Jeonyul, a former member of the K-pop group Stellar, has disclosed that she was misled into filming suggestive scenes as a teenager. In a recent YouTube video, she discussed her experiences, including her current job at a jewelry store in Yongin, where she earns approximately ₩10,000 KRW (about $7.58 USD) an hour.
During the video, Jeonyul described her work schedule, which spans from 10 AM to 10 PM. Few customers recognize her from her idol days, and many are taken aback when they learn about her past. “I begin working from 10 AM and get off work at 10 PM in the evening,” she stated, emphasizing the challenges of balancing her current life with her past as a performer.
Reflecting on her time with Stellar, Jeonyul revealed that she was only 19 when the group’s hit song, “Marionette,” was released. At that time, she was unaware of the provocative nature of some scenes. “I didn’t know the scenes were so racy,” she explained. A fellow member informed her about the explicit interpretation of a particular scene, which involved her spilling milk onto her body while wearing underwear. “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 release of “Marionette” sparked considerable debate due to the group’s revealing outfits and the overall sensuality of the music video. Despite the backlash, Jeonyul acknowledged that the song significantly contributed to their rise in popularity. “Before the release of ‘Marionette,’ we only performed at small festivals outside of Seoul and at military bases, but after the song’s release, our schedules were packed with months-long college performances.”
Since the disbandment of Stellar, Jeonyul has pursued acting opportunities, recently appearing in a short film. Her transition from idol to actress highlights the challenges faced by many former K-pop stars as they navigate their careers beyond the spotlight.
Jeonyul’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the pressures and expectations placed on young performers in the entertainment industry. As she continues to forge her path, her story sheds light on the complexities of fame and the personal impacts of early career decisions.
