The pop universe was left agog when Choi Yena, the effervescent starlet of K-pop fame, underwent a startling reinvention, leaving her fans and even her own sibling bewildered.
The Rise of Choi Yena
First appearing on the global stage in 2018 via Mnet's reality audition show "Produce 48," Yena established herself as a fan favorite and ranked fourth overall.
Her vibrant persona and artistic flair were manifestly palpable when she graced the stage.
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Post "Produce 48," she found her place among the musical constellation as a member of IZ*ONE, where she radiated a distinct charm, embracing roles as the main rapper, lead vocalist, and lead dancer.
Following the band's disbandment, Yena embarked on a solo journey in 2022, garnering applause and adoration for her energetic and lively track, "Smiley," featuring BIBI.
Shedding The Old, Embracing The New
Famous for her upbeat, youthful style featuring colorful clothes and playful hairstyles, Yena took her fans by surprise on June 18.
She shared photos on Instagram that showed her in a drastically different light - sporting intense, smoky eye makeup, messy hair, and a deeper, serious expression.
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In an unexpected twist, her bold makeover also extended to her teeth, now adorned with sparkling jewels.
The unique array of silver gems, a pink heart, and the word "hate" turned her smile into a symbol of her daring new image.
Ripples in The Fan Community
Yena's sudden change was quickly noticed by her fans, causing quite a stir. Her brother, Choi Sung Min - a well-known actor and former SPEED member - also showed his surprise, expressing it with a comment that only a close sibling could make.
"Who hurt you?"
This comment by Sung Min sparked a flurry of responses from Yena's fans. Some found humor in the brother's shock, seeing it as typical sibling banter.
Others were thrilled by Yena's new look, seeing this as the beginning of a refreshing "sweet girl turns edgy" phase.
One particular fan's jesting remark stood out: "Hey, Yena, we're supposed to brush our teeth every day, right? Is looking good all that matters to you?"
This light-hearted comment captured the surprise that many fans felt while still showing support for Yena's new path.
What's Next for Choi Yena?
While Yena's dramatic transformation has left the world startled, her professional journey continues unfazed.
She currently stars in the reality show "HMLYCP," sharing the screen with prominent names like Lee Hyeri of Girls Day, Miyeon of (G)I-DLE, dancer LEEJUNG, Kim Chaewon of LE SSERAFIM, and TV personality Patricia Yiombi.
Moreover, Yena is slated to drop her second single album, "HATE XX," on June 27. Adding more to the excitement, her Japanese debut single, "SMILEY-Japanese Ver. (Feat Chanmina)" is scheduled for release on August 9, making her followers worldwide eagerly anticipate her next move.
