Meet a dynamic force in the K-pop world. This artist, known professionally as Yujin, brings vibrant energy to the stage. Her journey began in Jeonju, South Korea.
She first debuted in 2015 as a member of the group CLC. Her career took a significant turn on the show Girls Planet 999. Finishing in third place led to her current role.
She now leads the popular girl group Kep1er. This evolution showcases her resilience and talent over nearly a decade.
Her profile reveals an ENFP personality type, often described as enthusiastic and creative. She stands 163 cm tall. These details help fans connect with the person behind the performer.
This introduction offers a clear snapshot of the singer and actress. It sets the stage for a deeper look at her craft and achievements.
Early Life and Career Journey
Long before the spotlight, a foundation was being built in Jeonju. This period of study and training shaped the artist’s core skills and resilience.
Background and Education
Yujin’s path into the arts included formal education. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in 2015.
This multi-art environment honed her performance abilities. It prepared her for a demanding career in entertainment.
Her training period at Cube Entertainment spanned over four years. This made her the longest-serving trainee among the CLC members.
That time was crucial for developing her craft. It built the stage presence fans admire today.
Pre-Debut Experiences and Training Milestones
Even before her official debut, Yujin made a creative mark. She invented the “Gwiyomi Player” gesture during her trainee years.
This piece of content became a viral sensation in K-pop. It showed her influence early on.
She was also part of significant pre-debut projects. In 2013, she collaborated on the song “Perfume” with Yang Yo-seob.
This work was credited under the pre-debut group Cube Girls. It was a key part of Cube Entertainment’s first Voice Project.
Yujin gained on-camera experience through music videos. She appeared in BtoB’s “Beep Beep” and worked as a backing dancer for G.NA.
Her pre-debut activities included a lot of community engagement. The group performed voluntary busking to support children with developmental disabilities.
These experiences were foundational. They built the versatile and mature artist who would later lead Kep1er.
Choi Yu Jin: Rising Icon in K-pop and Acting
Her official debut arrived with CLC’s First Love EP, showcasing her dual talents as vocalist and dancer. This 2015 release marked her transition into the professional music scene.
Breakthrough with CLC and Kep1er
As a member of CLC, Yujin demonstrated remarkable versatility. She mastered belly dance, popping, locking, and house dance styles.
Her profile expanded through Real Man’s female soldier special in 2015. Despite her small frame, she took first place in push-ups, earning nicknames like “Baby Soldier.”
The survival show Girls Planet 999 redefined her career in 2021. She consistently ranked in the Top 9 among 99 contestants from three countries.
Finishing in third place secured her leadership role in Kep1er. This project group debuted with First Impact in January 2022.
Transition to Acting and On-Screen Ventures
Yujin’s acting career began with Nightmare High in 2016. She played Cheon Yoo-na in this Naver TV web drama.
She continued developing as an actress with Green Fever in 2017. This prequel to Lily Fever featured her as female lead.
In May 2024, she renewed her contract with WakeOne Entertainment. She continues activities as part of the seven-member Kep1er lineup.
Personal Insights: Passion, Skills, and Fan Connections
The connection between artist and audience deepens through shared personal insights. Fans appreciate learning about the person behind the polished performances.
Signature Dance Moves and Vocal Talent
Her technical range sets her apart in the competitive world of girl groups. She masters belly dance, popping, locking, and house styles with precision.
Flexibility adds another dimension to her performances. She executes splits seamlessly during complex choreography.
Linguistic talent expands her international appeal. Fluency in Japanese, confirmed by JLPT certification, helps connect with global music fans.
Hobbies, Personal Traits, and Fan Interactions
Pilates and movie watching balance her demanding schedule. These activities maintain physical fitness and provide creative inspiration.
Personal quirks make her relatable to supporters. Long showers and a preference for pizza over hamburgers show her human side.
| Category | Preferences | Skills & Talents |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Things | Purple, white, puppies, rabbits, mint chocolate | Belly dance, popping, harmonica playing |
| Stress Relief | Walks, exercise, music listening | Japanese fluency, locking, house dance |
| Food Choices | Chicken feet, ramen, cake, fried chicken | Splits flexibility, vocal technique |
Social connections reveal her place in the K-pop community. She shares a dorm with fellow group Kep1er member Huening Bahiyyih.
Friendships with other artists like ex-MOMOLAND’s Taeha demonstrate her network. These relationships enrich her professional and personal life.
Celebrating a Legacy in Korean Entertainment
From trainee beginnings to group leadership, her journey spans multiple eras of K-pop. Over ten years of dedication have built a legacy that resonates across the industry.
Her seven-year tenure with one girl group and current role with another showcase remarkable adaptability. This transition between contracts demonstrates professional resilience that inspires many fans.
Awards like the MBC Entertainment Best Teamwork honor and recent acting nominations highlight diverse talents. Her work extends beyond music into meaningful on-screen projects.
The artist’s discography with both groups, plus OST contributions, creates a rich musical tapestry. Web dramas from earlier years to recent releases show sustained creative growth.
This multi-hyphenate career—singer, dancer, actress, mentor—reflects the evolving nature of entertainment. Her story continues to unfold, promising more chapters ahead.
