What defines ideal beauty? On a journey to find the answer, we met WJSN’s Seola, Exy, Eunseo, and Yeoreum. Each of them is in the process of continuously evolving, moving forward with purpose and strength. Their story has only just passed its prologue, with new chapters still waiting to unfold. Though they now walk separate paths, may we never forget that at the end of it all, unchanging friendship remains.


<Yeoreum>

Q. What kind of woman do you consider to embody ideal beauty?

A (Yeoreum). Outer beauty is great, of course, but to me, the most beautiful woman is someone with a healthy mind—someone who knows how to cherish and respect herself.

Q. As WJSN celebrates its 9th debut anniversary, you must be very different now compared to when you first debuted. Looking back, what has changed the most about you?

A (Yeoreum). I think I’ve become more grounded and solid inside. I’ve also grown to love and cherish my work even more. In many ways, I feel I’ve changed for the better.

Q. I listened to “As You Wish” as my first song of the year on January 1. That song seems to resurface on the charts every New Year. What was your first song of the year?

A (Yeoreum). Mine was “As You Wish” too. I listen to it every New Year. It’s our song, yes, but it fills me with so much hope and emotion. There’s a kind of power in that song that’s truly unique.

Q. In the upcoming film The Student Teacher Practicum (set to release in the second half of this year), you play a character named Saetbyeol. What kind of person is she?

A (Yeoreum). Saetbyeol is cute, sometimes a bit quirky, but she’s also the passionate leader of a black magic club. She’s a fun and energetic character.

Q. What made you want to play Saetbyeol?

A (Yeoreum). I have many sides to me, but when I tap into my playful and cute side, I felt that matched Saetbyeol perfectly. She’s such a charming character—I really couldn’t resist!

Q. Whether as Yeoreum of WJSN or actress Lee Yeoreum, is there a value or belief you never want to lose?

A (Yeoreum). “Don’t force anything. Don’t pretend.” That’s what I always try to live by. I really want to put my whole heart into everything I do, genuinely.

Q. What kind of people are your fans, the “Ujung” who always support you? What do they mean to you?

A (Yeoreum). They’re incredibly precious—beyond what words can express. Thanks to Ujung, I’ve come to truly understand what it means to give and receive love. They always support me and treat me with such care. That’s why I’ll always want to give that love right back. ♥




<Exy>

Q. What does “ideal beauty” mean to you?

A (Exy). I think ideal beauty is the ability to love. People who can truly love something tend to show genuine kindness—not only to others but also to themselves.

Q. What do you personally do to cultivate that kind of perspective?

A (Exy). I believe that mindset and heart aren’t just natural—they’re something you develop through constant effort. For me, becoming someone who can truly love starts with becoming emotionally strong. That’s why I’m always trying to listen closely to my inner self. I’m still in that process. You need the strength to protect yourself first before you can love others fully.

Q. It’s been so great to see you on screen more often lately—in Heo’s Diner and Divorce Insurance, for example. Has acting changed your mindset in any way?

A (Exy). Whether it’s completing an album as a singer or a drama as an actor, I believe both are collaborative efforts. The love and passion I invest in each role come from the same place—my sense of responsibility.
That said, acting is still unfamiliar to me. There are moments when my confidence wavers or unexpected things happen, and in those moments, I’ve realized that if I’m not flexible, it becomes really tough. Watching my seniors lead entire casts so gracefully in both Heo’s Diner and Divorce Insurance made me want to become that kind of actor.
That kind of composure comes from experience—it’s something you earn. So as I continue my journey as an actor, I want to embrace the stumbles and challenges, not fear them. I believe those very moments will help shape me into a more adaptable performer.

Q. Watching you in Divorce Insurance, I felt like you really brought to life the everyday reality of women in their 20s and 30s. As Choo Sojung, were there parts of Ah-young you personally related to—or found different from yourself?

A (Exy). In terms of personality, I think I’m quite different from Ah-young. For instance, I’m not as open about my likes and dislikes as she is. I tend to keep things to myself and endure quietly, which is why I actually admired her.
While the drama doesn’t go into detail about why Ah-young chooses to remain unmarried, I resonated deeply with her line about how marriage can't be the sole measure of happiness. I also believe love alone isn’t enough for marriage. You need the courage to face the uncomfortable realities that come with it. No matter what Ah-young ultimately chooses, I’ll always root for her.

Q. You’ve been juggling both acting and music without rest. Where do you get that kind of energy? It must come with a lot of pressure too—how do you cope with it?
A (Exy). Unconditional support and love from the people around me—that’s my biggest source of strength. Especially my fans and my family. Of course, I enjoy what I do and find joy in it, but it’s not always sunshine and roses.
I have moments where I feel like giving up, just like anyone else. But knowing there are people who believe in me no matter what helps me get back up. Their presence helps me overcome the pressure that comes with this path.

Q. On the flip side, when you don’t have a packed schedule, how do you usually spend your free time? Any hobbies you’re currently into?

A (Exy). I don’t have any grand hobbies or goals, but I do have small routines that keep me grounded. Among those, walking and reading are my favorites. I walk everywhere—it’s my way of processing things. Walking makes everything feel a little lighter, like I’m steadily moving forward.
As for reading, every time I open a book, it feels like stepping into a different world. That space for reflection and self-exploration has become so precious to me.

Q. If you could keep just one memory with UJUNG (WJSN’s fandom) forever, what would it be?

A (Exy). Every moment with them is brilliant and meaningful, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the final stage of Queendom 2, when we won. That whole journey was such a challenge for us—we cried, we were exhausted, but above all, we were so desperate.
UJUNGs were just as desperate—maybe even more. They waited anxiously with us, prayed for us, and gave us strength at every step. When we finally saw the result we’d dreamed of and cried and laughed together, I knew I’d never forget that moment. It’s a memory that will continue to push me forward through every small and big challenge ahead.




<Seola>

Q. How was it working with a longsword to express the deeper, more complex side of beauty for this editorial shoot?

A (Seola). The contrast between the longsword and the black dress felt so fresh and powerful. I wanted to make sure that the concept blended naturally with who I am, so I really focused during the shoot. It was so much fun!

Q. What does “ideal beauty” mean to you?

A (Seola). I believe ideal beauty is ultimately about loving yourself. Everyone has different thoughts and standards, so when we try too hard to fit in, we risk undervaluing our natural selves. I think when you start respecting your own taste and building confidence, you begin to feel fulfilled—both inside and out. I’m still working on it myself, to be honest. (laughs)

Q. It’s been a year since you released your first solo album INSIDE OUT last January. The title track “Without U” delivered a powerful message about protecting yourself to move forward. How are you protecting yourself these days?

A (Seola). I learned so much from the whole solo experience. After the promotions ended, I took some time to reflect and tried to fill in the gaps—areas I felt were lacking in myself.
Lately, I’ve been really into yoga and walking. Yoga has brought me so much comfort and happiness. And whenever I feel anxious or a little fragile, I just walk. As I walk, I think to myself, “Let’s leave it all behind on the ground and go home.” Over time, I’ve realized how important it is to take care of myself like I would a child. Just like we work to maintain relationships with others, we also need to put in the effort to nurture our relationship with ourselves.

Q. You’re someone who seems to do everything—singing, dancing, songwriting, producing, and staying connected with fans. If there’s one thing you’re most focused on lately, what is it?

A (Seola). Recently, I’ve been really immersed in songwriting. After wrapping up my solo album, I went through a period where I wrote in my journal a lot, and now I’m using those entries as inspiration. I want to take those words and rearrange them into something fun and free.
Lately, I’ve also been focused on—well—focusing. I think even having something to care about is a challenge. So I’m trying to stay curious and open myself up to new interests, wherever they may come from.

Q. I feel like so many women around my age have, at one point or another, been in love with Kim Hyunjung (Seola). Why do you think women in our generation are especially drawn to you?

A (Seola). I honestly want to ask that question to the people who love—or once loved—me. If I had to guess, maybe it's because there’s a gap between how I first appear and who I actually am. That contrast might spark interest. But truthfully… I really don’t know!

Q. As an INFP, you're probably someone who thinks a lot. Do you have a phrase or mantra you tell yourself when your thoughts get overwhelming?

A (Seola). Yes, there’s something I always repeat to myself: “It’s not as serious as you think it is.” I tend to overthink—even the smallest things—and when that happens, this little phrase helps bring me back. It keeps me from magnifying someone else’s words or over-interpreting situations to the point where I pressure myself.

Q. I imagine that UJUNG means something very special to both WJSN and to you. When do you feel the deepest sense of connection or love from your fans?

A (Seola). Just thinking of the word “Ujung” makes my heart ache in the best way. There’s so much gratitude—and even a bit of guilt—that it overwhelms me. I feel their love in countless ways, but there’s nothing quite like locking eyes with them on stage. That moment of connection… it’s the sweetest feeling in the world.




<Eunseo>

Q. How does the beauty you pursue as WJSN’s Eunseo differ from the beauty you seek as actress Son Juyeon?

A (Eunseo). As Eunseo of WJSN, I naturally strive for a beauty that radiates positivity and brightness—something that could lift others up when they see me.
But as an actress, I want to convey sincerity through my performances without embellishment. I want to leave an impression that makes people want to know more about me. So, the kind of beauty I pursue does shift a bit depending on whether I’m on stage or in front of the camera.

Q. Fans often describe you as someone who scares easily, which was a bit surprising. I imagine it took a lot of courage to transition from singer to actress. What helped you take that leap?

A (Eunseo). I’ve always been scared of horror stories and ghosts since I was little. But while filming The Amoeba Girls and the School Ghost: Founding Day, some of those fears started to fade.
My character “Williminky,” a ghost, actually came across as rather lovable during filming, so I stopped feeling so guarded. Of course, I still get scared! But whenever I feel hesitant or fearful before taking on a challenge, I try to trust myself—and the support from my fans gives me so much strength.
Thanks to them, I’ve found the courage to do things I never thought I could. Their belief in me has truly been the biggest driving force behind every new chapter I’ve taken on.

Q. Out of all the characters you’ve played so far, is there one you feel especially attached to? How does she compare to who you are in real life?

A (Eunseo). The character I feel closest to is Park Chayeora from the drama At Your Distance. Even though she carries pain, she finds her own colorful and fun way of moving forward with life. That resilience really stayed with me.
Acting made me realize that healing isn’t always simple for me. Even when I seem fine on the outside, I might still be hurting on the inside. Chayeora’s journey captured that delicate process of recovery so beautifully—it made me feel closer to her.
Her desire to help others through the emotions she’s experienced also reminded me of myself. In that sense, she’s more than just a role—she feels like a dear friend who will stay with me for a long time.

Q. On your YouTube channel, you often share your healthy eating habits. One fan even commented that you’re the “No.1 woman we can’t wait to see in her 40s.” What do you envision your 40s to look like?

A (Eunseo). That nickname actually came from Dayoung, who’s lived with me for a long time, and it kind of stuck. Now, I find myself looking forward to my 40s, too. I think it makes sense that I’m living this chapter with so much energy and intention—it’s all an investment for what’s to come.
What I hope for in my 40s is a life where my body and mind are healthy, and I can enjoy the small joys and simple happiness of each day. I want to live with gratitude, surrounded by people I love. Oh—and I definitely want to gather everyone and make kimchi together!

Q. Since you were born in spring, I imagine this season feels extra special to you. How have you been spending this year’s spring?

A (Eunseo). The weather’s been a bit unpredictable this spring—there was even snow in March and April, which made me wonder, “Is spring really here?” But I’ve tried to welcome the season in my own way by eating seasonal foods like wild greens and spring vegetables. As the days get warmer, I’ve been hiking and going on walks to care for both my body and my mind.

Q. Have you started any new hobbies or routines lately?

A (Eunseo). Lately, I’ve been trying out different hobbies, and honestly, that exploration in itself feels like a hobby. You could say I’m in the process of discovering what truly suits me—and because of that, every day feels a little different and more fun.

Q. Is there a special memory with UJUNG that stands out as your happiest moment together?

A (Eunseo). Most recently, I’ll never forget the day of my film debut with The Amoeba Girls and the School Ghost: Founding Day. It was my very first time appearing on the big screen, and I also got to meet UJUNGs in person after such a long time.
What stays with me most is how excited and nervous they were for me—maybe even more than I was. I can still see their anticipation so clearly in my mind.

Q. How do you want UJUNG to remember you?

A (Eunseo). I hope I’ll always be someone who brings a smile to their face, even just by being thought of. I want to be a source of strength, the way they’ve been for me. I’m not perfect, but like they’ve stood by me all this time, I hope I can stay by their side and share that warmth right back.