Gyuri/ Jang Gyu-ri (ex. fromis_9)

Jang Gyuri: Life After fromis_9 and New Beginnings

Jang Gyuri, born on December 27, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea, is a multi-talented artist known for her roles as a singer, actress, and former member of the K-pop girl group fromis_9. Her journey in the entertainment industry began with her participation in the reality show Idol School, which led to her debut with fromis_9 on January 24, 2018. Gyuri's time with the group was marked by significant releases, including their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" and their first mini-album "To. Heart". Her versatility was further showcased through her participation in the Mnet reality show Produce 48 and her acting debut in the web drama "Dating Class" in May 2019.

Stage Name/Birth Name: Jang Gyu Ri (장규리)

Birthday: December 27, 1997

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Chinese Zodiac Sign: Ox

Height: 168 cm (5’6″)

Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)

Blood Type: B

MBTI Type: ISTP

Instagram: gyurious_j

Representative Emoji: 🐶

Agency:

JUST Entertainment (2022–present)

Pledis Entertainment (2021–2022)

Off The Record Entertainment (2018–2021)

Stone Music Entertainment (2017–2018)

CJ E&M Music (2017)

The Making of a Multi-Talented Artist

Jang Gyuri's journey as a multi-faceted artist began early in her life. Born on December 27, 1997, in Seoul, South Korea, she grew up in a family that encouraged her artistic pursuits. As the only child of a military colonel, Gyuri's upbringing was marked by frequent moves, exposing her to diverse environments.

Musical Training

Gyuri's musical education started at a young age, with her mother's support playing a crucial role. She learned to play the piano, laying the foundation for her future career in the music industry. This early exposure to music would later prove invaluable in her journey as a K-pop idol.

Acting Aspirations

Alongside her musical pursuits, Gyuri nurtured a passion for acting. She enrolled in the Seoul Institute of the Arts, majoring in acting. This formal training helped her develop the skills necessary for her future acting career. Gyuri's dedication to her craft was evident as she balanced her studies with her aspirations in the entertainment industry.

Balancing Dual Passions

Gyuri's versatility became apparent as she juggled her musical and acting ambitions. Her participation in Idol School marked the beginning of her K-pop career, leading to her debut with fromis_9. Simultaneously, she pursued acting opportunities, making her debut in the web drama "Dating Class" in 2019. This ability to balance dual passions would become a defining characteristic of Gyuri's career, setting the stage for her future success in both fields.

Idol School: A Stepping Stone

Show Format and Challenges

Jang Gyuri made her television debut as an independent trainee on Idol School in July 2017. Unlike many contestants who had received professional training from agencies, Gyuri entered the show without prior experience as a trainee. The competition was fierce, with participants vying for a spot in the final lineup of a new girl group.

Gyuri's Standout Moments

Despite her lack of experience, Gyuri impressed the judges with her steady vocals and versatility. She showcased her talents by performing songs like Gfriend's "Rough" and Miss A's "Hush". Interestingly, Gyuri gained popularity for her resemblance to a cute puppy meme, which endeared her to viewers.

Lessons Learned

Gyuri's journey on Idol School was transformative. She placed ninth overall with 57,230 votes, securing her position in fromis_9. However, feeling underprepared compared to her groupmates, Gyuri later joined Produce 48 to gain more experience in a training environment. This decision highlighted her determination to improve and grow as an artist.

fromis_9's Early Days

Group Dynamics

Fromis_9 emerged from Mnet's reality survival show "Idol School," which aired from July 13 to September 29, 2017. The final lineup, including Jang Gyuri, was determined solely through viewer votes. As an independent trainee, Gyuri impressed judges with her steady vocals and versatility, performing songs like Gfriend's "Rough" and Miss A's "Hush".

Debut Preparations

After the show, Pledis Entertainment, led by CEO Han Sung-soo, managed the group's training and debut. The members participated in a reality program called "Fromis' Room," which aired from October 19 to November 23, 2017. This show combined pre-recorded materials and Facebook Live broadcasts, giving fans a glimpse into the group's journey towards debut.

First Public Appearances

Fromis_9 made their pre-debut appearance on November 29, 2017, performing "Glass Shoes" at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan. The digital single was released the following day. Their first music program appearance came on December 15, 2017, when they performed "Glass Shoes" on "Music Bank". Gyuri officially debuted with fromis_9 on January 24, 2018, with the mini-album "To. Heart".

Gyuri's Unique Position in fromis_9

Vocal Contributions

Jang Gyuri holds a significant role in fromis_9's vocal line, often grouped with Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, and Lee Seo-yeon. While Park Ji-won is considered the main vocalist, Gyuri is valued as an important vocal resource due to her distinctive voice. Her vocals are characterized by a thin, high-pitched tone when singing, contrasting with her lower speaking voice. Gyuri's vocal abilities are showcased in songs like "You in Fantasy" and "Be With You," where she handles chorus parts, bridges, and high-pitched ad-libs.

Visual Impact

Gyuri is renowned for her striking visual appeal, particularly her characteristic eye smile and nasolabial folds. Her resemblance to a cute puppy meme gained her popularity during Idol School. Gyuri's charming smile, along with Baek Ji-heon's, is considered one of her most attractive features. Interestingly, she has a reputation for having the biggest difference between her appearance in pictures and in person, with her expressionless face described as the epitome of cold beauty.

Personality in the Group

Described as caring, quiet, friendly, stubborn, and reliable, Gyuri embodies a unique blend of traits within fromis_9. She's often referred to as the group's "fake princess" due to her regal appearance contrasting with her laid-back nature. Gyuri can be strict and play hard to get, but is frequently teased by her members. Her father's military background influences her blunt communication style and use of military expressions. Despite her sometimes tsundere behavior, Gyuri shows her caring side through thoughtful actions towards her members.

Branching Out: Produce 48 and Solo Activities

Reasons for Joining Produce 48

Shortly after fromis_9's debut, Jang Gyuri felt she lacked experience compared to her groupmates. As an independent trainee before joining fromis_9, she expressed feeling underprepared. Gyuri decided to participate in the 2018 survival show "Produce 48" to gain more experience in a training environment. She explained, "I thought I would be able to grow a lot and learn many things through 'Produce 48'".

Solo Variety Show Appearances

Although Gyuri was eliminated from "Produce 48" during the third round, her solo activities continued. During fromis_9's hiatus in early 2019, Gyuri competed on the television show "King of the Masked Singer". This appearance showcased her vocal abilities and helped build her individual fanbase.

Building Individual Fanbase

Gyuri's participation in "Produce 48" and subsequent solo activities contributed to her growing individual fanbase. Her acting debut as the lead role in the TvN Drama "Dating Class" further expanded her reach beyond the K-pop sphere. These diverse experiences allowed Gyuri to showcase her versatility as an artist and attract fans interested in both her singing and acting abilities.

Acting Debut and Career Growth

Jang Gyuri's acting career began with her debut in the web drama "Dating Class" on May 10, 2019, where she portrayed Kang Ji-young. This marked her first step into the world of acting, showcasing her versatility beyond her K-pop career. Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she starred in the tvN television series "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," which helped her gain wider recognition.

Jang's acting career continued to flourish with her role as Tae Cho-hee in the SBS drama "Cheer Up" in 2022. This project was significant as it marked her first terrestrial network debut and her first acting role since leaving fromis_9. Her participation in "Cheer Up" demonstrated her commitment to pursuing acting alongside her music career.

The Decision to Leave fromis_9

Contract Expiration Details

On July 28, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that Jang Gyuri would be leaving fromis_9 after her contract expiration. Unlike the other eight members who signed new contracts with PLEDIS in August 2021, Gyuri maintained her original contract with her former agency. Her last promotional activity with fromis_9 was the group's fifth EP "from our Memento Box".

Personal Growth Considerations

Gyuri expressed that the decision came after careful consideration and discussions about the best path for everyone involved. She acknowledged the growth she experienced during her time with fromis_9, stating, "Thanks to you, I was able to constantly try new things and grow".

Message to Fans

In her farewell message, Gyuri thanked fans for their unwavering support and love. She promised to remember each Flover who believed in her and vowed to continue doing her best in her future endeavors. Gyuri also encouraged fans to support fromis_9's future activities, saying, "I will also become a Flover and support fromis_9 with you".

Conclusion: Gyuri's Evolving Artistry

Reflection on Idol Experience

Jang Gyuri's journey as an idol has been marked by growth and challenges. She participated in two survival shows, Idol School and Produce 48, which helped shape her career. During her time with fromis_9, Gyuri's genuine smile and radiant performances left a lasting impression on fans. However, she often felt conflicted, struggling to balance group activities with her acting pursuits.

Focus on Acting Career

Gyuri's transition to acting was not without its challenges. Her first major TV role in "Cheer Up" came with pressure, being her first lead in a terrestrial TV drama after leaving fromis_9. Despite the difficulties, Gyuri found support from her co-stars and learned a great deal from the experience. She expressed enthusiasm for exploring new aspects of acting, including action scenes.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Gyuri is determined to pour her heart into her acting career. She acknowledged the restraints of balancing both idol and acting careers, ultimately deciding to focus solely on acting. While expressing regret for potentially causing difficulties for her former group members, Gyuri remains grateful for their continued support. As she embarks on this new chapter, Gyuri aims to establish herself as a versatile actress, drawing from her diverse background in figure skating, Korean dance, and ballet.