Yeji: ITZY's Dynamic Leader and Her Journey to Stardom

From a trainee battling health issues to becoming one of K-pop's most influential fourth-generation leaders, Yeji's journey stands as a testament to determination and talent. As ITZY's charismatic leader, she has captured global attention with her powerful performances and distinctive leadership style.

Hwang Yeji stepped into the spotlight in 2019 as ITZY's leader, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the K-pop industry. Her exceptional dancing abilities, striking stage presence, and natural leadership qualities have earned her recognition far beyond her role as ITZY Yeji.

From Jeonju to JYP: Yeji's Early Life Journey

Born in Seoul and later settling in Jeonju, Hwang Yeji's journey to stardom began with an unexpected twist. Despite harboring dreams of becoming an entertainer from an early age, she initially harbored a strong dislike for dancing. Her alternative dream was becoming a soccer player, though she later admitted to not being particularly skilled at the sport.

Childhood in Jeonju and Early Passion for Performance

Under her mother's guidance, Yeji began taking dance lessons despite her initial reluctance. Her mother, recognizing her daughter's potential star quality, encouraged her to pursue performing arts. This early foundation, though challenging, would later prove instrumental in shaping her future career path.

Overcoming Health Challenges in Youth

At the age of eight, Yeji faced a life-threatening health crisis that would test her resilience. What began as a simple flu evolved into a severe condition requiring immediate hospitalization. After being rushed to a hospital in Jeonju, her condition became so critical that she was transferred to a specialized facility in Seoul. There, doctors diagnosed her with three serious conditions:

• Pneumonia (lung infection)

• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)

• Septic shock

The severity of her condition was such that doctors warned her mother to prepare for the worst. However, through proper medical intervention and what would become her trademark determination, Yeji made a full recovery after nearly a year of hospitalization.

The Path to JYP Entertainment

Following her recovery, Yeji's journey toward stardom accelerated. At age 15, she made her first entertainment industry appearance with a cameo in the tvN drama "Twenty Again". Her pivotal moment came in 2015 when she auditioned for JYP Entertainment, performing TWICE's "Like Ooh-Ahh". The audition proved successful, and in 2016, she became the third member to join what would eventually become ITZY.

During her training period, Yeji found support in her future groupmates, particularly Ryujin, who welcomed her with open arms and helped her navigate the company culture. This early display of camaraderie would later contribute to her effectiveness as ITZY's leader.

Training Period Transformation

The transformation of Yeji during her training period at JYP Entertainment marked a crucial chapter in her journey toward stardom. After joining the company in 2016, she embarked on an intensive training regimen that would shape her into one of K-pop's most versatile performers.

Rigorous Practice and Skill Development

Yeji's natural talent for dance, which began in her seventh grade, flourished under JYP's systematic training program. Her exceptional dancing abilities caught the attention of the company's staff during her audition, where she impressed evaluators with multiple freestyle performances. In fact, during her initial audition, she was asked to showcase her freestyle dancing skills an impressive seven to eight times.

Appearances on 'The Fan' and 'Stray Kids'

In 2018, Yeji made her pre-debut television appearance on SBS's 'The Fan,' where she was introduced as "JYP's Secret Weapon" by 2PM's Junho. During her time on the show, she delivered powerful performances including:

Though she was eliminated in the fifth episode, her performances garnered significant attention, leading to her name trending on Naver's real-time search rankings. This exposure proved valuable in building her confidence and stage presence before debut.

Building the Foundation for Leadership

Even before ITZY's formation, Yeji demonstrated natural leadership qualities that would later define her role in the group. By 2017, she had already established herself as a leader among female JYP trainees. Her ability to direct and support fellow trainees, combined with her longer training experience, contributed to her eventual selection as ITZY's leader.

Throughout her training period, Yeji's dedication to improvement remained constant. As noted by mentor Junho, she maintained awareness of areas needing development while consistently demonstrating potential for growth. This self-awareness, coupled with her strong work ethic, established the foundation for her future role as ITZY's leader.

Debut Success and Leadership Evolution

On February 11, 2019, ITZY burst onto the K-pop scene with their debut single "DALLA DALLA," setting multiple industry records that would cement their place in K-pop history. The music video garnered an impressive 13.9 million views within its first 24 hours, breaking the record for most views in the first 24 hours for a K-pop group debut. The song's immediate success was evident as it claimed the top position on major music sites including Genie, Bugs, Mnet, and Soribada.

ITZY's Explosive Debut with 'Dalla Dalla'

The group's debut achievements were remarkable:

• Fastest girl group to win a music show award, securing their first win just nine days after debut

• "DALLA DALLA" peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's World Digital Songs Sales Chart

• Achieved a historic "Rookie Grand Slam" by winning all major "Rookie of the Year" awards

Growing into the Leader Role

Despite ITZY's explosive success, Yeji initially harbored doubts about her position as leader. Her tendency to internalize concerns and avoid burdening others led to personal struggles with the leadership role. "Because I'm not blunt nor someone who can easily say what needs to be said, I felt the pressure for that and a great sense of responsibility," Yeji revealed about her early leadership days.

Managing Group Dynamics and Responsibilities

Yeji's leadership style evolved into one that prioritizes understanding and mutual support. Her approach focuses on taking care of those precious to her while maintaining the group's signature confidence. The other members have consistently praised her gentle yet effective leadership style, with Yuna noting, "Since she is the leader she could take a forceful approach, but she doesn't — she always listens to us".

As ITZY's success continued to grow, they expanded their presence on international charts, placing four songs on the Billboard Global 200 and securing five entries on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. Through these achievements, Yeji's leadership has been marked by her ability to balance individual growth with group harmony, creating what the members describe as a "comfortable dynamic" that contributes to their synergy.

Performance Mastery and Artistic Growth

Recognized as one of the most dynamic performers in fourth-generation K-pop, Yeji has established herself as a formidable force in the industry through her exceptional dance abilities and vocal prowess. Her journey of artistic mastery continues to shape ITZY's distinctive performance style.

Signature Dance Style Development

As one of ITZY's main dancers, Yeji has earned acclaim for her powerful and precise execution of choreography. Her dancing has garnered praise from industry veterans, including JYP, BoA, and Lee Hyori, establishing her as one of the best dancers among 4th-gen K-pop girl groups. Her signature elements include:

Vocal Journey and Musical Contributions

Despite never having formal vocal training before joining JYP Entertainment, Yeji has developed into a skilled lead vocalist through rigorous practice. Her stable live vocals, particularly while executing challenging choreography, have become a hallmark of her performances. She consistently handles the most parts in ITZY's title tracks, including "Dalla Dalla," "Wannabe," "Not Shy," and "LOCO".

Notable Solo Performances and Recognition

Yeji's artistic growth reached new heights with her selection as STUDIO CHOOM's "Artist Of The Month" in March 2021, where she delivered a special performance of "River" by Bishop Briggs. Her recent solo endeavors showcase her expanding artistic range, including:

Musical Contributions:

Released her first solo track "Crown On My Head" in January 2024, participating in both composition and lyric writing

Her versatility extends beyond dancing and singing, as demonstrated by her well-received rap verses in "Not Shy," which earned praise for their stability, clarity, and unique vocal tone. Through these achievements, Yeji continues to push the boundaries of her artistry while maintaining the powerful performance style that has become her trademark.

Behind the Spotlight

Behind the carefully crafted stage presence lies a leader whose personal philosophy shapes both her artistic journey and ITZY's success. Through her distinctive approach to leadership and genuine connection with fans, Yeji continues to define her unique path in the K-pop industry.

Personal Values and Leadership Philosophy

At the core of Yeji's leadership style lies her personal motto: "I believe in myself". This self-belief stems from her early realization that results directly correlate with effort. Her approach to leadership emphasizes collaboration over authority, preferring to say "how about we do this?" rather than issuing direct commands. This democratic leadership style has proven effective in managing a group of five individuals with distinct personalities and values.

Balancing Group and Individual Activities

While maintaining her role as ITZY's leader, Yeji has begun exploring individual artistic ventures. Her recent solo endeavors include her first OST "Think about you" for the drama "Love Your Enemy," featuring her dreamy vocals against a vintage band arrangement. This balance between group and solo activities demonstrates her growing artistic maturity while maintaining her commitment to ITZY's success.

Relationship with MIDZY (Fans)

The connection between Yeji and MIDZY (믿지) runs deep, with the fandom name itself derived from the Korean word meaning "trust". This trust manifests through various communication channels:

As an ISFJ personality type, Yeji's dedicated and protective nature influences her approach to fan interactions. Her commitment to fans is evident in her statement: "I want to become a team that promotes for a long time and is remembered by many people". This dedication to both artistic growth and fan connection continues to strengthen the bond between Yeji and MIDZY.

Impact on Modern K-pop

Through innovative leadership and groundbreaking performances, Yeji and ITZY have reshaped the landscape of modern K-pop, particularly in challenging traditional industry norms. Their influence extends beyond music to impact social perspectives and industry standards.

Redefining Girl Group Leadership

Yeji's distinctive approach to leadership has introduced a more collaborative model in K-pop. Rather than adopting an authoritative stance, she implements a question-based leadership style, asking "how about we do this?" instead of making direct demands. This approach has proven particularly effective in managing a five-member group with diverse personalities and perspectives. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes mutual respect and open communication, creating what industry observers note as one of the most harmonious group dynamics in fourth-generation K-pop.

Influence on Fourth Generation Idols

ITZY's impact on fourth-generation K-pop is particularly evident in performance standards. Their debut marked a significant shift in girl group choreography, introducing:

The group's influence extends to musical style as well, with their signature "teen crush" concept inspiring a wave of similar approaches among newer groups. Their innovative blend of "loud instrumental title tracks" with "shouty vocal lines" has become a blueprint for many fourth-generation groups.

Breaking Industry Stereotypes

Perhaps most significantly, Yeji and ITZY have challenged traditional gender stereotypes in K-pop. Research has shown that Korean women were traditionally depicted as "submissive, passive, and dependent" in media. However, through their music and performances, ITZY has actively subverted these stereotypes. Their impact is evident in several ways:

Artistic Expression: Breaking away from conventional "soft" girl group images through powerful performances and bold styling choices

Lyrical Content: Promoting messages of self-confidence and independence, as seen in tracks like "DALLA DALLA" and "WANNABE"

The group's commitment to authenticity has resonated globally, with international fans particularly connecting to their message of self-expression. This is evident in their concert performances, where fans from diverse backgrounds demonstrate deep engagement with their music and message. Through their continued success and growing influence, Yeji and ITZY have established themselves as pivotal figures in shaping the future direction of K-pop, particularly in terms of performance standards and female empowerment.

FAQS

Fans and newcomers to ITZY often have numerous questions about the group and its charismatic leader. Here are the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

What does ITZY mean? The name ITZY carries a special meaning in Korean, representing "to have" or "to possess." The group explains it as "we have everything you expect in us".

What are the most common questions about JYP Entertainment? According to Yeji and her fellow members, the most frequently asked questions about their agency revolve around:

How many members are in ITZY? ITZY consists of five members, each bringing unique talents and personalities to the group.

What questions do fans typically ask about performances? Common performance-related inquiries include:

What makes ITZY's music unique? The group's musical identity has evolved significantly since debut. Their recent albums showcase:

How does ITZY connect with fans during the pandemic? The group maintains strong fan connections through:

What are ITZY's future aspirations? The members have expressed several goals:

These answers provide insight into both the group's professional journey and their personal aspirations, reflecting their growth since debut while maintaining their authentic connection with fans.