BESTie U.Ji: The Untold Story Behind Her K-pop Journey

BESTie U.Ji has carved a unique path through the competitive K-pop industry, transforming from a JYP Entertainment trainee to a member of multiple prominent girl groups. Initially debuting with EXID on February 12, 2012 with their single "Holla", she unexpectedly departed the group shortly after to focus on her education. Despite this early setback, U.Ji quickly rebounded when she joined BESTie alongside fellow former EXID members Hyeyeon and Haeryung, officially debuting on July 11, 2013, with their first single "Pitapat".

Before achieving recognition in these groups, U.Ji's predebut journey included nearly debuting in what would have been a powerhouse girl group featuring Hyorin (Sistar), Hani (EXID), and Ji Eun (Secret) under JYP Entertainment, though these plans ultimately fell apart. While many fans recognize her from her group activities, few know that U.Ji actually made her solo debut on February 17, 2015, with the digital single "Love Letter". Currently under World Star Entertainment, she continues to evolve her career since her initial debut in 2012.

Pre-Debut Journey and JYP Trainee Days

U.Ji's path to stardom took a significant turn as she joined one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies. Her trainee experiences would shape her future career in unexpected ways.

Training under JYP Entertainment

Long before becoming a member of BESTie, U.Ji enrolled as a trainee at JYP Entertainment, one of the "Big 3" entertainment companies in South Korea. This marked a pivotal shift in her career aspirations. Although she originally intended to become a vocal trainer, her time at JYP inspired her to pursue the path of a performing artist instead.

JYP Entertainment is known for its rigorous training system where aspiring idols undergo monthly evaluations by staff and executives. These assessments determine rankings among trainees, with higher-ranked individuals having better chances of being selected for debut lineups. For many trainees, this process can last anywhere from several months to years, requiring immense patience and determination.

Almost debuting with Hyorin, Hani, and Ji Eun

Perhaps the most intriguing chapter of U.Ji's predebut story involves an unrealized girl group that could have altered the landscape of K-pop. At JYP, she was selected to be part of a four-member vocal powerhouse alongside future stars Hyorin (who later debuted in SISTAR), Hani (who joined EXID), and Ji Eun (who became part of SECRET).

According to Song Ji Eun's account during an interview, "Back then, I was preparing as a four-member group with SISTAR's Hyorin, BESTie's U Ji, and EXID's Hani. We were supposed to be something like a younger version of Big Mama, but for various reasons we ended up being disbanded, and we dispersed".

The group even reached the showcase stage of preparation, demonstrating their talents before company executives. Music producer Yoo Hee Yeol later remarked about JYP's missed opportunity: "Wow, Park Jin Young sure misses out on a lot! Starting with IU, and now all these girls are huge stars too now".

Hani, who was the youngest member of this potential group, revealed that she was the first to be cut from the lineup. This occurred approximately during her first year of high school, suggesting that U.Ji and the others continued training together for some time after Hani's departure.

Why she left JYP

Although specific details about U.Ji's departure from JYP remain somewhat undocumented, her decision likely reflected common challenges faced by trainees. For many aspiring idols, watching peers debut while remaining in the training system creates emotional strain and uncertainty.

Other former JYP trainees have shared similar experiences. Park Ji Won, who participated in JYP's survival program "Sixteen," explained her departure: "I was very frustrated after 'Sixteen'. The friends I was with on the program have debuted. I felt empty. I wanted to make my debut faster so I left JYP".

Following the dissolution of her potential debut group, U.Ji presumably faced a crucial decision—either continue training at JYP with uncertain prospects or seek opportunities elsewhere. She ultimately chose the latter path, which eventually led to her debut with EXID in 2012.

Interestingly, according to Song Ji Eun, she later encountered Park Jin Young (JYP's founder) at a broadcast network after debuting with SECRET. Jin Young reportedly told her, "He cheerfully said he's been following my work", suggesting he maintained awareness of his former trainees' careers even after they found success at other companies.

Debut with EXID and Sudden Exit

After her training period at JYP Entertainment, U.Ji finally achieved her dream of becoming a professional singer when she debuted as a member of EXID in 2012. However, her time with the group would be unexpectedly brief, creating a chapter in her career marked by both controversy and personal growth.

EXID debut with 'Holla'

On February 16, 2012, U.Ji (then known as Yuji) made her official debut as part of the six-member girl group EXID with their first digital single album "Holla". The group's debut title track "Whoz That Girl" served as their promotional single. Despite modest beginnings, the song managed to peak at number 36 on the Gaon Singles Chart and ultimately sold 840,000 digital copies.

The original EXID lineup consisted of six members, including U.Ji alongside LE, Hani, Junghwa, Dami, and Haeryeong. Their debut had actually been scheduled for January 2012 but was delayed to February after member Elly sustained a leg injury during rehearsals.

Throughout this initial debut period, U.Ji participated in the group's promotional activities, including music show performances and media appearances. Yet hardly anyone could have predicted that her time with EXID would be so fleeting.

Reasons behind her early departure

Merely one month after EXID's debut, U.Ji made the surprising decision to leave the group. On April 30, 2012, AB Entertainment officially announced her departure, stating that U.Ji would be leaving EXID to focus on her studies. This same announcement also confirmed the departure of two other members – Dami and Haeryeong – with Haeryeong reportedly leaving to pursue an acting career.

Nevertheless, in subsequent interviews, U.Ji revealed more personal reasons behind her exit. "After promoting with the group for one month, I left the company. I was thinking about not becoming a singer. I thought that it was impossible for me. Which is why I left," she explained. At that point, she had made the decision that she would never pursue a singing career again.

Ironically, it was precisely this withdrawal from the industry that helped U.Ji recognize her true passion. "I have so many lingering feelings about the past. I realized it then. That my desire to be a singer was sincere. That's why I returned to that path to debut as a singer," she later confessed. This realization would eventually lead her back to the K-pop scene with BESTie.

Impact of her exit on EXID

Following the departure of U.Ji and her two colleagues, EXID underwent significant restructuring. The group recruited two new members – Solji, a former member of vocal duo 2NB, and Hyelin, who had originally been considered for EXID's initial lineup before being dropped. With this revised five-member configuration, EXID returned in August 2012 with their second single "I Feel Good" from their first EP "Hippity Hop".

Yet perhaps the most profound impact came on a personal level. U.Ji revealed that leaving her former members was emotionally taxing. "Rather than feeling like I lost something, it was leaving the group that was so hard. I was really close with Hani, we were like family. I was so sorry to LE, Hani, and Junghwa," she shared.

The situation became particularly challenging for U.Ji when EXID later achieved massive success with their viral hit "Up & Down" in 2014. "Back then I was known as a backstabber. It was so difficult. I read all the negative comments," she admitted. Many fans had accused her of "betraying" the group once they became successful.

Notwithstanding these challenges, U.Ji has maintained that she genuinely supports her former group's achievements. "If anything, we're very happy that they did well. We felt more refreshed inside and, even now, we sincerely support them," she stated, hoping fans would view BESTie and EXID as separate entities with their own distinct journeys.

Rise with BESTie: A New Chapter

Following her brief stint with EXID, a new opportunity emerged for U.Ji in mid-2013 that would define the next chapter of her musical journey.

Formation of BESTie with former EXID members

On July 2, 2013, YNB Entertainment announced the formation of a new four-member girl group called BESTie. The announcement created buzz in K-pop circles as three of the members—U.Ji, Hyeyeon (formerly known as Dami in EXID), and Haeryung—had previously been part of EXID. This reunion of former groupmates, plus the addition of new member Dahye, marked a fresh start for all involved.

Interestingly, the former EXID members had each left their previous group for personal reasons—U.Ji and Hyeyeon reportedly to complete their studies, whereas Haeryung departed to focus on her acting career. Their shared history created a solid foundation for BESTie's group dynamics.

Debut with 'Pitapat'

The quartet officially debuted on July 11, 2013, with the release of their first digital single "Pitapat" (두근두근) and its accompanying music video. The video featured notable appearances by Jo Kwon and Yoo Se-yoon. Just one day afterward, on July 12, BESTie held their debut live performance on KBS Music Bank.

"Pitapat" served as an introduction to the group's bright, energetic concept. Subsequently, they released their second single "Love Options" on October 16, with their first performance of this track occurring on M! Countdown.

Role in the group and public image

Within BESTie's lineup, U.Ji served as the Main Vocalist and Lead Dancer. Her powerful vocals became one of the group's defining features, establishing her as a standout performer in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Throughout their career, BESTie continued to promote diligently, releasing tracks like "Thank U Very Much" and "Excuse Me," with the latter achieving the most success among their releases. Their hard work earned recognition at the 2015 Golden Disk Awards, where they received the "Next Generation Award".

Departure from BESTie in 2017

After four years with the group, U.Ji's chapter with BESTie came to an end. On September 5, 2017, YNB Entertainment officially announced that U.Ji and Dahye had terminated their contracts with the agency and would be leaving the group. An industry source mentioned that the company had "decided to respect the two singers' wishes and cancelled their contracts".

Following their departure, BESTie, which had not made a comeback in three years, went on hiatus. YNB Entertainment initially suggested that Hyeyeon and Haeryung would continue as BESTie, potentially with new members added. Nevertheless, these plans never materialized, and the group eventually disbanded completely in 2018 after Hyeyeon's departure.

For U.Ji, this conclusion with BESTie would mark yet another transition in her evolving career in the Korean entertainment industry.

Solo Career and Musical Growth

In parallel with her group activities, February 17, 2015, marked a significant milestone in BESTie U.Ji's career as she ventured into solo territory, establishing herself as an artist with individual merit beyond her group identity.

Debut single 'Love Letter'

While still actively promoting with BESTie, U.Ji made her official solo debut under YNB Entertainment with the digital single "Love Letter" (너만 봐). The release featured The Channels as collaborators on the track. This strategic solo debut demonstrated her company's confidence in her vocal abilities, setting her apart from many idol group vocalists who typically wait years before attempting solo projects.

The single package included both the main track and an instrumental version, giving fans different ways to experience her vocal work. "Love Letter" showcased U.Ji's powerful vocal range, foreshadowing her future musical direction that would increasingly emphasize her technical singing abilities.

OST contributions and digital singles

After establishing her solo presence, U.Ji expanded her portfolio through soundtrack contributions. Her OST credits include tracks for prominent Korean dramas such as "Circle" (2017), "Because This is My First Life" (2017), and "Forest" (2020). These soundtrack opportunities typically come to vocalists recognized for their emotional delivery, highlighting the industry's recognition of her interpretative abilities.

Beyond OSTs, her discography grew with additional digital singles. In 2015, she released "Autumn Leaves," further establishing her solo brand. Her participation in various music compilation albums likewise broadened her artistic footprint, including contributions to the "Girls Spirit" EP in 2016.

Participation in 'Immortal Songs' and Chinese singing shows

U.Ji's appearances on "Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend," one of Korea's premier vocal competition shows, cemented her reputation as a formidable vocalist. Notably, she performed Ha Choon Hwa's 1974 ballad "Person I Met by the Lakeside" in a memorable candlelit stage that showcased her interpretive skills.

Her ambition extended into 2020 when she expressed her goal to become recognized as a "super rookie" on the program. Throughout her career, she appeared multiple times on the show, including episodes 132, 151, 163-164, 192, 279, 287, 410, 413, 418-419, 431-434, and 440-441, demonstrating her enduring presence in Korea's competitive vocal scene.

Beyond Korean broadcasting, U.Ji ventured into the Chinese market by participating in the singing competition "I am a singer," where she achieved fifth place. This international exposure expanded her fanbase across Asia, proving her appeal transcended linguistic boundaries.

Throughout these solo ventures, U.Ji consistently demonstrated vocal capabilities that distinguished her among her peers, forging a path as both a group member and accomplished soloist.

Agency Transitions and Career Shifts

After departing from BESTie in 2017, U.Ji's career underwent significant transformations as she signed with new agencies and expanded her artistic horizons beyond idol activities.

Signing with Curo Holdings

First of all, on December 15, 2017, Curo Holdings officially announced that U.Ji had signed with their agency. This marked a pivotal career shift for the former BESTie vocalist. Upon signing with Curo Holdings, she expressed a desire to focus more intensively on acting in musicals, signaling a conscious move away from her previous idol-centric activities toward broader performing arts.

Throughout this period, she began building her credentials in musical theater, appearing in productions like the Korean version of "Dream Girls," "Full House," "Notre Dame de Paris," and "Anna Karenina". These performances allowed her to showcase her powerful vocals in a different context, establishing herself as a legitimate musical actress.

Joining World Star Entertainment

In fact, U.Ji's career trajectory continued to evolve as she signed an exclusive contract with World Star Entertainment on May 18, 2021. The company expressed enthusiasm about her diverse talents, stating, "We'll use our full support, so that Jung Yu Ji can continue her activities in various fields, such as acting, musicals, and album activities".

U.Ji herself seemed optimistic about this new partnership, commenting, "I'm very excited and happy to have a fresh start in a new nest with good people". She mentioned that her decision was influenced by her close friendship with Kim Jin Sun from World Star Entertainment and their shared vision for future projects.

Focus on acting and musicals

As time went on, her commitment to musical theater intensified. Shortly after signing with World Star Entertainment, she was cast as Margrid Arnaud in the musical "Marie Antoinette" (2021). Her repertoire continued to expand with a notable role as Oscar François de Jarjayes in "La Rose de Versailles" (2024).

Evidently, by 2023, U.Ji had moved on from World Star Entertainment, as indicated by her removal from the company's official artists page. This suggests yet another transition in her evolving career path.

Throughout these transitions, U.Ji has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, successfully pivoting from her idol roots to establish herself as a respected musical actress. Her journey represents the diverse career paths available to K-pop idols beyond their group activities.

Musical Theater and Artistic Expansion

Through passionate performances on stage, BESTie's U.Ji has established herself as a formidable presence in Korea's musical theater scene, expanding her artistic horizons beyond the confines of K-pop.

Notable roles in 'Dream Girls', 'Notre Dame de Paris', and more

The transition to musical theater began meaningfully when U.Ji was cast in the Korean production of "Dreamgirls," announced on January 12. She took on the role previously portrayed by Beyoncé in the 2006 film adaptation. This Broadway musical, which first debuted in 1981, had already achieved tremendous success internationally, receiving six Tony Awards and eventually spawning the acclaimed movie featuring Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, and Jamie Foxx.

Equally significant was her participation in the Korean adaptation of "Notre-Dame de Paris," the renowned French musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel. This production holds a distinguished place in theater history—according to the Guinness Book of Records, "Notre-Dame de Paris" had the most successful first year of any musical ever. The original French version features beloved songs like "Vivre," "Belle," and "Le temps des cathédrales," which became massive hits in French-speaking countries.

Throughout her theater career, U.Ji has diversified her portfolio with appearances in several other notable productions:

"Anna Karenina"
"Gwangju"
"Full House"

Her theatrical journey demonstrates her versatility as a performer, particularly showcasing her powerful vocal abilities in demanding sung-through productions.

Critical reception and fan response

The public has generally responded positively to U.Ji's theatrical endeavors. Her background as a K-pop vocalist with exceptional range made her transition to musical theater seem natural. "Notre-Dame de Paris" itself has consistently drawn enthusiastic audiences worldwide—boasting more than 5,000 performances and over 15 million spectators since its creation.

The Korean productions of these international musicals have maintained high standards, faithfully reproducing the emotional impact and technical excellence of their original versions. As one review for "Notre Dame de Paris" noted: "The singers have magnificent voices and are good actors. The dancers are breathtaking".

Consequently, U.Ji's participation in these prestigious productions has helped elevate her status from idol group member to respected musical actress. Her ability to interpret complex characters while delivering powerful vocal performances has endeared her to both traditional musical theater audiences and K-pop fans following her career evolution.

Fun Facts and Personal Life

Beyond her musical achievements, glimpses into the personal world of BESTie's main vocalist reveal a multifaceted individual with diverse interests spanning from entertainment to sports.

Her love for food and Beyoncé

Indeed, U.Ji's admiration for Beyoncé became evident when she took on a role in the Korean production of "Dreamgirls," a musical previously adapted into a film starring the American superstar. This professional connection underscores her artistic influences, as U.Ji has drawn inspiration from powerful vocalists throughout her career.

Ideal type and personality

Off-stage, U.Ji maintains a relatively private personal life compared to other K-pop personalities. First thing to remember about her professional demeanor is her commitment to continuous growth as an artist, transitioning smoothly between idol activities and theatrical performances.

Involvement in FC Rumor W soccer club

In July 2020, U.Ji joined the star-studded female celebrity soccer team "FC RUMORw," alongside prominent figures including A Pink's Hayoung, EXID's Junghwa, TWICE's Jihyo and Mina, Gugudan's Kim Se Jung and Nayoung, and actress Kim Sae Ron. The team quickly garnered attention due to its impressive roster of entertainment industry talents.

Unfortunately, the soccer venture faced unexpected controversy as malicious rumors emerged suggesting inappropriate connections between FC RUMORw and a male celebrity soccer team called "FC RUMOR." In response to these allegations, team members including A Pink's Hayoung firmly stated: "We are completely unrelated to the male soccer team and we have never met up or played soccer with them!"

Given these points, the team ultimately set their official Instagram account to private. Most importantly, this incident highlights the challenges female celebrities often face with unwarranted speculation about their activities.

Clarifying rumors around 'bestie uji plastic surgery'

As much as internet searches might suggest widespread discussions about plastic surgery, U.Ji has maintained her focus on artistic development rather than addressing such speculations. Prior to her current career achievements, she revealed she was "quite chubby" during pre-debut days, demonstrating her journey of physical transformation through natural means.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions about U.Ji reveal deeper insights into her experiences, challenges, and career trajectory throughout her time in the K-pop industry.

Was BESTie financially successful as a girl group?

Per U.Ji's own admission, financial success eluded BESTie throughout their career. "During my entire girl group career, I didn't even receive ₩10 KRW (about USD 0.01 USD)". She explained, "With girl groups, unless you're extremely successful, it's hard to make an income".

How did U.Ji feel about her performance in BESTie?

Beneath her confident stage presence, U.Ji harbored significant self-doubt. "I was given a lot of those opportunities, but in my opinion, I always did a bad job". These feelings affected her deeply: "My self-esteem was very low at the time. I often questioned myself, thinking 'am I not a person worthy of love?'".

What led to BESTie's ultimate disbandment?

Beginning with, the group disbanded gradually. "In 2017, two members departed from the group, ultimately leading to the disbandment of BESTie". Internal company issues contributed significantly to these challenges, as U.Ji noted, "I can't get into too many details, but there were a lot of internal problems at our company".

Did U.Ji maintain connections with EXID after leaving?

As mentioned elsewhere, U.Ji maintained that she genuinely supported her former group's achievements even as she pursued her own path with BESTie.