Yuju/ Choi Yu-na (ex. GFRIEND)

Yuju Fandom Name: LUVU

Yuju Fandom Color: —

Yuju Official Media:

Instagram: @yuuzth (Personal) / @yuju_konnectent (Official)

Twitter: @konnect_YUJU

Youtube: 유주 YUJU / Yuna Choi (Inactive)

V Live: 유주 (YUJU)

Stage Name: Yuju (유주)

Birth Name: Choi Yu Na (최유나)

Birthday: October 4, 1997

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox

Height: 169.4 cm (5’7″)

Weight: 49 kg (108 lbs)

Blood Type: B

MBTI Type: ENFJ

Agency:

KONNECT Entertainment (2021–present)

Source Music (2015–2021)

Choi Yu-na, known professionally as Yuju, was born on October 4, 1997, in Deogyang-gu, Goyang, South Korea, and spent her early years in Ilsan. Raised alongside an older sister, born in 1992, Yuju's childhood was marked by a vibrant cultural environment that nurtured her artistic inclinations. Her family recognized her talents early on, supporting her engagement in various sports and artistic activities. Yuju excelled in figure skating and rhythmic gymnastics, showcasing her physical agility and grace from a young age.

Yuju's formal education began at the Seoul School of Performing Arts, where she honed her skills in contemporary practical music. Her passion for music was evident as early as 2011 when she competed in the first season of K-pop Star, though she was eliminated in the first round. This early setback did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to pursue a career in music. Yuju's commitment to her craft saw her traveling daily from Juyeop Station in Ilsan to Seoul, balancing school and intensive voice training sessions. This period was crucial in shaping her as an artist, laying the foundation for her future successes in the competitive world of K-pop.

GFRIEND embarked on their musical journey with the release of their debut extended play (EP), Season of Glass, on January 15, 2015. The EP featured the lead single "Glass Bead," crafted by the talented duo Seo Yong-bae and Iggy. This initial release successfully charted at number twelve on Gaon's weekly chart, marking a promising start for the group. They began album promotions the very next day on KBS' Music Bank.

The group's second EP, Flower Bud, was released on July 23, 2015, alongside the music video for the lead single "Me Gustas Tu." This release coincided with their promotional activities on Mnet's M Countdown. GFRIEND's dedication and resilience were put to the test during a performance of "Me Gustas Tu" on a slippery stage, which went viral in September 2015. Despite the challenging conditions, the group, and especially Yuju, demonstrated exceptional professionalism; Yuju notably fell five times and sustained a twisted finger.

Their third EP, Snowflake, was introduced to the public on January 25, 2016, led by the single "Rough." This song concluded GFRIEND's high school concept trilogy and received extensive acclaim, debuting at number ten on the Billboard World Albums Chart. The music video for "Rough" was also celebrated, ranking third in the "Most Viewed K-Pop Videos Around the World in January 2016".

GFRIEND's achievements continued to escalate with "Rough" securing their first music show win on The Show on February 2, 2016. The group went on to collect a total of 15 awards for this track, including triple crowns on various music shows. This success placed them second in the number of wins for girl groups, just behind Apink.

In mid-2016, it was announced that GFRIEND would appear alongside Mamamoo in a new season of Showtime. Preparations for their first studio album, LOL, which stands for "Laughing Out Loud" and "Lots of Love," began shortly thereafter. Released on July 11, LOL garnered over 60,000 pre-orders globally and led to their first music show win for the lead single "Navillera" on July 19.

Yuju's vocal capabilities have been a defining feature of her musical career, characterized by a strong mixed voice that resonates well into the mid belts and even up to the first half of the 5th octave. Her vocal stability and the ability to maintain a stable larynx up to F#5 have set her apart as a vocalist with a rare and comprehensive skill set. Initially, Yuju's lower register was noted for its strength for a soprano, capable of reaching G3s with clarity. However, over the years, the demand for constant high notes in performances led to vocal strain, affecting the consistency of her support, particularly noticeable in songs like "Sunrise" where her high notes became tense and unsupported.

Despite facing challenges with vocal overwork, Yuju's resilience in adapting and adjusting her technique showcases her dedication to her craft. The evolution of her singing style reflects a journey marked by both remarkable achievements and the hurdles of maintaining vocal health under the rigorous demands of K-pop performance standards. Her ongoing efforts to regain her vocal resonance highlight her commitment to delivering performances that meet her own high standards and the expectations of her audience.

Yuju and all members of GFRIEND decided not to renew their contracts with Source Music, leading to an indefinite hiatus starting May 22, after the conclusion of their six-year exclusive contract. This decision marked the end of an era and the beginning of new opportunities for Yuju as she ventured into her solo career.

Shortly after leaving Source Music, Yuju signed an exclusive contract with KONNECT Entertainment on September 1, 2021. This move was significant, as KONNECT Entertainment, founded by Kang Daniel in 2019, was committed to supporting Yuju's growth as a versatile artist. The agency praised her unique and powerful voice and expressed their intention to provide expert, optimized management to help her fully express her potential. Yuju herself expressed a sense of security with the new label, appreciating its good energy and sincere respect, and shared her excitement about approaching the public with an honest image and diverse music.

Yuju's debut as a solo artist was marked by the release of her first extended play, titled [REC.], which was introduced to the public on January 18, 2022. This EP, released by Konnect Entertainment, symbolizes a significant chapter in her career following the disbandment of GFriend and her departure from Source Music. [REC.] consists of five tracks, including the title track "Play," which Yuju had a hand in writing and composing. The album was available in two distinct versions, Take 1 and Take 2, catering to the varied tastes of her audience.

The lead single from [REC.], "Play," showcases Yuju's vocal abilities and her prowess as a songwriter. Released alongside the music video on January 18, 2022, "Play" was noted for its atmospheric production and a melody that emphasizes Yuju's vocal performance. Her involvement in composing and writing the lyrics for not only "Play" but also the other tracks on the album highlights her multifaceted talent as a musician. This track, along with the rest of the EP, represents Yuju's artistic vision and her capability to engage deeply with her music and audience.

Yuju has engaged in several notable collaborations that have enhanced her musical repertoire. In March 2016, she teamed up with Sunyoul of Up10tion for the song "Cherish". This partnership was followed by another significant collaboration in October 2017, when Yuju joined forces with Jihoo of IZ to create the track "Heart Signal".

Yuju's contributions to original soundtracks (OSTs) have also marked significant highlights in her career. She performed "Spring Is Gone by Chance" for the South Korean television drama A Girl Who Sees Smells, alongside Loco. This song not only won "Best OST" at the 2015 Melon Music Awards but also secured "OST Chart First Place" for ten consecutive weeks on Music Bank. An acoustic version of this track was released, achieving over 100 million Digital Index and 2.5 million downloads on Gaon, earning it Streaming and Downloads Certifications. Additionally, Yuju recorded "Billy & The Brave Guys" for the animated movie Chicken Hero, which was released on February 18, 2016.

Yuju has graced the covers and pages of numerous prestigious publications, showcasing her influence and popularity. Her interviews in magazines such as FAULT Magazine, Cosmopolitan Philippines, NME, SCMP, and W Korea have provided fans and readers with deeper insights into her personal and professional life. Notably, Yuju's feature in FAULT Magazine highlighted her as the first Korean female idol to win on Fantastic Duo 2, emphasizing her unique position in the industry.

Yuju's presence on television has been significant, with appearances on a variety of shows that range from music competitions to reality series. She has been featured in episodes of Running Man, K-pop Star, and You Hee-yeol's Sketchbook, among others. Her participation extends to special roles, having served as a special MC on shows like Music Bank and M Countdown. One of her notable achievements includes winning Fantastic Duo 2, where she competed against five other contestants and was declared the final winner. Furthermore, Yuju's involvement in GFRIEND Summer Vacation in 沖縄 and The Friends In The Adriatic Sea showcases her versatility and appeal as a television personality.