IVE's An Yu Jin shows incredible work smarts at rice cake shop

IVE's An Yu Jin has demonstrated an extraordinary presence even in a rice cake shop rather than on a stage. By quickly mastering roles ranging from menu development and kitchen assistance to serving and sales, she truly showed the value of being a 'smart youngest member.'

An Yu Jin appeared on the recently aired tvN new variety program 'Space Rice Cake Shop,' showcasing her diverse charms while operating the shop alongside Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, and Lee Young Ji.

On this day, the four members toured the shop ahead of its grand opening and performed a traditional ritual (gosa). The youngest, An Yu Jin, drew laughter by making a wish: "I hope no one gets hurt while cutting, all my unnies don't fight, and my cuteness is well-captured."

However, her cute youngest-member persona was only temporary. As soon as she began learning how to make rice cakes in earnest, An Yu Jin's attitude shifted instantly.

Despite it being her first time encountering such tasks, she meticulously learned the required ingredient amounts and preparation methods, adapting quickly by following the process herself. She displayed intense focus during the rice cake-making process, establishing herself as a pillar of the kitchen.

Even so, she didn't lose sight of the atmosphere. During the process of steaming white rice cakes (baekseolgi), she utilized the rising steam like stage special effects to perform IVE's 'Rebel Heart,' creating moments of laughter with the members.

It was a moment that fully revealed An Yu Jin's strength in capturing both work and entertainment simultaneously.

During the soft opening, she transformed into a server. Welcoming the production crew as customers, An Yu Jin did not stop at simply delivering food. She explained menus according to customer preferences, offered natural recommendations, and even provided clear feedback on the food after tasting it herself.

In particular, her ability to suggest drinks that pair well with the food was different from a simple 'idol experience.' She was quickly identifying what was needed for actual shop operations and finding roles she could fulfill.

An Yu Jin's active participation continued on the first day of business.

After helping in the kitchen by making rice cakes using the methods she learned the previous day, she traveled to the mart with Lee Eun-ji to purchase necessary supplies. However, an unexpected situation occurred where the opening schedule was delayed due to heavy rain, strong winds, and even a power outage.

Despite this, An Yu Jin was not swept away by the mood. Instead, she used her signature bright energy to lift the members' spirits and handle the situation positively.

Her true skills were revealed once again when welcoming customers.

When customers did not show up despite the opening, An Yu Jin did not just wait idly but went out to conduct active sales herself. She worked on the ground to secure customers and finally succeeded in taking reservations.

Once customers entered, she switched to a calm service mode. She took orders accurately, passed them to the kitchen, and even meticulously took care of the side dishes. She boosted the morale of the busy kitchen team by relaying compliments from customers and managed the store with ease by naturally recommending additional menu items.

An Yu Jin's charm becomes clear at this very point.

While she is a charismatic idol on stage, in variety shows, she quickly grasps the situation and moves to find the role she needs to play. She doesn't just perform the tasks she is told to do; her 'work smarts' stand out as she judges for herself what is lacking and takes the initiative.

Therefore, An Yu Jin's performance in 'Space Rice Cake Shop' holds more meaning than a simple rice cake-making experience. Through the process of contemplating menus, preparing ingredients, helping in the kitchen, attending to customers, and even going out to do sales when there are no customers, one can witness the growth of 'entertainer An Yu Jin' rather than just 'idol An Yu Jin.'

Particularly when with Lee Eun-ji, Mimi, and Lee Young Ji, her cute youngest-member charms and signature quick-wittedness played a significant role in refreshing the team's atmosphere.

While the rice cake shop was merely a workplace within a variety show for An Yu Jin, it became a stage for viewers to confirm her other talents.

Beyond being an idol who sings and dances, she is a person who reads the situation, takes care of people, and takes direct action. Perhaps An Yu Jin's most powerful competitive edge lies in this 'resourceful life skill' and 'work smarts.'

An Yu Jin's 'Space Rice Cake Shop' on tvN airs every Friday at 8:35 PM. IVE, the group An Yu Jin belongs to, is currently meeting global fans through their second world tour 'SHOW WHAT I AM.'