If you're even a little into K-Pop, you know Yeji is the absolute powerhouse leader and main dancer of ITZY, one of JYP Entertainment's most iconic groups. Fast forward to 2025, and her career is this perfect blend of dominating the stage with her team and fearlessly stepping out on her own. She’s managed to balance being the heart of ITZY with building a solo career that’s entirely her vibe, and it’s been incredible to watch.

From Jeonju to JYP

Yeji’s story starts in Seoul but really took root in Jeonju, where she grew up. She wasn’t just a kid who liked to dance–she was that kid, the one who lived and breathed it. She joined a local dance crew in elementary school, and you can just tell that’s where she built that foundation of passion and discipline. The big break came in 2015 when she auditioned for JYP Entertainment. Picture a young Yeji, pouring all her energy into a performance of TWICE’s then-brand-new hit, “LIKE OOH-AHH.”

Her trainee years weren't spent entirely in the shadows, either. She built up a buzz by performing in JYP's trainee showcases, where fans first got glimpses of that legendary stage presence. She even popped up on TV, most notably on the competitive show The Fan in 2018. Even though she was eliminated before the finale, the show introduced her to a wider audience who immediately dubbed her “JYP’s secret weapon.” It was a sneak peek of the star she was about to become.

Blowing Up with ITZY

Then came February 12, 2019, the day Yeji officially debuted as the leader of ITZY with their explosive single, “Dalla Dalla.” The group erupted onto the scene. With their message of self-love, fierce youthful energy, and choreography so sharp it could cut you, ITZY quickly carved out their own space in the industry. A massive part of that group identity comes straight from Yeji. Her leadership commands attention; it's steady and confident, guiding the group with a quiet poise that's seriously impressive for someone so young. Her powerful dance skills and distinctive vocals have been integral to every one of ITZY’s hits, all the way through their successful releases in 2024 and 2025.

Stepping into the Solo Spotlight

This is where things got really exciting for fans. In March of 2025, Yeji took her biggest solo step yet with her debut EP, Air. The lead single, also called “Air,” is about that transcendent feeling she gets on stage, like she's in her element and nothing else matters. She even co-wrote the lyrics, making the whole project feel specific to her.

The sound of “Air” is a fantastic mix of styles that show off her versatility. The title track is this energetic synth-pop banger with heavy basslines, but the EP takes you on a journey. There’s “Invasion” with its cool, island-inspired rhythms, “Can’t Slow Me, No” which makes you want to dance to its Latin vibe, and “258,” an uplifting EDM track that highlights her vocals. The release was a huge event, packed with stunning concept photos and teasers that drove fans wild. It paid off, too. The EP shot up to No. 3 on the charts and even scored a Platinum certification, proving that the "secret weapon" could absolutely shine on her own.

Juggling It All

What’s maybe most impressive is how she never took her foot off the gas with ITZY. While gearing up for her solo debut, she was still fully involved in the group’s 2024 EP, Born To Be, which even featured her own solo track, “Crown On My Head.” She also showed off her vocal colors by singing “Think About You,” an OST for the rom-com drama Love Your Enemy.

In 2025, she graced major festivals, including a highlight solo spot at Japan’s huge A-Nation festival in August. Watching her command a massive stage alone, with the same charisma she brings to ITZY, was a powerful reminder of her star quality and international appeal.

The Performer, The Artist, and The Leader

Beyond the killer moves and catchy songs, Yeji’s true impact lies in her role as a leader and a mentor. She’s often cited as the emotional core of ITZY, the one who keeps everyone grounded. She’s also started to share that experience, stepping into a mentorship role on the survival show Universe Ticket alongside her fellow ITZY members. Her performance is a powerful combination of a commanding voice, obsessively precise dance execution, and a fearless approach to fashion and music.

Yeji has solidified herself as a dual threat: a cornerstone of ITZY's lasting global success and a compelling solo artist in her own right. Juggling the responsibilities of leadership with her own creative ambitions, Yeji perfectly embodies the multifaceted potential of modern K-pop idols. As ITZY continues their journey, all eyes are on Yeji to see how she’ll continue to shape the sound and future of the industry. One thing's for sure: she's just getting started.

Check Out These Tracks

“Invasion”
“WANNABE” by ITZY
“258”
“Not Shy” by ITZY
“SWIPE” by ITZY

Edited by Pranjal Ghosh

Yeji: How ITZY's Leader Conquered the Stage