The Comeback That Wasn’t Hers
Imagine watching your old K-pop group suddenly explode with popularity—but you’re no longer in it. That’s exactly what happened to Yejin, one of the original Brave Girls members who debuted in 2011 but quietly left the spotlight a few years later. When the group’s 2017 song “Rollin’” became a viral mega-hit in 2021, fans wondered: Did Yejin regret leaving before the big break? In a new interview, she sets the record straight.
No Regrets, Just Gratitude
In an honest sit-down on the YouTube channel 1ma2c, Yejin shared, “People told me, ‘You should’ve held on just a bit longer,’ but I’ve never once regretted leaving.” She even congratulated her former bandmates for their success, saying, “They endured longer than I did—they earned it.”
Although she appreciated being recognized as a former Brave Girls member after their viral hit, she made it clear: “I was genuinely happy for them. It was heartwarming seeing my name mentioned along with theirs, but I don’t feel any bitterness.”
The Hidden Weight of Idol Life
So why did Yejin walk away from what so many dream of? According to her, it wasn’t just one thing. “There were a lot of reasons,” she explained. Brave Girls was her agency’s first girl group, and that came with some extreme oversight. “We weren’t allowed to talk to other artists at music shows,” she revealed. “They even followed us to the bathroom.”
Yejin recalled being cut off from loved ones—no cell phone, no contact. “That isolation lasted two to three years. It was suffocating.” The emotional strain wasn’t the only burden: “I couldn’t make money, and I didn’t feel any sense of accomplishment. I think I experienced something close to depression.”
From Idol to New Identity
Now out of the entertainment industry, Yejin is focusing on a new chapter. While details on her current job weren’t revealed in the clip, her peace of mind speaks volumes. Rather than chasing fame, she’s chosen fulfillment.
Looking Back with Hope
Yejin’s story is a rare, raw look behind K-pop’s glimmering curtain. It’s a reminder that success isn’t measured by viral hits alone, but by living fully and honestly. As more idols step forward to share their untold stories, fans get the chance to better understand the costs—from lost youth to mental health—that often come with stardom.
Would you have made a different choice if you were in Yejin’s shoes?
