LE SSERAFIM
burst onto the K-pop scene on May 2, 2022, with their electrifying debut single “FEARLESS.”
The group quickly captured hearts and minds, becoming a powerful symbol of strong, independent women
in the industry. Among the five talented members,
Yunjin
has consistently stood out for her unwavering confidence and captivating girl crush concept. Her bold actions and fearless attitude have set her apart, challenging norms and pushing boundaries in the often conservative world of K-pop.
1. The Perilla Leaf Debate
The perilla leaf
debate highlights Yunjin’s unique perspective on relationships and jealousy. This seemingly trivial discussion about a tricky side dish reveals much about her character. The debate centers on whether it’s acceptable for someone’s partner to help a friend with the notoriously difficult-to-handle perilla leaves.
While many would feel a twinge of jealousy in this scenario, Yunjin’s
response was refreshingly different. In a candid conversation with her groupmate Eunchae, Yunjin
displayed remarkable confidence and maturity:
Eunchae: “Is it okay for your boyfriend to help her or not?” Yunjin: “Isn’t it just a vegetable?” Eunchae: “It’s a perilla leaf, but you’re right there, and he helps your friend out. Is that okay?” Yunjin: “I don’t care! […] It’s just a perilla leaf.”
This exchange showcases Yunjin’s secure and trusting nature, setting her apart from conventional expectations.
Support of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Yunjin’s bold support for the LGBTQIA+ community
is another testament to her courage. In a country where LGBTQIA+ issues remain sensitive and controversial, most idols choose to remain silent. Yunjin, however, took a brave stand for inclusivity and acceptance.
On June 2,
2022, she made a powerful statement by posting a pride-themed picture on LE SSERAFIM’s official Twitter
account. The striking image showed Yunjin covered in vibrant, colorful paint, joyfully celebrating Pride Month. This gesture not only demonstrated her allyship but also challenged the conservative norms prevalent in the K-pop industry.
Usage of Curse Words
In the carefully curated world of K-pop,
cursing is often avoided, especially by female idols. It’s typically viewed as unprofessional and potentially damaging to an idol’s image. Yunjin, however, chose authenticity over convention, proving that genuine self-expression is more valuable than adhering to restrictive norms.
On August 9, 2022,
Yunjin released “Raise y_our glass” on LE SSERAFIM’s YouTube channel. This self-written and self-produced song features strong language, allowing Yunjin to express raw emotions without filters. Lyrics like “It’s kinda shtty isn’t it […]” and “Give me space to fcking sort it out” showcase her commitment to honest artistry.
Wanting to be a Catalyst for Change
Perhaps most importantly, Yunjin has expressed a desire to be a catalyst for change within the idol industry. In a pre-release video posted on the HYBE LABELS YouTube channel,
she articulated her ambition to transform the industry’s landscape.
The K-pop world has seen gradual changes over the years, but it still adheres to many restrictive norms and values. Yunjin’s actions, just months into her debut, demonstrate her commitment to driving positive change. By challenging industry standards and pushing boundaries, she’s paving the way for a more open, inclusive, and authentic K-pop culture.
Yunjin’s courage in addressing social issues, expressing herself authentically, and striving for industry-wide change marks her as a true trailblazer. As she continues to grow and evolve as an artist, many fans and industry observers eagerly anticipate the positive impact she’ll have on the K-pop landscape.
