YENA Wins Best Solo Female at the 2026 Melon Music Awards

Singer YENA took home the Best Solo Female prize at the 2026 Melon Music Awards. Before the win, she played a four-song set that ran from her IZ*ONE days to her solo work.

YENA attended the 2026 MMA, the awards show named for the Korean music streaming service Melon. It was held on the 14th at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. She performed "Naekkeoya," "FIESTA," "SMILEY" and "Catch Catch," in that order.

She opened with "Naekkeoya" and danced to its upbeat mood. Next came "FIESTA," a song IZ*ONE released while she was in the group. The stage had a large production. YENA matched the track with powerful choreography.

Her solo debut song, "SMILEY," showed a different side. She kept her expressions bright and her movements light to match the song's cheerful feel. She also smiled and waved toward the crowd.

She closed with "Catch Catch," newly arranged in a jazz style. The rhythm was different from the original, so she changed up her vocals and choreography too. She finished the set with a mix of facial expressions and gestures that followed the song's build.

After the performance, YENA was named the Best Solo Female winner. "Catch Catch" did well on major domestic music charts this year. The song also caught attention on global short-form video platforms.

She held back tears as she accepted the trophy.

"My team and I pushed hard, telling each other to give our best and focus on the promotions we were given," she said. "It's an honor to win at such a big awards show."

She also talked about what comes next. "I'll keep working hard so you'll always stay interested and come looking for me, with something fresh and fun," she said. "I'll try to be an artist who's like a steady seller, always by your side."

Outside of music, YENA also works as an ad model. She has appeared in campaigns for pajamas, alcohol, games, wireless earbuds, hair care and skincare.

Her next release is already lined up. On the 17th, she will put out a remake of "Sakuranbo," a hit song by Japanese singer Ai Otsuka.