Meet Youngbin: The "Freak Show" Star & JYP's Newest Solo Artist

The K-pop world is buzzing with excitement as a new solo star emerges! Youngbin, the incredibly talented runner-up of the hit survival show The Ttanttara, is finally making her much-anticipated debut with the digital single, “Freak Show.” After capturing hearts with her overflowing charm and energy on the show, she’s ready to take the stage as a full-fledged artist under INIT Entertainment, a subsidiary of the legendary JYP Entertainment.

For global K-pop fans, a debut from a JYP-affiliated label is always a huge deal. JYP has given us iconic artists like TWICE, Stray Kids, and ITZY, known for their top-tier performances and concepts. Youngbin’s debut is set to continue that legacy.

From Survival Show Sensation to Solo Star

Remember the TOP5 from The Ttanttara? Youngbin is the very first to step into the spotlight, a fact she admits comes with a mix of pressure and pride. “I’d be lying if I said there was no pressure,” she shared in a recent interview, “but I have a lot of pride in being the first to debut. It made me prepare even more diligently.”

Her fellow members have been her biggest cheerleaders. “They told me the song suits me perfectly,” she said with a smile. “I’m so grateful they love it as much as I do. We’re constantly supporting and helping each other.”

Welcome to the ‘Freak Show’

So, what is “Freak Show” all about? The song is a vibrant pop-dance track with a rhythmic bassline and a cool, refreshing guitar riff. The lyrics, which Youngbin co-wrote, playfully celebrate our unique differences, encouraging us to embrace what makes us “freaks” instead of hiding it.

This was Youngbin’s first time writing lyrics, an experience suggested by none other than JYP Entertainment’s founder, Park Jin-young (J.Y. Park). “The moment I was most immersed in the whole process was when I was writing the lyrics,” she revealed. “I spent about two weeks deeply thinking about what a ‘freak’ is, what my ‘freak’ is, and what message I wanted to convey. It made me love the song even more.”

Mentorship from the Legendary J.Y. Park

Speaking of J.Y. Park, the iconic producer not only composed “Freak Show” but also provided personal vocal coaching—even while on an overseas trip!

“He told me my pitch and rhythm were great,” Youngbin explained, “but he wanted me to be careful not to sound too ‘greasy.’ Since it’s a pop-dance song, he wanted a more natural expression.” This detailed feedback from a K-pop legend helped her refine her performance and grow tremendously during the recording process.

Embracing Her Own Inner ‘Freak’

What does Youngbin consider her own “innate difference”? She describes herself as calm and quiet off-stage, but someone who becomes instinctively bold and energetic the moment she steps on it.

“When I was younger, people often told me I was ‘weird’ or ‘peculiar’,” she confessed. “It used to be overwhelming, but now I think that energy works to my advantage on stage.”

Her ultimate goal with “Freak Show” is to offer a sense of liberation. “When you feel like you have to hide your inner ‘freak,’ I hope you can watch my stage and feel a sense of release. I hope it makes you want to dance. If I can bring joy and comfort to people in any way, that’s enough for me.”

A “New Species” in K-pop

When asked about her goals, Youngbin’s ambition is clear: she wants to be called “a new species in the K-pop industry.”

Citing icons like BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Lee Hyori, IU, and AKMU’s Lee Chanhyuk as her role models, she admires how they each express their own stories through their music and performances. “They are all irreplaceable icons who have created their own path. I want to grow and eventually create a genre that is uniquely ‘Youngbin’.”

With her powerful story, undeniable talent, and a killer debut track, Youngbin is a rookie to watch. Get ready for the show!

Check out the music video for “Freak Show” and stream the single, out now!