Kim Min-ju

Kim Min-ju is a South Korean actress and former singer who rose to international fame as a member of the project girl group Iz*One. Born on February 5, 2001, in Seoul, she finished 11th place in Mnet's survival competition Produce 48 before debuting with the group in October 2018. Following the group's disbandment in April 2021, she signed with Management SOOP and successfully transitioned into a leading actress role in historical and romantic dramas.

As of 2026, Min-ju is recognized for her starring roles in series like The Forbidden Marriage and Hear Me: Our Summer, as well as the upcoming film Still Shining. She maintains a massive social media following of over 4 million people on Instagram and continues to build a reputation for elegance and acting versatility in the entertainment industry. [edit]

Kim Min-ju was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, where she spent her childhood developing an interest in the performing arts. While specific details about her early schooling remain private, she attended high school while balancing rigorous training in singing and dancing. Her journey toward stardom began with local auditions that eventually led to her participation in major talent competitions.

In 2018, Min-ju entered the spotlight by competing on Mnet's global survival show Produce 48. Representing Urban Works Entertainment, she faced intense competition from hundreds of other trainees. Her strong vocals and stage presence allowed her to secure a spot in the final lineup, finishing in 11th place. This achievement marked the beginning of her professional career and set the stage for her debut with Iz*One later that year. [edit]

Min-ju's professional breakthrough came immediately after her placement on Produce 48, which led to her official debut as a member of Iz*One in October 2018. The group released their first single album Color*Iz* and quickly achieved massive commercial success, selling millions of copies and topping music charts across Asia. During her time with the group, Min-ju served as a vocalist and performed at major venues including the Tokyo Dome.

Following the group's disbandment in April 2021, Min-ju pivoted her focus entirely to acting. She made her screen debut in minor roles in 2018 and 2019 but found true success in 2022 when cast as the lead in the historical drama The Forbidden Marriage. Her portrayal of Princess Seonui earned her critical acclaim and the Best New Actress award at the 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards. In 2024, she starred in the melodrama Hear Me: Our Summer, further solidifying her status as a leading lady. Most recently, she took on a central role in the 2026 film Still Shining alongside Park Jin-young, marking another significant milestone in her solo career. [edit]

Media outlets frequently describe Kim Min-ju as elegant, graceful, and principled. Her aesthetic is often characterized as "goddess-like," featuring poised demeanor and sophisticated fashion choices. She is viewed as a serious actress who successfully navigated the difficult transition from idol to dramatic performer. Her social media presence remains humble and grateful, focusing on her work and expressing thanks to her supporters rather than seeking controversy. [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 32nd 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 famously turned down a lucrative offer from HYBE in October 2021 to join a newly formed girl group. This decision is widely cited by fans and critics as proof of her strong principles and dedication to pursuing acting over immediate idol stardom. She has maintained a deep connection to her former groupmates by using her original customized Iz*One microphone and in-ear monitors for cover dance performances years after the band disbanded.

Her older sister is the actress Jinri, who also appeared in the entertainment industry. Fans view Min-ju's continued use of her old performance equipment as a symbol of the group never truly leaving her side. Additionally, her casting in Still Shining opposite GOT7's Park Jin-young has generated significant buzz as a timeless love story that showcases her range beyond traditional K-drama roles. [edit]

Kim Min-ju was born in Seoul to parents who supported her artistic ambitions. Her older sister is the actress Jinri, adding to the family's artistic background. While Min-ju keeps details about her parents' professions private, she has occasionally mentioned her sister in interviews and variety shows. As of 2026, Min-ju lives independently in Seoul and focuses on her acting career without publicly disclosing details about her personal household or pets. [edit]

Park Jin-young, Jinri, Song Yena, Choi Yena, Management SOOP[edit]

Kim Min-ju has maintained a strictly private personal life throughout her rise to fame. As of 2026, there are no confirmed reports, official statements, or credible media accounts detailing any public romantic relationships, engagements, marriages, or divorces. Unlike many of her peers who may have dating rumors circulating due to variety show appearances, Min-ju has consistently avoided disclosing details about her romantic life to the press.

While she appeared in the reality dating show Heart Signal 5 in 2026, where her older sister, actress Jinri, commented on her well-being, the show's format focuses on fictionalized or semi-scripted scenarios rather than real-life relationship disclosures. No partners have been named in connection with her from these appearances or any other sources. Therefore, her current relationship status as of late 2026 is single, with no children or ongoing public partnerships reported. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Kim Min-ju's fortune at around $2.5 million as of 2026. This estimate reflects her successful transition from idol earnings to substantial acting salaries and endorsement deals. Her income streams now primarily consist of fees for leading roles in historical and modern dramas, as well as appearances in major films like Still Shining.

Min-ju also leverages her "goddess-like" image through partnerships with fashion and beauty brands. Her social media presence, boasting over 4 million followers on Instagram, allows her to command high rates for sponsored posts. While she no longer earns active royalties from Iz*One's group activities since their disbandment, residual income from the group's extensive discography likely contributes to her overall financial stability. The combination of steady acting work and brand collaborations has driven her net worth significantly higher than her initial idol earnings. [edit]

Kim Min-ju has received several prestigious awards for her acting work. She won the Best New Actress award at the 2023 Baeksang Arts Awards for her role in The Forbidden Marriage. Additionally, she received the Rising Star Award at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards and the Rising Star Award for Actors at the 2024 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards. [edit]