Ryujin ITZY Profile: From JYP Trainee To Global Stardom

Ryujin ITZY captivates fans worldwide with her exceptional dancing skills and magnetic stage presence. Since her debut with ITZY in February 2019, she has quickly established herself as one of K-pop's most recognizable faces. Her journey from a JYP trainee to a global star showcases her determination and undeniable talent.

As the main rapper and lead dancer, Ryujin position in ITZY reflects her versatile performance abilities. Notably, her iconic Ryujin ITZY short hair has sparked numerous trends among fans, demonstrating her influence beyond music. Additionally, fans are often curious about Ryujin ITZY age, height, birthday, workout routine, and net worth—all elements that contribute to her compelling story as an idol.

Early Life and Background

Born in the spring of 2001, Shin Ryu-jin entered the world with no indication of the global stardom that awaited her. Her early life laid the foundation for her eventual rise as one of K-pop's most captivating performers.

Ryujin ITZY birthday and birthplace

Shin Ryu-jin was born on April 17, 2001, making her an Aries. While some sources indicate she was born in Seoul, others state her birthplace as Chuncheon in Gangwon Province. This discrepancy appears to be because she was born in Chuncheon but primarily raised in Seoul. Her Korean birth name is Shin Ryu-jin, though she also goes by the English name Joanne.

Her April birthday places her at the center of spring - perhaps foreshadowing her eventual position as the center of ITZY. In Korean age reckoning, she turned 24 in 2024, though she remains 23 in international age calculation.

Family background and early interests

Ryujin comes from a family of accomplished professionals. Both her parents, born in 1970, work as Korean medicine doctors. She has an older brother named Shin Rhusung, born in 1998, making him approximately three years her senior. During 2020, her brother was reportedly serving his mandatory military enlistment.

Her brother played a significant role in shaping her musical interests. In interviews, Ryujin has mentioned their close relationship growing up and how he influenced her love for music. Moreover, her brother was a huge BIGBANG fan, which likely contributed to her own musical tastes and perhaps even her eventual performance style.

From an early age, Ryujin developed a passion for performing. She looked up to K-pop pioneer Lee Hyori as a role model, demonstrating her early connection to the industry she would later join. Interestingly, Ryujin was initially a K-pop fan herself before becoming an idol. Her path to stardom began unexpectedly at a GOT7 fan event, where a JYP Entertainment scout approached her while waiting in line for the restroom.

Education and school life

Ryujin's educational journey reflects her growing commitment to performing arts. She attended Seoul Gwangnam Elementary School before moving on to Daewang Middle School. It was during her middle school years that she was discovered by JYP Entertainment.

For high school, she initially attended Kyunggi Girls' High School before transferring to Hanlim Multi Art School, a prestigious institution known for educating many K-pop idols. At Hanlim, she focused on practical dance, further developing the skills that would later define her as a performer. Some sources indicate she studied Musical Theatre alongside her future groupmate Chaeryeong.

On February 7, 2020, Ryujin graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School alongside fellow ITZY member Chaeryeong and soloist Somi. By this time, she had already debuted with ITZY and was well on her way to international recognition. Her education in performing arts provided crucial training that complemented her years as a JYP trainee, creating the foundation for her polished performances that fans admire today.

Journey as a JYP Trainee

Fate has a funny way of changing lives, and for Ryujin, a simple trip to the restroom during a fan event would forever alter her path toward K-pop stardom. Her transition from dedicated fan to global idol showcases how unexpected opportunities can lead to extraordinary journeys.

How Ryujin was discovered

In 2015, Ryujin attended a fan meeting concert celebrating GOT7's first anniversary as a devoted fan of the JYP boy group. What began as an ordinary day for a teenage K-pop enthusiast turned into a life-changing moment when she stood in line for the restrooms. A JYP Entertainment staff member noticed her striking visuals and approached her for contact information.

"I went to GOT7's concert, and someone asked for my number in front of the restrooms, so I gave it to them. I was a little suspicious at first, but they were so adorable that I ended up giving them my number," Ryujin explained during a March 2020 interview on SBS Power FM's Lee Joon's Young Street.

This chance encounter exemplifies the unpredictable nature of idol recruitment in South Korea. Consequently, after this fortuitous meeting, JYP Entertainment quickly extended an audition offer, recognizing her potential even before she had formal training.

Her audition and acceptance into JYP

Following her discovery, Ryujin auditioned for JYP Entertainment and was promptly signed to the company. Unlike many trainees who undergo multiple rounds of auditions or participate in open calls, her pathway into the company came through direct scouting.

Once accepted, Ryujin became part of the 2014 trainee showcase, marking the beginning of her four-year journey toward debut. Interestingly, each of her future ITZY groupmates joined the company through different showcase years:

Yeji joined through the 2015 showcase
Yuna through the 2016 showcase
Lia through the 2018 showcase

Training challenges and growth

The life of a JYP trainee proved demanding for Ryujin. Throughout her four years of preparation, she faced a rigorous evaluation system designed to mold talented individuals into professional performers.

Ryujin herself explained the demanding assessment structure: "We receive education about once every two weeks. Trainees have a penalty system in their curriculum. We are graded on singing, dancing, and character simultaneously".

Despite her talents, she admitted her trainee scores typically fell in the middle range rather than at the top. "I wasn't exceptionally talented. I was always in the middle. My personality score wasn't that good because I was a person who expressed my opinions well," she revealed. Her tendency to voice opinions impacted her character evaluations, highlighting the comprehensive nature of trainee assessments beyond just performance skills.

Both Ryujin and fellow ITZY member Lia frequently received penalty points for breaking rules, specifically for eating in the practice room. "I always thought, 'I might get cut this month' because I received a lot of penalty points," Lia shared about their trainee experiences.

Throughout her training period, Ryujin participated in several high-profile projects that built her reputation even before ITZY's formation:

She starred in BTS's "Love Yourself" highlight reel alongside J-Hope and Jimin
She competed on JTBC's survival show MIXNINE, placing first among female contestants
She appeared on the Stray Kids survival show with most future ITZY members

Perhaps most remarkably, Ryujin's talents caught the attention of competing agencies. In December 2017, YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun Suk expressed interest in recruiting her, saying: "It's a shame that you're at JYP. I want to steal you away". Nevertheless, she remained loyal to JYP Entertainment, where she eventually debuted with ITZY in 2019.

Debut with ITZY

After years of rigorous training, February 12, 2019, marked the watershed moment when ryujin itzy finally stepped into the spotlight. The culmination of her hard work alongside her fellow members would soon catapult them to heights few rookie groups achieve so quickly.

Debut date and first single

On February 12, 2019, ITZY officially debuted under JYP Entertainment with their first single album titled "It'z Different," headlined by the track "Dalla Dalla". The song showcased an innovative musical approach, blending various EDM elements including a bass house verse, electro house chorus, and trap bridge. The track's empowering lyrics about self-confidence resonated strongly with listeners, establishing the group's bold identity from day one.

"Dalla Dalla" wasn't just another K-pop debut—it was a statement. The song's title, which translates to "Different Different," perfectly encapsulated the quintet's mission to stand out in the crowded K-pop landscape. As the main rapper and lead dancer, Ryujin played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life through her confident performance style.

Initial public reaction

The reception to ITZY's debut exceeded all expectations. "Dalla Dalla" entered at number three and peaked at number two on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, selling 2,000 downloads in the US in the week ending February 14, 2019. This impressive feat made it the best-selling K-pop song in America that week.

On YouTube, the debut made history. The "Dalla Dalla" music video:

Surpassed 17.1 million views within 24 hours of release
Broke the record for most viewed K-pop debut music video within 24 hours
Became the fastest K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views at that time

Perhaps even more impressive, ITZY secured their first music show win on M Countdown just eight days after debut, breaking the record for the fastest time for a girl group to achieve their first music show victory. The song ultimately claimed nine music show wins, cementing ITZY's status as monster rookies.

In South Korea, "Dalla Dalla" peaked at number two on the Circle Digital Chart and became the best-performing girl group song of 2019. It achieved another milestone by becoming the first debut song by a K-pop group to earn a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association.

Ryujin's standout moments during debut

Throughout the debut period, Ryujin established herself as a captivating performer. Her charismatic stage presence and sharp dance moves instantly attracted attention from fans and industry professionals alike. From the beginning, she demonstrated the potential that would later manifest in iconic moments like her shoulder dance in "Wannabe".

Ryujin's transformation from trainee to idol was remarkable. Having spent four years preparing for this moment, she showcased polished skills that reflected her dedicated training period. Her journey from being scouted at a GOT7 fan meeting to standing on stage as an ITZY member represented a full-circle moment in her K-pop journey.

In fan reactions to the debut, many noted Ryujin's confident performance style and stage presence. One YouTube reaction video highlighted how impressive the group's choreography was from the start, with special mention of their synchronized dance moves and energy. For many viewers, Ryujin's ability to project confidence while maintaining precise technical skill demonstrated why JYP had invested in her development for four years.

Following their successful debut, ITZY continued their momentum with their first extended play (EP), "It'z Icy," released on July 29 of the same year, further establishing Ryujin's position as a rising star in the competitive world of K-pop.

Ryujin’s Role in ITZY

Within the intricate ecosystem of ITZY, each member serves a specific purpose, yet ryujin itzy stands out as a defining force in the quintet's success. Her multifaceted talents have helped establish ITZY as one of K-pop's most dynamic girl groups since their 2019 debut.

Ryujin position in ITZY

In ITZY's official lineup, Ryujin holds several key positions that showcase her versatility as an idol. Primarily, she serves as:

Main Rapper
Lead Dancer
Sub-Vocalist
Center

As the designated center, Ryujin often takes the middle position during key choreography moments and promotional materials, making her one of the most visible members. This strategic placement highlights her ability to capture attention and represent the group's energetic image.

Furthermore, her role as main rapper requires her to deliver powerful verses with precision and attitude. Throughout their discography, from "Dalla Dalla" to subsequent hits like "Wannabe" and "Not Shy," Ryujin's rap sections provide crucial dynamic shifts in ITZY's songs.

Her strengths as a performer

What truly sets Ryujin apart is her extraordinary stage presence and performance capabilities. First and foremost, her dancing combines technical precision with natural charisma. Her movements are consistently sharp yet fluid, demonstrating years of dedicated training.

Her facial expressions, especially, have become a trademark element of her performance style. Ryujin excels at conveying confidence and attitude through subtle changes in her gaze and expressions, creating memorable moments that fans eagerly anticipate in each comeback.

Essentially, her ability to execute challenging choreography while maintaining expressive facial engagement demonstrates her comprehensive approach to performance. This dual focus has contributed to several viral moments, most notably:

The "shoulder dance" from "Wannabe" that became a global TikTok trend
Her intense stare during "In the Morning" choreography
The powerful moves in "Loco" that showcased her dance versatility

Beyond technical skills, Ryujin possesses remarkable stage awareness. She instinctively knows when to amplify her energy during key points and when to support her groupmates during their moments to shine. This awareness creates a balanced performance dynamic that strengthens ITZY's overall stage presence.

How she contributes to the group's image

ITZY's concept centers around self-confidence and individuality—themes perfectly embodied by Ryujin's confident performance style and authentic personality. Her natural charisma aligns seamlessly with the group's empowering message.

Undoubtedly, her visual appeal contributes significantly to ITZY's public image. The iconic ryujin itzy short hair look she debuted in 2020 sparked a fashion trend among fans and fellow idols alike. This bold styling choice reflected both her personal confidence and ITZY's boundary-pushing image.

In variety show appearances, Ryujin balances professionalism with authenticity, showing a genuine personality that resonates with fans. Her ability to be both relatable and aspirational helps ITZY connect with their audience on a deeper level.

Certainly, her international appeal has helped expand ITZY's global reach. With strong support from fans worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Americas, Ryujin serves as an effective ambassador for both ITZY and K-pop as a cultural phenomenon.

As illustrated by her rising individual popularity, Ryujin has become a sought-after figure for brand endorsements and collaborations, increasing ITZY's commercial value while establishing herself as a fashion and beauty icon for the younger generation.

Signature Style and Visual Identity

Beyond her performance skills, ryujin itzy has cultivated a distinctive visual identity that resonates with fans worldwide. Her aesthetic choices have not only defined her personal brand but often sparked trends throughout the K-pop industry.

Ryujin ITZY short hair trend

The return of Ryujin's short hair became an instant sensation among fans. Her bob cut adds "a level of dominance and charisma that can't be surpassed". When she revived this iconic look, she elevated it by dyying it ash gray, personally confirming this style change on Bubble.

Throughout her career, Ryujin's hair has consistently remained "relatively short in length, typically framing the idol's face or hovering slightly above her collarbones". This signature hairstyle has become intrinsically linked to her identity, although she has experimented extensively with colors—from bubblegum pink in "ICY" to orange in "In the Morning" and midnight blue in "WANNABE". Indeed, these frequent color changes have reportedly "taken a toll on her hair's health".

Fashion choices and stage outfits

On stage, Ryujin transforms through fashion that balances edginess with versatility. Her wardrobe ranges "from badass to glamorous", showcasing everything from "cropped jackets paired with high-waisted shorts" to "studded bustiers and sequin shorts". Primarily, her approach to fashion "seems to be less gendered," with one of her favorite silhouettes being "the fitted crop top and baggy bottom combination".

Off-stage, comfort reigns supreme in Ryujin's personal style. Her casual ensembles often feature "cozy cardigans, big hoodies, and a lot of sleeveless tops" resembling normcore with elements of "skatercore and soft girl seamlessly incorporated". In fact, she gravitates toward "lots of neutral-hued pieces, from loose-fitting white blouses to simple black trousers". According to fashion analysts, her style "wears many hats: Sometimes it's feminine, sometimes it's tomboy edgy, but it's always ultra stylish".

Makeup and visual appeal

Ryujin's makeup approach perfectly complements her charismatic presence. For performances, she often incorporates "glitter-infused looks" as "a classic theme throughout her various eyeshadow-and-liner combinations". Whether "subtly ingrained in her eyeshadow or applied as stick-on stars, the sparkly material is essential in Ryujin's on-stage beauty routine".

Above all, what makes Ryujin's visual approach refreshing is her authenticity. She "constantly uploads pictures that show her natural skin texture, blemishes, and even facial hair". This honesty about beauty standards has made her "one of K-pop's more relatable figures". Regarding skincare, she maintains a simple philosophy, once confirming that "her go-to skincare tip is to hydrate sufficiently".

Even with minimal makeup, fans note that "the closer you get, the prettier she becomes". Whether in "full makeup or if she barely wears any, Ryujin is a beauty to behold".

Fitness and Daily Routine

Maintaining the energy and physique required for ryujin itzy's powerful performances demands disciplined daily habits. Behind her captivating stage presence lies a structured routine that supports her professional excellence and personal wellbeing.

Ryujin ITZY workout habits

Dancing serves as the cornerstone of Ryujin's fitness regimen. She dedicates approximately six to seven hours to dance practice daily, which functions as an intense full-body workout. This extensive training not only perfects ITZY's notoriously challenging choreographies but simultaneously burns hundreds of calories through sustained cardio activity.

Remarkably, Ryujin has noted that performing just one complete run-through of ITZY's hit "WANNABE" feels equivalent to a comprehensive personal training session targeting her upper body while incorporating squats. This revelation highlights how the group's dance-intensive approach naturally builds stamina, strength, and flexibility without requiring additional gym sessions.

Diet and health practices

Ryujin typically wakes between 10-11 AM, immediately consuming a glass of ice-cold water to jumpstart her metabolism. Instead of breakfast, she opts for a nutritious brunch featuring fried vegetables—specifically cabbage, mushrooms, onions, and green onions—seasoned with oyster sauce for flavor.

Throughout the day, she satisfies her sweet tooth with occasional candies or jellies. For dinner, Ryujin primarily chooses salads, though she maintains a balanced relationship with food by allowing herself flexibility. Notably, JYP Entertainment doesn't impose strict dietary restrictions on ITZY members, provided they maintain their performance physiques.

Admittedly, this approach differs significantly from her trainee days when, according to Chaeryeong, "we were on a diet 365 days a year". During that period, Ryujin would sometimes indulge in forbidden treats like fried chicken and watermelon at home, later wondering why she "only lost 0.5kg".

How she maintains her energy on tour

Touring presents unique challenges that Ryujin addresses through intentional self-care practices. "I don't really do anything special for my mental health, but I give free time to myself," she explained in a Billboard interview. Understanding the social demands of her profession, she prioritizes solitude to recharge.

During free moments, Ryujin unwinds by watching movies in theaters or revisiting favorite dramas and series. She particularly recommends Wes Anderson's "The French Dispatch" as both touching and varied.

Likewise, her ITZY teammates provide crucial emotional support during exhausting tour schedules. As fellow member Yuna noted, "When I'm onstage and see our members' faces, that's all the support I need". This camaraderie, coupled with enjoying good food between performances, helps the group maintain positive energy despite rigorous schedules.

Unquestionably, Ryujin's approach balances discipline with self-compassion—a sustainable formula that fuels her continued success as one of K-pop's most dynamic performers.

Achievements and Global Recognition

Since their explosive entrance into the K-pop scene, ryujin itzy and her groupmates have accumulated an impressive collection of achievements that cement their status as industry powerhouses.

Major awards and milestones

ITZY made history as the first K-pop girl group to achieve a "Rookie Grand Slam" by winning all Rookie of the Year awards at major ceremonies including the Golden Disc Awards, Gaon Chart Music Awards, Melon Music Awards, Mnet Asian Music Awards, and Seoul Music Awards. Their debut single "Dalla Dalla" catapulted them to immediate success, becoming the first debut song by a K-pop group to earn a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association.

The group's momentum continued with their 2024 album "Born To Be," which topped iTunes' album charts across 23 regions. Their second world tour "Born To Be" took them through 18 countries across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, demonstrating their global appeal.

Ryujin ITZY net worth and endorsements

As one of the wealthiest members of ITZY, Ryujin has amassed an estimated net worth of approximately USD 2 million. Her financial success stems primarily from ITZY's music career, concert tours, and lucrative endorsement deals.

The group's commercial power became evident early on when they ranked fourth in brand reputation among all K-pop groups in June 2019, just four months after debut. Throughout their career, ITZY has secured partnerships with prestigious brands including Kia Motors, MAC Cosmetics, Louis Vuitton, Lotte Duty Free, Maybelline New York (as global ambassadors), and CHARLES & KEITH.

International fanbase and influence

Ryujin's shoulder dance from "WANNABE" became an internet sensation in 2020, illustrating her ability to create viral moments that transcend language barriers. Beyond performances, she has demonstrated her philanthropic nature by donating 50 million KRW to victims of the Gangwon-do forest fires in 2022 and another 50 million KRW to victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquakes in 2023.

In light of their continuous achievements, ITZY has established themselves as influential cultural ambassadors, with Ryujin at the forefront of this global movement.

Personality and Off-Stage Life

Behind the captivating performances that define ryujin itzy lies an authentic individual with distinct interests, meaningful relationships, and a personality that resonates with fans globally.

Her hobbies and interests

Off-stage, Ryujin embraces simple pleasures that contrast with her high-energy performances. She particularly enjoys watching movies—with "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" ranking as her favorite film. Additionally, her leisure activities include taking photographs, watching dramas, and playing rhythm games like "SUPERSTARJYP".

At home, Ryujin finds companionship with her two cats, affectionately named Byullie and Dallie. This cat owner identity even made her personal hashtag list when asked to express herself.

Regarding musical influences, Ryujin looks up to K-pop pioneer Lee Hyori as her role model, while comedian Hwang Jeseong serves as her comedic guru. Her artistic talents extend beyond dancing and rapping, as she can play guitar—a skill her groupmate Yeji reportedly lacks.

Friendships within and outside ITZY

Beyond ITZY's tight-knit circle, Ryujin has cultivated friendships with several fellow idols. She maintains close relationships with LOONA's HeeJin and HyunJin, Dreamcatcher's JiU, and ALICE's Do-A.

In the realm of viral interactions, fans have noted her friendly exchanges with TXT's Soobin, where they've supported each other's performances and shared laughs. Ryujin has also developed special bonds with aespa members, referring to Karina, Winter, and Giselle by their real names—Jimin, Minjeong, and Aeri, respectively.

Naturally, her strongest connections remain within ITZY itself. As she once stated, "The members are my closest friends. I'm making friends in small numbers". Until April 2021, she shared a room with Yeji before moving into her own space.

How fans describe her personality

Fans consistently highlight Ryujin's authenticity as her most endearing quality. She describes herself using hashtags like #Lazy and #Simple, showing refreshing honesty about her personality. Correspondingly, group members consider her the smartest among them, yet she's also been voted the messiest.

Her caring nature shines through in interactions with fans. In one touching moment, she used Korean Sign Language to communicate "I love you" to a deaf fan at a concert. As one observer noted, "Ryujin continues to push the expectations people have set for K-pop idols. More than a flawless celebrity on screen, Ryujin's real personality draws fans from all over the world".