PRISTIN's disbandment is arguably one of the most shocking happenings in the K-pop industry. All 10 members were very talented and the group would most likely become highly successful if given the chance to showcase more of what they can offer. Now that it has been almost three years since the members parted ways, let's find out where the PRISTIN members are now.
About Pledis Entertainment's Second Girl Group PRISTIN
PRISTIN was a 10-piece idol group under Pledis Entertainment. They were the second girl group formed by the agency following After School. They were introduced to the public as the pre-debut team called Pledis Girlz.
Seven members were already familiar to the fans prior to debut as they competed in Mnet's "Produce 101," with Nayoung and Kyulkyung becoming part of the debut lineup of the project girl group I.O.I.
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Pledis Girlz was officially launched as PRISTIN in March 2017 when they released their first mini-album "Hi! Pristin." They returned five months later with their second mini-album "Schxxl Out," which became their last group release.
In May 2018, the band's first sub-unit named PRISTIN V debuted with the single album "Like A V." The unit was made up of five members: Nayoung, Kyulkyung, Eunwoo, Roa and Rena.
Following the sub-unit's debut, the group became inactive in the K-pop scene. It was announced a year later that PRISTIN has disbanded.
Why Did PRISTIN Disband?
On May 24, 2019, Korean media outlet Yonhap News reported that PRISTIN is disbanding after the members and the agency held discussions.
Pledis Entertainment confirmed the news and announced that only three members decided to stay with the label - Kyulkyung, Sungyeon and Yehana. Meanwhile, the seven other members terminated their contracts with Pledis.
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It has been just nearly two years since PRISTIN disbanded, hence, many fans were saddened to hear that the members will part ways.
Because of the sudden news, the internet is abuzz with various speculations as to why Kyulkyung, Yehana and Sungyeon renewed their contracts with Pledis. It is rumored that they would be a part of the label's new girl group alongside trainees Gaeun and Yunjin. But, nothing has been confirmed so far.
Where Are PRISTIN Members Now?
Former PRISTIN Nayoung
Nayoung was one of the PRISTIN members who decided to leave Pledis Entertainment. In August 2019, she was announced to have signed with Sublime Artist Agency.
She started acting in 2020, with her first drama being "Flower of Evil," where she played a supporting role. She was then cast as the female lead for the drama "Summer Guys" in 2021. Former PRISTIN Nayoung also lent her voice to the "Summer Guys" OST titled "So So."
Since then, Nayoung has been busy playing roles in dramas and movies, as well as singing OSTs, including the supporting role in the K-drama "Imitation."
In August 2021, she participated in the musical "I Loved You," which marked her debut as a musical singer.
Former PRISTIN Kyulkyung
As mentioned above, Kyulkyung is one of the three PRISTIN members who stayed with Pledis Entertainment. She began doing solo activities since then.
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But even before the group disbanded, former PRISTIN Kyulkyung already made her solo debut in China with the digital single "Why" and under her Chinese name "Jieqiong.
She then debuted as an actress in 2020 with the Chinese drama "Miss Truth." In 2021, Kyulkyung played the main role in "To Be With You" and "Be My Princess." She also made her big-screen debut last year in the Chinese film "Sunny Sisters."
Former PRISTIN Yuha
Yuha also left Pledis after PRISTIN's disbandment. She signed with OSR Entertainment and re-debuted with HINAPIA in November 2019. The group then disbanded in August 2020 and Yuha left the agency.
Former PRISTIN Yuha now has a modeling career, collaborating with brands like ULKIN. She now uses the name Gyeongwon.
Former PRISTIN Rena
Like Yuha, Rena also joined OSR Entertainment and became part of HINAPIA. She has also terminated her contract with the agency and now works as a model, going by her birth name, Kang Yaebin.
Additionally, Rena actively updates fans with photos on Instagram.
Former PRISTIN Roa
Roa is another PRISTIN member who moved to OSR Entertainment and became a HINAPIA member. She later departed from the agency after HINAPIA's disbandment.
At present, Roa (now uses her full name, Kim Minkyeung) is also paying attention to her modeling career, working with different brands like The Izzat New York.
Former PRISTIN Eunwoo
Eunwoo took the same path as Yuha, Rena and Roa, signing with OSR Entertainment and debuting with HINAPIA. However, nothing is known about her solo activities after leaving the agency. But, she did release a photo album with Feelstage web pictorial in August 2021.
Former PRISTIN member Eunwoo is also very active on her personal Instagram page.
Former PRISTIN Sungyeon
Sungyeon now goes by her English name Shannon Bae. After renewing her contract with Pledis Entertainment, she has been busy working on songs for other K-pop groups as a songwriter and composer.
In 2021, it was revealed that former PRISTIN Sungyeon participated in composing "Airplane Mode," a B-side song from fromis_9's single album "9 Way Ticket." She also composed "0g," a B-side track from the girl group's fourth mini-album "Midnight Guest."
Former PRISTIN Xiyeon
After leaving Pledis Entertainment, Xiyeon chose to continue her career as an actress. She was a child actress and model before becoming a trainee under the label.
In July 2020, Former PRISTIN Xiyeon signed with Soo Yeon Kang Entertainment. Her first acting project under her new agency is the independent film "Dieter Fighter (which later was included at the 25th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in July 2021).
Former PRISTIN Yehana
Along with Kyulkyung and Shannon, Yehana is the other member who remains signed with Pledis Entertainment. At present, she has pretty much stayed out of the spotlight but she regularly uploads photos and videos to her personal Instagram account.
Former PRISTIN Kyla
Finally, we have former PRISTIN member Kyla who also decided to go separate ways with Pledis. In September 2019, she launched a YouTube channel.
Kyla then made her solo debut in the United States on June 13, 2020, with her first mini-album "Watch Me Glow." As of writing, she is an independent artist, meaning she is not signed with any agencies.
Currently, she is working hard on earning herself a degree in Psychology. She also updates her personal Instagram account from time to time.
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
