Yuju

Choi Yu-na is a South Korean singer-songwriter known professionally as Yuju. She rose to prominence in 2015 as the main vocalist of the girl group GFriend, where her powerful and clear tone became a defining element of their retro-concept sound. Following the group's contract termination in January 2021, she transitioned into a solo career, signing with Konnect Entertainment before moving to AT AREA. Her work since then emphasizes a shift toward self-expression and songwriting, releasing projects like Rec. that showcase a more mature artistic identity.

As of 2026, Yuju continues to release music independently, balancing her vocal prowess with personal creative control. She has garnered critical acclaim for her ability to deliver emotional ballads and R&B tracks that highlight her technical skill. Her recent singles, including "First Love Is A Curse" released in April 2026, demonstrate her ongoing evolution as an artist who thrives outside the traditional idol system. [edit]

Born Choi Yu-na on October 4, 1997, in Deogyang-gu, Ilsan, Yuju spent her childhood developing a deep passion for music. Unlike many idols who enter training camps immediately after middle school, she actively participated in various singing competitions throughout her teenage years. These public performances served as a proving ground where she honed her vocal techniques and built a reputation for reliability and power among local judges and audiences.

Her talent eventually caught the attention of industry scouts, leading to a rigorous training period at SM Entertainment. Although she trained there initially, she was not selected for debut under that label. Instead, Source Music recruited her later, recognizing her unique vocal capabilities. She balanced her academic life at a high school in the Gyeonggi-do area with intensive vocal preparation, ensuring she was ready when the opportunity to join GFriend finally arrived. This path of competition participation and selective training distinguished her from peers who debuted straight out of trainee programs. [edit]

Yuju's professional journey began on January 15, 2015, when GFriend debuted with the single album Glass Bead. The group quickly gained traction for their retro concept, but it was Yuju's standout vocals that drew immediate attention. In September 2015, she secured a significant individual accolade by winning the Best OST Award at the Melon Music Awards for "Spring Is Gone by Chance," a duet with Lee Hong-gi featured in the drama A Girl Who Sees Smells. This win highlighted her ability to carry a track outside of group dynamics.

The group continued to release successful albums through 2018, with Yuju frequently performing lead vocals in ballads and high-note sections during comebacks like The Awakening and Love Whisper. When GFriend's contract ended in January 2021, Yuju signed with Konnect Entertainment to pursue a solo career. She officially debuted as a solo artist on January 25, 2022, with the EP Rec., which allowed her to explore introspective lyrics and composition. She followed this with a second solo album in March 2023 and released the song "Reply" in August 2025. Most recently, she dropped the single "First Love Is A Curse" in April 2026 and collaborated with rapper DinDin on the OST "Is It Love?" for the drama Accidentally Perfect Match in June 2026. [edit]

Yuju is widely regarded as a dedicated and emotionally vulnerable artist who has successfully pivoted from a "perfect idol" image to a relatable figure. Her public persona embraces transparency regarding her health struggles, particularly after revealing in May 2026 that she had fainted due to exhaustion and required psychiatric care. This honesty has endeared her to fans who appreciate her resilience. Her aesthetic is characterized by soft, elegant fashion choices that complement her vocal style. On social media, she maintains an introspective presence, sharing glimpses of her songwriting process and daily life rather than just polished promotional content. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While she remains a highly respected voice in K-pop, no current global ranking placement is available in the September 2026 evaluation window.

Her fanbase operates without a formal official name documented in major databases, though supporters often refer to themselves simply as her followers. These fans are known for organizing substantial birthday campaigns on October 4th, placing subway ads and billboards across Seoul to celebrate her. They also coordinate annual charity drives, including food donations and tree planting initiatives in her name. During her solo releases, the community engages in coordinated streaming parties to boost chart positions. Inside jokes within the fandom often revolve around her legendary vocal power and the dramatic moments she has shared regarding her health struggles on stage. [edit]

Yuju is a certified pianist who often composes her own music, adding a layer of authenticity to her solo releases. She owns a pet dog named Bbong (Peanut), which she frequently shares photos of on her Instagram account. Her favorite color is pink, a choice she often incorporates into her stage outfits and fan meeting themes. Fans also know she is a dedicated coffee drinker and regularly posts about her morning routines. Additionally, she has cited the band BTS as a major inspiration in her musical development. [edit]

Yuju was born to a family in Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do, though specific details about her parents' professions remain private. She attended high school in the same region while managing her early career aspirations. There are no publicly confirmed siblings mentioned in reliable sources. As of 2026, she lives independently in Seoul, focusing on her solo career and managing her health. She keeps her personal relationships strictly private, with no confirmed partners or children reported to the public. [edit]

Lee Hong-gi, DinDin, Eunha, Sowon, SinB, Yerin, Umji, Park Jin-young. [edit]

As of 2026, Yuju has maintained a notably private personal life. There are no confirmed public romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages reported in credible sources. While K-pop idols often face intense speculation regarding dating, Yuju has not publicly acknowledged any partner. Media reports and fan discussions have occasionally speculated about her personal life due to her popularity, but no verified information exists regarding a boyfriend, fiancé, or spouse. She remains single as of mid-2026, focusing her energy on her health recovery and musical career. No children are known to exist. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Yuju's fortune at around $1.5 million as of 2026. Her wealth stems from a diverse mix of revenue streams generated over her decade-long career. Primary income sources include music sales and streaming royalties from both her time with GFriend and her successful solo discography, which features hits like Rec. and "First Love Is A Curse." Endorsement deals with beauty brands, fashion labels, and tech companies have provided significant financial stability, particularly during her peak years with the group.

Concert ticket sales and fan meetings continue to generate steady revenue, with her 2026 fanmeetings drawing strong attendance despite health challenges. Royalties from numerous drama soundtracks, including the popular "Spring Is Gone by Chance" and recent collaborations, add to her passive income. She also owns a residential property in Seoul purchased around 2023, representing a solid asset in her portfolio. Her financial trajectory shows consistent growth as she transitions from a group member to a self-sufficient artist-songwriter. [edit]

Yuju has received numerous accolades throughout her career, most notably winning the Best OST Award at the 2015 Melon Music Awards for "Spring Is Gone by Chance." She also received the K-Global Heart Dream Award for Best Female Vocalist in 2016 and a Rising Star Award at the Hanteo Music Awards in 2017. Her contributions to GFriend were recognized with a Bonsang Award at the Seoul Music Awards in 2018. Individual recognition for her solo debut included wins at various online polls in 2022. [edit]