Kim Min Ju: Former IZ*ONE member refused to join LE SSERAFIM as an actor

Kim Min Ju was born in 2001 and used to work as an idol under the b.oy group IZ*ONE. Although she was invited by big man HYBE, she refused and determined to become an actress.

As soon as she debuted for 1 day with IZ*ONE, Min Ju caused a fever because of her oversized b.ody and pretty face similar to "the most beautiful beauty in the world 2018" Tzuyu (TWICE). At that time, the 2001 idol was only 17 years old.

Possessing a beautiful appearance and attractive physique, Kim Min Ju is a large fan member of the group, and has always been a favored face of the public during the group's activities despite his limited singing and dancing talent.

She is not only loved by her beautiful beauty but also by her simple, kind personality. This was most evident when Min Ju participated in the survival show Produce 48.

By the time IZ*ONE disbanded, out of the 12 girls, Kim Min Ju was the only one who chose to turn the corner and focus on her acting career, giving up the opportunity to debut in HYBE's new g.irl group. Despite many regrets, fans are still very supportive and proud of the idol's assertiveness.

According to an exclusive report published by YTN Star on the afternoon of October 7, 2021, Kim Min Ju was determined to decline HYBE's invitation to join the new g.irl group.

Earlier, Korean media reported that HYBE Labels had recruited 3 former IZ*ONE members for their girlgroup project and subsidiary Source Music. Sakura Miyawaki and Kim Chaewon are said to have put pen to paper, while Kim Min Ju continues to discuss with Urban Works and HYBE Labels about her future. After lengthy discussions, she made clear her determination to pursue a career as an actress instead of continuing as an idol.

It is known that not only is Kim Min Ju practicing hard for acting, but he is also auditioning for various movie works. However, HYBE has not given up on the idea of recruiting Kim Min Ju for their g.irl group, while many articles about HYBE's upcoming g.irl group have also repeatedly mentioned Kim Min Ju, which has put her in an extremely awkward position.

A source in the entertainment industry said that HYBE was determined to recruit Kim Min Ju at all costs. Until September 2022, the company was in regular contact with Urban Works, Kim Min Ju's agency at the time, to inquire about the company's intention to join a new g.irl group. However, Urban Works cautiously rejected HYBE's offer after affirming that they would respect Kim Min Ju's decision.

Another source in the entertainment industry shared that Kim Min Ju herself was confused when the articles predicting her upcoming return to HYBE Labels kept popping up. While auditioning, the former IZ*ONE member was repeatedly questioned about her future intentions with questions such as, " Do you want to be an actress? Or do you still want to be an idol?" It is known that drama directors are sensitive about this issue, and even though Kim Min Ju has clearly shown her determination to become an actress, many directors are still apprehensive when they hear that she may be returning to HYBE.

In fact, after wrapping up her activities with IZ*ONE, Kim Min Ju took a new profile picture for Urban Works and was also moved to the actor section on the company's homepage. An employee stated, " Kim Min Ju didn't originally intend to be an idol. As far as I know, she has been preparing for acting activities since before joining "Produce 48." Kim Min Ju joined Urban Works as an idol trainee, but after discussions with the agency, she turned her attention to acting. Around that time, "Produce 48" sent out an invitation to audition, and Urban Works asked Min Ju to appear on the show because her profile at that time was still a trainee idol. She passed the audition and later became part of IZ*ONE. However, after IZ*ONE's activities ended, Kim Min Ju always showed his will to become an actor and also turned down all offers from HYBE.

The Forbidden Marriage is Kim Min Ju's first production after IZ*ONE's disbandment, which began airing in December 2022. Participating in this historical drama, Kim Min Ju plays Crown Princess Ja Yeon. Despite her beautiful and lovely shape, Kim Min Ju only plays a supporting role in the film, even "receiving boxes" quite early.

In terms of content, "The Forbidden Marriage " tells the story of King Yi Heon (Kim Young Dae) imposing a nationwide marriage ban after his wife dies (Kim Min Ju's role). But things start to change when a g.irl named So Rang (Park Ju Hyun) appears and claims to see Ja Yeon's soul.

The drama with historical themes, mixed with mystical elements, is a great opportunity for Kim Min Ju himself. Not immediately trying out for a stressful lead role, the former IZ*ONE member prioritized supporting but equally special roles like Ja Yeon to hone her acting.

The role of Ja Yeon also marks Kim Min Ju's new journey when joining SOOP Entertainment - the company of many top stars such as Gong Yoo, Gong Hyo Jin, Suzy, Nam Joo Hyuk... Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine Kim Min Ju will be a bright rookie coming to Korean screens, even more explosive than her role as an idol singer before.

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