The Pulse of K-Entertainment

YENA
ArtistYH Entertainment

YENA

Choi Yena (최예나) emerged from IZ*ONE's 2021 disbandment as one of K-pop's most consistent solo acts. The Seoul-born performer placed fourth on Mnet's Produce 48, debuting with the project group that went on to sell over 4 million albums. Solo since January 2022, she has built a catalog defined by irreverent pop energy and an aesthetic fans and critics have dubbed "Yena-core."

Her debut mini album SMiLEY (January 2022) set the tone: fizzy, confrontational bubblegum pop with a wink. Three more mini albums followed -- x.+. * (2023), HATE XX (2024), and Blooming Wings (July 2025), the last featuring a collaborative cover image with Full Moon o Sagashite manga artist Arina Tanemura and the title track "Being a Good Girl Hurts." On March 11, 2026 she dropped her fifth mini album LOVE CATCHER, the title track "Catch Catch" trading prior cuteness for sleek electro-pop with a chase-and-run concept. It marked her return after eight months.

Parallel to her Korean releases, Yena has built a dedicated Japanese fanbase through consistent domestic activity, including a 2025 concert series titled "Watashi wa STAR!" and the release of two Japanese digital singles: STAR! (feat. Hatsune Miku, November 2025) and NEMONEMO -- Japanese Ver. -- (January 2026). She remains signed to YH Entertainment.

1 articles10 creditsDebut: October 29, 2018South Korean

Gallery

Discography

2026
LOVE CATCHERMini Album
Lead Artist
2025
Blooming WingsMini Album
Lead Artist
2025
LoserCollaboration
Featured ArtistJin
2025
STAR! (feat. Hatsune Miku)Single
Lead Artist
2024
GOOD MORNINGMini Album
Lead Artist
2024
NEMONEMOSingle
Lead Artist
2023
Hate XXSingle
Lead Artist
2023
Love WarSingle
Lead Artist
2022
SMARTPHONEMini Album
Lead Artist
2022
SMiLEYMini Album
Lead Artist

Fans Also Ask

What was YENA's role in IZ*ONE?
Choi Yena placed fourth on Mnet's Produce 48 (2018) and debuted as a vocalist in IZ*ONE. Known for her playful stage presence, she was one of the group's most visible performers. IZ*ONE disbanded in April 2021 after a two-and-a-half year run with over 4 million albums sold.
When did YENA make her solo debut?
YENA made her solo debut on January 17, 2022 with the mini album SMiLEY under YH Entertainment. The debut single "SMILEY" (featuring Bibi) introduced her signature high-energy "Yena-core" aesthetic and became a standout fan favorite.
What is YENA's 2026 comeback LOVE CATCHER?
LOVE CATCHER is YENA's fifth mini album, released March 11, 2026. The title track "Catch Catch" marks a sonic shift toward electro-pop with a chase-themed concept. It was her first Korean comeback in eight months, following Blooming Wings in July 2025.
What is the Blooming Wings album?
Blooming Wings is YENA's fourth mini album, released July 29, 2025. The title track is "Being a Good Girl Hurts." The album's online cover art was created with manga artist Arina Tanemura (Full Moon o Sagashite) and came in Earth and Sky physical versions.
Does YENA have Japanese releases?
Yes. YENA is active in Japan alongside her Korean career. She held the 2025 concert series "Watashi wa STAR!" in Japan and released two Japanese digital singles: STAR! (feat. Hatsune Miku) in November 2025 and NEMONEMO -- Japanese Ver. -- in January 2026.

Latest Articles

YENA Concept Photo for Upcoming Mini Album 'LOVE CATCHER'
K-Pop3 min read

YENA Announces LOVE CATCHER Comeback and First Asia Tour

Former IZ*ONE member YENA drops her fifth mini album with star-studded features from DinDin, Jung Hyung-don, and Paul Kim, plus announces her first solo Asia tour across five cities.

PakMarch 3, 2026
3🔥00