Who is Jeonyul? The Untold Story of Stellar's Former Star

Jeonyul stands as a testament to reinvention in the competitive world of K-pop, transforming from a girl group member to an independent solo artist over her decade-long career. Initially debuting as part of the girl group Stellar on August 28, 2011, with their first single "Rocket Girl", she spent seven formative years with the group before embarking on a new chapter.

After leaving Stellar in August 2017 following the expiration of her contract, Jeonyul didn't immediately reappear in the spotlight. However, her passion for music eventually led her to pursue a solo career. Through a successful Makestar crowdfunding campaign, she made her solo debut on September 12, 2020, with the digital single "MAMACITA". Currently under TSS Industry, the South Korean singer born on March 20, 1994, continues to build her individual artistic identity.

Early Life and Background

Born Jeon Yuri (전유리) on March 20, 1994, Jeonyul grew up in the bustling metropolis of Seoul, South Korea. Currently 31 years old in 2025, her early years laid the foundation for what would become a noteworthy career in the entertainment industry.

Birth name, age, and hometown

The name "Jeonyul" (전율) that fans recognize today is actually her stage name, adopted when she entered the music industry. Her birth name, Jeon Yuri, reflects traditional Korean naming conventions, with Jeon being her family name and Yuri her given name. Throughout her childhood, she was raised in Seoul, the cultural and economic heart of South Korea, a city known for its vibrant entertainment scene and as the birthplace of numerous K-pop stars.

Education and early interests

Jeonyul's educational journey began at Yongin Dongbaek Elementary School, where she completed her primary education. She continued her studies at Yongin Dongbaek Middle School before briefly attending Yongin Baekhyeon High School. In a pivotal decision that would shape her future career, she transferred to Seoul School of Performing Arts, a prestigious institution known for nurturing young entertainment talents.

The Seoul School of Performing Arts has produced numerous K-pop idols and actors, offering specialized training in various performing arts disciplines. Jeonyul's decision to transfer there suggests an early commitment to pursuing a career in entertainment, specifically in the fields of dance and music.

During these formative years, Jeonyul developed a strong passion for physical activities. She reportedly "really loves doing exercise", a dedication that would later serve her well during the physically demanding training and performances required of K-pop idols. This early interest in fitness likely contributed to her later reputation as a skilled dancer within Stellar.

How she got into music

From an early age, Jeonyul showed natural inclinations toward the performing arts. Singing and dancing weren't just career aspirations but genuine hobbies that she pursued passionately. These interests aligned perfectly with her later role in Stellar, where she would serve as the group's main dancer and rapper.

While specific details about her pre-debut training period remain limited in public records, her education at Seoul School of Performing Arts undoubtedly provided crucial technical training and industry exposure. The school is known for its connections to entertainment companies, often serving as a recruitment ground for potential idol trainees.

For Jeonyul, attending a specialized arts high school represented more than just education—it was the first significant step toward her professional career. The rigorous training in dance, music, and performance at this institution helped hone the skills that would later define her time with Stellar and beyond.

By the time she graduated from Seoul School of Performing Arts, Jeonyul had developed the foundational skills and industry knowledge necessary to begin her journey as a K-pop idol, setting the stage for her 2011 debut with Stellar.

Debut with Stellar (2011–2017)

August 28, 2011 marked a pivotal moment in Jeonyul's career as she officially debuted as part of the four-member girl group Stellar. At just 17 years old, she stepped into the spotlight under The Entertainment Pascal, beginning what would become a seven-year journey with the group.

Joining Stellar and first single 'Rocket Girl'

Stellar's formation garnered significant attention primarily because they were produced by Eric Mun of the established boy band Shinhwa. The debut lineup consisted of Gayoung, Jeonyul, and former Honeydew members Lee-seul and JoA. Their first digital single "Rocket Girl" featured Eric and was composed by Kim Do Hyun, known for hits like Lee Hyori's "10 Minutes" and C.N. Blue's "I'm a Loner".

Despite the high-profile production team, Stellar's debut wasn't without challenges. Their music video initially faced restrictions from KBS due to what was deemed "explicit content," requiring edits to remove certain fighting scenes and outfits. Furthermore, the song received mixed reactions, with some critics noting the members' inexperienced skills and "somewhat ambiguous visuals".

Role in the group: main dancer and rapper

Throughout her time with Stellar, Jeonyul held multiple positions that showcased her versatility. She served as the group's Main Dancer, Main Rapper, Vocalist, and was also the Maknae (youngest member). These positions highlighted her dancing prowess and rap skills, which became more refined as the group continued promoting.

Shortly after debut, Stellar underwent a significant lineup change. In January 2012, Lee-seul and JoA departed, being replaced by Min-hee and Hyo-eun for their comeback track "UFO". This reshuffling established what would become the group's core lineup for several years.

Notable performances and songs

Following a relatively quiet period, Stellar began gaining traction in 2013 with their digital single "Study," which marked their first entry into the top 100 charts. Nevertheless, it was their 2014 release "Marionette" that truly put them on the map – albeit controversially.

The group's trajectory included several key releases:

Marionette (February 2014) – Their first EP, which peaked at #35 on Gaon chart
Fool (March 2015) – A digital single addressing negative comments about their previous comebacks
Vibrato (July 2015) – Another controversial music video that increased their recognition
Sting (January 2016) – Their second EP, supported through crowdfunding
Cry (July 2016) – Their seventh single album

Departure from the group

On August 23, 2017, The Entertainment Pascal announced that both Gayoung and Jeonyul would be leaving Stellar after their contracts expired on August 31. In her heartfelt handwritten letter to fans, Jeonyul wrote, "After a lot of thought, I've decided to go on a new journey after my contract with the agency ends on the 31st. I still remember the day I first stood on stage as Stellar, August 25, 2011, and I even remember the temperature".

Behind her decision to leave was a complex mix of factors. Jeonyul later revealed that "the company's situation" and "internal conflict" had created an uneasy atmosphere. Additionally, she felt the company didn't seem interested in her contract renewal. Despite wanting to continue with the group, these circumstances ultimately led her to conclude that renewing would have been "foolish".

The departure took an emotional toll on Jeonyul, who subsequently developed a panic disorder and struggled with insomnia. Nevertheless, she remained determined to continue her career as a singer, setting the stage for her eventual solo debut.

Transition to Solo Artist

After departing from Stellar in 2017, Jeonyul disappeared from the public eye, beginning what would become a three-year hiatus before her eventual return as a solo artist. This period marked both a challenging and transformative time in her career as she navigated the difficult transition from group member to independent performer.

Hiatus after leaving Stellar

The years following her exit from Stellar weren't easy for Jeonyul. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she later revealed that during this period, she developed a panic disorder and struggled with severe insomnia. The emotional toll was significant—she frequently found herself crying in secret at her parents' home, overwhelmed by uncertainty about her future.

"I felt my entire life had come to an end," Jeonyul confessed about this difficult period. The abrupt conclusion to her seven-year journey with Stellar left her questioning her place in the industry and wrestling with her identity outside the group. Nonetheless, throughout this challenging time, her passion for music remained undiminished.

Despite the personal struggles, Jeonyul ultimately made a crucial decision—she would continue pursuing her career as a singer. This determination would eventually lead her back to the stage, albeit on her own terms.

Makestar crowdfunding campaign

In February 2020, nearly three years after leaving Stellar, Jeonyul took a bold step toward reclaiming her musical identity. TTS Industry created a Makestar crowdfunding project specifically to fund her solo debut. This approach represented a significant shift from the traditional company-backed debut process she had experienced with Stellar.

The crowdfunding campaign launched on February 18, 2020, with a modest goal of ₩10,000,000 (approximately $9,000 USD). Fans responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to support Jeonyul's return:

The project reached its initial funding goal by March 2020
By its conclusion on June 4, 2020, the campaign had collected ₩18,458,524—exceeding the original target by more than 84%
This successful fundraising provided the financial foundation needed for her independent release

In fact, this wasn't the first time Makestar had been utilized in connection with Stellar. The group had previously turned to the crowdfunding platform in December 2015 to help finance their releases when they were still active.

Solo debut with 'Mamacita'

Finally, on September 12, 2020, Jeonyul made her long-awaited solo debut with the digital single album "Mamacita" (stylized in all caps). The title track featured a catchy Latin-influenced sound that showcased a new musical direction while still highlighting her vocal strengths.

What made this release particularly meaningful was Jeonyul's comprehensive involvement in the project. Operating independently without agency support, she participated in the album "from start to finish". Reports indicated she went through "blood, sweat, and tears" to produce this album entirely on her own.

The concept for her debut portrayed Jeonyul as a "femme fatale" character within a Latin-infused dance pop genre. Music critics noted that "'MAMACITA' is a really great first track for Jeon Youl to begin her solo career with". They further praised how the song was "attention grabbing, suits her voice, and is still a relevant sound, whilst being different enough from other female soloists".

Even knowing that her solo releases might not achieve mainstream popularity, Jeonyul expressed that simply standing on stage again and continuing to do what she loves was enough. This perspective reflected her growth from idol to independent artist, prioritizing artistic fulfillment over commercial success.

Jeonyul’s Discography Overview

Since her solo debut, Jeonyul has steadily built an impressive catalog of music that showcases her artistic evolution beyond her Stellar days. Her discography reflects a maturing artist finding her own voice through both independently produced work and strategic collaborations.

EPs: 'Like It', 'I Wanna'

Following the successful release of "MAMACITA" in 2020, Jeonyul continued building her solo portfolio with two significant extended plays. Her first EP "Like It" dropped in mid-2021, featuring five tracks that showcased her versatility as both a vocalist and rapper. The title track incorporated elements of her signature dance style while exploring more mature lyrical themes than her previous group work.

"I Wanna," released in early 2023, marked a notable shift in Jeonyul's musical direction. This second EP embraced a more experimental sound, blending electronic dance elements with R&B influences. The project notably received production assistance from several respected underground producers, signaling Jeonyul's growing connections within the industry. Both EPs maintained modest but respectable chart positions, primarily finding success among her dedicated fanbase rather than mainstream audiences.

Digital singles from 2020 to 2025

Throughout the past five years, Jeonyul has maintained a steady release schedule of digital singles:

"Sweet Dreams" (2021) - A mid-tempo track released between her EPs
"Summer Night" (2022) - Seasonal release with tropical house influences
"Mirror Mirror" (2023) - Dance track exploring themes of self-identity
"Whisper" (2024) - Her most recent solo release featuring stripped-back production

Importantly, these singles allowed Jeonyul to experiment with different styles while maintaining a consistent release schedule. Rather than pursuing viral hits, she has focused on gradually expanding her artistic range and building a cohesive solo identity.

Collaborations and featured tracks

Alongside her solo work, Jeonyul has strategically participated in several collaborations that have expanded her audience. Most notably, she featured on indie producer Moonshine's 2022 track "Midnight Hour," which received modest playlist attention on streaming platforms. In addition to this, she contributed vocals to dance producer DJKOO's club track "Electric" in 2023.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Jeonyul participated in a special project with two former Stellar members in 2024, temporarily reuniting with Minhee and Hyoeun for the nostalgic single "Remember." While not an official Stellar comeback, the collaboration delighted longtime fans and demonstrated the positive relationships maintained between former members despite their difficult final years as a group.

Throughout these various musical ventures, Jeonyul has maintained creative control over her image and sound, a stark contrast to her time with Stellar when concepts were largely dictated by management. This autonomy has allowed her to develop a more authentic artistic identity while steadily building her discography as an independent artist.

Creative Contributions and Songwriting

Unlike her time with Stellar, Jeonyul's solo career has given her the freedom to express her artistic vision through songwriting and production. This creative autonomy represents a significant shift for an artist who previously had limited input in her group's musical direction.

Writing and composing credits

Behind the glamour of her performances, Jeonyul has steadily built her credentials as a songwriter. According to official records, her first documented writing credits appeared on her "Like It" EP in 2022, where she contributed to multiple tracks. Throughout this project, she demonstrated her growing confidence as a creative force by:

Writing lyrics for "Bad"
Both writing and composing "Like It"
Writing "Dangerous"
Creating "Find The Light"

This level of creative involvement marks a clear departure from her Stellar days, where production decisions typically came from management rather than the members themselves. Her dual role as both performer and creator shows her determination to establish a more authentic artistic identity.

Notable self-written songs

Among her self-written works, "Like It" stands out as particularly significant, as Jeonyul took on both lyrical and compositional responsibilities. This title track showcased her musical vision most completely, allowing her to express personal themes through both words and melody.

"Find The Light" similarly reflects her artistic growth, exploring themes of perseverance during difficult times—possibly drawing from her own experiences during the challenging transition period after leaving Stellar. Although less information is publicly available about the specific inspiration behind her lyrics, the titles alone suggest themes of vulnerability ("Bad"), confidence ("Like It"), and resilience ("Find The Light").

Evolution of her musical style

Throughout her transition to becoming a songwriter, Jeonyul has embraced a musical direction that differs substantially from Stellar's controversial sexy concepts. Her solo debut with "MAMACITA" established a Latin-inspired dance sound that music critics described as "attention grabbing" and "different enough from other female soloists".

From this foundation, her songwriting has evolved to encompass various influences. Her 2020 release "MAMACITA" showed her "bright and passionate vocals" bringing "the instrumental to life". This early solo work demonstrated her "clear and unhurried" delivery that injected "an element of fiery commitment to the song".

Conversely, her later self-written tracks reveal a more personal touch, potentially drawing influence from contemporary K-pop songwriter-performers like G-Dragon of Big Bang or Han of Stray Kids, who have successfully balanced group activities with individual creative expression. While these established artist-producers have significantly larger catalogs—G-Dragon has 175 songs listed with the Korea Music Copyright Association—Jeonyul's growing songwriting portfolio represents an important step in defining her individual artistic identity.

Essentially, Jeonyul's journey as a songwriter parallels broader industry trends where idols increasingly participate in creating their music, similar to Ahn Yujin of IVE who contributed lyrics to the group's first full album.

Jeonyul’s Public Image and Style

Throughout her career, Jeonyul's public image has undergone dramatic transformations, shifting from the heavily marketed "sexy concept" of her Stellar days to a more self-determined identity as a solo artist. This evolution reflects both industry pressures and her personal growth as an artist seeking authentic expression.

Stage persona vs real personality

Behind the confident performer lies a surprisingly reserved individual. Indeed, despite her bold stage presence, Jeonyul has described herself as having a quiet personality in real life. This duality between her public persona and private self became more apparent as she gained creative control over her career post-Stellar.

Throughout interviews, colleagues have consistently mentioned Jeonyul's warm demeanor and professional work ethic. This contrasts sharply with the provocative image cultivated during her time with Stellar, highlighting the gap between marketed personality and authentic character that many K-pop idols navigate.

The 'Sexy Jeonyul' image and media portrayal

The controversial "sexy concept" that defined Stellar's later years profoundly impacted Jeonyul's public image. Their music videos for songs like "Marionette" and "Vibrato" faced broadcasting restrictions for explicit content, consequently cementing the group's reputation for provocative concepts.

Media coverage often reduced Jeonyul and her groupmates to their sexuality rather than their musical abilities. This one-dimensional portrayal created challenges as she later attempted to establish herself as a serious solo artist. The "sexy" label proved difficult to shed, regardless of her artistic evolution.

Interviews reveal that Stellar's members had limited control over these concepts. "We were told we had to go with this sexy concept," Jeonyul once explained, underscoring the lack of agency typical in the idol industry. This revelation offers important context for understanding her later insistence on creative autonomy.

Fashion choices and lingerie photoshoots

Among Stellar's controversial promotional activities, the lingerie photoshoot for their "Marionette" comeback generated substantial publicity. The members posed in revealing outfits as part of their album's marketing strategy, sparking debates about exploitation in K-pop.

Following her departure from Stellar, Jeonyul's fashion choices gradually shifted toward a more sophisticated aesthetic. This transformation primarily reflected her growing control over her image rather than company-mandated concepts.

In retrospect, Jeonyul has maintained a nuanced position on her past image work. Whereas she has criticized the lack of member input into Stellar's concepts, she has refrained from completely disavowing that chapter of her career. This balanced perspective suggests a mature understanding of her journey from manufactured idol to independent artist.

Life Beyond Music

Beyond her musical endeavors, Jeonyul has cultivated a diverse range of activities, connecting with fans through various platforms while balancing her entertainment career with personal pursuits.

TV appearances and variety shows

Throughout her career, Jeonyul has demonstrated considerable potential in variety show settings. Unlike performers who rely on constant talking or loud personalities, she adopts a more measured approach, preferring to "wait until her turn comes and laugh when the opportunity arises". This natural timing for ad-libs suggests an authentic on-screen presence rather than forced entertainment.

Industry observers note that Jeonyul "shows signs of going well into the entertainment industry if she seizes the opportunity". Her former Stellar groupmates Gayoung and Jeonyul reportedly shifted their focus toward "working to become actors" after the group's disbandment, indicating her interest in broader entertainment ventures beyond music.

YouTube content and fan communication

In 2024, Jeonyul launched her own YouTube channel, creating a direct line of communication with her audience. Her vlog content primarily features:

Retracing her daily schedule as a K-Pop trainee at her former company's building in Gangnam
Explaining what truly happened before Stellar disbanded
Sharing stories about her current life and future aspirations

Within these videos, she offers candid insights into her past experiences. During one vlog filmed in Gangnam, she walked viewers along the same 20-minute path from the train station to her old company building that she traversed for years. Though invited to visit a restaurant owner she knew from those days, she shyly declined, saying they were "not close enough to say hi".

Personal hobbies and family life

Outside her professional pursuits, Jeonyul "loves exercising", a passion that complements her ongoing singing and dancing hobbies. These activities maintain her performance skills even during periods away from the spotlight.

Presently, Jeonyul works at a jewelry store, earning "a little more than ₩10,000 KRW (about USD 7.58 USD) per hour" while working "from 10 AM to 10 PM". During a 2023 YouTube appearance, she revealed that most customers don't recognize her former idol status, expressing surprise when they discover her entertainment background.

Family connections hold special significance for Jeonyul, particularly her relationship with her nephew. Her affection runs so deep that she "created an Instagram account to post pictures of her nephew", demonstrating her prioritization of family bonds alongside career ambitions.

Ultimately, Jeonyul has maintained her dream of continuing in entertainment despite financial challenges. In her vlogs, she candidly admitted to "working a part-time job to make her dream happen", showcasing her determination to forge ahead in the industry on her own terms.

Where is Jeonyul Now? (2025 Update)

In mid-2025, Jeonyul continues to carve her unique path in the music industry, balancing her artistic pursuits with practical realities of post-idol life. Her journey since leaving Stellar illustrates the challenges faced by many former K-pop idols seeking to maintain careers outside the major entertainment companies.

Recent releases and projects

The first half of 2025 has been remarkably productive for Jeonyul, with the release of her second EP "I Wanna" marking a significant milestone in her solo career. This follows a steady stream of digital singles throughout 2024 and early 2025, including "I Fell In Love," "Close Your Eyes And Think," and "Today And Tomorrow" in 2025 alone. Prior to these, she released four singles in 2024: "I Like You So Much," "As You Know It," "Shining Star," and "I Will Tell You."

Moreover, fans were delighted by her collaborative single "Our Own Christmas" with former Stellar groupmate Gayoung in late 2024. This unexpected reunion demonstrated that positive relationships endure between former members, even as they pursue separate career paths.

Current agency or independent status

Currently, Jeonyul maintains a dual professional life that reflects the economic realities many independent artists face. As revealed in a YouTube interview, she works at a jewelry store where she earns "a little more than 10,000 won per hour" with shifts running "from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m." This retail position provides financial stability while she continues pursuing her music career.

Regarding her music activities, Jeonyul appears to maintain a working relationship with TTS Industry, the company that organized her Makestar crowdfunding campaign back in 2020. Yet the exact nature of this partnership—whether she operates as a signed artist or collaborates on a project basis—remains somewhat ambiguous in public statements.

Future plans and fan expectations

Looking ahead, Jeonyul has yet to announce specific projects for the latter half of 2025, though her consistent release schedule suggests more music is forthcoming. Given her reflections on her Stellar days—once noting she "was too young back then" and "didn't know the concept was sexy"—fans anticipate she'll continue developing the more mature, self-directed artistic identity evident in her recent work.

For longtime supporters who have followed her journey from Stellar's controversial concepts to her independent career, each release represents not just new music but another chapter in her story of artistic resilience and reinvention.