Shin Ryu-jin brings a powerful presence to the K-pop scene. Born on April 17, 2001, in Seoul’s vibrant Gangnam district, her journey started at the heart of South Korea’s entertainment culture.
She is known professionally as Ryujin. Her English name is Joanne Shin. She grew up with her parents and an older brother.
This artist stands 163 cm tall. Her zodiac sign is Aries, born in the Year of the Snake. She has blood type B.
Ryujin serves as the center for the girl group ITZY. The group was formed by JYP Entertainment in 2019. Her role showcases her skills as a rapper, singer, and dancer.
Her path from a middle school casting to a global performer is a story of dedication. This article traces that evolution, focusing on her craft and impact.
Early Life and Introduction to K-pop
Seoul’s vibrant energy in 2001 set the stage for a future star. The artist grew up in a supportive home with her parents and an older brother. This family structure provided a steady foundation during her formative years.
Birth, Family, and Early Influences
Her life changed during middle school. JYP Entertainment scouts spotted her at a Got7 fan meeting. This chance encounter shifted her path from student to trainee.
The casting introduced her to the demanding K-pop training system. She began building the skills that would define her career. This period laid the groundwork for her future in a major girl group.
First Encounters with the Entertainment World
She enrolled in the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art School. There, she studied musical theatre to hone her stage presence. This education was crucial for her development as a performer.
At Hanlim, she trained alongside future ITZY member Chaeryeong. Their friendship strengthened through years of preparation. This bond was vital before their official debut with the team.
They graduated on February 7, 2020, alongside soloist Somi. This milestone marked her transition to a full-time professional artist. It closed one chapter and opened the door to her debut.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Birth in Seoul, South Korea | Beginning of her life journey |
| Middle School | Casting by JYP Entertainment | Entry into the K-pop industry |
| 2020 | Graduation from Hanlim Multi Art School | Transition to professional career |
Career Milestones Before Debut
Before the bright lights of her official debut, a series of high-profile projects tested her skills. These experiences built her public profile and resilience.
Pre-debut Appearances on MixNine and Early Film Roles
In 2017, she competed on the reality survival show MixNine. She ranked first place in the finale, a major victory.
However, the boys’ team won overall, preventing the girl from debuting through the program. This setback became a turning point, pushing her to continue training with JYP.
That same year, she had a small role in the film The King. This gave her early acting experience before joining a music group.
BTS Highlight Reel and The King Cameo
She also appeared in BTS’s “Love Yourself” highlight reel. In the highlight reel, she played a friend to J-Hope and Jimin.
She even served as J-Hope’s dance partner. This project connected her to one of K-pop’s biggest acts.
Fans also saw her with future ITZY members in the first episode of Stray Kids. This offered a glimpse of the group‘s potential lineup before their debut.
Shin Ryujin’s Rise with ITZY
The reveal of ITZY’s members created immediate buzz in the K-pop community. Her inclusion generated particular interest among fans.
Debut with ITZY and Early Success
On February 12, 2019, the girl group itzy debuted with “Dalla Dalla.” The song became an instant hit. It established the group itzy as a bold new voice in K-pop.
She served as rapper, dancer, vocalist, and center. This multi-role position showcased her remarkable versatility from the start.
Multi-Dimensional Talent: Rap, Dance, and Vocals
Her performance in “Dalla Dalla” demonstrated exceptional skill across all areas. She commands attention as both a powerful rapper and graceful dancer.
Her vocal delivery adds depth to each track. This complete package makes her essential to itzy’s unique sound.
Solo Activities and Special Performances
Beyond group activities, Ryujin has pursued solo projects that highlight her artistic range. In November 2021, she earned Studio Choom’s “Artist of the Month” honor.
Her dance cover of Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am” showcased technical precision and emotional depth. She continued with vocal covers revealing different facets of her artistry.
| Date | Project | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| November 2021 | “Therefore I Am” dance cover | Artist of the Month selection |
| June 2022 | “Break My Heart Myself” collaboration | First credited feature outside group |
| December 2023 | “Run Away” solo track | First composition and lyric credits |
| February 2025 | Carpenters cover | Demonstrated genre versatility |
Fashion, Endorsements, and Philanthropy
High-fashion campaigns and significant charitable donations reveal a multi-faceted artist. Her work extends her influence beyond the stage.
Striking Fashion Moments and Brand Collaborations
Her fashion journey includes major magazine features. She modeled punk to polished styles for Vogue Korea in April 2023.
In May 2023, she attended Gucci’s Cruise 2024 show at Gyeongbokgung Palace. This event placed her among global fashion leaders.
She collaborated with Ralph Lauren in Tokyo during the 2025 MLB series. There, she styled three outfits from the brand’s MLB collection.
Another Vogue Korea feature followed in April 2025. She worked with Tom Ford Beauty for the Soleil Summer Collection.
| Date | Brand/Publication | Event/Feature |
|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Vogue Korea | Punk to polished photoshoot |
| May 2023 | Gucci | Cruise 2024 Show at Gyeongbokgung |
| March 2025 | Ralph Lauren | MLB Tokyo Series Styling |
| April 2025 | Tom Ford Beauty | Vogue Korea Soleil Summer Feature |
Charitable Efforts and Social Impact
Her generosity matches her style influence. On April 12, 2022, she donated ₩50 million to aid Gangwon Province forest fire victims.
She gave another ₩50 million on February 14, 2023. This donation supported earthquake relief in Turkey and Syria.
Both gifts went to The Promise nonprofit. These actions show a deep commitment to global issues.
This spirit of independence echoes in her solo track “Run Away” from the album Born To Be. She composed and wrote the song herself.
Her work in music and charity builds a powerful connection with her fan base. It shows an artist using her platform with purpose.
Impact on K-pop and Global Influence
Ryujin’s position as center and main dancer helped define ITZY’s visual and sonic identity from their debut. The South Korean girl group brought fresh energy to the music scene.
Shaping South Korea’s Music and Pop Culture
ITZY’s discography showcases their musical range. Studio albums like Crazy in Love and Ringo demonstrate their growth. Mini albums such as IT’z ICY and CHECKMATE highlight their versatility.
The group’s self-empowerment themes resonate with young girls worldwide. Their messages promote confidence and independence.
Global Reach and ITZY’s International Appeal
World tours like the Checkmate and Born to Be tours proved their international appeal. They performed for fans across multiple continents.
Their music crosses linguistic boundaries. English versions of songs like “Not Shy” and “GOLD” expand their reach. The group blends K-pop and J-pop influences seamlessly.
| Album Type | Title | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Album | Crazy in Love | Showcased musical maturity |
| Studio Album | Ringo | Japanese market expansion |
| World Tour | Checkmate World Tour | Global fan connection |
| World Tour | Born to Be World Tour | Continued international success |
Ryujin’s roles as rapper and dancer contribute significantly to this global impact. Her performances help shape K-pop’s international image.
Final Reflections on Shin Ryujin’s Journey
The transformation from trainee to trendsetter spans several years of dedicated artistic growth. Shin Ryu-jin’s path mirrors the evolution of modern K-pop itself.
As a central member of ITZY, she has shaped multiple albums and world tours with her versatile skills. Her work connects deeply with a global fan base that values authenticity.
Solo projects like “Run Away” reveal an artist exploring her own creative voice. This balance between group collaboration and individual expression defines her ongoing journey.
Her quiet confidence on stage suggests more chapters ahead. The future holds continued growth for this influential performer.
