The Real Youngeun: Exclusive Facts About Kep1er's Main Dancer

Youngeun captivated K-pop fans with her powerful dance skills and magnetic smile when she debuted as a member of Kep1er on January 3, 2022. Before securing her spot in the final lineup, she participated in the Mnet survival show Girls Planet 999, where her journey began with a K10 ranking.

Initially known for her specialty in boy group and hip-hop dances, Seo Youngeun worked diligently throughout the competition to improve her standing. Eventually, she placed 5th in the finals with an impressive 781,651 points, successfully earning her position in Kep1er. After debuting with the group's first mini-album 'First Impact', she has continued to showcase her talents while signed to Biscuit Entertainment.

Youngeun’s Basic Profile

For fans exploring the K-pop world, understanding an idol's profile serves as the first step toward connecting with their journey. Seo Youngeun, often simply called Youngeun, presents a fascinating profile that reveals much about her background and personality.

Full name, stage name, and age

Born as Seo Youngeun (서영은 in Korean), this talented performer maintains her birth name as her stage name in the entertainment industry. This choice reflects her authentic approach to her career in K-pop. Furthermore, her English name is Sophia, which she occasionally uses during international appearances and when interacting with global fans.

Youngeun was born in 2004, making her relatively young compared to some industry veterans, yet her skills suggest experience beyond her years. At the time of Kep1er's debut in January 2022, she was just 17 years old (international age) and 18 years old by Korean age calculation, which counts a person as one year old at birth and adds a year each New Year's Day.

Her youthful energy contributes significantly to Kep1er's dynamic performances, particularly during their high-energy dance breaks where her expertise shines through.

Birthday, zodiac, and MBTI

Youngeun celebrates her birthday on December 27, 2004. Being born in late December places her under the Capricorn zodiac sign, which is often associated with determination, discipline, and practicality—traits that align well with her focused approach to performance and training.

Regarding her personality type, Youngeun identifies with the ENFP Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This personality type, known as "The Champion" or "The Inspirer," characterizes individuals who are typically enthusiastic, creative, and people-oriented. Nevertheless, she has mentioned that her MBTI has evolved over time, reflecting her growth and changing perspective as she navigates the demands of idol life.

The ENFP traits match her energetic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences through expressive performances. These characteristics also help explain her adaptability across various dance styles and concepts.

Height, blood type, and nationality

Standing approximately 167 cm (around 5'6"), Youngeun possesses an ideal height for a dancer, giving her the perfect proportions for both elegant and powerful movements. This stature allows her to maintain strong visibility in group choreographies while executing her signature sharp dance moves.

In Korean culture, blood type is often considered an indicator of personality traits. Youngeun has type A blood, which in pop culture is associated with characteristics like being organized, responsible, and detail-oriented—qualities that certainly benefit a main dancer who must master intricate choreographies.

As for her nationality, Youngeun is South Korean, born and raised in her home country where she developed her passion for dance and performance arts. Prior to joining Kep1er, she trained at ModernK Academy, which helped refine her dance skills and prepared her for the competitive world of K-pop.

Throughout her pre-debut years in South Korea, she worked diligently to develop the versatile performance style that would eventually capture attention during Girls Planet 999 and secure her position in Kep1er.

Altogether, these basic profile elements provide insight into the foundations that shape Youngeun's approach to her art and career in the competitive world of K-pop.

Her Journey Before Kep1er

Long before stepping into the spotlight with Kep1er, Seo Youngeun was nurturing her passion for performance arts in South Korea. Her pre-debut story reveals the foundation that shaped her into the dynamic performer fans know today.

Early life and education

Born into a family with two older sisters, Youngeun grew up as the youngest of three daughters. This family dynamic likely contributed to her outgoing personality that would later captivate viewers on Girls Planet 999. Her childhood experiences laid the groundwork for her future artistic endeavors.

Specifically, one pivotal moment sparked Youngeun's dream of becoming an idol. During a family trip to an amusement park, she happened to witness Epik High performing live. In what became a treasured memory, one of the members carried her on their shoulders during the performance. This magical encounter became the motivation behind her pursuit of an idol career.

Regarding her formal education, Youngeun attended Howon High School, balancing academic responsibilities with her growing interest in dance. Her educational journey ran parallel to her developing artistic skills, as she began to focus more intensely on performance training during her adolescent years.

Dance training and ModernK Academy

Youngeun's formal training journey began surprisingly early. According to information revealed in Girls Planet 999, she had been a trainee for approximately 2 years and 4 months at the time of the show's first episode. This timeline indicates she started training around her third year of middle school, demonstrating her early commitment to pursuing a performance career.

ModernK Music Academy played a crucial role in Youngeun's development as an artist. This specialized institution, which focuses on practical music and performance skills, provided the technical foundation for her dance abilities. Interestingly, videos of her past dance performances were uploaded on the ModernK Practical Music Academy's channels, showcasing her evolving skills.

Throughout her time at ModernK, Youngeun initially focused primarily on dance. Yet, her journey would take an unexpected turn. Despite entering the training world as a dancer, she would later impress audiences and judges on Girls Planet 999 with her vocal abilities, ultimately debuting as a main vocalist in Kep1er. This versatility highlights her adaptability as a performer.

Backup dancer experience

In addition to her formal training, Youngeun gained valuable industry experience by working as a backup dancer—an opportunity that provided firsthand exposure to the demands of professional performances. This practical application of her dance skills allowed her to understand stage dynamics from behind the scenes.

Notably, she served as a backup dancer for two distinct acts: DreamNote, a girl group under Dream Star Entertainment, and Lee Sejin, a former contestant on Produce X 101. These experiences undoubtedly contributed to her stage presence, allowing her to observe and learn from established performers while honing her own skills.

The backup dancer role represents a challenging yet educational position in the K-pop industry. As experienced dancers have noted, this work demands physical endurance, adaptation to various choreographic styles, and the ability to perform consistently with minimal breaks. For Youngeun, these experiences likely strengthened both her technical abilities and her resilience—qualities that would serve her well during the competitive environment of Girls Planet 999.

Following these formative years of training and experience, Youngeun ultimately joined Biscuit Entertainment, the company from which she would later participate in Girls Planet 999, setting her on the path to becoming part of Kep1er.

Girls Planet 999 Highlights

Youngeun's journey on Mnet's survival show transformed her from a talented trainee to a K-pop idol. The show, which aired from August 6 to October 22, 2021, brought together 99 contestants from Korea, Japan, and China to compete for spots in a multinational girl group.

Initial ranking and performances

In July 2021, Youngeun was confirmed as a contestant on Girls Planet 999, representing the K-Group under Biscuit Entertainment. Her initial evaluation for the signal song "O.O.O (Over&Over&Over)" placed her at K10 rank. However, Youngeun quickly made her mark with her debut performance.

For her Planet Demo Stage, she boldly tackled NCT 127's "Kick It" alongside fellow contestant Yoon Jia, forming a duo called "Hot Sauce." This performance received enthusiastic reactions from both the judges and her fellow contestants, immediately establishing her as a force to be reckoned with. As a result of this impressive showing, she was ranked 6th by the jury in episode 2, becoming a Top 9 candidate early in the competition.

Key missions and team wins

Throughout the competition, Youngeun demonstrated remarkable versatility across multiple mission stages:

Connect Mission: She performed BLACKPINK's "How You Like That" with Team 1 "Plan Girls," securing a victory that boosted her standing in the competition. During this phase, she formed a cell named "yxy" with Shen Xiaoting and Kawaguchi Yurina.

Moreover, she participated in Team 3 for the O.O.O Mission, where she received a personal benefit that helped secure her journey to the finale.

Final ranking and debut

Youngeun's trajectory throughout the show reflected her growing popularity:

Episode 5 - Individual Voting Results: K04
Episode 8 - Individual Voting Results: K05
Episode 9 - Interim Results: P12 (K05)
Episode 11 - Planet TOP 9: P9

On October 22, 2021, during the nail-biting finale, Youngeun secured 5th place overall with 781,657 points from voters, earning her spot in the nine-member lineup of Kep1er. At just 16 years old, she successfully debuted alongside eight other finalists: Kim Chaehyun (1st), Huening Bahiyyih (2nd), Choi Yujin (3rd), Kim Dayeon (4th), Kang Yeseo (6th), Ezaki Hikaru (7th), Sakamoto Mashiro (8th), and Shen Xiaoting (9th).

Her finale ranking was particularly impressive considering she was the only contestant who performed NCT 127's "Kick It" to make it into the final lineup. Subsequently, the newly formed Kep1er was announced to debut in December 2021, though their debut was ultimately postponed to January 2022 due to COVID-19 concerns.

Youngeun's journey through Girls Planet 999 perfectly illustrated her growth from a trainee known primarily for dance to a multifaceted performer recognized for both her powerful dance skills and impressive vocal abilities.

Youngeun’s Role in Kep1er

Since debuting with Kep1er, Seo Youngeun has established herself as a cornerstone of the group's identity through her distinctive talents and energetic performances. Her multifaceted contributions have helped shape Kep1er's image in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Main dancer and vocalist

First and foremost, Youngeun holds the crucial dual position of main dancer and lead vocalist in Kep1er. This combination of roles is relatively uncommon in K-pop groups, where members typically specialize in either performance or vocal abilities. Her capability to excel in both areas demonstrates her exceptional versatility as a performer.

In essence, Youngeun's dance style incorporates sharp movements and powerful energy, particularly showcasing her expertise in hip-hop and boy group choreographies. This background allows her to tackle challenging dance breaks with precision, often becoming a focal point during Kep1er's more dynamic performances.

Vocally, she possesses a distinctive tone that adds depth to Kep1er's songs. Her singing style balances technical control with emotional expression, enabling her to handle both powerful chorus sections and more nuanced verses. This vocal flexibility complements her dance skills, allowing her to maintain stable vocals even during physically demanding choreography.

Sub-unit participation

Within Kep1er's promotional activities, Youngeun has been featured in several special stages and unit performances that highlight her adaptability. For variety shows and special events, she frequently participates in dance-focused units that showcase her technical prowess.

Of course, her participation in these smaller group formations allows fans to appreciate her individual talents more clearly than in full-group performances. These unit activities serve as opportunities for Youngeun to demonstrate her personal artistic color beyond the established Kep1er concept.

Her involvement in these sub-units reflects the company's recognition of her versatility as a performer who can adapt to different concepts and performance styles while maintaining her distinctive flair.

Signature stage presence

Perhaps most remarkable about Youngeun is her captivating stage presence that distinguishes her even in a group filled with talented performers. Her facial expressions during performances are frequently praised by fans for their intensity and expressiveness, showing complete immersion in the music.

Indeed, this natural charisma extends beyond choreographed moments—during encore stages and less structured performances, Youngeun often displays a playful energy that contrasts with her powerful performance style. This duality in her stage persona creates a compelling dynamic that draws viewer attention.

Among her signature performance elements are her precise isolations during dance breaks and her ability to seamlessly transition between intense and delicate expressions depending on the music's mood. These qualities have earned her recognition as one of the strongest performers in fourth-generation K-pop groups, with many fans citing her as their "stan attractor"—the member who initially drew them to follow Kep1er.

Meanwhile, her growth as a performer continues to evolve with each comeback, showcasing new facets of her artistry while maintaining the core elements that make her performances distinctly "Youngeun."

Personality and Fun Facts

Beyond her impressive performance skills, Youngeun's multifaceted personality offers fans a glimpse into who she truly is off-stage. Her characteristics and interpersonal dynamics reveal a young woman with depth and charm that extends far beyond her public persona.

MBTI evolution and self-description

Youngeun's personality type has undergone an interesting evolution throughout her career. Initially identifying as an ENTJ during Girls Planet 999, she later shifted to INFP, showing her growth and self-awareness. According to her sister, the ENTJ designation (Te-Ni-Se-Fi) accurately reflected how Youngeun "never talks about her hardship or shows emotions, and often takes a logical approach to solve problems on her own." Her sister noted that she's "very goal-driven" and is considered "the most socially introverted extroverted MBTI."

Interestingly, Youngeun describes herself as an "egg" because she is "hard on the outside and soft on the inside." This metaphor perfectly captures her duality—appearing tough and resilient in performance settings yet harboring a gentler nature underneath. Her positive mindset stands as one of her self-identified strong points, helping her navigate the challenges of idol life.

Nicknames and charming points

Youngeun's most recognizable nickname is "fennec fox," stemming from her striking resemblance to the desert animal, particularly in her expressive eyes. Other members' first impression of her was "Cute and Energetic Hero," which evolved into "A Steadfast and Mature Hero" as they got to know her better.

She believes her most distinctive charming point is her "spicy flavor on stage and mild flavor off-stage." This duality has become her trademark, with Dayeon even choosing Youngeun as the member who differs most between on-stage and off-stage personas. Additional nicknames include "Yeo-eun," "desert fox," and "Youngkee"—the latter originating from copying Hawkeye in an episode of KEPtain Heroes.

Roommate dynamics

Within Kep1er's living arrangements, Youngeun shares accommodations with Dayeon and Hikaru. This trio creates an interesting dynamic, especially considering their personality differences. In an interview with Harper's BAZAAR Korea, Youngeun mentioned she would want Bahiyyih as a roommate because "they will fit well because they are both 'P's (planner types)."

Her roommate relationships reflect her self-admitted perfectionist tendencies. She describes herself as "a neat freak" who "cleans a lot," yet respectfully "won't clean others' space just because their space is messy." This balanced approach to shared living demonstrates her consideration for others' boundaries alongside her preference for order.

Hobbies, Likes, and Dislikes

Diving into Youngeun's personal interests reveals a young idol whose offstage passions complement her vibrant onstage persona. Her hobbies provide fans with insight into the authentic personality behind the polished performances.

Perfume collecting and vlogging

Among Youngeun's most dedicated pursuits is her passion for collecting perfumes and body scents. This isn't just a casual interest—she maintains a substantial collection that showcases her appreciation for fragrance. Interestingly, her preferred brand is Forment, a Korean fragrance company whose signature scents align with her personal taste. The "Cotton Hug" scent from Forment Signature Parfum ranks as her particular favorite.

Alongside perfume collecting, Youngeun enjoys watching vlogs in her spare time. This interest in lifestyle content offers her both entertainment and inspiration. She has even created her own vlogs, giving fans glimpses into her daily life beyond the stage. As evidenced by her "Hanging Out" vlog released through Kep1er's official channels, she naturally transitions between performer and content creator.

Favorite foods and colors

When it comes to her color preferences, Youngeun gravitates toward burgundy and gray as her favorites. These sophisticated choices reflect her mature taste despite her young age.

Regarding cuisine, Youngeun's palate tends toward distinctive flavors. Her top three favorite foods include:

Chicken feet
Tripe (gopchang)
Oxblood

Beyond these favorites, she enjoys dried sweet potato chips, mango shaved ice, and various noodle and pasta dishes. Unlike many of her peers, Youngeun cannot tolerate spicy foods—her spice tolerance is remarkably low, preventing her from even consuming half a packet of Shim Ramyun's spicy flavoring.

Things she avoids

Evidently, Youngeun has clear boundaries regarding things she dislikes. Certain foods simply don't appeal to her palate, including eggplant, salmon, and boiled radish. Concerning non-food aversions, she dislikes spiders and generally avoids wet things.

On a more abstract level, Youngeun has expressed discomfort with emotions like fear and weakness. This aligns with her sister's description of her as someone who "never talks about her hardship or shows emotions."

In practical terms, Youngeun feels anxious around sudden loud noises, being particularly petrified by fireworks and confetti pops. This sensitivity creates an interesting contrast with her bold stage presence, revealing the multifaceted nature of her character.

Unique Talents and Trivia

Beyond her performing prowess, Seo Youngeun possesses several hidden talents and quirky abilities that fascinate fans. These lesser-known aspects of her personality reveal the depth behind Kep1er's charismatic main dancer.

Taekwondo and baseball

Among fourth-generation K-pop idols, Youngeun stands out as arguably the most athletically versatile member. She is skilled in taekwondo, a Korean martial art that requires discipline, focus, and physical coordination. This background likely contributes to her exceptional body control during complex dance routines.

Her athletic abilities extend beyond martial arts to baseball, where she has demonstrated legitimate skill. In fact, Youngeun is probably the most athletically inclined member of Kep1er. Her sports background gives her a distinct advantage when performing hip-hop choreography, enabling her to execute powerful movements with precision and impact. As noted in Cosmopolitan magazine, "she goes hard" during performances, captivating audiences with her intense execution.

Peeling eggs in 4 seconds

Perhaps one of Youngeun's most unusual talents is her ability to peel a boiled egg in just 4 seconds. This seemingly random skill has become a fun talking point among fans. While most people struggle with this mundane task—taking upwards of a minute per egg—Youngeun has somehow mastered this peculiar ability.

The internet is filled with various egg-peeling techniques, from salt-water boiling to ice baths after cooking, but Youngeun's method remains her own unique approach. This quirky skill highlights the playful side of her personality that contrasts with her intense stage presence.

Fennec fox resemblance

Remarkably, fans and Youngeun herself have noted her striking resemblance to a fennec fox. This desert-dwelling animal, known for its distinctive large ears and expressive eyes, shares several facial characteristics with the Kep1er member. The comparison particularly focuses on her eyes, which truly mirror the alert, intelligent gaze of the desert fox.

Beyond physical similarities, this animal comparison extends to her personality traits—fennec foxes are known for being energetic, alert, and adaptable to harsh conditions, mirroring Youngeun's resilient and dynamic nature.

Additionally, Youngeun possesses other unique talents that showcase her versatility. She can impersonate Doraemon without moving her lips, demonstrating ventriloquist-like abilities. Furthermore, according to group evaluations, she has the best aerobic endurance among all Kep1er members, which explains her consistent energy level during extended performances.

These distinctive talents and characteristics add dimension to Youngeun's identity outside her established roles as Kep1er's main dancer and vocalist, giving fans glimpses into the multifaceted person behind the polished idol image.

Health and Hiatus Updates

Throughout her promising career, Youngeun has faced personal and health challenges that temporarily paused her activities with Kep1er. These difficult periods have revealed both her resilience and the strength of her connection with fans.

Father's passing and emotional impact

In March 2023, Youngeun experienced a profound personal loss when her father passed away. Consequently, WAKEONE and Swing Entertainment announced she would temporarily suspend her participation in all scheduled Kep1er activities. At this difficult time, she remained with her family for mutual comfort and support. The agency stated that she planned to hold a quiet funeral attended only by family members and close friends.

This unexpected bereavement required Youngeun to take time away from promotional activities to process her grief. The management companies requested that fans provide "comfort and consideration so that she can have sufficient time to mourn". This marked her first significant hiatus from group activities, underscoring how personal challenges can intersect with professional responsibilities in an idol's life.

2025 health-related hiatus

More recently, on July 15, 2025, Youngeun's agency announced another temporary break from activities, this time due to health concerns. Medical professionals had advised her to "take sufficient rest and stability" after she had been "feeling unwell". Following thorough discussions between Youngeun and her management team, they reached the difficult decision to prioritize her recovery.

The official statement confirmed she would unfortunately miss Kep1er's upcoming comeback activities scheduled for August 2025. Her agency KLAP emphasized that "Young-eun plans to continue her daily life while ensuring adequate stability to show a good appearance to fans". They committed to providing their "utmost support to ensure her recovery" with updates on future activities to be shared as her health improved.

Fan reactions and support

In response to both announcements, Kep1er supporters rallied with overwhelming encouragement. Following news of her health-related hiatus, fans flooded social media platforms with supportive messages emphasizing that her wellbeing should be the primary concern.

Comments across online communities echoed sentiments like "Rest is the right decision," "We'll be waiting—please recover well," and the resounding assertion that "Health always comes first". This outpouring of support demonstrated the strong bond Youngeun has built with fans who genuinely prioritize her personal welfare over their desire for content and performances.

FAQS

Fans frequently ask questions about Youngeun's career and personal life. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries regarding Kep1er's talented main dancer.

Was Youngeun involved in any controversies?

In 2018, Youngeun appeared in a dance cover video of K/DA's "Pop/Stars" when she was around 13-14 years old. The video later resurfaced showing her wearing braided hair with cornrows. Given that cornrows are culturally significant to Black communities, this sparked discussions about cultural appropriation. Her sister subsequently released a statement explaining that Youngeun was young at the time, couldn't style her own hair, and had no intention to disrespect any culture.

Why did Youngeun take a hiatus in 2025?

On July 15, 2025, WakeOne and Swing Entertainment announced Youngeun would temporarily pause activities after medical professionals advised her to take sufficient rest. As a result, she missed Kep1er's August 2025 comeback. The agency promised to support her recovery process entirely, updating fans as her health improved.

What happened with Youngeun's father?

Tragically, Youngeun's father passed away on March 7, 2023. This personal loss led to her temporary withdrawal from group activities as she stayed with family during this difficult time.

How did fans react to Youngeun's health hiatus?

Following the announcement of her 2025 health-related break, fans showed overwhelming support across social media platforms. Messages emphasized that her wellbeing should be the priority, with common sentiments including "Rest is the right decision" and "Health always comes first."

What unique skills does Youngeun possess beyond dancing?

First, she is proficient in taekwondo and baseball. She can also peel eggs in just 4 seconds—a quirky talent that has fascinated fans. Furthermore, she has received training in ballet, contributing to her versatility as a dancer.