IVE’s Ahn Yujin has been recognized as the leading female variety idol of 2026, proving once again her popularity in both music and variety.
Ahn Yujin won the Female Variety Idol award at the 2026 Korea First Brand Awards, Korea’s largest brand ceremony that selects next-year trendsetters based on nationwide consumer surveys and a judging panel. According to a domestic survey conducted from November 3 to 16 last year,Ahn Yujin was chosen as the female variety idol expected to lead 2026, showing her massive influence as an MZ generation icon.
Ahn Yujin first gained attention in 2022 on tvN’s variety show Bbyong Bbyong Earth Arcade, where she displayed her fiery competitive spirit and sharp variety skills. She earned the nickname “Na Yu Jin,” the daughter of producer Na Young Seok, and went on to shine in seasons 2 and 3, as well as the spin-off Jirak Yi’s Ddeut Ddeut Bang Bang, further cementing her position as a top variety idol.
Last year, she also appeared on Netflix’s Crime Scene Zero, transforming into multiple characters while investigating clues on site.
Her delicate acting, playful ad-libs, and charm made her the main mood maker, earning praise from both domestic and global fans.
Ahn Yujin’s recognition comes after consecutive wins in the Female Variety Idol category at the 2025 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards and the 2025 Brand of the Year Awards, marking her as one of the most popular variety idols in recent years.
Meanwhile, IVE kicked off their second world tour SHOW WHAT I AM last November at Seoul’s KSPO Dome. The tour will continue in Japan at Kyocera Dome Osaka in April and will expand to Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, allowing the group to connect with fans around the world.
Ahn Yujin’s dual success in music and variety continues to show her as one of the most influential idols of 2026, both on screen and on stage.
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