJin quickly captured attention.

Her performance throughout the competition showcased her natural abilities. On a particularly memorable stage, she covered Ariana Grande's "Greedy," earning enthusiastic praise from Yang Hyun-suk himself. This standout performance contributed to her consistently high ranking on the show. In fact, HeeJin commanded such presence that she ranked first in pre-voting and maintained top positions throughout much of the competition.

"Back then, I didn't seem to have any thoughts about enjoying the stage," HeeJin later reflected about her mindset during MIXNINE. "I only thought that I had to win". This single-minded determination propelled her forward as the weeks progressed.

The disappointment of not debuting

By the final episode broadcast live on January 26, 2018, HeeJin had secured fourth place among female participants. The show's format pitted nine finalist girls against nine finalist boys, with the winning team earning debut rights. Although HeeJin successfully entered the debut lineup for the women's division, her hopes were dashed when the men's team ultimately won the final vote.

The disappointment deepened when plans changed. Originally, the winning team was to promote for seven months, but Yang Hyun-suk suggested extending the contract to three years instead of the original four months. This contractual dispute between YG Entertainment and contestants' respective agencies led to the cancellation of the debut project altogether.

Furthermore, the women's team faced additional setbacks. Despite Yang's initial intentions to produce a debut, reality show, and world tour for them, public reaction to promoting the female team proved underwhelming, resulting in cancellation of all planned activities.

Lessons learned from the experience

Despite the outcome, MIXNINE provided HeeJin with invaluable insights about herself as a performer. "The stage became my driving force," she explained. "Even in tight schedules, when standing onstage, things become clear mentally".

This perspective shift marked a turning point in how she approached her career. Rather than viewing performances as merely competitive endeavors, she began to see them as energizing opportunities. "Activities play a role similar to oil. It feels like relieving stress from work by working," she noted about this realization.

Looking back at her intense trainee schedule, HeeJin expressed both amazement and pride: "I don't know why I used to go that far, but I spent every day at the company office or at the dorm. Never went anywhere on weekends, and always stayed in the practice room until 3 AM".

This experience, though marked by disappointment, ultimately strengthened her resilience. It prepared her for future challenges, including the eventual legal battle with BlockBerry Creative that would become a defining moment in her career journey.

Legal Battles and Breaking Free

The year 2023 marked a turning point in Jeon HeeJin's career path as legal conflicts with BlockBerryCreative reached their breaking point. After years of dedication to LOONA, she found herself at a crossroads that would ultimately lead to an entirely new chapter in her professional journey.

Filing lawsuits against BlockBerryCreative

In March 2023, HeeJin joined forces with fellow LOONA members Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry to file a lawsuit against their agency. This legal action followed earlier injunction requests filed in November 2022, when nine LOONA members sought to suspend their contracts with BlockBerryCreative. The lawsuit progressed without the agency's response initially, compelling them to participate as court hearings began in December 2023.

The legal battle wasn't without precedent. Former LOONA member Chuu had previously encountered financial settlement disputes with BlockBerryCreative, triggering what many industry observers called a domino effect. Her situation opened the door for other members to question their contractual obligations.

Winning the case and leaving the agency

On January 13, 2023, the Seoul Northern District Court Civil Division 1 ruled in favor of HeeJin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry. The court determined that these four members had contract terms identical to Chuu's, who had previously won her lawsuit for contract suspension.

Prior to the final verdict, the quartet had already obtained a temporary injunction that suspended their exclusive contracts, effectively freeing them from restrictions on their entertainment activities. This crucial legal victory paved the way for their departure from BlockBerryCreative and opened doors to new opportunities.

Within two months of this legal triumph, on March 17, 2023, HeeJin and her three fellow victorious members signed exclusive contracts with MODHAUS. This swift transition demonstrated their readiness to begin anew without looking back.

The emotional toll of the legal fight

Throughout this challenging period, HeeJin and her colleagues faced immense pressure. The legal proceedings stretched from their initial filing through months of uncertainty before resolution. For young performers who had dedicated years to building their careers under one agency, this represented not merely a professional challenge but an emotional rollercoaster.

The case effectively spelled the end for LOONA as fans had known it. Once a 12-member ensemble that had debuted in 2018 after an elaborate 18-month pre-debut project, the group faced what industry reports described as "turbulence" and "disbandment".

For HeeJin specifically—the very first revealed member who had carried the initial weight of establishing LOONA's identity—this separation carried particular significance. Moving from LOONA to ARTMS meant leaving behind a project she had helped build from its very foundation.

Consequently, her legal victory represented more than contractual freedom. It symbolized her evolution from trainee to established artist capable of making independent career decisions and charting her own course in the competitive world of K-pop.

A New Chapter with MODHAUS and ARTMS

After winning her legal battle, Jeon HeeJin discovered an unexpected opportunity for creative renewal with a familiar face from her past. The path forward would reconnect her with the visionary who helped shape her earliest musical identity.

Signing with MODHAUS

On March 17, 2023, HeeJin and fellow former LOONA members Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry signed exclusive contracts with MODHAUS. The company immediately released a statement: "Modhaus wishes them all the best of luck on their new beginnings, and we promise to give them our full support so that they can create more cherished memories with their fans".

This signing held special significance as MODHAUS was founded by Jaden Jeong, LOONA's former creative director. For HeeJin, this reunion represented more than just finding a new agency—it offered a chance to continue the artistic vision that initially defined her career. As HaSeul (who joined the group later) explained: "Our CEO is the person who knows the members the best and is also the person who started the LOONA lore. So we wanted to continue our lore by joining MODHAUS".

The birth of ARTMS and its concept

Merely two weeks after signing, on April 1, 2023, MODHAUS announced that HeeJin would be part of their new project group ARTMS alongside Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry. The name ARTMS, inspired by the Greek goddess Artemis, began as a strategic project before evolving into a permanent group that officially debuted on May 31, 2024.

Their debut album "DALL" (standing for "Devine All Love & Live") featured:

Four pre-release singles including "Birth"
The lead single "Virtual Angel"
Music that incorporated samples from members' previous work

"It took a long time for ARTMS to finally debut," HeeJin noted during their press showcase. This period allowed the group to build a new identity while respectfully acknowledging their roots.

HeeJin's role in the new group

At MODHAUS, Jeon HeeJin found unprecedented creative freedom. "I had participated in lyric writing and other production aspects of my solo album, and this really made me feel like I was producing my own album," HeeJin shared. "I was so involved that the CEO would not move on with the production of the album unless I gave my approval on certain aspects."

This collaborative approach extended to ARTMS's work as well. HeeJin has expressed her enthusiasm for the group's future, noting: "I do think one day, not so far into the future, it could happen. And if there is an ARTMS album, then there will definitely be an ARTMS tour".

Throughout this transition, HeeJin maintained her characteristic determination. From being the first LOONA member revealed to helping shape ARTMS's artistic direction, her journey demonstrates how artistic autonomy can flourish after weathering industry challenges.

Solo Comeback and Artistic Growth

October 2023 marked a milestone in Jeon HeeJin's career when she stepped back into the spotlight as a soloist, seven years after her debut single "ViViD." This time, she returned not as a newcomer but as an experienced artist ready to showcase her evolved talents.

Releasing her first mini album

On October 31, 2023, HeeJin unveiled her first mini album titled, a symbolic reference to her Korean identity and the K-pop industry. The six-track collection served as both a homage to her roots and a declaration of her artistic vision. Notably, the album's name represented her pride in Korean culture, with the physical release available in two versions initially, followed by an Objekt Music Album version announced on February 6, 2025.

"It's been a while since I promoted as a solo artist. So I feel kind of awkward but also very happy to be on stage and be able to showcase the album which I produced!" HeeJin shared in an interview.

Exploring new sounds and visuals

showcased HeeJin's versatility across various musical styles. The title track "Algorithm" reimagined the sound of '80s icons like Madonna and Janet Jackson while incorporating dynamic K-pop elements. Moreover, the album traversed through R&B ballads with "Sad Girls Club" and "Nokia," while "Video Game" delivered bouncy rhythms and "Addiction" wrapped the collection with acid jazz influences.

Visually, HeeJin embraced Korean aesthetics in her music video for "Algorithm," where she portrayed both traditional beauty and modern womanhood. "When we were talking about the music video, I really wanted to express Korean beauty," she explained.

Writing and composing her own music

Perhaps most significantly, Jeon HeeJin co-wrote four of the six tracks on her mini album. This creative involvement represented a major evolution from her early days with LOONA.

"I can't ignore the image that fans already have of me, so it was a mix of that, along with my own experimentation," she reflected on finding her sound. For "Video Game," she drew inspiration from the film Wreck-It Ralph and completed the lyrics in just one day.

"I considered it a study, and it makes me feel like I've grown as an artist," HeeJin noted about her songwriting experience.

HeeJin’s Influence and Fan Connection

Throughout her career, Jeon HeeJin has cultivated a special relationship with her supporters that transcends typical idol-fan dynamics. From her earliest days in LOONA to her current role in ARTMS, she has maintained an authentic connection that resonates deeply within the K-pop community.

Her impact on fans and fandom culture

Beyond her musical talents, Jeon HeeJin has become a source of inspiration for many fans. Her resilience through difficult industry challenges, especially fighting for artistic freedom, has transformed her into a symbol of perseverance. Interestingly, many supporters credit her with introducing them to K-pop initially, as she was the first revealed LOONA member.

As one of K-pop's most visually distinct performers, HeeJin's unique fashion sense and performance style have influenced fan aesthetics. Currently, her transition from LOONA to ARTMS has helped redefine how fans view artists' evolution and career paths in the industry.

How she engages with OURII

OURII, the official fandom name for ARTMS, has built a strong connection with HeeJin. Unlike traditional fandoms, OURII members often highlight how HeeJin treats them as equals rather than mere supporters.

At fan events, HeeJin demonstrates a remarkable memory for faces and names, often reminiscing about previous meetings with fans. Practically speaking, she maintains this personal touch despite her growing popularity. Furthermore, she regularly acknowledges fan projects and gifts during livestreams, creating a cycle of appreciation between artist and supporter.

Her presence on social media

Jeon HeeJin's approach to social media balances professionalism with personality. Undoubtedly, her careful curation of content keeps fans engaged without sacrificing her privacy.

On platforms like Instagram and Weverse, HeeJin shares:

Behind-the-scenes glimpses of performances and photoshoots
Personal hobbies and interests outside of music
Interactions with fellow ARTMS members

Whenever possible, she responds directly to fan comments, fostering a sense of community. At the same time, she maintains healthy boundaries, demonstrating to younger idols how to navigate social media in the spotlight.

What’s Next for HeeJin in 2025 and Beyond

With 2025 unfolding as a pivotal year in Jeon HeeJin's career, the artist stands poised at the intersection of established success and untapped potential. After weathering industry storms and reinventing herself multiple times, HeeJin now looks toward expanding her artistic horizons beyond previous boundaries.

Upcoming projects and goals

Currently, Jeon HeeJin is focused on balancing her solo endeavors with ARTMS activities. Following their successful debut, the group has outlined plans for their first concert tour in late 2025, giving fans worldwide the opportunity to experience their performances firsthand. Meanwhile, HeeJin continues developing her second mini-album, which reportedly explores deeper musical territories than her debut release "."

"I want to challenge myself with new concepts," HeeJin revealed in a recent interview. "My goal is to showcase different sides of myself that fans haven't seen yet." This artistic evolution includes collaboration with international producers to create music that resonates across cultural boundaries.

Her vision for ARTMS

HeeJin envisions ARTMS as more than just another K-pop group—she sees them as pioneers redefining industry standards. "We want to create our own path instead of following existing formulas," she explained. The group aims to blend their established identities with fresh creative directions.

Presently, HeeJin works alongside her members to establish ARTMS's unique brand identity, one that honors their shared history yet embraces their collective future. Their upcoming projects include:

A documentary chronicling their journey from legal challenges to new beginnings
A collaborative album featuring self-produced tracks from each member
Expanded global promotions beyond traditional K-pop markets

Dreams outside of music

Beyond her musical career, HeeJin harbors ambitions that reflect her multifaceted personality. "Someday I'd like to explore acting," she admitted. "I've always been interested in bringing characters to life." Additionally, she's expressed interest in fashion design, hoping to eventually launch her own clothing line that reflects her aesthetic sensibilities.

In essence, Jeon HeeJin's trajectory extends beyond the conventional idol path. Whether through music, performance, or creative ventures yet unrealized, her journey continues to unfold with the same determination that has defined her career thus far.