Kim Minju could have been the 3rd IZ*ONE member in LE SSERAFIM alongside Kim Chaewon and Sakura
Before LE SSERAFIM’s debut in early 2022, reports from Korean media outlets revealed that discussions had taken place between Kim Minju, her agency at the time (Urban Works), and HYBE regarding her future in the industry.
HYBE wanted to include Minju in the debut lineup of LE SSERAFIM. However, Minju opted to pursue a professional acting career over continuing her path as a K-pop idol.
At the time, Minju had been working hard in honing her acting skills and participating in auditions for various works. However, HYBE continued its pursuit. Industry insiders revealed that HYBE’s determination to bring Minju into LE SSEAFIM led to ongoing negotiations until the end of 2021. Nevertheless, Minju still rejected HYBE’s offer.
Minju, according to a staff member, consistently expressed her desire to focus on acting and not pursue a career as an idol. Even during her participation in Mnet’s idol survival show “Produce 48”, Minju had been training with a goal to debut as an actress.
After IZ*ONE’s disbandment, Minju remained resolute in her decision to engage fully in activities as an actress, thus rejecting all offers from HYBE.
In 2022, Kim Minju parted ways with Urban Works and joined Management SOOP, a company specialized in managing actors. She is currently set to star in the movie “Hear Me: Our Summer,” with rising actors Hong Kyung and Roh Yoonseo.
Source: KB
