Former idol Jeonyul, known for her time with the girl group Stellar, has opened up about being misled into filming sexually suggestive scenes at a young age. In a recent YouTube video detailing the lives of South Koreans, she recounted her experiences, including her current job at a jewelry store in Yongin.
Jeonyul revealed that she earns approximately ₩10,000 KRW (around $7.58 USD) per hour while working long shifts from 10 AM to 10 PM. Despite her previous fame, she noted that many customers do not recognize her due to the group’s specific image. Most are surprised to learn about her past as a member of Stellar.
Reflecting on her time as an idol, Jeonyul discussed the release of the group’s controversial song “Marionette.” She was only 19 when the music video debuted, and at that time, she was unaware of the sexually suggestive nature of certain scenes. “I didn’t know the scenes were so racy,” she said, recounting how a fellow member prompted her to read comments about the video. “I learned what it meant after reading the comments. At the time, because I was so young, I thought they gave me the least controversial scenes, but they gave me the sexiest ones.”
The music video for “Marionette” gained significant attention for its provocative visuals and outfits, with Jeonyul’s scene involving spilling milk on her body while wearing underwear being particularly contentious. Despite this controversy, Jeonyul acknowledged that the song significantly contributed to the group’s rise in popularity. “Before the release of ‘Marionette,’ we only performed at small festivals outside of Seoul and at military bases,” she noted. “After the song’s release, our schedules were packed with months-long college performances.”
Since disbanding from Stellar, Jeonyul has attempted to pivot towards acting, with her recent work including a short film, showcasing her versatility beyond music. Her candid revelations about her past highlight the challenges young performers face in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding the pressure to conform to certain images and expectations.
Jeonyul’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding fame and the often-unseen struggles that accompany a career in the public eye. As she navigates her current path, her experiences provide valuable insight into the realities of young artists in South Korea.
