South Korean singer-songwriter and rapper Yena, also known by her full name Choi Ye Na, is set to captivate fans with her Japanese debut single “Smiley -Japanese ver.- (feat. Chanmina)”. The highly-anticipated release is scheduled to hit the music scene on August 9, 2023, with “Smiley -Japanese ver.-” taking center stage as the title track of the single album. The tracklist of the single album includes:
“Smiley -Japanese ver.-” (feat. Chanmina) – 2:53
“Déjà Vu”
“Smiley (Inst.)” – 2:53
“Déjà Vu (Inst.)”
Yena’s journey in the entertainment industry has been nothing short of remarkable. She first gained attention when she appeared as a contestant on “Produce 48” in 2018, representing Yue Hua Entertainment. Her talent and charm helped her secure an impressive 4th place overall, leading to her debut as a member of the sensational project girl group IZONE. The group made their official debut on October 29 with the release of their first mini-album, “ColorIZ”. After a successful run with IZ*ONE, the group disbanded on April 29, 2021, following the conclusion of their special contract. Yena then returned to Yue Hua as a trainee, preparing for her solo endeavors.
Fans’ excitement soared when, on August 10, 2021, StarNews reported that Yena would be making her solo debut in the second half of the year. However, her debut was later postponed, and she eventually made her solo debut on January 17, 2022, with the mini album ˣ‿ˣ (SMiLEY). The album’s teaser poster was released on January 2, setting the stage for Yena’s remarkable solo journey. As a result, her devoted fanbase earned the endearing name “Jigumi.” Yena’s solo career has been marked by continued success and growth. On July 17, 2022, she thrilled fans with the release of her second mini-album, “Smartphone,” and it further solidified her position as a promising solo artist.
Continuing her momentum into 2023, Yena delighted fans with the announcement of her first single album, “Love War,” set to release on January 16. This was followed by another exciting announcement for her second single album, “Hate XX,” scheduled for release on June 27. However, the most remarkable news was revealed on June 16, when Yena’s Japanese Twitter account confirmed her much-anticipated Japanese debut with “Smiley -Japanese ver.- (feat. Chanmina)” on August 9, 2023. As Yena prepares to conquer the Japanese music scene, fans eagerly anticipate her latest release, knowing that her unique talent, captivating performances, and delightful charm are bound to make a significant impact. With “Smiley -Japanese ver.- (feat. Chanmina)” as the beacon of her Japanese debut, Yena’s musical journey continues to shine bright, leaving a lasting impression on the K-pop world.
