Lee Joo-yeon (이주연)
Lee Joo-yeon Lee Joo-yeon lee joo yeon BVLGARI

Lee Joo-yeon (이주연)

Lee Joo-yeon (이주연)
  • Korean Name:Lee Joo-yeon (이주연)
  • Birthday:March 19, 1987
  • Nationality:South Korean
  • Zodiac Sign:Pisces
  • Height:168 cm
  • Weight:~45 kg
  • Blood Type:AB
  • Occupation:Actress, Former Idol
  • Years Active:2006–present
  • Agency:C-JeS Entertainment (as of 2021)
  • Education:Dongduk Women's University – Broadcasting and Entertainment
  • SNS:@jupppal

Biography

Lee Joo-yeon rose to online fame in the early 2000s as one of Korea’s top ulzzangs, winning first place in a Daum ulzzang poll. Her visuals quickly gained widespread popularity, laying the foundation for her entry into the entertainment industry.

Career

Before her idol debut, Lee Joo-yeon was widely known as one of Korea’s “Top 5 Ulzzangs” alongside Goo Hye-sun and Park Han-byul. She gained massive popularity online through a Daum ulzzang poll, where she ranked first, solidifying her status as a visual icon even before entering the mainstream entertainment industry. She made her entertainment debut in 2006, appearing in Tony Ahn’s music video and later featured in variety shows like Shin So’s Human Theater in 2008.

Joo-yeon debuted as an original member of After School in January 2009 under Pledis Entertainment. As the group’s sub-vocalist and visual, she stood out with her striking looks and stage presence. Although she received mixed reviews for her dancing and acting, she remained a popular member, known for her efforts and distinct styling — such as the Mickey Mouse headband in Diva and elegant visuals during Flashback.

lee joo yeon

She participated in several notable After School performances, including complex routines in Bang!, Let’s Step Up, and First Love, where she impressed with her pole dance skills. Despite having fewer vocal lines, she added value with performance visuals and contributed to After School’s identity. Joo-yeon graduated from the group on December 31, 2014, ending a 6-year idol career.

After leaving After School, she signed with Better ENT in January 2015 to pursue acting full-time. She later joined Mystic Entertainment in 2018 and C-JeS Entertainment in 2021.

Dating Rumors with G-Dragon

Lee Joo-yeon was embroiled in multiple dating rumors with BIGBANG’s G-Dragon between 2017 and 2018. Several photos and videos surfaced online showing them together in various private settings, including a selfie video and an alleged trip to Jeju Island. Despite strong fan speculation and media buzz, both artists’ agencies consistently denied the rumors, stating they were simply “close friends.”

G Dragon Lee Joo Yeon

While the rumors generated significant public attention, neither Joo-yeon nor G-Dragon publicly confirmed a romantic relationship. The topic has since faded, but it remains one of the most widely discussed aspects of her post-idol public image.

Fun Facts

  1. She is fluent in both Korean and Japanese.
  2. Before her idol debut, she was known as an ulzzang (popular internet beauty).
  3. She studied at Dongduk Women’s University.
  4. Joo-yeon and Jung Ah were the only members who participated in all of After School’s promotional activities from debut.
  5. Following her graduation from After School, she joined Better ENT to focus on acting.
  6. In 2018, she ended her contract with Better ENT and signed with Mystic Entertainment.
  7. On November 21, 2011, she was hospitalized due to acute nephritis but returned to group schedules after being discharged on November 29.
  8. In early 2018, she was at the center of widespread dating rumors involving BIGBANG’s G-Dragon.
  9. She was clumsy at farm work, physically weak, and couldn’t even catch a chicken, which led Kim Shin-young to treat her like excess baggage, giving her the nickname “Baggage Joo-yeon.”
  10. She has a hobby of collecting hats—over 100 of them—and also loves taking selfies.
  11. She reportedly takes the most bathroom breaks during practice.
  12. She once uploaded a selfie to Twitter after losing money at a U.S. casino, which sparked controversy.
  13. She reportedly owns a Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.
  14. On the September 2, 2018 episode of Running Man, she revealed that she’s close friends with Jeon So-min from college and said she’s just as eccentric.
  15. She starred in the music video for Taegoon’s song “Fooled Me” with Taegoon himself.