Artist Highlight: LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin

From training to be a professional opera singer to becoming one of LE SSERAFIM’s insanely talented members, Yunjin has been through a lot. Let’s look at her years before becoming an idol and what she has achieved since then. 

Pre-Debut

Growing up in New York, Yunjin trained and performed in opera shows, the most famous of which was when she played Carlotta in the Phantom of the Opera. Her role and performance gained attention when she became a trainee for Pledis Entertainment. Her opera-trained voice is something Yunjin still uses to this day, and while it's shocking, the chilling voice that comes out is just beautiful.

When Yunjin premiered on Lee Mujin’s performance show Lee Mujin Service, she mentioned her struggles growing up Korean in America and how she didn't see a representation of herself in the media. This lack of representation turned into a lack of confidence until she saw BTS win and be recognized at the American Music Awards, which then led her to find her own path and move to Korea to start her journey as an idol.

Yunjin became a trainee for Pledis Entertainment and later became a contestant on Produce 48, the third season of Produce 101, along with her current band members Chaewon and Sakura. Unfortunately, Yunjin ranked No. 26 in the semifinals and was eliminated; however, that didn't stop her fire. Let's look back at a couple of my favorite performances. 

Group Performance: “Into the New World” - Girls’ Generation

Starting off the song with her incredibly gifted vocals truly brought me chills. My favorite thing about Yunjin’s vocals is the flexibility of them and how beautiful they sound in any genre. However, something about her voice singing ballads just sounds so perfect and right. 

1:1 Eye Contact Performance

Being an idol is all about stage presence and bringing your audience in with your charming techniques. The reason as to why this performance is one of my favorites is because Yunjin showed off her charming persona so perfectly. From dancing around to keeping the same smile throughout the video, Yunjin was able to truly engage with the viewers just by smiling.

Yunjin continued training for four years after being eliminated from Produce 48, bringing her to where she is now: a rookie idol that just released her first studio album alongside her band members. 

LE SSERAFIM AND AFTER DEBUT

Yunjin debuted May 2, 2022 under Source Music as part of the now five member group, LE SSERAFIM. The group's concept and overall idea is the act of being fearless, and since debut, Yunjin has shown exactly that. 

Right before debut, concept trailers of each member were released that showcased their personality to their future fanbase. Yunjin’s stuck out to many because she shared her goal of wanting to change the idol industry, and she has found ways to do that in her one year of being a part of it. 

In hopes of changing the idol industry, Yunjin has released many solo songs surrounding the message of self love and a message of not caring what others think. In the one year Yunjin has had to show her true talents, she has released three songs that are all written and produced by her. 

Her first ever solo release came just four months after her first group release. “Raise y_our glass” is a heartfelt song about finding a home in those you love and trust after being torn down by the world and yourself: “I don't know what I'd be doing without you / You love who I am.” The lyrics show compassion and love in a strong friend group, making the music video even more tear jerking. 

Along with “Raise y_our glass,” Yunjin released two other songs in a span of seven months. My favorite thing about Yunjin is her courage to call out those that put her down. In her song “I≠Doll”, Yunjin says she's not a doll to play with and while she might be in the spotlight, she won't let anyone rule her personality. 

I think it's safe to say that with the personality and passion to change the world that Yunjin holds, she's making her way closer to doing it. While we wait for new solo music, FEARNOTs can stream LE SSERAFIM’s new album UNFORGIVEN and all of Yunjin’s solo releases!