Yuju/ Choi Yu-na (ex. GFRIEND)
Yuju: From GFRIEND Star to Solo Sensation
In the dynamic world of K-pop, where stars rise and fall with the tide, Yuju has managed to carve a niche for herself that resonates with both nostalgia and novelty. From her early days as a standout member of GFriend, known for their synchronized dances and vocal prowess, to her successful transition into a solo artist, Yuju's journey is a testament to her steadfast dedication and versatile talent. Her ability to hit the high notes with ease, coupled with her engaging performances, whether on 'King of Masked Singer' or through her YouTube covers, has not only retained her loyal fanbase but also attracted new admirers.
This article delves into the multifaceted career of Yuju, tracing her roots from a hopeful student at SOPA, an aspiring rhythmic gymnast, to becoming a beloved South Korean singer-songwriter under Source Music and later, under KONNECT Entertainment. It charts her pre-debut experiences, the astronomical success with GFriend, the challenging aftermath following the group's disbandment, and her re-emergence as a solo sensation. With highlights on Yuju’s musical style influenced by artists like IU, her notable projects including solo releases like "Play," her achievements at the Melon Music Awards, and her ventures into acting and OSTs, the article provides a comprehensive overview of her career. Additionally, insights into her personal interests, such as pole dancing and her engagement with fans via LUVU on REC, showcase the multifaceted nature of her public image, encapsulating the essence of Yuju's journey from a GFriend star to a solo sensation.
Yuju Fandom Name: LUVU
Yuju Fandom Color: —
Yuju Official Media:
Instagram: @yuuzth (Personal) / @yuju_konnectent (Official)
Twitter: @konnect_YUJU
V Live: 유주 (YUJU)
Stage Name: Yuju (유주)
Birth Name: Choi Yu Na (최유나)
Birthday: October 4, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox
Height: 169.4 cm (5’7″)
Weight: 49 kg (108 lbs)
Blood Type: B
MBTI Type: ENFJ
Agency:
KONNECT Entertainment (2021–present)
Source Music (2015–2021)
Early Life and Training
Childhood and Family Background
Choi Yu-na, better known as Yuju, was born on October 4, 1997, in Deogyang-gu, Goyang, South Korea. She grew up in a family where she was the younger of two siblings, with an older sister born in 1992. Her early life in Ilsan, a district known for its cultural vibrancy, shaped her artistic inclinations.
Training at LOEN Entertainment
Yuju's formal training in music began when she joined LOEN Entertainment. Her passion for music was evident from her participation in the first season of K-pop Star in 2011, although she was eliminated in the first round. This setback did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to succeed in the music industry. In 2015, her efforts culminated in her debut with GFriend, marking the start of a significant chapter in her career. Concurrently, she pursued academic excellence, graduating from the Seoul School of Performing Arts in 2016 and later taking online classes at Sungshin Women's University for a Bachelor’s degree in Contemporary Practical Music.
Debut with GFRIEND
Formation of GFRIEND
GFRIEND, a South Korean girl group, was formed by Source Music in 2015. Originally planned to debut in 2014, the group faced initial setbacks due to lineup changes, ultimately debuting with six members. Their first album, Season of Glass, was released on January 15, 2015. Despite a modest start, the album's lead single "Glass Bead," composed by Seo Yong-bae and Iggy, debuted at number twelve on Gaon's weekly chart. The group's promotional activities began the following day on KBS' Music Bank.
Rise to Fame and Popularity
GFRIEND's rise to prominence was marked by their second EP, Flower Bud, and its lead single "Me Gustas Tu." Released on July 23, 2015, the song and its music video quickly gained traction. A fan-taken video of GFRIEND performing "Me Gustas Tu" on a slippery stage went viral in September 2015, showcasing their professionalism as they continued performing despite numerous falls. This incident significantly boosted their popularity, earning them praise globally.
The group's dedication paid off when "Me Gustas Tu" was named the longest charting song by an idol group on Melon Top 100, lasting 63 weeks. Additionally, "Rough," released in January 2016 as part of their Snowflake EP, became a major hit. It topped several music charts and was declared the most downloaded song of 2016, cementing GFRIEND's status in the K-pop industry.
Contributions to GFRIEND
Key Songs and Performances
Yuju's debut with GFRIEND began with the song "Glass Bead" in January 2015, marking the group's entry into the K-pop scene. The group's second single, "Me Gustas Tu," released a few months later, became iconic, especially after a performance on a slippery stage where the members, including Yuju, fell multiple times yet continued to perform, showcasing remarkable professionalism. This incident not only brought them international attention but also highlighted Yuju's resilience. Another significant contribution was the song "Rough," which won 15 music show awards and became a major hit.
Yuju also lent her voice to the OST "Spring Is Gone by Chance" for the drama A Girl Who Sees Smells, which dominated the OST Chart on Music Bank for ten consecutive weeks and won "Best OST" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her singing played a crucial role in the success of these tracks.
Memorable Moments with the Group
One of Yuju's memorable moments includes her performance on the South Korean television show SBS's Fantastic Duo (Season 2), where she was declared the Final Winner of the episode alongside Wheesung. This achievement was significant as it showcased her skills beyond group performances, reinforcing her reputation as a versatile and capable artist. Additionally, her collaborations with other artists, such as Sunyoul of Up10tion for the song "Cherish" and Jihoo of IZ for "Heart Signal," further exemplify her contributions to music and her ability to connect with other musicians creatively. Each of these moments and collaborations has not only enriched GFRIEND's portfolio but also highlighted Yuju's individual talents within and beyond the group.
Transition to Solo Career
GFRIEND’s Disbandment
The disbandment of GFRIEND was a pivotal moment in Yuju's career. Reports suggest that the decision was influenced by the exhaustion and overwork faced by the members during their time with Source Music. The group, known for their demanding schedules and challenging performances, reached a point where continuing seemed unsustainable for the members. Yuju, in particular, experienced severe physical strain, reportedly resorting to pulling out her own wisdom tooth for a brief respite from her hectic routine.
Signing with KONNECT Entertainment
Following the disbandment of GFRIEND, Yuju embarked on a new chapter by signing with KONNECT Entertainment. This transition marked a significant step in her solo career, as KONNECT Entertainment announced their commitment to support her as a top-tier musician. They expressed enthusiasm for nurturing her unique and powerful voice, and her potential as a versatile artist was recognized. Yuju herself shared her excitement about the new partnership, looking forward to presenting an honest image and diverse music to the public.
Solo Career Beginnings
Release of 'REC' EP
Yuju launched her solo career with the release of her first mini-album titled 'REC' on January 18, 2022, digitally, followed by a physical release on January 21, 2022. The EP features a variety of contents including two versions of sleeves, photo books, pocket digipacks, CD-Rs with five tracks, lyrics paper, folded posters, paper stands, paper dice, photo cards, and a special poster for pre-orders.
Lead Single: 'Play'
The lead single from the album, 'Play', showcases Yuju's vocal prowess and artistic depth. Critics noted that 'Play' leans into Yuju's skills as a vocalist, emphasizing a performance that highlights her voice with atmospheric production and a slinky beat. Despite some critiques about the melody not showcasing her performing abilities to the fullest, the song integrates traditional instrumentation, creating a beguiling atmosphere that reflects Yuju's artistic vision. This track also marks Yuju's involvement in the songwriting process, collaborating with Chancellor of Duble Sidekick among other global names. The music video for 'Play' was described as dark and artistic, featuring symbolism that enhances the song's themes of emotional turmoil and artistic integrity.
Collaborations and Featured Works
Yuju has demonstrated a versatile collaboration portfolio, partnering with various artists across different music genres. In March 2016, she collaborated with Sunyoul of Up10tion for the song "Cherish". Later, in October 2017, Yuju joined forces with Jihoo of IZ for the track "Heart Signal". Her collaborative efforts extended to working with San E in 2021 for "So Silly" and with Lee Woo and Babylon in 2023 for "Happiness Index" and "Destiny," respectively. Furthermore, a notable upcoming collaboration in 2024 with Kid Wine for the song "It's Not That I Don't Love You" highlights her ongoing engagement in diverse musical projects.
Soundtracks and OST Contributions
Yuju's impact is also significant in soundtracks and OSTs, where her voice has added depth to various television dramas and films. She recorded "Billy & The Brave Guys" for the animated movie Chicken Hero, released in February 2016. Her song "Spring Is Gone by Chance," performed with Loco for the drama A Girl Who Sees Smells, not only dominated the OST Chart on Music Bank for ten consecutive weeks but also earned the title of "Best OST" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards. This track achieved over 100M+ Digital Index and 2.5M+ Downloads on Gaon, receiving Streaming and Downloads Certifications. Additionally, Yuju's recent work includes an original track titled "You're Like An Americano" for Disney+'s K-drama Kiss Sixth Sense, set to release concurrently with the drama's premiere on May 25.
Achievements and Awards
Major Awards Won
Yuju has distinguished herself in the music industry with several prestigious accolades. She won the "Best OST Award" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards for her song "Spring Is Gone by Chance" with Loco, which also dominated the OST Chart on Music Bank for ten consecutive weeks. Additionally, her unique vocal talents were recognized at the 2022 K-Global Heart Dream Awards where she received the "K-Global Vocal Award". In 2023, Yuju continued to garner recognition, securing the "Top Trending Artist Award" at the Hanteo Music Awards.
Recognition and Impact
Yuju's impact extends beyond her awards, as she is the first and only K-pop Female Idol to win on the television show Fantastic Duo 2, competing against five contestants picked from over eight potential nominees on the Everysing app. This victory not only showcased her vocal prowess but also earned her a prize of $10,000, further cementing her status in the industry.
유주(YUJU) - Without U M/V
Conclusion
Throughout her evolving career, Yuju has seamlessly transitioned from a beloved member of GFriend to a commendable solo artist, showcasing a resilience and adaptability that speaks volumes of her passion and dedication to music. Her journey, marked by significant milestones, from her early days of rigorous training and debut with GFriend to her striking solo ventures and notable collaborations, illustrates a trajectory that is not only inspiring but also indicative of her multifaceted talent and unwavering resolve. Her ability to engage with and captivate audiences, both old and new, underlines the essence of her musical identity and artistic vision.
The implications of Yuju's career evolution extend well beyond her personal achievements, enriching the K-pop industry with a narrative of growth, transformation, and artistic integrity. As Yuju continues to chart her path in the music scene, her contributions and successes serve as a beacon for aspiring artists, reinforcing the significance of perseverance, versatility, and genuine connection with the audience. The anticipation for her future projects, especially her upcoming collaboration with Kid Wine, carries with it the promise of further innovation and the continual expansion of her musical landscape, affirming her position not just as a solo sensation, but as a true artist of her time.
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