She commands the stage with a presence that is both precise and magnetic. This South Korean artist, known simply as Ryujin, refuses to be confined to a single role. She is a rapper, a singer, and a dancer whose technical skill separates her from the crowd.
Her journey began in Seoul’s vibrant Gangnam district. Born in 2001, her path to stardom started early. A pivotal moment came during her middle school years at a concert.
JYP Entertainment spotted her raw potential in that crowd. This discovery shifted the entire trajectory of her life. It led directly to her place in the girl group Itzy, which debuted in 2019.
Now, she brings a fierce authenticity to every performance. Her work ethic and discipline are the foundation of her art. She builds a connection with audiences that lasts long after the final bow.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Her story begins not on a stage, but in the audience, a fan watching a dream unfold before her eyes. This start in South Korea’s vibrant capital set the foundation for a remarkable journey.
Childhood and Educational Journey
Born in Seoul’s Gangnam district, she grew up surrounded by creative ambition. Her given name carries a sense of heritage, but her stage identity would later strip away formality.
Middle school brought a life-changing event. While attending a Got7 concert as a fan, she was spotted by JYP Entertainment scouts. The transition from anonymous attendee to agency trainee happened in a single day.
She soon enrolled at the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art School. There, she studied musical theater alongside her future Itzy bandmate, Chaeryeong. The curriculum at this multi-art institution demanded discipline across singing, dancing, and acting.
Graduation in February 2020 closed one chapter. It opened another, testing the resilience she built over those formative years.
Early Inspirations and First Steps into Dance
The girl who entered that concert emerged as a trained professional. Her time at Hanlim Multi Art School honed the raw presence scouts first noticed.
This rigorous education provided the essential foundation. It prepared her to balance the complex roles of a modern performer.
Ryu-jin Shin: Breakthrough Moments and Career Highlights
The year 2017 was a crucible of near-misses and valuable exposure for the young performer. These early projects tested her resolve and showcased her versatility to a growing audience.
From MIXNINE to The King – Early Appearances
Her first major test was the survival show MIXNINE. Ryujin excelled, earning first place in the finale. Yet, the show‘s format declared the winning team would debut. The boys’ team won, halting her path to an immediate debut.
This setback was balanced by other significant roles. She appeared in the first episode of Stray Kids. This episode connected her with future ITZY members.
A major opportunity came with BTS’s “Love Yourself” highlight reel series. The love highlight reel, spanning four parts, featured her as a friend to J-Hope and Jimin. She also served as J-Hope’s dance partner in the love highlight. This highlight of her dancing reached millions.
She also explored acting with a small role in the film The King. These diverse appearances built a compelling pre-debut portfolio.
| Project | Year | Role / Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIXNINE | 2017 | Contestant (Ranked 1st) | Demonstrated competitive skill; boys’ team victory prevented debut |
| Stray Kids (Episode 1) | 2017 | Cameo Appearance | Early collaboration with future ITZY members |
| BTS “Love Yourself” Highlight Reel | 2017 | Featured Dancer / Actor | Gained international exposure through a global phenomenon |
| The King (Film) | 2017 | Role as Ji Min | Explored acting in a major cinematic release |
Debut with ITZY: Charting the K-pop Journey
The arrival of Itzy in the K-pop landscape felt like a deliberate statement rather than just another debut. JYP Entertainment positioned this girl group as the next evolution in a crowded field.
Debut Impact and ITZY’s Rise in the Industry
February 12, 2019, marked the official launch of group Itzy with their single album “It’z Different.” The title served as both promise and challenge to an industry filled with competitors.
“Dalla Dalla,” the lead single, exploded across streaming platforms. Its music video gathered millions of views quickly. Audiences responded to the song’s confident energy and the group’s synchronized precision.
This girl group Itzy distinguished itself through themes of self-confidence and individuality. The message resonated strongly with younger fans seeking permission to embrace their authentic selves.
As a member of this carefully constructed group, Ryujin delivered rap verses with clarity and attitude. She established her role as the performer who could deliver lines with bite and conviction.
The debut positioned group Itzy alongside established acts while carving unique space. It balanced commercial appeal with artistic credibility, suggesting longevity beyond typical rookie success.
Albums that followed built on the foundation “It’z Different” established. Each release refined the group’s sound while expanding their conceptual range across multiple languages.
For girls entering their teens during Itzy’s rise, the group offered representation that felt current. It reflected contemporary experiences rather than recycled formulas.
| Album Title | Release Date | Lead Single | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’z Different | February 12, 2019 | Dalla Dalla | Debuted at #2 on Gaon Chart |
| It’z Icy | July 29, 2019 | Icy | First music show win streak |
| It’z Me | March 9, 2020 | Wannabe | International chart entries |
| Not Shy | August 17, 2020 | Not Shy | Expanded Japanese promotions |
Performance, Music Videos, and Collaborations
Beyond the group formations, her solo work reveals an artist building her own creative identity. These projects showcase her growth as a performer and musician.
Solo Ventures and Highlight Reels
Studio Choom named Itzy Ryujin “Artist of the Month” in November 2021. She performed a powerful dance cover of Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am.” This solo moment demonstrated her command of space and musical interpretation.
Her music video for “Run Away” arrived in December 2023. This track from the “Born To Be” album marked her first true solo song. She co-wrote the composition, exploring themes of moving forward.
Cover songs reveal her eclectic taste. She interpreted Mina Okabe’s “Every Second” in 2023. Later choices included The Smiths and The Carpenters, spanning decades of music.
Notable Collaborations and Media Appearances
In June 2022, she teamed with fellow member Yeji for Studio Choom’s “Mix & Max” series. They performed Bebe Rexha’s “Break My Heart Myself.” The collaboration led to an official remix the following month.
This cross-cultural moment with Bebe Rexha expanded both artists’ audiences. It demonstrated K-pop’s growing global integration through strategic partnerships.
| Project | Year | Type | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Therefore I Am” Cover | 2021 | Solo Dance | Studio Choom Artist of the Month |
| “Run Away” Music Video | 2023 | Solo Track | First original solo composition |
| “Break My Heart Myself” | 2022 | Collaboration | Official remix with Bebe Rexha |
| Cover Song Series | 2023-2025 | Musical Exploration | Genre-spanning interpretations |
Fashion, Endorsements, and Philanthropic Endeavors
Between the flashbulbs of fashion shows and the quiet act of giving, a more complete portrait of the artist emerges. Her work with luxury brands and charitable organizations reveals a multifaceted individual.
Redefining Style Through Vogue and Luxury Brands
Her status as a style icon was cemented through major collaborations. An April 2023 feature in Vogue Korea showcased her versatility, moving from punk-inspired looks to sophisticated elegance.
This visual appeal attracted global fashion houses. Gucci invited her to their Cruise 2024 show at Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Subsequent partnerships demonstrated her growing influence. In March 2025, she curated three distinct outfits for a Ralph Lauren event in Tokyo.
Her work with Tom Ford Beauty for Vogue Korea in April 2025 further blurred the line between endorsement and creative partnership.
| Brand Collaboration | Date | Event / Publication | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vogue Korea | April 2023 | Editorial Photoshoot | Featured Model |
| Gucci | May 2023 | Cruise 2024 Fashion Show | Special Guest |
| Ralph Lauren | March 2025 | MLB Tokyo Series Event | Style Curator |
| Tom Ford Beauty | April 2025 | Vogue Korea (Soleil Summer Collection) | Collaborative Partner |
Charitable Contributions and Community Impact
Beyond glamour, she has made significant humanitarian efforts. Her philanthropy is consistent and principle-driven, avoiding mere publicity.
In April 2022, she donated ₩50 million to The Promise. The funds aided victims of devastating forest fires in Gangwon Province.
She followed this in February 2023 with another ₩50 million donation. This supported relief for the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
These actions reflect values formed in her early years. The girl who trained at JYP Entertainment understands that a public name carries responsibility. She and other members of her generation engage with real-world issues, moving beyond aspirational lifestyles focused on food and fashion.
Personal Insights and Intriguing Trivia
Away from the stage lights, a different portrait of Shin Ryu-jin comes into focus. It’s built from quiet moments and personal choices that reveal the person behind the performer.
Hobbies, Interests, and Signature Traits
Her private space matters. As the only group member with her own dorm room, she honors her INTJ personality’s need for solitude. This “Architect” mindset values strategic thinking and reflection.
Companionship comes from her two cats, Byul and Dal. They offer a simple, grounding presence. Her taste in food leans bold, favoring spicy and savory dishes alongside sweet mocha bread.
Downtime is for watching films and photography. These hobbies sharpen her eye for composition and story. Her favorite movie, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” hints at an appreciation for stories about finding your place.
She holds a driver’s license, a small token of independence. Her close friendships with LOONA’s Heejin and Hyunjin show her ability to connect genuinely across the industry. It reminds every fan that authentic bonds persist, even when life feels like a public episode.
Final Reflections: Charting the Future of a Rising Star
What separates a memorable career from a fleeting one often comes down to strategic choices made at pivotal moments. For this South Korean performer, tracks like “Run Away” signal more than solo ventures—they represent artistic courage.
The collaboration “Break My Heart Myself” with Bebe Rexha demonstrated her ability to transcend cultural boundaries. It proved the rapper and dancer could stand alongside international acts without compromising her distinct style.
Her journey from the BTS “Love Yourself” highlight reel to leading her own music videos shows remarkable growth. The girl group Itzy provided the foundation, but her solo work builds upon it with increasing confidence.
Future albums and projects will test how far she can push this success. Yet her story already serves as inspiration—proof that talent combined with persistence creates lasting impact in the music industry.
