From June 15 to August 31, 2018, Choi (together with
Everglow members
Kim Si-hyeon and Wang Yiren) represented
Yuehua Entertainment on reality girl group survival show
Produce 48. She eventually placed fourth and debuted with
Iz*One. The group's debut
extended play (EP)
Color*Iz was released on October 29, 2018, with "
La Vie en Rose" serving as its lead single. On April 29, 2021, Iz*One officially disbanded after the end of their contract. On January 2, 2022, Yena announced the release date and schedule for her debut EP
Smiley. A representative from her agency,
Yuehua Entertainment shared: ==Track listing==