Gyuri/ Jang Gyu-ri (ex. fromis_9)
Exploring Jang Gyuri's Journey Post fromis_9 Departure
Jang Gyuri, a South Korean singer and actress, has made a significant impact on the K-pop industry. Rising to fame through the reality show Idol School, she became a beloved member of the girl group fromis_9, captivating fans with her vocal talents and charming "puppy eyes." Her journey in the entertainment world has been marked by versatility and growth, from her debut with fromis_9 to her participation in Produce 48 and her transition into acting.
Jang Gyuri's career trajectory, exploring her early life, her time with fromis_9, and her eventual departure from the group. It examines her experiences on shows like King of the Masked Singer and her acting roles in popular dramas such as "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" and "Cheer Up." The piece also looks at her evolution as an artist, from a lead vocalist in a K-pop group to a rising actress, highlighting her journey as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.
Stage Name/Birth Name: Jang Gyu Ri (장규리)
Birthday: December 27, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox
Height: 168 cm (5’6″)
Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)
Blood Type: B
MBTI Type: ISTP
Instagram: gyurious_j
Representative Emoji: 🐶
Agency:
JUST Entertainment (2022–present)
Pledis Entertainment (2021–2022)
Off The Record Entertainment (2018–2021)
Stone Music Entertainment (2017–2018)
CJ E&M Music (2017)
Jang Gyuri's Early Life and Education
Jang Gyuri was born on December 27, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea. As the daughter of a colonel and a high school music teacher, she moved frequently during her childhood, living in various cities including Busan, Uijeongbu, and Gyeryeong. Her family eventually settled in Pangyo, where she grew up with her older brother, born in 1995.
Musical Background
Gyuri's musical journey began at a young age, influenced by her mother's profession. She started playing the piano at seven years old and later expanded her musical repertoire to include guitar, violin, and drums. Her early exposure to music laid the foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry.
Acting Studies
Before her debut as a singer, Gyuri pursued acting. She enrolled in the Seoul Institute of the Arts, majoring in acting. During her college years, she appeared in a play called "Chunpung's Wife" as Deokjung, showcasing her early interest in performing arts.
International Experience
Gyuri's education extended beyond South Korea's borders. She spent a year studying in Richmond, Virginia, USA, where she lived with a local family and improved her English skills. This international experience broadened her horizons and contributed to her versatility as an artist.
Rise to Fame through Idol School
Jang Gyuri's journey to stardom began in 2017 when she participated in the Mnet reality-survival program Idol School. This show aimed to form a new girl group from 41 female participants, judging them on singing, dancing, and overall idol potential.
Audition Process
Before joining Idol School, Jang made a cameo appearance in the KBS drama "Ms. Perfect". The show's unique format involved audience votes determining rankings, with the lowest eight contestants leaving the school.
Performance Highlights
Gyuri showcased her versatility throughout the competition. In the debut ability test, she performed GFriend's "From Today We Are," impressing with her lively dance. Later, she joined the "Running Through Time" group, overcoming initial challenges to achieve first place in her performance.
Final Ranking
In a surprising turn of events, Jang Gyuri secured the 9th position in the final ranking, confirming her debut as a member of fromis_9. This unexpected result solidified her place in the newly formed girl group. Following the show, Gyuri and fromis_9 performed their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan on November 29.
Debut with fromis_9
Group Formation
Jang Gyuri's journey with fromis_9 began following her participation in the Mnet survival program "Idol School". After securing the 9th position in the final ranking, she joined the newly formed girl group. The group's pre-debut activities included releasing the single "Glass Shoes" on November 30, 2017, which they performed at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan.
First Mini-Album
Gyuri made her official debut with fromis_9 on January 24, 2018, with the release of their first mini-album "To. Heart". The album featured a title track of the same name, marking the group's entry into the K-pop scene. This debut came after months of anticipation from fans who had followed the members' journey through "Idol School."
Initial Reception
Following the debut, Gyuri expressed feeling underprepared due to her background as an independent trainee before joining fromis_9. This sentiment led her to participate in the 2018 survival show "Produce 48" to gain more experience in a training environment. During her absence, fromis_9 continued as an eight-member group, releasing the mini-album "To. Day" with the title track "DKDK".
Produce 48 Experience
Motivation for Joining
Despite her debut with fromis_9, Jang Gyuri decided to participate in the survival show Produce 48. She explained her motivation, stating, "I thought I would be able to grow a lot and learn many things through 'Produce 48'". Gyuri felt she lacked experience compared to her groupmates, especially in choreography, which made her feel like she was holding the group back.
Notable Performances
Gyuri's journey on Produce 48 began with a performance of NCT Dream's "Chewing Gum" alongside other Stone Entertainment trainees. Her efforts earned her a B grade from the judges. Throughout the show, she participated in various performances, including "ネッコヤ (Pick Me)," "내꺼야 (Pick Me)," and "To Reach You".
Impact on Career
Gyuri's participation in Produce 48 had a significant impact on her career. She temporarily halted her promotions with fromis_9 to focus on the show. This experience allowed her to address her perceived shortcomings and gain valuable training. After the show concluded, Gyuri returned to fromis_9 and continued promotions with the group, bringing with her the skills and confidence she had developed during her time on Produce 48.
Return to fromis_9 and Group Success
After her elimination from Produce 48 during the third round, Jang Gyuri returned to fromis_9 for their third music release. The group's first special single album, "From.9," featured the title track "LOVE BOMB," marking Gyuri's comeback to the group. This release proved to be a turning point for fromis_9, as "LOVE BOMB" gained significant popularity and helped expand their fan base.
Following a brief hiatus in early 2019, fromis_9 focused on solo activities. Gyuri showcased her versatility by competing on the television show "King of the Masked Singer" and making her acting debut as the lead role in the TvN Drama "Dating Class". Later that year, the group released their first single album with the title track "FUN!", further solidifying their presence in the K-pop industry.
Throughout this period, Gyuri's dedication to the group remained evident. She expressed her love and support for her fellow members and fans, often wearing a memento to keep them close to her heart. Despite facing some negative comments, Gyuri consistently encouraged her groupmates and expressed hope for future in-person meetings with their fans, known as Flovers.
Transition to Acting
First Web Drama Role
Jang Gyuri took her first step into acting with a lead role in the web drama "Dating Class" in May 2019. She portrayed Kang Ji-young in this tvN D and Olleh TV Mobile production. This marked her official debut as an actress, showcasing her versatility beyond her idol career.
Television Appearances
Gyuri's television acting career began with a supporting role in the tvN drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" in June 2020. This appearance marked her debut in a major television drama, excluding minor roles prior to her fromis_9 debut. In 2022, she starred in the SBS drama "Cheer Up" as Tae Cho-hee, marking her first terrestrial network debut and her first project after leaving fromis_9.
Critical Reception
Jang Gyuri's transition to acting has been well-received. Her performance in "The Player 2: Master Of Swindlers" garnered praise from fans and critics alike. Despite working alongside veteran actors, Gyuri has been described as a scene-stealer, cementing her status as a talented actress. Her success in acting has led her to experience new heights in her career, showcasing her ability to excel in multiple entertainment fields.
Departure from fromis_9
Announcement Details
Jang Gyuri's departure from fromis_9 came as a surprise to many fans. She revealed that acting had always been her dream and felt that being in the group was becoming a hindrance to the team's progress. Gyuri explained, "I thought I had grown up with the members and achieved a lot while being a part of fromis_9. Now I thought it would be nice to watch the members go ahead as I take a step behind".
Fan Reactions
The announcement left fans emotional and concerned. During a fan meeting in April, Gyuri couldn't hold back her tears, realizing it might be her last appearance as fromis_9's Jang Gyuri. She expressed mixed feelings, wondering if fans would be hurt by her decision and if they would continue to support her.
Final Group Activities
Before her departure, Gyuri participated in the group's comeback as a full nine-member lineup on October 10, 2018. She struggled to balance team activities and acting, particularly during the filming of "Cheer Up." Gyuri admitted, "I couldn't concentrate physically or mentally, and I felt that I was still lacking in doing both". Despite the challenges, she remains determined to explore her potential as an actress, stating, "I'll work hard to become a great actress so that I can confidently claim I'm actress Jang Gyuri".
Conclusion: Gyuri's New Chapter
Jang Gyuri's journey from a K-pop idol to an actress showcases her growth and versatility in the entertainment industry. Her time with fromis_9 had a significant impact on her career, providing a platform to showcase her talents and connect with fans. The decision to leave the group, while difficult, opened up new opportunities for Gyuri to pursue her passion for acting, leading to roles in popular dramas and critical acclaim.
As Gyuri continues to make strides in her acting career, her experiences as an idol have undoubtedly shaped her approach to performance and fan engagement. Her story serves as an inspiration to those looking to explore different facets of their talents and pursue their dreams, even if it means making tough choices. In the end, Jang Gyuri's evolving career demonstrates the ever-changing nature of the entertainment industry and the importance of following one's true passion.
Post a Comment