Ryujin: More Than Just a Pretty Face – Unveiling the Hidden Depths of ITZY’s All-rounder (2024 Updated)

Who is Ryujin?

Ryujin (류진) is a South Korean female rapper and actress under JYP Entertainment. She is the Main Rapper of the famous girl group ITZY.

Ryujin’s Biography

• Birth name: Shin Ryu Jin (신류진)
• Stage name: Ryujin (류진)
• Basic profile of Ryujin:
• English name: Joanne Shin
• Position: Main Rapper, Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Center
• Birthday: April 17, 2001
• Zodiac sign: Aries
• Height: 164 cm (5’4’’)
• Weight: 49 kg (108 lbs)
• Blood type: B
• SNS: iamfinethankyouandryu

More Information

Ryujin was scouted by JYP Entertainment during a Fansign event of the boy group GOT7. She also graduated from the dance department at Hanlim Arts School. Additionally, she participated in survival programs such as “Mix Nine” and “Stray Kids” in 2017. Ryujin has also ventured into acting, appearing in the drama “The King” in 2017, and she participated in BTS’s “Highlight Reel” as a pair with J-Hope and Jimin.

Ryujin’s career journey and famous songs, MVs

Before debuting with the group Itzy

Ryujin auditioned for the survival program “Mixnine” in October 2017. After passing, she participated in the show and excellently secured the number 1 position in the female team’s ranking until the final episode. However, she was still eliminated when the male team won against the female team, so she did not debut. Afterwards, Ryujin appeared in the first episode of another survival show called “Stray Kids”. She also played a minor role named Ji-Min in the drama “The King” and appeared in BTS’s MV “Love Yourself Highlight Reel” alongside J-Hope, Jimin, and Yuna.

Ryujin’s debut with the group Itzy from 2019 to present

Ryujin, along with other members including Chaeryeong, Lia, Yeji, and Yuna, was revealed to be a member of JYP Entertainment’s newest girl group called “Itzy” on January 20, 2019. The group officially debuted on February 12, 2019, with their debut single “IT’z Different”. Until July 29, 2019, she and the group made a comeback with the EP “It’z Icy” and the title track “ICY”. Then, on March 9, 2020, she and the group released the EP “IT’z Me” with the title track “WANNABE”. This song is considered significant in building Ryujin’s brand as well as Itzy’s overall brand with its captivating choreography and melody.

Dating news/ Rumors

Ryujin has been caught up into three dating rumors involving male K-pop idols.

NCT Haechan

Her first rumor was with NCT member Haechan, which began in late May, 2022. During a broadcast, Haechan accidentally revealed his iPad screen, showing that he followed only two idol groups: NCT and Itzy. His expression also hinted suspicion when the screen was accidentally exposed, adding to the speculation. Additionally, many netizens noticed hints of their relationship, such as using matching items like phone cases, watches, and headphones.

Furthermore, when Ryujin danced to “Kick It,” she chose to cover Haechan’s part. Haechan was also spotted at Tiffany jewelry store, and afterward, Ryujin was seen wearing a necklace from the brand.

VICTON Byungchan

Ryujin’s second dating rumor was with VICTON member Byungchan, as he voluntarily revealed his second private Instagram account, which only followed the hashtag #Ryujin. Although Byungchan might simply be a fan of Ryujin, many fans speculated that he had feelings for her, sparking dating rumors between them.

TXT Beomgyu

Finally, the most prominent dating rumor involved Ryujin and TXT member Beomgyu. This pair was strongly supported by many fans, especially those of the fourth-generation groups TXT and Itzy. On YouTube, numerous videos analyzed hints between Ryujin and Beomgyu, with fans noting Beomgyu’s frequent glances at Ryujin during events. Moreover, Korean online forums were filled with posts suggesting that TXT members were fond of Ryujin. Many Korean netizens even commented that even if not for dating rumors, it was clear that Ryujin was popular among male K-pop idols based on their comments.

Scandals/ Controversies

Considered to have a rift with Chaeryeong

ITZY had the opportunity to reveal their favorite items through an interview with W KOREA published on the magazine’s YouTube channel.

In the show, Chaeryeong shared her experience with acupuncture. Despite Chaeryeong’s helpful sharing, it was Ryujin’s gaze that caught the attention of netizens.

This action sparked various reactions. Some netizens expressed negative opinions, saying, “This gaze makes everyone feel terrible.” Furthermore, this wasn’t the first time Ryujin had caused controversy with her gaze, so many people understood that it was her idol habit rather than hostility or malice. However, this is still not a good habit.

Fun Facts

• Ryujin raises two cats named Byul and Dal.
• She is considered the most tomboyish among the members of the group Itzy.
• She also enjoys spicy and salty flavors.
• Ryujin and her group mate Yuna share the same last name.
• Her hobbies include watching movies, with her favorite being “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and taking photos.
• She is considered the smartest among the members of the group Itzy.
• Ryujin enjoys reading Webtoons and watching variety shows.
• She once won first place in long jump at school.
• She is proficient in English.
• Ryujin’s English name is Joanne Shin.
• Her favorite foods include cereal, spicy food, mocha cake, red beans, meat, sashimi, sweet potatoes, but she can’t eat too many sweet foods.
• She is close to Jiu from Dreamcatcher, Bella from ELRIS, Heejin and Hyunjin from LOONA.
• Her ideal role model is Lee Hyori.
• If Ryujin could be reincarnated as an animal, she would want to be a tiger.