Netizens are recalling former IZ*ONE and current actress Kim Minju's decision to reject HYBE's offer. The discussion was initiated in an online thread, where netters have based their sentiments on the amount of hate and criticism LE SSERAFIM received this 2024.

On July 10, netizens gathered in an online post titled, "Kim Minju Did Well To Turn Down HYBE's Contract."

A post shared by instagram

"If you look at the current state of actors, you're better off as an actor these days," OP commented. "She almost stepped into s**t."

Kim Minju debuted with IZ*ONE on October 29, 2019, with their first mini album, "COLOR*IZ," and the title track, "La Vie en Rose." Minju made it into the final lineup during the finale of Mnet's survival program, "Produce 48."

On April 29, 2021, IZ*ONE disbanded due to their limited contract as a project K-pop group. The members, including Minju, went their separate ways and took on different endeavors. Some went solo and re-debuted, while others pursued a new career path.

Among the re-debuts, HYBE included Minju's former IZ*ONE bandmates Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura for SOURCE MUSIC's newest girl group LE SSERAFIM. Reports from Korean news outlets began to circulate, saying Kim Minju was also offered to join the group.

However, on October 7, 2021, Korean news outlet YTN disclosed that Minju had reportedly declined HYBE's contract offer and decided to pursue an acting career. Industry insiders also shared that Minju had always considered being an actress, even before her participation in "Produce 48."

Back in the forum, the sentiments regarding Kim Minju's rejection of HYBE sparked mixed opinions among netizens. While some agreed that the idol is unsusceptible primarily from the harsh remarks compared to the LE SSERAFIM members, others were concerned by her lack of exposure.

• "But instead of getting swears, she's being forgotten. What a waste of her face."
• "To be honest, I feel like LE SSRAFIM's image is almost unrecoverable now."
• "Even if Kim Minju is forgotten right now and isn't getting any new projects, in the long term, having a clean image is much better."
• "With that face, it's unlikely that projects won't come in. I think something will come soon. Actors often start with supporting roles and then do well over time anyways."
• "Just looking at how much hate Sakura and Hong Eunchae are getting right now, the thought of it going to Kim Minju frightens me. It's better that she declined."
• "She's young so it could be good for her to be in Le Sserafim and go into acting later too."
• "I just don't think that there's hope for her in the entertainment industry."

What are your thoughts on this? Are you looking forward to more of Minju's activities? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by Israel Monte