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Choi Yena after IZ*ONE’s disbandment: sponsorship rumors, flourishing visuals

Once a member of famous Kpop girl group IZ*ONE, how has Choi Yena been faring these days?

After IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021, the member Choi Yena has been working hard to establish her career as a soloist. However, the female idol ended up stumbling into quite a number of controversies and hasn’t managed to shine. 

Choi Yena

Yena, whose full name is Choi Yena, was born in 1999 in Gangdong, Korea. She used to work under Polaris Entertainment and promoted as a member of IZ*ONE before the group disbanded in 2021. 

Choi Yena
Yena is a talented member of the famous Kpop group IZ*ONE.
Choi Yena
The female idol attracted a lot of attention while in the group.

Since her appearance in the Mnet survival show “Produce 48”, Choi Yena has stood out with her talents and visuals. In IZ*ONE, she showed capabilities in every skill, and is the group’s main rapper, lead vocal, and lead dancer. However, despite all of these qualities, the female idol was not lucky on her career path, and was embroiled in scandals after IZ*ONE disbandment. 

Choi Yena
Yena looked pretty when she was young. 
Choi Yena
But it was not until “Produce 48” that her visuals truly flourished. 

In particular, controversies broke out after an SBS news section revealed a relationship between the rich businessman Lee Jae Hwan – CEO of CJ corporation, and a famous female Kpop idol. Netizens then started to point out “clues” that Yena was the idol in question. 

In particular, after IZ*ONe, Yena started to participate in variety shows like “Prison Life of Fools”, “Fireworks Handsome”, and many more – all of which were produced by the broadcasting station tvN, a subsidiary of CJ ENM. 

Choi Yena
Yena’s participation in famous shows and huge number of activities drew suspicions. 

Netizens also added that Yena was even given her own show called “Yena’s Animal Detective”, also produced by tvN. The huge number of opportunities offered to an idol from a disbanded group were simply too suspicious, people claimed. 

Choi Yena
Yena in her own show. 

However, the agency of Yena quickly refuted all the malicious rumors and affirmed that Yena had no relationship to the rich. Fans of the idol also rose to her defense, and thus Yena managed to clear her name in the public’s eyes. 

Choi Yena
Disregarding sponsorship scandals, Yena continued forth with her idol activities. 

Yena also did not join the girl group EVERGLOW like initially assumed, but rather debuted as a soloist. In January, she released her solo song “Smiley”, where she both wrote the lyrics and composed parts of the song. 

Choi Yena
Yena participated in the production of her solo albums. 

While the debut track wasn’t a big hit, it still managed to earn Yena certain achievements. The idol also had her first win on a music show, something that may take years for other Kpop idols to accomplish. 

Choi Yena
While not a hit, Yena’s solo debut did attract some attention. 
Choi Yena
Choi Yena
The idol also managed to earn her first music show win as a solo artist. 
Choi Yena
Yena was named the Most Influential Female Soloist at the 2022 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards. 

Alongside idol activities, Yena also tried her hand at acting via the second season of web-drama “The World of My 17”. The series was not too successful, but Yena’s acting abilities was praised by many audiences. 

Choi Yena
Yena proved her acting abilities via her first web-drama. 

It can be seen that Yena still hasn’t managed to shine in the entertainment industry, however, her visuals have been flourishing. As a soloist, she has changed her makeup style and used double eyelid tape to amplify her eyes. The new black hair also suit her better than previous brighter colors. 

Choi Yena
Yena’s visuals were not remarkable while she was in IZ*ONE. 
Choi Yena
But her beauty stood out as a soloist. 

Another thing about Yena that drew attention from netizens is her difficult past. It was revealed that Yena was diagnosed with lymphoma as a child, and her parents had to sell kimbap to earn money for her treatment. The idol openly expressed her appreciation towards her parents, and thanked them for creating the strong and determined Yena of today. 

Choi Yena
Yena used to be fatally illed as a child.
Choi Yena
Her stage presence is getting stronger over time. 
Choi Yena
While her visuals are flourishing.
Choi Yena
Yena remains in close contact with IZ*ONE member, especially with IVE’s Jang Wonyoung.

Since the disband of IZ*ONE, Choi Yena has been working hard as a solo artist, but has also struggled from false sponsorship rumors. Hopefully, the idol will be able to truly shine just like her old group members. 

Source: Yan

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