Juniel, the first female soloist launched by FNC Entertainment, rose into popularity with her hit track, "Illa Illa." Nine years after her debut, what happened to the star's career and what is she currently up to?
2012 - 2016: Juniel Debut in Korea, Success with 'Illa Illa' and Departure from FNC Entertainment
Choi Jun Hee, popularly known as Juniel, debuted in Korea in 2012 under FNC Entertainment with her first EP, "My First June," which contains her Korean debut track, "Illa Illa."
As soon as it was released, music fans immediately fell in love with her versatility and music range, and the success of "Illa Illa" become even more evident after it was selected as one of the OSTs for the hit drama "A Gentleman's Dignity" aired on the same day.
In November, the female soloist made a speedy comeback with her second EP, "1&1," and cemented her popularity as the album immediately rose to No. 4 on Gaon Chart, while its title track, "Bad Man," debuted at the Billboard Korea's "K-pop Hot 100" at fourth as well.
With her vocals and songwriting skills, Juniel took home the "Rookie of the Year" award at the 2013's "Golden Disc Awards."
Since then, she released more albums that comprised her self-composed tracks which also became a hit such as, "Love You More than Ever," (feat. Hanhae), "Love Falls," and "Sorry."
However, with the lack of promotion and release, Juniel decided to part ways with FNC Entertainment in 2016.
2016 - 2020: Juniel Found New Nest with C9 Entertainment, Debut with Musical Duo, 'Poetic Narrator' + Changed Her Name to Seo Ah
Shortly after her withdrawal from FNC Entertainment, Juniel revealed her new nest to pursue her music and activities, which is C9 Entertainment, home to Younha, CIX, Doko, Cignature and EPEX.
ALSO READ: Juniel Joins C9 Entertainment After Leaving FNC
In 2017, Juniel released her first EP under her new agency, "Ordinary Things" introducing new songs, "Last Carnival" and "I Drink Alone."
In 2020, C9 Entertainment announced the launch of their new musical due named Poetic Narrator, comprised of Juniel and producer Doko. While promoting with the duo, Juniel also confirmed that she will be using her given name, Seo Ah.
In January that year, the duo kicked off with their mini-album, "Poetic License."
2021: Juniel Celebrates 9th Debut Anniversary: What is She Currently Up To?
Loved as "Junie," Juniel's songs and releases were continuously loved by K-pop enthusiasts around the world.
However, after her last release in 2020, Juniel rarely had a solo track aside from featuring songs. Amid the pandemic where the music industry held offline stages, the singer also went into hiatus.
Despite this, Juniel attests she's doing well, with her occasional posts on Instagram.
"It's been a while. I'm living well. Since I don't go out these days, I haven't been able to post, because I don't take a lot of pictures. Please, stay healthy and happy," Juniel said on her March update.
Despite hiatus, she also celebrated her ninth debut anniversary with fans with her latest post and said, "It's already been 9 years since my debut. Thank you for always supporting me," Juniel wrote along with her photo.
READ MORE: From Being a K-pop Idol to Voice Actress of Jett in 'Valorant,' Where is Shannon Williams Now?
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson
