YooA
YooA (born Yoo Yeon-joo, later legally Yoo Shi-ah, on September 17, 1995) is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actress best known as the main dancer, lead vocalist, and visual representative of the K-pop girl group Oh My Girl.[1][2] Debuting with Oh My Girl on April 20, 2015, under WM Entertainment with the mini album Oh My Girl, YooA quickly gained recognition for her versatile performances and ethereal visuals, contributing to the group's rise with hits like "Dolphin" and "Closer."[1] Her role in the six-member ensemble has included choreography development and sub-unit activities, such as the project group Hoppipolla formed in 2020.[1] Beyond group promotions, YooA has built a multifaceted career, releasing solo music and venturing into acting while maintaining her position as a key figure in Oh My Girl's discography of over ten albums.[2] In her solo endeavors, YooA released her debut extended play Bon Voyage on September 7, 2020, featuring the title track of the same name, which earned her first music show win on The Show and showcased her artistic growth through whimsical, nature-inspired concepts.[3][4] She followed with the mini album SELFISH in November 2022, including the pre-release single "Lay Low," and her first single album Borderline in March 2024, demonstrating evolving styles from dreamy pop to more mature R&B influences.[5][6] Transitioning into acting, YooA made early appearances in the variety-drama Idol Drama Operation Team (2017) and the fantasy series Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020), honing her skills in supporting roles.[7] Her official acting debut came with the crime drama film Project Y in 2025, which premiered at the 30th Busan International Film Festival to positive reception for her portrayal of a complex character in a story of familial bonds and survival.[8][7] In May 2025, following the renewal of contracts for most Oh My Girl members with WM Entertainment, YooA departed the agency to pursue individual endeavors but affirmed her commitment to ongoing group promotions.[2] She subsequently signed an exclusive contract with Saram Entertainment on June 2, 2025, marking a dedicated shift toward her acting career under the agency's support.[2]Personal background
Early life
YooA was born Yoo Yeon-joo (유연주) on September 17, 1995, in Sinchang-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.[9][10] She later legally changed her name to Yoo Si-ah (유시아) and adopted the mononym stage name YooA (유아) for her professional career.[9][10] YooA grew up in Seoul alongside her older brother, Yoo Junsun, a professional dancer and choreographer affiliated with 1Million Dance Studio.[11][12] Her childhood in the city fostered early exposure to the performing arts, shaped by her family's involvement in dance and creative pursuits.[13]Education and training
YooA received early exposure to dance through her family's background, with her father enjoying dancing and her older brother Junsun working as a renowned choreographer at 1MILLION Dance Studio, which influenced her initial interest in performance arts.[14][15] After being scouted during her high school years while pursuing dance, YooA joined WM Entertainment and underwent a one-year trainee period focused on honing her skills in singing, dancing, and stage presence in preparation for her debut.[16][1] She later attended Sejong University's Future Education Center, where she studied in the Practical Dance division and earned a bachelor's degree, building a strong foundation in choreography and performance techniques essential for her career.[10] During this time and through self-study, YooA acquired proficiency in English and Japanese in addition to her native Korean, enhancing her ability to engage with international audiences.[1] YooA's MBTI type is INFP, a personality trait she has described as shaping her introspective and creative approach to artistry, allowing her to infuse emotional depth into her music and performances.[1]Career
Debut with Oh My Girl and early activities (2015–2019)
YooA debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group Oh My Girl on April 20, 2015, under WM Entertainment, with the release of their self-titled mini-album Oh My Girl featuring the lead single "Cupid". The track "Cupid" showcased the group's whimsical, fairy tale-inspired concept, blending bubbly pop with synchronized choreography that highlighted the members' youthful charm. Within Oh My Girl, YooA was positioned as the lead vocalist, lead dancer, and visual, contributing her versatile skills to the group's vocal harmonies, intricate dance routines, and aesthetic appeal.[15] In 2016, YooA gained further recognition through her appearance on Mnet's dance competition show Hit the Stage, where she partnered with Block B's U-Kwon for a special performance, demonstrating her dance prowess in a high-energy routine.[17] Later that year, she participated in the project girl group Sunny Girls, formed for SBS's Inkigayo "Music Crush" series, debuting on November 27 with the single "Taxi," a lively track that united members from various girl groups including Oh My Girl, WJSN, GFRIEND, Gugudan, and MOMOLAND.[18] The collaboration emphasized inter-group synergy and allowed YooA to explore ensemble dynamics beyond her primary group. The following year, in 2017, YooA joined the project group Girls Next Door as part of tvN's variety show Idol Drama Operation Team, where seven female idols co-created and starred in a web drama series.[19] The group released the single "Deep Blue Eyes" on June 8, produced by B1A4's Jinyoung, serving as the show's theme song with its dreamy electronic pop sound and narrative-driven music video tied to the drama's plot.[20] YooA's involvement in the project highlighted her acting potential and creative input in scripting and performing scenes. In 2018, YooA ventured into her first individual music release with the digital single "Morning Call" on May 2, marking her first solo effort produced by Peterpan Complex, featuring soft, acoustic melodies.[21] This track represented an early step in showcasing her personal artistry while still anchored in group promotions, setting the stage for her later independent pursuits.Solo music career (2020–2023)
YooA transitioned to solo artistry in 2020, building on her experiences with Oh My Girl to explore more personal and experimental sounds. Her debut solo extended play, Bon Voyage, was released on September 7, 2020, by WM Entertainment, featuring the title track of the same name, which incorporates synth-pop elements with a soothing, dreamlike atmosphere evoking a journey of self-discovery.[22][3] The EP marked her first independent project, showcasing her versatile vocals in a mix of tropical influences and gentle electronic production.[23] The release was met with positive reception, highlighted by YooA securing her first music show win as a soloist for "Bon Voyage" on SBS MTV's The Show on September 15, 2020, where she tearfully thanked her fans and group members during the encore stage.[4] Promotional efforts included performances on major programs such as MBC's Show! Music Core and live showcases that emphasized the track's ethereal choreography and visuals. These activities allowed YooA to engage directly with fans through online events and social media interactions, fostering a dedicated solo following while maintaining her group schedule.[24] Over the next two years, YooA's musical style evolved to incorporate bolder dance rhythms and emotional depth, blending retro-inspired pop with R&B influences and introspective ballads. This progression was evident in her second extended play, SELFISH, released on November 14, 2022, which featured the title track "Selfish," an upbeat R&B dance number centered on themes of self-empowerment and desire. The album included B-sides like "Lay Low" and "Blood Moon," offering a contrast with more laid-back, melodic tracks that highlighted her vocal range.[25][26] Promotions for SELFISH involved dynamic music show appearances and behind-the-scenes content shared via WM Entertainment's channels, where YooA discussed the album's concept of embracing individuality.[27] In 2023, she released the digital single "Falling for me" on October 13, as part of the LULUPOP The Party project.[28] Throughout this period, she balanced solo endeavors with Oh My Girl commitments, including group comebacks and tours, which enriched her artistic growth without interrupting her band's momentum.[24]Recent developments and acting pursuits (2024–present)
In 2024, YooA released her first single album, Borderline, on March 14, marking her return to solo music after a hiatus. The title track, "Rooftop," showcased her evolving artistic style with a chic and introspective vibe, blending pop elements with emotional depth. This release built on her prior solo endeavors, such as her 2022 EP Selfish, and received positive attention for highlighting her vocal versatility.[29] Early in 2025, YooA departed from WM Entertainment on May 8, concluding a nearly decade-long partnership that began with her debut in Oh My Girl in 2015. The agency confirmed the mutual decision following in-depth discussions, emphasizing that YooA would continue group activities with Oh My Girl despite the individual contract's end. This transition allowed her to explore new career paths while maintaining her role in the ensemble.[30] On June 2, 2025, YooA signed an exclusive contract with Saram Entertainment, signaling a strategic shift toward acting while preserving her music commitments with Oh My Girl. The agency praised her as an artist with "infinite possibilities," noting their intent to support her dual pursuits in entertainment. This move positioned her for expanded opportunities beyond music.[2] YooA made her acting debut in the 2025 neo-noir crime drama film Project Y, directed by Lee Hwan, which premiered selections at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in September 2025. Her performance as a supporting character garnered acclaim for its authenticity, with the film later winning a top award at the London East Asia Film Festival (LEAFF) in November 2025. Amid these developments, YooA remains active with Oh My Girl, including potential future group projects, and has expressed openness to additional solo music releases as her schedule permits.[8][31]Discography
Extended plays
YooA released her debut solo extended play, Bon Voyage, on September 7, 2020, through WM Entertainment. The EP features five tracks that blend ethereal pop with folk-inspired elements, showcasing her versatile vocals in a dreamy, nature-themed narrative. The title track "Bon Voyage (숲의 아이)" leads with its airy flute melodies and spacious production, emphasizing introspection and escape.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Bon Voyage (숲의 아이)" | 3:39 |
| 2. | "Far (날 찾아서)" | 3:27 |
| 3. | "Diver" | 3:40 |
| 4. | "Abracadabra (자각몽)" | 3:19 |
| 5. | "End of Story" | 3:45 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Selfish" | 3:28 |
| 2. | "Lay Low" | 2:48 |
| 3. | "Blood Moon" | 3:14 |
| 4. | "Melody" | 2:39 |
Single albums
YooA released her debut single album, Borderline, on March 14, 2024, through WM Entertainment, available in digital and physical formats with three limited editions: Outside, Inside, and Poca. The album comprises three tracks, led by the upbeat dance-pop title track "Rooftop," alongside the self-empowerment anthem "Love Myself" and the dreamy ballad "Shooting Star." These songs delve into introspective themes of self-discovery and emotional boundaries, with "Rooftop" particularly highlighting a sense of liberation and reflection on the cusp of personal transformation through its vivid urban imagery and motivational lyrics.[39][40] Borderline marked YooA's return to solo music after a two-year hiatus, emphasizing her evolving artistry with mature, empowering narratives. The physical release included photocards, stickers, and a photo stand, contributing to its collectible appeal among fans. It debuted at number 25 on the Circle Album Chart for the week of March 14–20, 2024, and achieved total sales of approximately 17,000 copies in South Korea by the end of the year.[41][36]Singles
YooA's lead singles as a solo artist have highlighted her growth from whimsical, nature-inspired pop to bolder, self-empowered dance tracks, each marking key milestones in her individual career. Her debut single "Bon Voyage", released on September 7, 2020, as the title track of her first extended play, peaked at number 44 on the Gaon Digital Chart. The song earned her first music show win on The Show on September 15, 2020, where she tearfully accepted the award in an emotional encore performance.[4] "Selfish", the lead single from her second extended play of the same name released on November 14, 2022, peaked at number 112 on the Circle Digital Chart. It also secured her a music show win on The Show on November 22, 2022, demonstrating strong fan support and charismatic stage presence.[42] In 2024, "Rooftop", released on March 14 as the title track of her first single album Borderline, peaked at number 95 on the Circle Digital Chart, reflecting continued interest in her evolving sound.Soundtrack appearances
YooA has made notable contributions to soundtracks through her solo OST releases, primarily in 2020, showcasing her versatile vocal style in emotional ballads and uplifting tracks tied to popular media. These appearances highlight her early solo endeavors outside her main discography, often featuring themes of longing and fantasy that align with the narratives of the associated films and dramas.[43] Her first prominent OST was "Rocket to the Moon!" (로켓 투 더 문!), a Korean adaptation of the theme song from the Netflix animated film Over the Moon. Released on September 25, 2020, the track captures the film's adventurous and whimsical spirit with YooA's clear, soaring vocals, blending pop elements with orchestral flourishes. It served as a promotional tie-in for the film's Korean release, emphasizing themes of journey and hope, and received praise for complementing the movie's fantastical tone.[43] Later that year, on November 19, 2020, YooA released "Stay With Me" as Part 7 of the Tale of the Nine Tailed original television soundtrack for the tvN fantasy drama. This poignant ballad, composed by Dinner Coat, explores themes of heartbreak and yearning, mirroring the series' supernatural romance plot involving a gumiho and his lost love. The song's emotive delivery and piano-driven arrangement were well-received for enhancing key dramatic moments, marking YooA's debut in drama OSTs and demonstrating her ability to convey deep emotional nuance.[44] In 2025, YooA contributed "One Kiss, Two Hearts" to House of Girls, Episode 8, further expanding her soundtrack work.| Year | Title | Associated Media | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "Rocket to the Moon!" | Over the Moon (Netflix film) | Korean version of the film's theme; released September 25; uplifting pop-orchestral track.[43] |
| 2020 | "Stay With Me" | Tale of the Nine Tailed (tvN drama) | OST Part 7; released November 19; emotional ballad with romantic lyrics.[44] |
| 2025 | "One Kiss, Two Hearts" | House of Girls, Episode 8 | Single released in 2025.[45] |