Amid LE SSERAFIM's popularity, fans wonder what could've been their status if THIS idol actress with top-notch beauty debuted in the group.
Ex-IZ*ONE Kim Minju Garners Attention, Idol Almost Debuted in LE SSERAFIM
LE SSERAFIM stands as one of the most popular fourth-gen girl groups today, with consecutive hits like "FEARLESS," "UNFORGIVEN," "ANTIFRAGILE," and more.
The member lineup is already perfect, but there are fans who regret that Kim Minju didn't join the lineup when she was initially announced to be part of the girl group.
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In 2022, K-media outlets revealed that Urban Works (Minju's former agency) and HYBE were having a discussion about a partnership to debut Kim in LE SSERAFIM.
At the time, she was expected to join Sakura, Kim Chaewon, and Huh Yunjin in the lineup, drawing massive anticipation. After all, the four of them met during Mnet's "Produce 48," and the three even debuted in the same group in 2018 as IZ*ONE, excluding Yunjin.
When she was still in IZ*ONE, Kim Minju rose as one of the most beautiful 3rd-gen female idols, and she was also lauded for her sweet vocals and dance skills.
Although she initially received skepticism, she improved and matched the group's energy throughout their activities until they disbanded in 2021.
Had she debuted in LE SSERAFIM, she would be line up among fourth-gen idols with top-tier beauty, along with IVE Jang Wonyoung, NMIXX Sullyoon, aespa Karina, and NewJeans Minji.
Unfortunately, she declined the offer and left Urban Works in 2022.
Reason Kim Minju Didn't Join LE SSERAFIM
While she was equipped to debut in LE SSERAFIM, Kim Minju chose not to re-debut in another girl group to pursue her acting career.
At the time, HYBE pursued Minju hard but the idol still rejected the offer due to her determination to become a professional actress.
According to a staff who worked closely with her, even before debuting as IZ*ONE, Kim Minju's goal was to become an actress and not an idol.
While there were speculations that she didn't accept the offer because she was preparing to debut under Urban Work's new girl group, in September 2022, four months after LE SSERAFIM debuted in May, Kim Minju left Urban Works.
She then joined Management SOOP, a label that specialized in managing actors. It is home to top celebrities Gong Yoo, Bae Suzy, Gong Hyo Jin, Nam Ji Hyun, Kim Jae Wook, and more.
In 2023, Minju's hard work paid off after she received rave reviews for her supporting role as crown princess Ahn Ja Yeon/Cha Nyun in the series, "The Forbidden Marriage."
As a result, she finally snagged her first main role through the upcoming 2024 movie, "Hear Me: Our Summer," co-starring with rising actors Hong Kyung and Roh Yoonseo.
READ MORE: THIS Former IZ*ONE Member Gains Attention For 'Perfect Face' — Who Is She?
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
