Kim Yuni, an SM trainee, reflects on her journey and emotions while competing in SBS's 'Our Ballad' after years of training.
October/16/2025 20:00Related Groups & Members
Kim Yuni, who is from SM trainee, revealed that her trainee period overlapped with aespa and Hearts2Hearts. In the recently aired SBS program 'Our Ballad,' the first round of the main selection for 'My Life's First Ballad' unfolded. 22-year-old Kim Yuni introduced herself as 'Kim Yuni, recovering from being an idol trainee with a ballad,' and revealed that she is from SM Entertainment trainee. She said, 'I was doing YouTube. When I posted a video singing a ballad song there, they contacted me after watching that footage. I moved to Seoul from Daejeon when I was in the second year of high school.' When OH MY GIRL's Mimi asked if she had friends who trained together and debuted, Kim Yuni replied, 'I overlapped with the trainees of Hearts2Hearts and aespa, who debuted this year. I trained for about five years.' She shared, 'I watched their debut stage at home, and it felt very strange. Seeing people I always watched next to me standing on a big stage dressed glamorously made me sad.' She then explained her choice of song, Yoon Sang's 'Shadow of Parting,' saying, 'I happened to hear it on the train to Daejeon after finishing dormitory life, and it felt similar to my feelings. It seemed like the feelings of giving up on the dream of being an idol were embedded in this song, so I chose it. Since it is Yoon Sang's debut song and this stage is my new beginning, I thought it would have special meaning.' Kim Yuni received 103 votes, barely passing and successfully advancing to the second round. Cha Taehyun commented, 'It was impressive how you carefully picked each sound,' and Jung Jaehyun praised, 'The last note was crucial. I think it was a divine move.' Park Gyeongrim said, 'When you were a trainee, were you the main vocalist? Your beautiful vocals seemed to inherit that lineage, but as you organized your thoughts and returned to Daejeon, the feeling of listening to this song on the train was alive. I was worried about what would happen if the light didn't come in and I had to listen to this song again on the train. I think everyone pressed the button because of that earnestness and attitude.' Mimi said, 'I felt it was amazing that after preparing as an idol trainee for five years and receiving different training, challenging yourself with a ballad is wonderful. It was very emotional.'
Related Articles
On the morning of the 16th, a press conference for the ENA variety show 'It's Okay to Be Directionally Challenged' took place at the Shocking K-POP Center in Seoul's Mapo District. Attendees included Song Hena, comedian Kim Won-hun, Park Ji-hyun, Song Tae-jin, Kim Yong-bin, and PD Kong De-han. The show features celebrities taking on customized travel challenges created by a team of creators.
On the morning of the 16th, aespa's WINTER attended a CHAUMET event at Lotte Department Store in Seoul's Songpa District, showcasing her charming equestrian style. In an interview, she shared her thoughts on their activities. Meanwhile, aespa successfully concluded their Tokyo concert, thrilling 30,000 fans with a rich setlist.
On October 15, a charity event for the 20th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. The event featured numerous K-pop stars, including members of BTS, BIGBANG, and Stray Kids, as well as popular actors, creating a glamorous atmosphere. The event highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness and showcased the unity of the entertainment industry.
On the afternoon of the 15th, a charity event for the 20th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, attended by K-pop artists including aespa, IVE's Wonyoung, Yujin, LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon, and others. The event highlighted the importance of awareness and support for breast cancer.
aespa is currently on their third arena tour in Japan, demonstrating their explosive presence. They performed at Tokyo's Ariake Arena from November 11-13, attracting around 30,000 fans. The tour included a rich setlist featuring hits like 'Next Level' and their new song 'Rich Man,' which achieved triple crown status. They plan to continue their tour across Asia in 2024.
On the afternoon of the 14th, aespa's GISELLE and NINGNING arrived back in Korea via Incheon International Airport after completing their nationwide arena tour '2025 aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK: aeXIS LINE - in JAPAN.' The tour featured the exciting debut of their new song 'Rich Man' in Fukuoka.
On the afternoon of the 14th, aespa's KARINA and WINTER returned to Incheon International Airport from Japan after completing their nationwide arena tour, '2025 aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK: aeXIS LINE - in JAPAN.' The tour kicked off in Fukuoka and included the exciting debut of their new song 'Rich Man.'
KARINA from aespa recently shared updates from her time in Fukuoka, Japan, through Instagram, inviting fans to follow her. She posted a video of herself walking through the city while checking a map, visiting local shops. aespa is currently on their Japan arena tour, which started on October 4 and includes 11 performances until November 27.
WINTER from aespa graces the cover of Harper's BAZAAR Korea, embodying the autumn goddess with horses. She reflects on the pressures of her new mini-album 'Rich Man' and emphasizes the importance of expressing herself authentically on stage. WINTER believes true artistry shines through when performers fully commit to their music, prioritizing emotional connection over chart success.
On the afternoon of the 10th, aespa's KARINA and WINTER left for Japan via Gimpo International Airport for their national arena tour. They will perform at Tokyo's Ariake Arena on the 11th and 12th, debuting their new song 'Rich Man.' Additionally, a pop-up event for their 6th mini-album 'Rich Man' will be held in Tokyo starting October 10th.
