Ive's An Yujin and Jang Wonyoung Share Their Secrets to Overcoming Challenges on 'You Quiz on the Block'

On January 15, 2025, the popular tvN show You Quiz on the Block (유퀴즈 온 더 블럭) featured An Yujin and Jang Wonyoung from the K-pop group Ive. An Yujin arrived a bit late due to her schedule, playfully stating, "Did you think only Jang Wonyoung would be here? I'm here too!" She expressed her excitement about appearing on the show, saying, "I always wanted to be on You Quiz. I thought you had to achieve something significant to be invited, so I didn't expect to be here like this."

Debuting at the young ages of 15 and 14, respectively, both members began their entertainment careers early. An Yujin shared her journey to debut, explaining, "I actively sought out this path. When I was 14, I attended an end-of-year awards ceremony. The glow sticks were so bright, and I wished they would shine for me. So, I searched online and sent my application. I emailed a half-body photo, a selfie, and a song. I sent it to multiple agencies, but Starship was the first to respond. They even came to Daejeon to meet me."

She also recalled a moment when a company representative treated her to a meal, indicating the warmth she felt from the agency.

In contrast, Jang Wonyoung revealed that her childhood dream was to become a news anchor. She received a casting offer while attending her sister's graduation ceremony. "It was quite fateful because the person who cast me disappeared three days later. In this industry, we eventually cross paths again, but I have never seen that person since," she shared, revealing this story for the first time.

However, their journey in the entertainment industry has not been easy. An Yujin described her experience on an audition program as her first major trial. "I thought I would be loved by everyone, but I found out there were people who disliked me. It took time to accept that some people wouldn’t like me even if I hadn’t done anything wrong," she admitted. She reflected on how she was constantly exposed to evaluations of herself, saying, "I was trapped in thoughts about how others perceived me."

Jang Wonyoung faced her own challenges, having recently dealt with false rumors that led to legal battles. Although the rumors were proven false, the emotional toll it took on her is hard to imagine. She stated, "The comments from people who have never met me and only saw a few seconds of video don’t hurt me as much. I focus on those who support me. When faced with challenges, I believe that if I overcome them without giving in, there will be double the fortune or rewards. I think there is no pain without compensation. This mindset helps me navigate my life as an entertainer and as Jang Wonyoung."

The episode highlighted the resilience and positive outlook of these young idols as they continue to thrive in the competitive world of K-pop.