Choi Yu-jin

Choi Yu-jin (최유진), known professionally as Yujin, was born August 12, 1996, in Wansan District, Jeonju, South Korea. She is the leader of Kep1er (케플러) and one of the most seasoned performers in the current generation of K-pop, with a career spanning over a decade across two major girl groups. Yujin began her idol journey as a trainee at Cube Entertainment, where she became one of the company’s longest-serving trainees. A creative milestone came early: as a trainee in 2013, she invented the "Gwiyomi Player" gesture that BtoB member Ilhoon later popularized on variety show Weekly Idol, inspiring Hari’s viral song "Gwiyomi Song." She debuted on May 19, 2015, as a member of CLC with the EP First Love, becoming one of the group’s top dancers through genres including belly dance, popping, and house. She graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School in February 2015. After CLC concluded its run in 2022, Yujin entered Mnet’s Girls Planet 999 survival show under Wake One Entertainment, finishing third in the finale to secure her place in the debut lineup of Kep1er. The group launched on January 3, 2022, and Yujin was appointed leader, a role she has held through multiple lineup changes. In March 2026, Seo Youngeun departed, and Kep1er continues promoting as a six-member group: Choi Yu-jin, Shen Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Hikaru, and Huening Bahiyyih. Beyond music, Yujin has built a parallel acting career. She made her screen debut in the 2016 Naver TV web drama Nightmare High and appeared in Her Bucket List (2021). She attended Seoul Fashion Week in February 2025, representing the brand PHENOMENON SEEPER.