YENA Lights Up SBS Radio With Her Playful Spark
Former IZ*ONE member turned solo pop sweetheart Choi Yena (aka YENA) recently dropped by SBS PowerFM’s ‘Bae Sungjae’s Ten’ and gave fans the serotonin boost they didn’t know they needed. Appearing on the popular segment “Panjang Mafia,” YENA didn’t hold back with her quirky anecdotes and sunshine-filled personality.
Gym Class Hero(ine): Why YENA Loves Physical Variety Shows
When asked what kind of variety shows suit her best, YENA replied with signature honesty: “I love physical shows. The thrill, the injuries, the unexpected moments—you can’t fake that kind of fun. It sticks with you.”
‘Moonlight Angel’ Collab: A Childhood Dream Takes Flight
Fans of magical girl anime held their breath when YENA opened up about the inspiration behind her latest EP, Blooming Wings. “I grew up watching Moonlight Angel,” she confessed, referring to the beloved 2002 anime. “I knew it was a long shot, but we reached out to the original creator, Arina Tanemura. Turns out—she’s a fan of mine too!”
The surprising mutual admiration resulted in a special collaboration for the new album’s cover art—a dream come true for both idol and fans alike.
Going Viral? YENA’s Ready With Her Next TikTok Challenge
When DJ Bae Sungjae playfully suggested the track sounded like an anime opening, he wasn’t wrong. “It’s super easy to make a challenge out of it,” YENA responded, launching into an impromptu dance tutorial for her new title track, ‘Hate Being Called Nice’. With lyrics like “I hate being called nice because of you,” YENA playfully explained the hand gestures, turning radio waves into pure fanservice.
The Mafia Queen Reigns Supreme
Later in the show, she teamed up with Bae Sungjae and former baseball player Yoo Hee-kwan in a round of the Mafia game. YENA’s sharp instincts didn’t disappoint. She sniffed out the impostor and scored the win—yet another reminder that she’s not just cute, she’s clever.
More Than Just a Pretty Voice
YENA’s fourth mini album, Blooming Wings, is a colorful rollercoaster through themes of love and personal growth. The title track, layered with orchestra-grade strings and firecracker instrumentals, is straight out of a summer festival. And yes, YENA co-wrote the lyrics—because she’s that girl.
With recent appearances across music shows—and her new gig as the face of a major beer brand—YENA shows no signs of slowing down. From idols to anime to advertising, the “Gen Z icon” is truly in bloom.
