Ex-IZ*ONE Member Kim Minju’s Rejection of HYBE Resurfaces Amid LE SSERAFIM Hate Train: ‘It’s Better That She Declined’

Netizens are reminiscing about the time when former IZ*ONE member and now actress Kim Minju turned down an offer from HYBE. This topic was brought up in an online forum, where users expressed their thoughts based on the backlash and negative comments that LE SSERAFIM received in 2024.

On July 10, internet users came together on a post titled, “Kim Minju Made the Right Decision by Rejecting HYBE’s Contract”on the online forum Pann.

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“According to OP, looking at the current state of actors, it seems that being an actor these days is more advantageous. They also mentioned that the person almost encountered a problematic situation.”

Minju joined the final lineup of IZ*ONE on October 29, 2019, after debuting with the group’s first mini album, “COLOR*IZ,”and the title track, “La Vie en Rose,”following her successful appearance on Mnet’s survival program, “Produce 48.”

On April 29, 2021, IZ*ONE officially disbanded as their limited contract as a project K-pop group came to an end. Following the disbandment, the members, including Minju, went their separate ways and embarked on new journeys. Some chose to pursue solo careers or re-debut, while others ventured into different fields.

In their new girl group LE SSERAFIM, SOURCE MUSIC, under HYBE, welcomed back Minju’s former IZ*ONE bandmates Kim Chaewon and Miyawaki Sakura. According to Korean news sources, there were rumors that Kim Minju had also been presented with an opportunity to join the group.

Nevertheless, on October 7, 2021, YTN, a Korean news outlet, revealed that Minju had turned down HYBE’s contract proposal and opted to focus on her acting aspirations. According to sources in the industry, Minju had always harbored a desire to become an actress, even prior to her appearance on “Produce 48.”

Upon returning to the forum, netizens expressed a range of opinions on Kim Minju’s rejection of HYBE. While some believed that the idol was resilient and able to withstand harsh criticism, others were worried about her limited visibility compared to other members of LE SSERAFIM.

“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.”

We would like to hear your opinions on this. Are you excited for Minju’s upcoming activities? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!