Profile
- Real name: Choi Ye-na
- Date of birth: September 29, 1999
- Zodiac sign: Libra
- Nationality: South Korean
- Height: 163 cm
- Weight: 45 kg
- Blood type: A
- Education: Hanlim Multi Art School
- instagram: @yena.jigumina
It is known that Ye-na is none other than the younger sister of actor and former SPEED member, Choi Sungmin.
However, Ye-na’s fame doesn’t stem from this connection; instead, it’s because of her bright and energetic personality. While on stage, Ye-na may appear strong and cool, but in reality, she is very approachable and open.
Before debuting as a member of IZ*ONE, Ye-na appeared on the show *Cooking Class* and modeled for various photo magazines.
From June 15 to August 31, 2018, Ye-na represented Yuehua Entertainment in the survival reality show Produce 48, where she eventually ranked 4th.
After debuting with IZ*ONE, Ye-na participated in the show *Prison Life of Fools* alongside JB (GOT7), Jang Doyeon, Jeong Hyeongdon, and others.
Debuted in IZ*ONE
In 2018, she participated in the girl group survival audition Produce 48 organized by Mnet, was finally selected, debuted as a girl group IZ*ONE , worked until April 2021, and debuted as a solo singer on January 17, 2022.
Post-IZ*ONE era
After IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021, the member Choi Yena has been working hard to establish her career as a soloist. However, the female idol ended up stumbling into quite a number of controversies and hasn’t managed to shine.
Yena, whose full name is Choi Yena, was born in 1999 in Gangdong, Korea. She used to work under Polaris Entertainment and promoted as a member of IZ*ONE before the group disbanded in 2021.
Since her appearance in the Mnet survival show “Produce 48”, Choi Yena has stood out with her talents and visuals. In IZ*ONE, she showed capabilities in every skill, and is the group’s main rapper, lead vocal, and lead dancer. However, despite all of these qualities, the female idol was not lucky on her career path, and was embroiled in scandals after IZ*ONE disbandment.
In particular, controversies broke out after an SBS news section revealed a relationship between the rich businessman Lee Jae Hwan – CEO of CJ corporation, and a famous female Kpop idol. Netizens then started to point out “clues” that Yena was the idol in question.
In particular, after IZ*ONe, Yena started to participate in variety shows like “Prison Life of Fools”, “Fireworks Handsome”, and many more – all of which were produced by the broadcasting station tvN, a subsidiary of CJ ENM.
Netizens also added that Yena was even given her own show called “Yena’s Animal Detective”, also produced by tvN. The huge number of opportunities offered to an idol from a disbanded group were simply too suspicious, people claimed.
However, the agency of Yena quickly refuted all the malicious rumors and affirmed that Yena had no relationship to the rich. Fans of the idol also rose to her defense, and thus Yena managed to clear her name in the public’s eyes.
Yena also did not join the girl group EVERGLOW like initially assumed, but rather debuted as a soloist. In January, she released her solo song “Smiley”, where she both wrote the lyrics and composed parts of the song.
While the debut track wasn’t a big hit, it still managed to earn Yena certain achievements. The idol also had her first win on a music show, something that may take years for other Kpop idols to accomplish.
Alongside idol activities, Yena also tried her hand at acting via the second season of web-drama “The World of My 17”. The series was not too successful, but Yena’s acting abilities was praised by many audiences.
It can be seen that Yena still hasn’t managed to shine in the entertainment industry, however, her visuals have been flourishing. As a soloist, she has changed her makeup style and used double eyelid tape to amplify her eyes. The new black hair also suit her better than previous brighter colors.
Another thing about Yena that drew attention from netizens is her difficult past. It was revealed that Yena was diagnosed with lymphoma as a child, and her parents had to sell kimbap to earn money for her treatment. The idol openly expressed her appreciation towards her parents, and thanked them for creating the strong and determined Yena of today.
On September 30, 2024, Choi Ye-na released her third single ‘SEMONEMO’ on various music sites. The album, along with its title track “Nemone,” features three songs—”Nemone,” “Sugar,” and “That Was Love”—each exploring different facets of love. Choi Ye-na’s distinctive expression and playful kitsch styling, symbolized by her ‘Genji Icon’ persona, are standout elements to look forward to.
