Choi Yena
Overview
Choi Yena (Korean: 최예나; born September 29, 1999) is a South Korean singer and television personality. She debuted as a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE through Mnet's 2018 survival program 《PRODUCE 48》, and since the group's disbandment in 2021 she has been actively working as a solo artist and entertainer. She is widely known to the public for her distinctively bright and cheerful energy, her wit as an "entertainment idol" (예능돌), and her diverse musical spectrum.
Key Details
Birth and Pre-Debut
Choi Yena was born on September 29, 1999, in Seoul. She appeared on television from a young age, including roles in SBS dramas in 2014. She then went through a trainee period while preparing for an idol debut.
IZ*ONE Activities (2018–2021)
In 2018, she appeared on Mnet's survival audition 《PRODUCE 48》 and placed 4th in the final rankings to secure a debut spot, becoming a member of the project girl group IZONE. IZONE was greatly loved for songs such as 《La Vie en Rose》, 《Violeta》, 《Fiesta》, and 《Panorama》, and was active in both Korea and Japan. Within the group, Choi Yena served as a sub-vocalist, rapper, and the variety/entertainment member. The group disbanded in April 2021 upon the conclusion of its activities.
Solo Debut and Music Activities
She made her solo debut in January 2022 with the first mini album 《SMiLEY》. The title track 〈SMILEY〉 was a big hit with its bright and upbeat mood, and she has since steadily released albums including 《Smartphone》 (2022), 《HATE XX》 (2023), and 《Good Morning》 (2024), broadening her capabilities as an artist. In particular, she has demonstrated the qualities of a growth-oriented artist by handling a variety of genres including rock, pop, and dance.
Variety and Broadcasting
Choi Yena has appeared on numerous variety programs thanks to her outstanding variety sense. Appearing on shows such as 《How Do You Play? (놀면 뭐하니?)》, 《Omniscient Interfering View (전지적 참견 시점)》, and 《Knowing Bros (아는 형님)》, she built a "fun-loving" image, and she was also active in web variety. Loved for her vocal impressions, improvised ad-libs, and cheerful reactions, she established her standing as a broadcaster.
Acting and Other Activities
She has also expanded her scope of activities by taking on acting and musical theater. In addition, she communicates with her fandom through various brand advertisements, pictorials, and fan meetings.
Recent Trends
In 2024, she released the mini album 《Good Morning》, presenting a more mature musical color. As of 2024–2025, she is solidifying her standing as an "all-round entertainer," appearing in a variety of variety shows and content alongside her music activities. Her activities in web variety and short-form content are especially notable, and she maintains steady popularity centered on the MZ generation fan base. Expectations are also rising for a full-length album or new genre challenges as a solo artist.
Related Topics
- [[IZ*ONE]]
- [[PRODUCE 48]]
- [[K-POP]]
- [[Idol]]
- [[Entertainer]]