Yu Yan, born on May 26, 1997, in Beijing, China, is a renowned singer, actress, and fashion influencer. She graduated from the Beijing College of Politics and Law. However, she began her career in the entertainment industry in 2013 by joining the girl group True, under Re-Du Media's management. True released their debut album 刺眼的太阳 in 2015. Shortly after, Yu Yan unveiled her first solo EP, Bad Girl. Her recognition and popularity surged when she participated in Dragon Television's reality-survival program, Girls Fighting. Although she was lined up to join the group Diamond Girls post-show, the group disbanded before making an official debut. In 2018, Yu Yan expanded her career into acting, starring in the television series Waiting for You in a Long Time. Shortly after, she made her big-screen debut in the film Pet Departures. The same year also marked the release of her debut album 暮色. She continued to make television appearances, notably on iQiyi's reality program Youth with You, leading to her inclusion in the pop group THE9 in 2020. She contributed the song "薔薇之巔 (Foretold)" to THE9's album, MatriX. In 2021, she graced the cover of ELLE China's inaugural digital issue and was featured in numerous magazines. She also participated in public welfare activities supporting rural revitalization in China. Yu Yan's talent was recognized at the Global Chinese Music Awards in 2022 when she received the New Singer of the Year and Best New Artist of the Year awards. That same year, she co-released the theme song for the Winter Olympics, "The Faraway Place Without a Name," collaborating with Lou Yixiao, Su Yunying, and Wang Ruiqi. 2023 saw the release of her single "Black Key," which peaked at Number 8 on the Top 200 Tencent Music chart in China.