YENA (최예나) is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and entertainer under YUE HUA Entertainment. She first gained widespread attention as a contestant on the survival program Produce 48 and later debuted as a member of IZ*ONE in 2018.

After IZ*ONE’s activities concluded, YENA began her solo career with the mini album ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY) in January 2022. The title track “SMILEY” introduced her colorful and upbeat solo identity and became one of the defining songs of her early career.

Since her solo debut, YENA has continued exploring pop, dance, rock-influenced sounds, and playful concepts through releases including SMARTPHONE, Love War, GOOD MORNING, and Blooming Wings.

YENA is also recognized for her bright personality and variety skills, allowing her to maintain a presence in both music and entertainment.

YENA Profile Information

Information	Details
Stage Name	YENA
Birth Name	Choi Yena
Korean Name	최예나
Date of Birth	September 29, 1999
Nationality	South Korean
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer
Agency	YUE HUA Entertainment
Former Group	IZ*ONE
Solo Debut	January 17, 2022
Solo Debut Album	ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY)
Solo Debut Song	“SMILEY”
Former Group Debut	October 29, 2018
Former Group	IZ*ONE

Who Is YENA?

Choi Yena, professionally known as YENA, is a South Korean solo artist who rose to prominence through the Mnet survival program Produce 48.

She finished the competition in the final debut lineup and became a member of IZ*ONE, a project girl group formed through the program.

During her time with IZ*ONE, YENA was known for her energetic personality, expressive performances, dancing, and vocal abilities.

After IZ*ONE concluded its activities in 2021, YENA began preparing for her solo debut.

She officially debuted as a soloist in January 2022.

YENA Before Her Solo Debut

Before becoming a solo artist, YENA trained under YUE HUA Entertainment.

She participated in Produce 48 in 2018 and successfully secured a place in the final lineup.

IZONE officially debuted on October 29, 2018, with the mini album COLORIZ and the title track “La Vie en Rose.”

The group quickly became one of the most successful project groups created through the Produce 101 series.

YENA as a Member of IZ*ONE

YENA promoted with IZ*ONE from 2018 until the group’s activities concluded in 2021.

During her time with the group, she participated in releases including:

COLORIZ
HEARTIZ
BLOOMIZ
Oneiric Diary
One-reeler / Act IV

Some of IZ*ONE’s best-known songs included:

“La Vie en Rose”
“Violeta”
“Fiesta”
“Secret Story of the Swan”
“Panorama”

YENA became particularly recognizable for her energetic personality and playful image.

YENA’s Solo Debut

YENA officially made her solo debut on January 17, 2022, with her first mini album ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY).

The title track “SMILEY”, featuring BIBI, introduced YENA’s signature colorful and cheerful style.

The song combines bright pop production with a message about maintaining a positive attitude despite difficult situations.

The release established a clear distinction between YENA’s solo identity and her previous group activities.

ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY)

Release Date: January 17, 2022
Type: 1st Mini Album
Title Track: “SMILEY”

The album introduced YENA as a solo performer with a colorful pop sound.

The title track “SMILEY” became particularly popular among fans and helped establish her as one of the notable female soloists who emerged from the fourth-generation K-pop scene.

SMARTPHONE

YENA returned with her second mini album SMARTPHONE in August 2022.

Title Track: “SMARTPHONE”

The release maintained her bright musical identity while incorporating themes related to modern digital life.

The album demonstrated that YENA’s cheerful concept could extend beyond her debut release.

Love War

YENA released her first single album Love War in January 2023.

The title track “Love War” featured BE’O.

The release presented a more mature and emotionally complex side of YENA.

Compared with the bright atmosphere of “SMILEY,” “Love War” explored a more complicated relationship and introduced a darker visual direction.

GOOD MORNING

YENA released her third mini album GOOD MORNING in January 2024.

Title Track: “Good Morning”

The release returned to the energetic and optimistic style that had become closely associated with her solo identity.

The album combined upbeat pop sounds with YENA’s expressive performance style.

Blooming Wings

YENA continued her solo career with Blooming Wings in 2025.

The release represented another stage in her musical development and continued her experimentation with bright pop and youthful concepts.

YENA’s Music Style

YENA is particularly known for combining cheerful concepts with energetic pop production.

Her music has incorporated:

K-pop
Dance-pop
Pop rock
Synth-pop
Electronic pop
R&B
Rock-influenced production

Her songs frequently explore themes such as:

Confidence
Youth
Friendship
Love
Personal growth
Optimism
Independence

One of YENA’s distinguishing characteristics is her ability to combine playful visuals with songs that can carry more emotional themes underneath their bright presentation.

YENA’s Popular Songs

Some of YENA’s best-known songs include:

“SMILEY”
“SMARTPHONE”
“Love War”
“Hate Rodrigo”
“Good Morning”
“NEMONEMO”
“DNA”

Among these releases, “SMILEY” remains one of the songs most closely associated with YENA’s solo debut.

“Hate Rodrigo”

YENA released “Hate Rodrigo” in 2023 as part of her single album HATE XX.

The song featured (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi and presented a more playful and rebellious side of YENA.

Its title and concept attracted significant attention because of its deliberately provocative wording and pop-culture references.

The song demonstrated YENA’s willingness to experiment with unusual concepts rather than remaining within a single fixed image.

YENA as a Songwriter

YENA has participated in the songwriting process for several of her releases.

Her involvement has helped shape the personal themes and playful storytelling that appear throughout her solo discography.

Rather than relying solely on a performer role, she has increasingly developed her identity as an artist with creative input into her music.

YENA’s Entertainment Career

In addition to music, YENA has developed a career in Korean entertainment.

Her bright personality and quick reactions have made her a natural fit for variety programming.

She has appeared in entertainment programs and online content, allowing audiences to see a more relaxed side of her personality outside music performances.

Her entertainment activities have also helped maintain her visibility between music releases.

YENA and IZ*ONE

YENA’s time in IZ*ONE remains an important part of her career.

The group gave her experience performing on major stages and helped introduce her to a large international audience.

After IZ*ONE ended its activities, several former members pursued solo careers or joined new groups.

YENA chose to establish herself as a solo artist while continuing to work under YUE HUA Entertainment.

YENA’s Achievements

YENA has built a successful solo career following her time with IZ*ONE.

Career highlights include:

Competed on Produce 48.
Became a member of IZ*ONE.
Debuted with IZ*ONE in 2018.
Participated in major IZ*ONE releases including “La Vie en Rose,” “Fiesta,” and “Panorama.”
Began her solo career in 2022.
Released her debut mini album ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY).
Established “SMILEY” as a signature solo song.
Released SMARTPHONE in 2022.
Released Love War in 2023.
Released GOOD MORNING in 2024.
Continued developing her solo discography with later releases.
Expanded her career into variety and entertainment activities.

YENA Facts

YENA’s birth name is Choi Yena.
She was born on September 29, 1999.
She is from South Korea.
YENA is under YUE HUA Entertainment.
She competed on Produce 48.
She became a member of IZ*ONE.
IZ*ONE debuted in October 2018.
YENA debuted as a soloist in January 2022.
Her solo debut album was ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY).
Her solo debut song was “SMILEY.”
BIBI appeared on “SMILEY.”
YENA collaborated with Yuqi on “Hate Rodrigo.”
She has participated in songwriting.
She is known for her energetic and cheerful image.
She has also pursued television and variety activities.
Her fandom name is Jigumi.

YENA FAQ

Who is YENA?

YENA, whose birth name is Choi Yena, is a South Korean solo singer and entertainer who previously promoted as a member of IZ*ONE.

Was YENA a member of IZ*ONE?

Yes. YENA was one of the members of IZ*ONE, which was formed through Produce 48.

When did YENA debut as a soloist?

YENA made her solo debut on January 17, 2022.

What was YENA’s solo debut song?

Her solo debut song was “SMILEY.”

What is YENA’s debut solo album?

Her debut mini album is ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY).

What company is YENA under?

YENA is under YUE HUA Entertainment.

What are YENA’s most popular songs?

Some of her best-known songs include “SMILEY,” “SMARTPHONE,” “Love War,” “Hate Rodrigo,” “Good Morning,” and “NEMONEMO.”

Who featured on YENA’s “SMILEY”?

BIBI featured on the original version of “SMILEY.”

Who featured on “Hate Rodrigo”?

Yuqi of i-dle featured on “Hate Rodrigo.”

What is YENA’s fandom name?

YENA’s fans are known as Jigumi.

Is YENA still a member of IZ*ONE?

No. IZ*ONE was a project group whose activities concluded in 2021. YENA subsequently continued her career as a solo artist.

Final Thoughts

YENA has successfully transformed her experience as an IZ*ONE member into a distinct solo career.

Her debut with “SMILEY” established a bright and recognizable musical identity, while later releases such as “Love War,” “Hate Rodrigo,” and “Good Morning” demonstrated her willingness to experiment with different concepts.

Beyond music, YENA’s personality and entertainment skills have helped her remain a recognizable figure in Korean pop culture.

With her colorful style, energetic performances, and growing creative involvement, YENA continues to establish herself as a solo artist with an identity of her own.

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YENA Profile: Songs, Albums, Facts & Career