[TMA Interview] YENA, From IZ*ONE to Solo... 'Artist of the Year' Shines Again

Following her award with IZ*ONE in 2020, she achieves honors as a solo artist"I want to be a singer who delivers pleasant energy"Singer YENA won the 'Artist of the Year' award at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS)' held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium in Yeonje-gu, Busan on the 19th. The photo shows YENA meeting for an interview with after receiving the award. /Reporter Park Sang-min[THE FACT|Reporter Choi Soo-bin] Singer YENA returned to the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' after 6 years. While she took the stage as a member of IZ*ONE in 2020, this time she proudly stood out as a solo artist. With music that captures her unique color, she has built an unrivaled niche called 'Yena-core' and has made 2026 another peak of her career.The '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS(2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, was spectacularly held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19th. On this day, YENA was recognized for her achievements as a solo artist by winning 'Artist of the Year'.YENA, who debuted as a member of IZ*ONE in 2018, embarked on her solo journey after the group's activities concluded, releasing her first mini-album 'SMILEY' in 2022. Since then, she has expanded her musical world with songs like 'Nemo Nemo' and 'I Hate Being Called Kind', showcasing her vibrant personality and witty concepts.The 'Yena-core' she built shone through the title track 'Catchy' from her fifth mini-album 'LOVE CATCHER', released in March. The addictive melody that lingers in your ears, combined with charming choreography and YENA's signature lively energy, led to a challenge craze.The results were also significant. 'Catchy' surpassed 100 million cumulative streams on the global music streaming platform Spotify on September 30th. It ranked in the top 3 for streaming growth among 4th generation solo artist songs on Spotify and in the top 4 in the female solo category. It also reached the top 4 on Melon Top 100, a domestic music site, demonstrating her presence both domestically and internationally.YENA transformed into a phantom thief and Catwoman at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' to perform 'Catchy'. /Reporter LEE SAEROMHaving had a hot year with 'Catchy', YENA met with reporters backstage after completing her TMA stage. As she stood on the TMA stage for the first time as a solo artist, she shared various stories, from the joy of winning the award to the process of preparing the performance and her thoughts on her own music.The 'Artist of the Year' award that YENA received is presented to a singer (team) who has achieved outstanding results in album sales and music streaming performance throughout the year. It is determined by a combined score of 60% for album and music performance and 40% for judge evaluation. For YENA, who showed remarkable performance on the music charts this year, it was a meaningful moment that recognized her efforts.YENA expressed her overwhelming emotions, saying, "I am truly grateful for the 'Artist of the Year' award this year, as I have worked tirelessly without rest in 2026. I want to express my gratitude and love to my most precious and beloved Jjigumi (fandom name) for this wonderful award."Above all, this award held special significance as it connected to six years ago. YENA had previously won the 'Artist of the Year' award at the TMA with her IZ*ONE members in 2020. While she shared the joy with her members at the time, this time she received the same award under her own name.She shared her unique feelings, saying, "When I was active with IZ*ONE, it was an award received through the group's hard work, but receiving it now after my solo debut makes it incredibly meaningful and significant."YENA's individuality stood out on stage as much as her award. On this day, YENA transformed into a phantom thief and Catwoman from an animation to perform 'Catchy'. Her outfit, with black leather accents, contrasted with her usual bright and lovely image, revealing a chic charm. Combined with her characteristic overflowing energy and diverse facial expressions, she completed a captivating performance.YENA vowed, "I am grateful for Jjigumi's love and will not take it for granted. I will work hard with a grateful heart to become a great artist." The photo shows her expressing her feelings after receiving the 'Artist of the Year' award at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. /Reporter Nam Yong-heeTo add a new charm to a familiar song, YENA also went through repeated considerations. She said, "I didn't want it to be just the same transformation, so I wanted to show a cool black Yena that could evoke Catwoman with a twist." She added, "I also paid attention to the performance, and many people liked it, and the cheers were so loud that it was thrilling."As such, from 'SMILEY' to 'Nemo Nemo' and 'Catchy', YENA has brought both auditory and visual enjoyment by interpreting unique concepts that could otherwise feel unfamiliar in her own way. This is why the expression 'Yena-core' has become natural.YENA recalled, "I saw a letter in the mailbox prepared by TMA, and I remember the phrase, 'There is a pleasant happiness and energy that can only be felt from Yena and within Yena's songs.'"She continued with a smile, "I also always strive to deliver pleasant energy to my fans and many people. I feel proud and happy that this feeling seems to have been conveyed."YENA, who first lifted the TMA trophy with IZ*ONE, has now become an artist who once again enjoys the same glory with her own music and performances. While her stage presence has changed from six years ago to now, her desire to convey happiness through music remains the same."The day has come when I receive the 'Artist of the Year' award as a solo artist, and it feels like a time that proves the great love I've received for running so hard. I am always grateful for Jjigumi's love and will not take it for granted. With a grateful heart, I will continue to work hard to become a great artist not only this year but also next year and the year after."subin7134@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]