Brave Girls to BB Girls: Yujeong's Complete Profile & Success Story

Brave Girls Yujeong has navigated a remarkable journey in K-pop since her debut in 2016. Born Nam Yoo Jeong on May 2, 1991, in Suwon, South Korea, she became known for her iconic eyesmile that earned her the nickname "Squirtle" among fans. Standing at 163 cm tall, Yujeong isn't just visually distinctive—she also speaks English and Cantonese fluently, having studied at an international school in Hong Kong.

Following the disbandment of Brave Girls in February 2023, Yujeong continued her career as part of BB Girls when the members signed with Warner Music Korea. The group officially re-debuted on August 3, 2023, with their single album "ONE MORE TIME." However, her journey took another turn when she departed from BB Girls in April 2024 and subsequently signed with RND Company on July 1, 2024. Throughout these transitions, Yujeong has maintained her popularity while balancing her love for her three dogs—Laren, Bambi, and Latti—whom she frequently features on social media.

Early Life and Education

Nam Yu Jeong's journey began on May 2, 1991, in the bustling city of Suwon, South Korea. Before becoming the beloved vocalist and visual of Brave Girls, Yujeong's early life laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.

Born in Suwon, South Korea

Yujeong spent her early childhood years in Suwon, a city known for its historic Hwaseong Fortress and vibrant culture. As a young girl growing up in South Korea, she likely experienced the typical educational environment that emphasizes academic excellence and hard work. Though details about her earliest years remain sparse in public records, these formative experiences in her hometown undoubtedly shaped her character and aspirations.

Studying in Hong Kong and learning languages

At the age of 12-13, Yujeong's life took a significant turn when her family relocated to Hong Kong due to her father's job. This international move proved to be a pivotal moment in her development. Rather than attending a traditional Hong Kong school, Yujeong enrolled in an international school where she immersed herself in a multicultural environment.

During her time in Hong Kong, Yujeong developed impressive language skills that would later distinguish her among K-pop idols. As she explained during an appearance on SBS Power FM's Cultwo Show:

"I went to Hong Kong in Grade 6 of elementary school and came back in my senior year of high school. Since I went to an international school, I can't really speak Mandarin".

Despite not mastering Mandarin, Yujeong acquired functional fluency in both English and basic Cantonese during her seven-year stay. This linguistic versatility would later become an asset in her career, enabling her to communicate with international fans and expanding her appeal beyond South Korea.

Yujeong remained in Hong Kong until completing her high school education, returning to South Korea afterward to pursue higher education. The international perspective she gained during these formative years gave her a broader worldview than many of her peers in the entertainment industry.

University life at Sungshin Women's University

Upon returning to South Korea, Yujeong faced an important decision regarding her future path. Notably, her mother established a clear condition: Yujeong could pursue a career in entertainment only if she first secured admission to a university in Seoul. This parental guidance reflected common values in Korean society, where education is highly prioritized even for those with entertainment aspirations.

With determination and support from her older sister, Yujeong successfully applied to Sungshin Women's University, a respected institution in Seoul. There, she enrolled in the Department of Media Communications, studying a field that complemented her future career in the entertainment industry.

Throughout her university years, Yujeong balanced her academic responsibilities with her growing interest in becoming an idol. Her educational background in media communications likely provided valuable insights into the industry she would eventually enter. In 2015, while still a university student, Yujeong joined Brave Entertainment as a trainee, marking the beginning of her journey toward becoming a member of Brave Girls.

Joining Brave Girls and Debut

Yujeong's path to K-pop stardom began in 2013 when she joined Brave Entertainment as a trainee. Her entry into the entertainment industry marked the beginning of what would become a roller-coaster journey filled with both challenges and triumphs.

How she became a trainee

Initially, Yujeong had modest expectations about her career at Brave Entertainment. According to reports, she thought she would remain at the company for merely three months. Surprisingly, her journey took an unexpected turn as she continued training and eventually secured a spot in the company's flagship girl group. Throughout her trainee period, Yujeong balanced her university studies in media communications with the rigorous demands of idol preparation.

Before her debut, Yujeong worked occasionally as a hand cosmetics model and appeared in YouTube videos, gaining valuable experience in front of the camera. These early opportunities helped refine her skills and prepare her for the spotlight that awaited.

Debut with Brave Girls in 2016

On February 2, 2016, Brave Entertainment announced a significant restructuring of Brave Girls after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. The company revealed that the group would return as a seven-member ensemble. Yujeong, alongside Minyoung, Eunji, Yuna, and Hayun, joined as new members while only two original members remained.

Yujeong made her official debut on February 16, 2016, with the group's third digital single "Deepened". The concept for this comeback was notably bold and experimental. As Yujeong later recalled: "We wore athleisure, tanned ourselves, and intensely filled in our eyebrows, so our CEO told us, 'Hey, you guys are the best. This time, you're really going to do well. Believe in me'".

Following their debut single, the group released their third mini-album "High Heels" on June 27, 2016, along with another digital single "Yoo-Hoo" on September 1 of the same year. Furthermore, a crowdfunding project through Makestar was launched on September 27, 2016, to support their next comeback.

Initial struggles and group hiatus

Despite their ambitious debut, Brave Girls struggled to gain traction in the competitive K-pop industry. Yujeong candidly shared that after "Deepened," "everyone looked at us confusedly. It felt like we were ahead of the time. Then 'High Heels' came out with a bright concept, but that didn't do well either".

In early 2017, the group underwent additional changes. On January 13, Brave Entertainment announced that member Yujin would leave the group while Hyeran would take an indefinite hiatus due to health concerns. Consequently, Brave Girls continued as a five-member group.

On March 7, 2017, they released their fourth mini-album "Rollin'". Nonetheless, just ten days later, Yujeong herself had to take a temporary hiatus after being hospitalized with acute enteritis. This left the group performing as a four-member unit until her recovery.

The financial reality of their situation was equally challenging. In a 2021 interview, Yujeong revealed that she finally received her first payment six years after debuting. She explained: "I always felt sorry to the company. Amidst our albums consistently failing, our company continued to release our albums. In a way, we didn't even earn them 1% [of profits]".

Throughout these difficult years, the group primarily performed at military bases, with Yujeong noting these venues were "really far [from home]". Nevertheless, their passion for performing kept them going. As she poignantly stated: "We all knew that if even one of us gave up, it really would be the end. But the four of us held on, while telling each other 'Let's do at least one more performance, let's release at least one more album'".

The Turning Point: Rollin’ and Viral Fame

Four years after its release, "Rollin'" became the unexpected catalyst for one of K-pop's most remarkable comeback stories. After years of performing in relative obscurity, Brave Girls—and particularly Yujeong—suddenly found themselves at the center of a nationwide phenomenon.

The unexpected success of 'Rollin''

In February 2021, a fan-created video compilation of Brave Girls performing "Rollin'" at various military events went viral on YouTube. The video, titled "Brave Girls - Rollin' (Rollin' in the Army Ver.)," amassed millions of views almost overnight. What made this success particularly remarkable was that the song had originally been released in March 2017, nearly four years earlier.

The timing proved fortuitous, as the cheerful energy of "Rollin'" resonated deeply with South Koreans struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this viral moment, Brave Girls had been on the verge of disbandment. Yujeong herself had been working part-time jobs to make ends meet, including as a fitting model and convenience store employee.

Within days of the video spreading, "Rollin'" climbed to #1 on major Korean music charts including Melon, Genie, and Bugs. The song even achieved a "perfect all-kill," topping real-time, daily, and weekly charts simultaneously—a rare achievement typically reserved for K-pop's biggest stars.

Impact on Brave Girls' popularity

The reversal of fortune was immediate and extraordinary. Brave Girls appeared on major Korean television programs including "Yoo Hee-yeol's Sketchbook," "Amazing Saturday," and "Knowing Bros." Their social media following exploded, with their YouTube channel subscribers increasing from approximately 2,000 to over 100,000 in mere days.

Essentially, the group went from considering disbandment to becoming household names throughout South Korea. Their subsequent release, "We Ride," although originally released in August 2020, likewise surged up the charts months after its initial release.

The financial impact proved equally significant. Throughout their initial years, Yujeong and her members had received minimal income from their music activities. In fact, Yujeong had candidly admitted that she finally received her first payment six years after debuting. After "Rollin'" went viral, endorsement offers flooded in, including deals with electronics giant LG and the popular snack brand Lotte Confectionery.

Moreover, Brave Girls released their fifth EP "Summer Queen" in June 2021, which sold over 60,000 copies—far exceeding their previous sales records. The lead single "Chi Mat Ba Ram" achieved impressive chart success, cementing their newfound popularity.

Yujeong's iconic smile and viral moments

Amid this whirlwind success, Yujeong specifically garnered attention for her bright personality and distinctive smile. Her joyful expressions during performances of "Rollin'" became widely celebrated, with many fans noting her "eye smile" as particularly charming. Internet users created countless memes and compilation videos focusing specifically on Yujeong's expressions.

In television appearances following their viral success, Yujeong's candid and humble personality endeared her further to the public. She openly discussed the group's previous struggles, including how they had nearly given up before their unexpected breakthrough. Her authenticity in addressing these challenges resonated with viewers and solidified her popularity.

Additionally, Yujeong's willingness to recreate viral dance moves and facial expressions from their performances demonstrated her good-natured approach to fame. Whether appearing on variety shows or in behind-the-scenes content, her bright energy consistently shone through, making her a standout member despite the group's collective success.

From Brave Girls to BB Girls

After their unexpected rise to stardom, Brave Girls experienced another major transition in their career path—one that would lead to a new identity and fresh beginnings.

Leaving Brave Entertainment

In early 2023, Brave Girls reached another pivotal moment in their journey. On February 16, 2023, Brave Entertainment officially announced that the group would be leaving the agency. This announcement marked the end of their seven-year relationship with the company that had launched them into the spotlight. On the same day as the announcement, the group released a farewell single aptly titled "Goodbye", symbolizing the conclusion of their chapter as Brave Girls.

The departure came two years after their viral success with "Rollin'" had catapulted them from obscurity to nationwide recognition. Throughout those two years, the quartet had enjoyed the fruits of their hard-earned popularity, appearing on numerous variety shows and releasing successful follow-up tracks like "Chi Mat Ba Ram."

Rebranding as BB Girls under Warner Music Korea

Following a brief period of uncertainty about their future, good news arrived for fans. On April 27, 2023, Warner Music Korea announced that all four members—Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna—had signed exclusive contracts with the agency. This signing confirmed that the group would continue performing together, albeit under different circumstances.

Just days later, on May 3, 2023, Warner Music Korea revealed that the group would be continuing under a new name: BB Girls. The name change became necessary because Brave Entertainment retained the trademark rights to the "Brave Girls" name. The new name wasn't randomly chosen—it had already existed as an unofficial nickname among Korean fans who had found "Brave" (beu-re-i-beu) too long to say and had shortened it to "BB" by taking the first and last characters.

In Korean, the new name is pronounced "beu-beu geolseu", maintaining a connection to their original identity while marking the beginning of a new era. The rebranding represented not just a name change but a fresh start for a group that had already experienced multiple reinventions.

New music and performances

After settling into their new identity, BB Girls began preparing for their first release under Warner Music Korea. On August 3, 2023, they officially debuted as BB Girls with their first single album titled "One More Time". The title track sampled "Give It To Me Baby" by Rick James, featuring a catchy retro pop sound that conveyed the members' bold message about their new path.

The album also included a second track called "Lemonade," described as a summery pop song charged with the quartet's refreshing energy. Through these releases, BB Girls showcased their true identity and the friendship among the members.

Beyond their music, the group continued to build on their established popularity through various performances and appearances. Meanwhile, in a move that highlighted the complexity of K-pop's business arrangements, Brave Entertainment released the group's first best album, "Brave Girls Best Album," under their former name on August 20, 2023.

Solo Career and New Beginnings

In April 2024, Yujeong's career took another significant turn as she embarked on a new chapter in her professional journey, setting the stage for her solo endeavors.

Departure from BB Girls in 2024

On April 22, 2024, Warner Music Korea announced that BB GIRLS would be leaving the agency following the expiration of their contract. That same day, BB GIRLS revealed they had established their own agency, BB GIRLS Company, and would continue as a trio without Yujeong. Through her personal social media account, Yujeong addressed her departure directly, expressing both gratitude and regret: "I want to express my gratitude and apologies to those who have always believed in me and worried about me, including FEARLESS and Bbees".

In her heartfelt message, Yujeong reflected on her personal growth and the challenges she had faced throughout her career: "Since the beginning, I've been afraid and worried a lot, afraid of causing harm to someone. And at the same time, afraid of doing something alone". Henceforth, she concluded, "I'll leave my beloved past here, and focus on the next step that I must cherish and love".

Yujeong made it clear she harbored no ill feelings toward her former groupmates, stating, "I'll always sincerely support the future of BBGIRLS, which Minyoung, Eunji, and Yuna will create".

Signing with RND Company

Following a brief period away from the spotlight, on July 1, 2024, RND Company officially announced they had signed an exclusive contract with Yujeong. This marked a new professional home for the talented performer, now operating under her legal name, Nam Yujeong.

Upon signing with RND Company, Yujeong shared her mixed emotions about this new phase: "As it is my first time alone, I am half-excited and half-frightened, but I will show you a better performance in many ways with the CEO, the company, and my fans who support me". Of note, RND Company is also home to other established artists including BIGBANG's Daesung and Kisum.

Preparing for solo debut and variety shows

After joining RND Company, Yujeong began actively preparing for her solo career. On January 19, 2025, she made her first performance appearance since leaving BB GIRLS, being revealed as contestant "Handbell" on MBC's "The King of Masked Singer". This appearance marked her return to the public eye and showcased her vocal abilities as a solo artist.

Currently, Yujeong is focusing on preparing her upcoming solo album while simultaneously exploring opportunities in variety shows, MCing, and acting. Throughout this transition period, she has maintained her characteristic enthusiasm and positive outlook, expressing to fans that she is "enthusiastic about expanding her artistic horizons and showcasing her undeniable talent".

Personality, Hobbies, and Fun Facts

Beyond her professional achievements, Yujeong possesses a vibrant personality and unique characteristics that have endeared her to fans across the globe.

Nicknames and MBTI type

Throughout her career, Yujeong has acquired several affectionate nicknames that reflect her distinctive traits. Her most prominent nickname is Squirtle, earned for her iconic eye smile that captivates audiences. Among fans, she is additionally known as Turtle and Crazy due to her cheerful demeanor. Within the group, she was often called Yudeong or Yudaeng, nicknames that became popular among her closest supporters.

In terms of personality type, Yujeong is an ISFJ (Defender), according to personality assessments. ISFJs are characterized as warm, responsible, and attentive to practical details. As described in personality databases, "Defenders are the type to meet deadlines, remember birthdays and special occasions, uphold traditions, and shower their loved ones with gestures of care and support". This classification aligns perfectly with Yujeong's supportive nature toward her groupmates and fans.

Interestingly, Yujeong considers her cheerful and lively personality her greatest strength, yet admits to being shy and worrying considerably when no one is watching. This duality showcases the complexity behind her consistently bright public persona.

Her love for dogs and hiking

One of Yujeong's most cherished daily activities involves walking her three beloved dogs—Laren, Bambi, and Latti. She faithfully takes them for walks once daily, a routine she maintains regardless of her busy schedule. This dedication reflects her nurturing personality and commitment to their wellbeing.

Besides dog walking, Yujeong maintains an active lifestyle through regular hiking and physical training. Hiking provides her not only physical benefits but presumably mental rejuvenation amidst her demanding career. For small-dog owners like Yujeong, hiking offers unique advantages—companions who can "snuggle inside your sleeping bag to keep you warm at night" and serve as "a great conversation piece on the trail".

Unique habits and lip tricks

Perhaps Yujeong's most distinctive characteristic is her remarkable lip flexibility, which she has been perfecting since age five. Her mouth measures 6.2 cm when idle but expands impressively to 8.5 cm when performing her lip tricks. This unusual talent has become a signature feature that sets her apart from other idols.

Furthermore, Yujeong has a habit of making sounds with her lips and frequently uses interjections in conversation. She acknowledges being hot-tempered as her primary weakness and describes herself as extremely talkative. Other pastimes include reading, listening to music, and watching YouTube videos—simple pleasures that balance her public life.

Media Appearances and Endorsements

Following the viral success of "Rollin'," Yujeong's public profile soared dramatically, opening doors to numerous television appearances and lucrative endorsement deals. Her charming personality and distinctive smile made her especially appealing to brands seeking relatable ambassadors.

TV shows and variety programs

Yujeong's television career expanded significantly as her popularity grew. She appeared on prominent Korean variety shows including "AMAZING SATURDAYS," where she joined alongside Minyoung to solve quizzes and compete for local food from Seoul Byeolbit Nammun market. Certainly, her infectious energy shone through on "TMI NEWS," where she participated in episode 59 featuring topics like "Songs I Want to Dance to in a Group" and "Songs I Want to Sing Along to in a Group".

Beyond music-focused programs, Yujeong ventured into reality dating content by participating in TVING's "Love Catcher in Bali" in 2022 as a regular cast member across all eight episodes. These diverse appearances showcased her versatility as an entertainer beyond her musical performances.

Endorsements like Turtle Chips and Olive Young

Perhaps the most heartwarming endorsement story involves Yujeong's partnership with Orion's Turtle Chips. This collaboration came about through an extraordinary fan campaign. After more than 7,000 netizens voted her as the idol who most resembled Squirtle (the Pokémon character) with 43% of votes, fans bombarded Orion with requests to hire her as their model. One dedicated fan reportedly purchased $30,000 worth of Orion stock to pressure the company as a shareholder.

Overall, Yujeong's endorsement portfolio included:

Orion Turtle Chips (individual endorsement)
Olive Young's BRING GREEN skincare line (individual endorsement)
Group endorsements with Brave Girls for brands like BBQ Chicken, SPAO Cooltech, and GS25 BREADIQUE

The Olive Young partnership marked her entry into the beauty space, aligning with her reputation for having a bright, fresh image.

YouTube and vlogging activities

Alongside her television and endorsement work, Yujeong maintained a connection with fans through her YouTube channel. This platform allowed her to share more personal content, including behind-the-scenes glimpses of her daily life and activities with her beloved dogs. Her vlogging style typically emphasized authenticity and casual interactions with viewers, creating a more intimate connection than her polished television appearances.

Love Life and Public Attention

Yujeong's personal life became a subject of public interest in 2023 when news of her romantic relationship surfaced in the media. Unlike her professional journey, this chapter revealed a more private side of the former Brave Girls member.

Dating actor Lee Kyu-han

The romance began unexpectedly when Yujeong met actor Lee Kyu-han on the set of KBS2's variety show "Rustically: In the Secret Island" in February 2022. Despite their 11-year age gap, the two developed a connection that gradually evolved beyond professional acquaintance. Their chemistry apparently flourished behind the scenes, away from public scrutiny, until someone spotted them sharing a meal with friends and captured a photo that quickly spread online.

Public confirmation and breakup

Initially, both parties denied dating rumors when they first emerged in July 2023, describing their relationship as merely that of "close colleagues." Indeed, Yujeong later explained on the Korean talk show Radio Star that they had genuinely only shared one meal together at that point, and given that BB Girls was preparing for a comeback, they chose to avoid potential negative publicity.

By September 2023, as their relationship deepened, the couple officially confirmed they were "carefully getting to know each other with positive feelings." First thing to remember, this public acknowledgment came after the second wave of rumors made denial difficult.

Unfortunately, the relationship proved short-lived. In August 2024, after approximately one year together, both their agencies confirmed the breakup, stating they would "support each other's future endeavors."

How she handled media attention

The sudden spotlight on her private life significantly impacted Yujeong's daily routines. In essence, she transformed from a self-described "people person" into someone who "rarely left the house" when not working. She admitted to blaming herself for the initial restaurant outing that sparked rumors and became exceedingly cautious about her public appearances.

Following their breakup, both parties removed relationship traces from social media. Lee Kyu-han deleted all related posts before eventually deactivating his account entirely, while Yujeong initially maintained a swimming pool photo from their trip to Vietnam before ultimately removing it too.