Debuting is tough, achieving success is even harder, but leaving a unique mark as a leader is another story. Ahn Yujin, the leader of one of the most successful 4th-gen groups, is she truly talented, or just in the right place at the right time?
1️⃣ From Produce 48 to IZ*ONE: A Smooth Start?
Joining Starship in 2017, Yujin participated in Produce 48 and debuted with IZONE* in 5th place (280,487 votes). Compared to many trainees struggling for a debut spot, her journey was relatively smooth.
In IZONE*, Yujin took on the roles of lead dancer and sub-vocalist and quickly became a brand favorite, securing over 10 CF deals even before debuting with IVE. However, the vote-rigging scandal that led to the group’s disbandment raised questions: If IZONE* never existed, would Yujin have been able to break through as easily?
That said, not everyone successfully utilizes a stepping stone. While many former IZONE* members struggled to find their footing, Yujin was already prepared for her next chapter.
2️⃣ IVE’s Explosive Success – But What Is Yujin’s Role?
IVE debuted with Eleven and quickly dominated 4th-gen K-pop with a series of hits like Love Dive (Perfect All-Kill), After Like, I AM, Baddie, and most recently Rebel Heart (2025). But in a lineup full of standout members, what is Yujin’s role?
- Wonyoung – center, visual, and brand ambassador.
- Liz – main vocal, the group’s vocal powerhouse.
- Rei – rapper and unique songwriter.
- Leeseo – the youngest member, viral for her cute visuals.
Yujin is neither the main vocalist nor the strongest dancer, nor does she have Wonyoung’s striking visual appeal. Instead, she acts as the backbone, keeping IVE stable and leading them through intense schedules, such as the IVE ON concert tour in Japan (2023).
However, when looking at her individual contributions in numbers:
- Line distribution: On average, Yujin holds about 18-22% of the lines in IVE’s songs, ranking second after Liz (Love Dive: 19.1%, I AM: 22.3%).
- Fancam views: Her I AM fancam on M Countdown (2023) garnered over 4.2 million views, the second highest in the group after Wonyoung.
- Fanbase & commercial influence: Yujin’s Instagram reached 7.8 million followers (2025), and her individual photocard sales in IVE albums consistently rank among the best-sellers on platforms like Ktown4U.
These numbers show that Yujin has a solid fanbase and influence, but compared to Wonyoung or Liz, she still lacks a distinct personal mark within the group.
3️⃣ How Does Yujin Compare to Other Leaders?
Looking at some of K-pop’s most iconic girl group leaders:
- Taeyeon (SNSD) – a top-tier vocalist who led the group through crises.
- Soyeon ((G)I-DLE) – a songwriter who defined her group’s musical identity.
- Jihyo (TWICE) – improved her skills and successfully debuted solo with Killin’ Me Good (2023).
=> Yujin leans more towards stability rather than standing out. She manages the team well but has yet to create a strong personal identity that carries the group, like Taeyeon (SNSD 2014) or Soyeon (TOMBOY). If IVE were to lose Wonyoung or Liz, it could be a major challenge for her.
4️⃣ Yujin’s Future – Will She Break Through?
IVE is at its peak, but Yujin needs more than just stability to truly shine.
- Improving her vocals – A solo debut could be a turning point.
- Fashion & acting – Her role as a Gucci ambassador (2024) is an opportunity to expand her influence.
If she doesn’t take advantage of these opportunities, she may remain a leader who is “overshadowed by success.” IVE will continue to shine, but what about Yujin?
