Choi Yena, the ever-energetic soloist and former IZ*ONE member known affectionately as YENA, brought her signature sunshine vibe to JTBC’s Knowing Bros on May 30, turning the classroom set into a feel-good haven during the show’s special “Positive Icon” episode.
Appearing as a “transfer student,” Yena playfully dubbed herself the “Challenge Fairy” and quickly won over the cast with her warm, unfiltered charm. When host Kim Shin-young referenced her old second-hand trading app nickname “Nonhyeon-dong Water Fist,” Yena laughed and explained how an unexpected variety show mention shot it to number one on search rankings, prompting a quick rebrand. She also shared endearing nicknames like “Yen-jjok-i” (a blend of Yena and “precious one”), instantly creating a cozy, relatable atmosphere.
True to the episode’s theme, Yena embodied her “I like it anyway” philosophy famously captured in her debut solo track SMILEY. “Even if food spills on me, I just call it fashion,” she quipped, drawing laughs. She showcased her challenge-queen prowess by remixing her latest track CATCH CATCH with Christina’s signature delivery, sparking a fresh viral moment on the spot. The singer then delivered a lively medley of SMILEY, NEMONEMO, and CATCH CATCH, heating up the studio.
Beyond the fun, Yena opened up about her decade-long journey with her agency. Having recently renewed her contract, she cited comfort, genuine affection for her team, and strong family ties as key reasons. In a touching moment, she revealed that earnings from her career allowed her to buy a home for her parents, saying simply, “My family is why I have to succeed.”
Yena also aced the show’s “Guess My Lie” segment with a hilarious ghost story about preferring salon hair washes, fooling the cast with her expressive storytelling. She closed by cheering for her label mates’ upcoming debut and expressing genuine joy at returning to the show.
With her fifth mini-album LOVE CATCHER gaining steady traction on charts and a successful Asian tour wrapping up in Seoul, Macau, Taipei, and Hong Kong, Yena heads to Tokyo on June 13–14 to conclude the run. Her appearance on Knowing Bros once again proved why she remains one of K-pop’s most beloved “happy viruses.”
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