Yuna: The Multi-Talented Force of ITZY and Beyond
From her early days as a competitive floorball athlete to becoming a global K-pop sensation, Shin Yu-na—known professionally as Yuna—has demonstrated a remarkable trajectory in the entertainment industry. As a prominent member of the JYP Entertainment girl group ITZY, Yuna has carved out a unique space for herself through her skills as a singer, dancer, rapper, and increasingly, an actress.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Shin Yu-na (신유나)
- Birth Date: December 9, 2003
- Origin: Suwon, South Korea
- Group Affiliation: ITZY (since 2019)
- Solo Debut: Ice Cream (March 2026)
- Acting Debut: Undercover Miss Hong (2026)
Early Life and Discovery
Born in Suwon, South Korea, Yuna's journey to stardom was preceded by an athletic background. During middle school, she was a competitive athlete, representing Gyeonggi in national-level floorball tournaments. Her path shifted in 2016 when a casting agent from JYP Entertainment discovered her at a music festival.
Following her successful audition, she trained under the agency and attended the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in February 2022. Her pre-debut years included appearances in content for Stray Kids and BTS, providing an early glimpse of her potential before her official group debut.
Musical Career and ITZY
Yuna officially debuted in February 2019 with ITZY's single album, It'z Different, featuring the hit lead single "Dalla Dalla." Her impact was immediate; just one month after debut, she secured second place in the Korean Business Research Institute's brand reputation ranking for individual girl group members.
Solo Highlights and Performances
Throughout her career with ITZY, Yuna has gained recognition for her standout solo performances at major award shows. Notable moments include:
- 2022 KBS Song Festival: A highly viewed cover of Lee Hyori's "U-Go-Girl."
- 2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon: A praised cover of Jennie's "You & Me."
- 2024 MBC Music Festival: A collaborative performance of "Pocket Locket" alongside Karina (Aespa) and Sullyoon (Nmixx), a trio fans nicknamed "Jang-Ka-Sull-Yu."
In December 2023, she also released the solo track "Yet, but" as part of ITZY's eighth EP, Born to Be.
Expansion into Acting and Solo Artistry
As 2025 approached, Yuna began transitioning into new creative territories. In July 2025, she was cast in the tvN retro office drama Undercover Miss Hong, where she plays Hong Jang-mi, the spirited sister of the protagonist. She further expanded her acting portfolio with a role in the romance drama My Bias, My Boss.
Her musical evolution reached a milestone on March 23, 2026, with the release of her debut solo extended play (EP), Ice Cream. The EP and its title track have since seen significant success on various music charts, including the Circle Digital Chart.
Fashion and Global Ambassadorship
Beyond music and acting, Yuna has become a significant figure in the fashion world. Her influence spans from attending Paris Fashion Week for Ganni to serving as a muse for brands like Naming and Dynafit. In March 2026, she reached a new professional peak by being named the global ambassador for Infinix Mobile.
Summary of Career Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee | Training |
| 2019 | Official debut with ITZY | Music |
| 2024 | Attended Paris Fashion Week (Ganni) | Fashion |
| 2026 | Acting debut in Undercover Miss Hong | Acting |
| 2026 | Released solo EP Ice Cream | Music |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Yuna's first acting role?
Yuna made her acting debut in the 2026 tvN drama Undercover Miss Hong, portraying the character Hong Jang-mi.
Is Yuna a solo artist?
While she is primarily known as a member of the group ITZY, she released her first solo EP, Ice Cream, in March 2026.
What did Yuna do before becoming a K-pop idol?
Before her idol career, Yuna was a competitive floorball player representing Gyeonggi at the national level during middle school.
Which fashion brands has Yuna worked with?
Yuna has been associated with several brands, including Ganni, MLB, Naming, Dynafit, Coach, and Infinix Mobile.
What is "Jang-Ka-Sull-Yu"?
"Jang-Ka-Sull-Yu" is a fan-given nickname for a visual trio consisting of Jang Won-young, Karina (Aespa), Sullyoon (Nmixx), and Yuna, following their collaborative performance at the 2024 MBC Music Festival.