Hidden Facts About Johyun: From Berry Good's Star to Cosplay Queen

Johyun transformed from national short track speed skating champion to K-pop idol before becoming a viral sensation in the gaming community. Born Shin Jee Won in 1996, she won first place in the 500m race at the 9th National Short Track Competition in 2006 with an impressive time of 49.51 seconds before eventually debuting as the sixth member of Berry Good in November 2016.

After joining Berry Good as the main rapper, lead dancer, vocalist, and visual, Johyun gradually expanded her presence beyond K-pop. Her cosplay of Ahri from League of Legends at a red carpet event in 2019 sparked divided reactions online, while her commercial for Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi became a cultural phenomenon with over 10 million views. Additionally, her gaming skills earned her a silver rank in Overwatch, further cementing her connection between K-pop and gaming cultures.

Despite Berry Good's disbandment in May 2021 due to financial challenges, Johyun successfully transitioned into acting, leveraging her education in Broadcasting and Entertainment from Dongduk Women's University. From national athlete to idol to cosplay figure, her multifaceted journey continues to evolve, most recently with news of her relationship with a non-celebrity entrepreneur recognized as one of Forbes' "30 Under 30 Asia" honorees in November 2023.

Her Childhood in Seongnam

Born as Shin Jee-won on April 14, 1996, Johyun's early life was rooted in Seongnam, South Korea. Her formative years in this vibrant city near Seoul would later serve as the foundation for her multifaceted career path.

Johyun's early education

During her elementary school years, Johyun balanced academic pursuits with her athletic passion. She attended school in Seongnam while simultaneously developing her skills as a short track skater. This period marked the beginning of her competitive spirit, culminating in 2006 when she achieved first place with an impressive time of 49.51 seconds in the 500m race for female elementary 3rd-4th graders at the 9th National Men's and Women's Short Track and Speed Skating Competition. Her academic journey later continued at Dongduk Women's University, where she majored in Broadcasting and Entertainment—a choice that clearly aligned with her future career trajectory.

Influence of her ballerina mother

Perhaps the most significant influence on Johyun's artistic sensibilities came from her mother, a former ballerina. This maternal connection to performing arts likely instilled in young Johyun an appreciation for discipline, physical expression, and artistic performance. The precision and grace required in ballet share similarities with both the athletic demands of speed skating and the performance aspects of her later idol career. Throughout her formative years, this influence seemingly shaped her approach to both athletics and entertainment.

Living abroad and learning English

Following a career-altering injury that forced her to abandon competitive skating during her first year of junior high school, Johyun made a pivotal decision to study abroad. This international experience provided her with valuable language skills, particularly in English, which would later benefit her career in the global entertainment industry. Moreover, this period away from her homeland offered Johyun a fresh perspective after the emotional disappointment of ending her athletic pursuits. Upon returning to Korea, she subsequently embarked on a new path, becoming an idol trainee in 2013, thereby leveraging both her athletic discipline and international experience toward a new career direction.

National-Level Skating Champion

Prior to her entertainment career, Johyun established herself as an exceptional athlete in the competitive world of Korean short track speed skating. Her athletic foundation would ultimately shape every aspect of her future endeavors.

Johyun's short track achievements

Long before stepping onto the stage as a K-pop idol, Johyun ranked among the top young speed skaters in Korea. Her athletic prowess was evident from early competitions, with her winning first place in the 500m race at national competitions. The rigorous training regimen required for competitive short track speed skating demanded countless hours of practice, physical conditioning, and mental preparation. Nonetheless, her natural talent combined with unwavering dedication helped her excel in this demanding sport.

Discipline from sports

The world of competitive short track speed skating instilled in Johyun a level of discipline that few other pursuits could match. Daily training sessions, strict dietary requirements, and precise technique refinement became second nature to her. Indeed, the mental fortitude required to compete at a national level shaped her character fundamentally. Speed skating specifically demands split-second decision-making abilities, exceptional balance, and the capacity to perform under immense pressure—qualities that would serve her well in entirely different fields later in life.

Impact on future career

The athletic foundation Johyun built through years of speed skating training directly contributed to her success in the entertainment industry. Her exceptional physical conditioning became immediately apparent in her performances with Berry Good, where her dancing abilities stood out. The body awareness and control developed through years on the ice translated remarkably well to choreographed routines on stage. Furthermore, the mental discipline required for competitive sports prepared her for the equally demanding world of K-pop training and performances. In fact, many of the qualities that make successful athletes—persistence, ability to take criticism, and continual self-improvement—proved invaluable as she navigated her career transition from athlete to idol and beyond.

The Injury That Changed Everything

A devastating injury during Johyun's first year of junior high school abruptly halted her promising speed skating career, redirecting her life's trajectory toward an unexpected path in entertainment. This pivotal moment marked a dramatic shift from athletic excellence to artistic pursuit.

Details of the injury

Although specific details about the exact nature of Johyun's injury remain limited in public records, it was severe enough to permanently end her competitive skating career. As one of Korea's top young speed skaters, Johyun faced the harsh reality that many athletes encounter—a career-ending injury that strikes without warning. Similar to other athletes in high-speed sports, the physical demands and risks of short track speed skating likely contributed to this career-altering incident. The sport inherently carries significant injury risks, with skaters reaching high speeds on thin blades while making tight turns on ice.

Emotional aftermath

The psychological impact of losing her athletic identity proved immensely challenging for Johyun. After quitting skating due to the injury, she faced the difficult task of redefining her sense of purpose and direction. For young athletes who have dedicated thousands of hours to their sport, such injuries often trigger profound emotional responses. Many athletes report feelings similar to grief when forced to abandon their athletic careers prematurely. This transition period likely tested Johyun's resilience as she grappled with letting go of her athletic aspirations and embracing an entirely different future.

Decision to study abroad

Instead of remaining in Korea after her injury, Johyun made the significant choice to study abroad. This decision represented both an escape from the painful reminders of her lost athletic career and an opportunity to gain new perspectives. The international experience ultimately provided her with valuable language skills, particularly English, which would later benefit her entertainment career. After this transformative period abroad, Johyun returned to Korea with renewed purpose, eventually becoming an idol trainee in 2013 before joining Berry Good in 2016.

From Athlete to Idol Trainee

After returning from her studies abroad, Johyun entered an entirely different competitive arena in 2013 when she became an idol trainee, embarking on a journey that would test her resilience in ways unlike her athletic career.

How Johyun became a trainee

Like thousands of K-pop aspirants, Johyun likely participated in company auditions—a process notoriously selective and intimidating. Typically, prospective trainees perform before judges who may stop them midway through their presentation to request different skills or abruptly end the audition. These auditions often process hundreds of hopefuls in mere hours, with judges sometimes barely looking up from their phones while evaluating. For someone transitioning from athletics to entertainment, this process required an entirely different skill set than her skating background.

Training challenges

Upon signing with her company, Johyun entered the demanding world of K-pop training. Throughout the industry, trainees commonly endure grueling schedules that begin as early as 5am with dance practice before school, followed by vocal and performance training until 11pm or later. Trainees face weekly assessments and monthly evaluations that scrutinize everything from talent to appearance, creating constant pressure to improve. The competitive atmosphere often transforms relationships with fellow trainees into collegial rather than friendly bonds, as everyone competes for limited debut positions. Additionally, most companies enforce strict rules regarding dating, social media usage, and even basic freedoms—phones might be confiscated nightly, and curfews rigidly enforced.

Support from family

Family support varies dramatically among trainees, yet it remains crucial throughout the challenging journey. Some parents, like those described in trainee accounts, initially oppose their children's aspirations but ultimately sign contracts—often reluctantly—to allow them to pursue their dreams. For trainees living in dormitories away from family, maintaining connections becomes limited to phone calls and video chats. This separation commonly creates emotional challenges alongside the physical demands of training, especially for teenagers still developing their identities.

Debut with Berry Good

In October 2016, a significant shift occurred in Johyun's career path as JTG Entertainment introduced her as the sixth and newest member of the girl group Berry Good. This addition came more than two years after the group's initial debut in the K-pop scene.

Joining the group

Johyun officially joined Berry Good on October 25, 2016, expanding the group to a sextet after they had previously operated as a quintet. At the time of her addition, the existing members included Taeha, Seoyul, Daye, Sehyung, and Gowoon. Her introduction to the group came after Berry Good had already released several singles and a mini-album titled "Very Berry," which had been successfully crowdfunded through a Makestar campaign that raised 160.8% of its original goal. Upon joining, she was described as having both "pure and sexy charms" that would complement Berry Good's image. At 167cm tall and born in 1996, she brought a fresh visual element to the group.

Stage name origin

Though born as Shin Jee Won, she adopted "Johyun" as her stage name for her K-pop career. Interestingly, this name choice had cultural significance beyond just being a catchy moniker. According to sources, her stage name was selected as a homage to actress Joey Wong, who is known as Wang Jo-hyun in Korean. This connection to an established figure in Asian entertainment perhaps foreshadowed Johyun's own future transition into acting after her idol career.

First album and concept shift

Johyun made her official debut with Berry Good on November 1, 2016, with the release of their second mini-album titled "Glory". This comeback marked a significant transformation in the group's image and sound. According to reports, Berry Good underwent "a change of styling and concept to take off the original girlish, neat and pure image, adding EDM and tropical house elements to their music". This departure from their previous identity coincided with Johyun's addition, suggesting her role in this evolution. The mini-album featured "Don't Believe" as its title track, showcasing this new direction. After debuting with Berry Good, Johyun would eventually begin using her given name, Shin Jee Won, for her acting career in later years.

Her Role in Berry Good

Within Berry Good, Johyun occupied several key positions that highlighted her versatility and talents as an idol performer.

Main rapper and visual

Upon joining Berry Good in 2016, Johyun assumed multiple official positions including Main Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, and Visual. As the group's visual, she became known for her striking proportions and appearance, which notably contributed to her popularity beyond the group's musical achievements. Standing at 169 cm (5'7") and weighing 45 kg (99 lbs), her physical attributes aligned with Korean entertainment industry standards for idol visuals. Throughout her time with Berry Good, she represented a pink berry, which became her symbolic color within the group's concept.

Performance style

Johyun's performance style balanced her rapping abilities with strong dance skills. Notwithstanding Berry Good's primary identity as a vocal-focused group rather than a dance group, Johyun's background as a former athlete gave her an edge in performances requiring physical precision and stamina. The group's concept underwent significant evolution during her tenure, shifting away from their "original girlish, neat and pure image" toward incorporating EDM and tropical house elements. This transformation coincided with Johyun's addition to the lineup, suggesting her influence on the group's artistic direction.

Fan reception

Johyun quickly emerged as one of Berry Good's most recognizable members despite being a later addition to the group. Her popularity stemmed not only from her performances but also from her activities outside the group, including gaming streams and cosplay. Fan reception particularly intensified after her controversial Ahri cosplay from League of Legends, which sparked divided reactions online. Throughout Berry Good's promotions as a quartet in their final configuration, Johyun maintained a dedicated fanbase even as the group faced challenges. After members Gowoon and Seoyul departed in February 2021 when their contracts expired, Johyun remained with Sehyung as the final active members of Berry Good until the group's eventual disbandment.

MIXNINE and Her Growth

In 2017, Johyun participated in JTBC's survival program "MIXNINE," a competition show produced by YG Entertainment that sought to form a co-ed group from existing idols and trainees. Her journey on this show would prove challenging yet transformative for her career.

Initial struggles

Upon joining "MIXNINE," Johyun faced immediate difficulties adapting to the competitive environment. At one point during filming, she ranked last place among all contestants, a stark contrast to her earlier athletic achievements. "I had no choice but to accept the results. I wasn't good enough, and I needed time to adjust," Johyun candidly admitted about her performance. The show's format, which pitted 400 contestants against each other for limited spots, created intense pressure for participants. As viewership declined to a mere 0.958% rating by November 2016, contestants faced additional stress knowing their performances might receive minimal public attention despite their efforts.

Yang Hyun-suk's feedback

The YG Entertainment founder's notoriously harsh criticism became a defining aspect of Johyun's "MIXNINE" experience. Yang Hyun-suk's judging style, described by some viewers as "unnecessarily harsh" and designed as a "ratings grab", left lasting impressions on many contestants. For Johyun, this critique became a catalyst. "After hearing Yang Hyun-suk's very real feedback, I became determined to work harder so that I can receive positive feedback, and so I can move others with performances," she reflected. Unlike some contestants who found his approach demoralizing, Johyun transformed criticism into motivation.

Improved confidence and skills

Perhaps surprisingly, Johyun's struggles on "MIXNINE" ultimately strengthened her abilities as a performer. "I think I grew a lot while doing the show. The preparation process was really helpful," she explained. Most significantly, the experience changed her relationship with choreography—previously a source of stress, yet afterward something she found genuinely enjoyable. "Before, when I learned choreography, it was difficult and overwhelming, but for this comeback, it was fun," Johyun noted about her post-show performances with Berry Good. This newfound confidence and improved technical ability demonstrated how even challenging experiences could foster growth in unexpected ways.

Acting Debut and Early Roles

While maintaining her position in Berry Good, Johyun quietly began building a parallel career in acting that would ultimately become her primary focus after the group's disbandment.

First cameos

Johyun's earliest ventures into acting occurred in 2020 when she secured a supporting role in the noir movie "The Dragon Inn". That same year, she joined the main cast of the horror miniseries "Strange School Tales: The Child Who Wouldn't Come". These initial projects, albeit modest in scope, established her presence in the acting world beyond her idol career. Consequently, she began appearing in more diverse entertainment formats, co-hosting the cable variety show "Things These Days" alongside fellow idols Kim Yu-bin and Jun Hyo-seong.

Transition to acting

As Berry Good's activities became less frequent, Johyun increasingly shifted her focus toward acting opportunities. In March 2019, she candidly assessed her acting abilities, rating herself "5 points" and explaining, "I've stopped doing idol promotions, but I don't want to give up on the path to becoming an actor. I'm reading and studying in order to improve my acting". This statement initially caused confusion regarding Berry Good's status, prompting their agency to clarify that the group was not disbanding. Nevertheless, when JTG Entertainment eventually merged with Starweave Entertainment in May 2021, Johyun officially moved to Starweave to pursue acting.

Initial reception

Johyun's breakthrough came with her first leading role in the horror thriller movie "Hypnosis" in 2021. Thereafter, she secured the female lead in the webseries "Cherry Blossoms After Winter" as Nam Ji-Ah. Throughout this transition period, Johyun demonstrated remarkable adaptability, following a path similar to other K-pop idols who successfully pivoted to acting. Much like former singers Jo Hyun-Jae and others who made similar career shifts, Johyun began using her birth name, Shin Jee-won, for her acting credits, signaling a conscious separation between her idol persona and her new identity as an actress.

Breakthrough with 'The Hypnosis'

The year 2021 marked a pivotal moment in Johyun's acting career as she secured her first leading role in the horror thriller "The Hypnosis," establishing her presence beyond the K-pop industry.

Plot and her role

In "The Hypnosis," Johyun portrayed Hyun Joong, a woman who undergoes hypnosis therapy only to find herself trapped in unexpected nightmares. The horror film follows college students including protagonist Do Hyun (played by David Lee of "Itaewon Class" fame) as they encounter a transfer student named Jin Ho who introduces them to hypnotherapy. Upon undergoing hypnosis, the characters begin experiencing disturbing visions including a hanged man, an abandoned orphanage, and a mysterious girl with her head covered by a gunny sack. These hallucinations gradually drive the characters into states of fear, violent rage, and eventually lead to death. Throughout the film, viewers discover the central theme revolves around vengeance for bullying, with the gunny sack girl returning to exact revenge on her tormentors.

Critical response

Critical reception to "The Hypnosis" was mixed, with reviewers noting its traditional horror elements alongside effective moments of psychological tension. One reviewer described their experience watching the film: "As the movie began, the lights dimmed and chilling strains of discordant, minor key violins played in the theatre hall, my spine crawled". Alongside typical jump scares and creepy synth music, critics highlighted the film's disturbing imagery—scenes of self-harm where a character shaves off bits of skin from his finger, and another moment where a character's eyes are graphically removed. Firstly embraced for its "slow, grotesque gruesomeness," the film distinguished itself through psychological horror rather than mere shock value.

Impact on her career

"The Hypnosis" represented a significant milestone for Johyun as she transitioned away from idol activities. During a March 19 interview promoting the film, she candidly assessed her acting abilities with a modest "5 points" and explained: "I've stopped doing idol promotions, but I don't want to give up on the path to becoming an actor. I'm reading and studying in order to improve my acting". This statement reflected her dedication to developing her craft as she built a new identity beyond Berry Good. As a result, this role cemented her shift toward acting under her birth name, Shin Jee-won, and positioned her within the horror genre, where she would continue to find opportunities. Shortly after this breakthrough, Johyun began hosting the second season of "Things These Days" alongside Heo Young-ji.

Web Dramas and Lead Roles

Following her horror film debut, Johyun continued expanding her acting portfolio through popular web dramas, establishing herself as a versatile performer in Korea's digital content landscape.

Cherry Blossoms After Winter

In November 2021, Johyun joined the cast of the BL webseries "Cherry Blossoms After Winter" as the female lead Nam Jiah. The 8-episode drama aired from February 24 to April 14, 2022, with each episode running approximately 25 minutes. Based on a popular manhwa, the series followed two childhood friends navigating complicated feelings for each other throughout high school and university. Despite having a supporting role in this romance-centered story, her participation in the LGBTQ+ themed production demonstrated her willingness to explore diverse projects beyond mainstream content. The series received positive reception from viewers, earning a 7.8 rating on MyDramaList and ranking among the platform's most popular BL productions.

The Villain of Romance

In 2023, Johyun appeared in MBC's "The Villain of Romance" as Go Yoon, showcasing her range in college-set romantic comedies. This coming-of-age drama portrayed realistic relationships among young adults still learning about love. Her character enjoyed a surprising late-night food stall date with Nam Hyun (played by Choi Yeon), creating an unexpected romantic subplot. The series centered on protagonist Kang Hee Jae, who desperately wants to appear cool but transforms into an "obsessive monster" while struggling with relationship issues, and Ban Yu Jin, an intelligent older student who struggles to maintain relationships beyond 100 days.

Acting under real name

On January 11, 2023, Johyun made a significant career move by leaving JTG Entertainment and signing with Ghost Studio. This transition marked her complete professional shift from idol to actress, henceforth continuing her career under her birth name, Shin Jee-won. This decision paralleled other former idols who adopted their given names when pursuing acting seriously. Her choice to use her real name symbolized both personal growth and professional strategy, helping audiences view her as an actress rather than simply an idol trying acting. Essentially, each project under her birth name strengthened her position in the competitive Korean entertainment industry, moving beyond her Berry Good identity.

Gaming Passion and Overwatch Rank

Beyond her achievements in skating, music, and acting, Johyun has cultivated a genuine connection to gaming culture, further diversifying her public persona beyond traditional entertainment realms.

Games she plays

Johyun has established herself as an authentic gaming enthusiast within the K-pop industry. Primarily, she has devoted significant time to Overwatch, the team-based shooter game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Moreover, her gaming interests extend beyond a single title, as evidenced by her participation in various gaming programs featuring multiple game formats. Her genuine passion for gaming serves as a bridge between her idol persona and gaming communities, creating a unique cross-cultural appeal that distinguishes her from other K-pop personalities.

Silver rank in Overwatch

Within the competitive hierarchy of Overwatch, Johyun maintains a silver rank, placing her in the mid-tier of the game's skill-based matchmaking system. Interestingly, the silver rank represents a particularly challenging competitive environment, often characterized by inconsistent team coordination and varied skill levels. As one player describes it, "Silver is harder than Gold... In silver for DPS, just go reaper and you'll win 90% of those games. But as a support main I found no matter how well I play as a support in silver sometimes my team just isn't coordinated enough". This insight into silver-ranked gameplay illuminates the gaming environment Johyun navigates—one requiring both mechanical skill and patience with team dynamics.

Gaming shows and competitions

On June 17, Johyun participated in the "Game Dolympic" event, an eSports competition featuring celebrities and idols playing various games. Her participation reflected her genuine desire to "communicate together with game users", demonstrating her commitment to connecting with gaming communities. Additionally, she joined the cast of MBC's gaming variety show "Begin A Game," appearing alongside well-known gaming enthusiasts including Super Junior's Heechul and Shindong, Kim Jun Hyun, former pro-gamer Guillaume Patry, and B1A4's Gongchan. This program explored diverse gaming experiences, from nostalgic classics to contemporary titles featured in the 2018 Asian Games, further establishing her credibility within gaming circles.

Ahri Cosplay Controversy

Johyun sparked widespread controversy in June 2019 with her appearance at a high-profile gaming event, marking one of the most polarizing moments of her career.

Event details

On June 17, 2019, Johyun attended the red carpet for OGN's "Game Dolympic 2019: Golden Card" eSports competition in Seoul wearing a cosplay of Ahri, the nine-tailed fox character from the popular video game League of Legends. This marked her first attempt at cosplay, which she had specifically requested after mentioning in a pre-show questionnaire that Ahri was the first character she played when starting League of Legends. The costume, notably a bodysuit based on the K/DA Ahri skin from the game, was provided by the event organizers themselves after thorough discussions with her agency JTG Entertainment. Other idols attending included Super Junior's Heechul and Shindong, NCT's Taeyong, and members from ASTRO, APRIL, and Cherry Bullet.

Public backlash

Following her appearance, online critics immediately condemned the outfit as "too revealing" and "vulgar". The controversy quickly escalated across South Korean social media platforms, with considerable negative attention directed at her choice of attire. In response to mounting criticism, both JTG Entertainment and OGN released statements defending the cosplay, with a network representative emphasizing, "It was simply a cosplay of a game character, and so we ask that you refrain from overanalyzing it". Meanwhile, Johyun's supporters argued that critics "don't understand the game character" and that she was accurately portraying Ahri's canonical appearance. Some netizens pointed out potential double standards, commenting, "If Hwasa wore this, you would be calling her a girl crush!".

Her emotional response

Behind the scenes, the controversy deeply affected Johyun emotionally. On the day of filming, she recalled, "I was curious to see how my photos from the red carpet came out, so I asked my manager for my phone and searched myself. That's how I ended up seeing people's comments". The negative reactions led her to cry in her dressing room bathroom before returning to film with her makeup fixed. On June 18, she addressed the situation through Instagram Stories, writing, "I'm also human and a regular Korean woman whose emotions and thoughts waver as a result of criticism and words of support". Ultimately, she expressed gratitude for fan support while reflecting, "Sometimes, I look at my reflection in the mirror and think of myself as pathetic... Though it's hard to endure the myriad of emotions that get jumbled up together, I'm overcoming it by cheering myself on".

Modeling and Endorsements

Beyond her career as an idol and actress, Johyun has built a parallel path in the modeling and advertising world, securing several notable endorsement deals that have further expanded her public recognition.

Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi CF

In May 2018, Johyun was selected as the promotional model for Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi, a popular Korean rib restaurant chain. Her commercial gained unexpected attention for its distinctively local advertising style that resonated with viewers. The advertisement featured Johyun as a "galbi nuna" (rib sister) who delivers food directly to customers. In February 2021, she filmed new commercials for the brand, creatively adapting the Robot Taekwon V theme song as the commercial jingle. The quirky yet catchy advertisement became somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, with many viewers initially mistaking it for local advertising despite the company's significant marketing budget—Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi reportedly set aside 16.8 billion won for publicity in 2020. Remarkably, Johyun donated her entire appearance fee from the December 2019 commercial filming.

Underwear modeling

In February 2020, Johyun expanded her modeling portfolio by becoming the face of Yes Underwear. Her work with the brand continued through 2021, when she modeled for their "Twinkle" collection. Throughout her collaboration with Yes Underwear, she participated in multiple photoshoots, with behind-the-scenes images occasionally released to the public. This modeling work represented a more mature image compared to her earlier idol persona, showcasing her versatility as a model capable of representing diverse brands and concepts.

Brand associations

Outside of her major endorsement deals, Johyun has been associated with additional brands that complemented her public image. She served as a model for the clothing brand Duck Dive, broadening her fashion credentials beyond lingerie advertising. Her selection for these varied endorsements highlighted her marketability across different product categories—from food services to intimate apparel to casual fashion. As such, these commercial partnerships supplemented her income while maintaining her visibility during periods between entertainment projects.

Internet Memes and Public Image

Johyun's distinct persona emerged not just through traditional entertainment channels but through the democratic landscape of internet culture, where memes became powerful vehicles for her growing recognition.

How memes shaped her fame

Internet memes featuring Johyun gained traction primarily after her Ahri cosplay controversy, transforming a polarizing moment into widespread online visibility. As highlighted in research, successful meme diffusion often depends on "the participation of well-connected early adopter groups", which occurred when gaming communities and K-pop fans began sharing Johyun-related content across platforms. In essence, these memes served as "a form of collective storytelling", capturing her journey from athlete to idol to gaming enthusiast. Her meme presence exemplified how internet memes function as "a reflection of the collective consciousness, encapsulating emotions, events, and attitudes prevalent at any given time".

Twitch and gaming community

On Twitch, where gaming communities thrive, Johyun found an audience that appreciated her authentic gaming interests. This platform, where "it's not uncommon for streams to have 25,000 or more viewers", provided an environment where her dual identity as K-pop idol and gamer could resonate. Among Twitch users, "most of them, especially the more popular ones, go out of their way to help their followers get better at playing the games they stream", a community-building approach that aligned with Johyun's own engagement style. Her silver rank in Overwatch further validated her legitimacy within these circles.

Cultural impact

Beyond individual fame, Johyun's internet presence represents broader cultural currents. According to Facebook research, "75% of people between 13 and 36 share Internet Memes, and 30% do it daily", illustrating how figures like Johyun become integrated into daily digital expression. Her meme status demonstrated how "memes have the capacity to convey complex political and social issues in an accessible manner", specifically around themes of female celebrity, gaming culture, and cosplay authenticity. As such, her public image became inseparable from these digital artifacts that continue to shape her cultural legacy.

Confirmed Relationship in 2023

After years of public speculation about her personal life, November 2023 brought official confirmation of Johyun's relationship status. The former Berry Good member entered a new chapter in her life beyond her entertainment career.

Who her partner is

Ghost Studio revealed that Johyun is dating a non-celebrity entrepreneur who is older than her. The couple had been together for approximately six months before the public announcement, meaning their relationship began around May 2023. Remarkably, her boyfriend has been recognized as one of Forbes magazine's "30 Under 30 Asia" honorees, highlighting his significant achievements in the business world. As the head of his own company, he represents a departure from Johyun's usual entertainment industry connections. Thus far, his name remains undisclosed to protect his privacy, with media outlets referring to him simply as "A".

Agency's response

On November 26, 2023, Ghost Studio issued an official statement confirming rumors about Johyun's relationship status. The agency carefully worded their announcement, noting that the couple was "in the stages of getting to know a non-celebrity man with positive feelings". Furthermore, they expressed concern about potential consequences of the revelation, stating: "As her partner is not a celebrity, we are wary of negatively impacting him". Their measured response reflects the challenges public figures face when dating private individuals. Ghost Studio concluded their statement by requesting consideration from fans and media, adding they "would be grateful if you would give the two people's relationship your fond support".

Public reaction

Unlike some of Johyun's previous career moments that triggered intense public scrutiny, the relationship announcement has generally received a more measured response. Those close to the couple revealed they are nurturing their relationship through "simple and intimate dates", maintaining a degree of normalcy despite Johyun's celebrity status. Since confirming her relationship, Johyun has continued her acting career as Shin Jee-won while keeping details of her personal life relatively private. The relationship marks yet another evolution in her identity from athlete to idol to actress and now as half of a couple with someone outside the entertainment industry.