Kim Min-ju

Kim Min-ju (Korean: 김민주; born February 5, 2001) is a South Korean actress and former singer. She is best known as a former member of the South Korean–Japanese girl group Iz*One, having finished 11th in Mnet's girl group survival show Produce 48, representing Urban Works. As an actress, she is represented by Management Soop and has appeared in Tempted (2018), The Fault Is Not Yours (2019), The Forbidden Marriage (2022–2023), Hear Me: Our Summer (2024), and Still Shining (2026).[edit]

Kim Min-ju stands at the intersection of K-pop history and contemporary drama, her career trajectory shifting from a survival show contestant to a respected lead actress. Her influence extends beyond screen time into the digital realm, where she commands 4 million followers on Instagram, a community that actively defends her artistic choices. This loyalty was most visible in late 2021 when fans rallied behind her decision to reject a lucrative offer from HYBE to form a new girl group, prioritizing her acting ambitions over immediate idol stardom. That moment cemented a narrative of independence that defines her public persona today.

Her global standing reflects this multifaceted success. Kim Min-ju is currently the 52nd most famous person in J-Pop / J-Rock, a position that places her firmly among the region's top cultural figures. This ranking, which marks a slight shift down from the previous cycle, tracks her sustained relevance across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide. The placement underscores her unique ability to bridge the gap between music and acting, maintaining visibility even as her primary focus shifts to television.

While Iz*One operated under the official fan name With One, Min-ju does not have a separate formal fandom designation for her solo work. Instead, her supporters are defined by their devotion to her transition and her specific rituals of remembrance. Fans celebrate her continued use of customized Iz*One microphones during solo performances, viewing the equipment as a tangible link to her past and a symbol of enduring sisterhood. Whether watching her navigate historical romances like The Forbidden Marriage or anticipating her role in Still Shining, her audience remains engaged through a mix of digital support and emotional investment in her evolving legacy.[edit]

Kim Min-ju turned down a joining offer from HYBE in October 2021 to pursue acting instead of forming a new girl group, a decision widely cited as proof of her strong principles. She maintains a deep connection to her former group by using her original Iz*One customized microphone and in-ear monitors for cover dance performances years after the band disbanded. This practice has become a cherished ritual for fans who view it as a symbol of the group never truly leaving her side.

Her acting career has evolved rapidly since her debut in Tempted. She starred in The Forbidden Marriage, establishing her credibility in historical dramas, before taking on leading roles in Hear Me: Our Summer and the upcoming Still Shining. In March 2026, she expressed humility regarding her latest project, stating she hoped audiences would enjoy the burdensome story despite its challenges. Her casting in Still Shining alongside GOT7's Park Jin-young has generated significant buzz as a timeless love story, marking a major milestone in her journey from a Produce 48 contestant to a leading lady in major productions.[edit]