April 01 – April 30
Our first full album's B-side was released on April 2, setting the month in motion with a lot of excitement. However, things became even more interesting as our promotions began to overlap with TXT's comeback stages. To add a twist, Yeonjun publicly announced that we were childhood friends, even revealing that our parents knew each other. This sends fans into a frenzy, with people buzzing about our connection.
On April 10, Manager Unnie pulled me aside to discuss a potential role in a drama. After some thought, I agreed, eager to challenge myself in acting. By April 13, we had our first meeting with the drama crew. I was quite surprised to find out who my co-star was. I had landed the role of the second female lead, playing the younger sister of the first male lead. They specifically wanted a girl who could dance well, which made me realize why I'd been selected.
However, that same day, Manager Unnie revealed something that left me stunned—apparently, I wasn't their first choice for the role. She told me directly that I had only been considered after Lily Unnie turned it down. This was the first time I had ever heard someone say I wasn't the top choice, and he shook me a little. Lily, a former national figure skater, had chosen to pursue hosting over acting, leaving the role open for me. While I admired Lily and wasn't jealous, the realization hit me hard. I had always imagined that being one of the most popular members of our group would naturally make me the first pick for opportunities like this.
I started reflecting on my career and relationships in the industry. I didn't want my popularity to come from my connections with famous idols, such as being Taeyong's sister or Jungkook's cousin. I wanted to be recognized for my achievements, not just as someone's relative. That evening, the internet was abuzz with news about my drama role, and fans were already speculating about the storyline.
On April 21, our album's title track was released, marking another huge moment for the group. We even filmed our first episode of *Knowing Bros* that same week, making it a memorable month full of milestones.
May 01 – June 30
The next two months were jam-packed with promotions for the group, while I simultaneously began filming for the drama. My schedule was much busier than the other members', so I requested additional support. That's when Aaron and Hyunwoo were introduced as my new manager and assistant. Both were young and capable, with Aaron being 25 and professionally trained in management. Hyunwoo was also skilled, and both could handle tough situations if needed. They were sent by my grandparents to make sure I was well-protected, given my increasingly separate schedule from the rest of the group.
Meanwhile, Lily Unnie achieved her dream of becoming an MC on KBS, a role she had longed for. As the new album promotions continued, I eventually surpassed Lily in popularity rankings, reaching the top spot. It felt surreal to hold the title of the group's most popular member, especially as we expanded with overseas promotions and prepared for our international activities.
July 01 – August 31
On July 1, I decided to visit SM to celebrate my brother Taeyong's birthday, thinking it would be a private affair. However, a netizen spotted me, and by the end of the day, Taeyong was forced to publicly confirm our sibling relationship. At first, many people didn't believe it, but after we shared photos, the news spread like wildfire. I had to explain why I'd kept our relationship a secret and issued an apology for any confusion. I knew that once people discovered my connections to other idols, their perceptions of me would change.
As August arrived, on the 05th, the drama I acted in as a child actress came out. Also, our first Japanese and Chinese albums were released on the 8th, and we started preparing for our world tour. Although my schedule was packed with drama shootings, I stayed in constant contact with my family and friends, always making time to check in on their lives and update them on mine.
September 01 – September 30
September brought even more excitement as we released our second mini album, which featured a song with 12 language versions—a truly international effort. By the end of the month, I had wrapped up my drama shooting, feeling both relieved and accomplished.
October 01 – October 31
The drama's release date was set for October 13, which just so happened to be my co-star Jimin's birthday. He even released a video asking fans not to hate on his drama partner, which touched me deeply. When the first episode dropped, it immediately gained traction with fans, and the drama became a hot topic across social media. I and Jimin weren't the lead couple on the drama. I started as the male lead's introverted sister, and Jimin acted as the male lead's best friend.
On October 23, we kicked off our world tour in Seoul, and the concert was an unforgettable experience. It was the start of a whirlwind tour that would take us to different countries, meeting fans from all over the world.
November 01 – November 30
Our world tour came to an end in the third week of November, and we were thrilled to be ranked the most popular girl group in China. We participated in several overseas activities and even covered three songs from other idols, making sure to give fans performances they wouldn't forget. As award season approached, we began preparing for various ceremonies, choosing which songs we would perform. I also had the special honor of performing a duet with Yoongi Oppa at one of the shows.
Rumors about my relationship with Jungkook had gotten out of hand, with some fans speculating we were romantically involved. The company decided it was time to clarify everything, so I did two Vlive with Jungkook, explaining our real connections and putting the rumors to rest.
December 01 – December 31
December was all about celebrations and milestones. We attended numerous award shows, where we performed songs from "The Winter", our special album that marked our first anniversary.
Our drama won seven awards, and I received multiple offers for future acting roles. My manager encouraged me to carefully select a few projects, ensuring I wouldn't be overwhelmed by my growing schedule.
Year Summary
This year has been one of tremendous growth and success. Our group won eight Rookie of the Year (ROTY) awards and Best Performance of the Year once. At the award shows, we performed both covers and original songs, with each performance being a memorable spectacle.
I also won a Best Newcomer award and Best Supporting Lead Female for my first drama, "First Love," and the Best Child Actress for the first drama. Because I acted in a child role and a teen role in the same year, some fans were amazed, but some were not.
One of the most iconic moments was when Yuji Unnie and I performed "Side to Side" by Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj at a show, while our rap line's viral cover of "Woman Like Me" by Little Mix ft. Nicki Minaj left a lasting impression.
During the final chorus, I pulled off a fan-favorite move by climbing into the seats and interacting with the audience, throwing paper hearts that had been hidden in my sleeves. Because I looked down, which was supposed to be behind our chairs with the part "Fall for a woman like me," It was BTS who was there, and I made eye contact with Taehyung accidentally. I tried my best not to be nervous throughout the show. The moment went viral, and a few hateful comments were speculated around by the Army, but soon it went down.
Another unforgettable performance was our vampire-themed routine, where I played the role of a vampire. In a dramatic moment, I bit into a fake blood capsule, letting the blood drip down my face as I locked eyes with the camera before launching into a breakdance.
Our group also covered songs like "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, adding our unique twist to the choreography. Each performance concept was carefully designed, with many ideas coming directly from me and the other members.
We also had a world tour, therefore we also covered songs such as No More Dream, We Are Bulletproof pt.2,
Boy In Luv, Anpanman, DNA, Idol, Airplane pt.2, Not Today, Fire by BTS. I covered Jungkook's parts. We did covers because all members got to cover a solo song on the world tour.
I and Rami covered Rockabye by Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul, Annie Marie. Rami covered Sean Paul, and I covered Annie Marie. We enter the stage and fist bump, changing our sides, then walking to the outermost part of the stage. I got off the stage while singing the verse. "She tells him, "Ohh-love." While singing the song, I went to the fans. Bodyguard also was around and I was feeling the song "Rockabye, noo" part I was circling in the stadium. There was a child and I picked up hugged him and took a selfie with him while Rami was singing her part. And I sang the "when he looks in the eye" part while looking into a fans eye while holding his chin. When the chorus started, I was already on the way to the stage. The bodyguard picked me up and put me back on the stage, while Rami continued to sing.
We also the whole group cover Ddu-Du-Ddu-Du by Blackpink.
My solo song cover was Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande.
There was also Bang Bang Bang by Big Bang cover which is from the Middle Verse. Before the killing part, after the second chorus, I backflip from behind the members to the "Let's go" part. It was dangerous yet fun.
I also covered Senorita by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello together with Hyunjin.
We had funny documentaries and had a monthly bonfire where we played games and had hotpot or BBQ.
I also got treatment for my tear allergy, and also met a therapist for my trauma. I had to go to Europe for my tear allergy treatments.
With my instructions, Xingyi started the company. It was a fashion company. Sold 10% of shares to LVMH, while 32% of shares to others. The company's headquarters are located in China for convenience for now. 10 countries around the world have small branches.
The company is named Elitéra Fashion, meaning it was made by combining "Elite" and "Terra" (Earth). It makes luxurious outfits with the simple logo of Z. If someone spends over half a million dollars, they will get a membership card and customize the outfit to their liking. But the outfit's cost should be more than 500$, and if you spend more than 1 million, then you can customize any outfit. The membership cards have their own rules.
You can apply for a real silver card if you have spent over half a million, a real rose gold card for over 1 million, a gold card for over 2 million dollars in spending, and a real platinum card with one diamond of 1 CT for over 5 million dollars in spending. We also open a couple of wear departments for Valentine's, a traditional wear department, and a plus-size wear department. The company will also analyze and tell you your style based on your physical appearance and your personality based on the Zodiac. It was very successful.
Can I forget about some crazy Novas? I have received some crazy gifts from Nova. An island from South Korea, Luxury, designer items, a star named after me. I received a lot of crazy and unique gifts from Nova.
Wyatt surprised me by his coming to one of the fan signs. Wyatt stayed for over a week and I accompanied him to visit and explore Seoul for 2 days.
We also participate in Somi's graduation. We first act as if we forgot it and then surprise her.
We also had a concert in India. We had fun at the 2-day concert and the week in there. Wearing Lehengas and trying out salwar and saree. We sing a few Hindi and Tamil songs. We had an interview, too, where I said I had visited India before, and my favorite was Thelegu, and Charan and Allu Arjun are my favorite Thelegu actors.
This year has been filled with sweet and sour moments, but every experience has helped shape our journey. We ended the year on a high note, with memories that will last a lifetime and the knowledge that even bigger things are yet to come.