Kim Minkyeung

Kim Min-kyung is a South Korean singer, actress, and model who rose to prominence as the eldest member of the girl group Pristin. Formerly known by her stage name Roa, she now performs under the moniker Minkyeung after transitioning from music to acting and modeling. She currently balances her entertainment career with family life following her marriage to actor Jo Yoon-hee.

Her public profile has evolved significantly since her idol debut in 2017. While she first gained recognition for her tall stature and vocal abilities within K-pop circles, recent years have seen her establish herself as a versatile performer in television dramas and fashion campaigns. As of 2026, she remains an active figure in the industry, managing her solo projects while maintaining a low-key personal life away from the spotlight. [edit]

Kim Min-kyung began her journey in the entertainment world through the highly competitive survival show Produce 101 Season 2 in 2016. Representing Pledis Entertainment at the time, she competed against other trainees vying for a spot in the final project girl group I.O.I. Although she showcased impressive dance skills and vocal potential during the early episodes, she ultimately ranked 42nd and was eliminated before the final lineup was announced.

Despite not debuting via the show, her performance caught the attention of producers looking for fresh talent. This led to her selection as one of the seven members of the newly formed group Pristin. Before the group officially debuted in March 2017, she underwent rigorous training under Pledis Entertainment. During this pre-debut period, she adopted the stage name Roa, which was derived from the Korean word for 'road,' symbolizing her desire to walk a clear path toward success in the music industry. [edit]

Minkyeung made her official debut on March 21, 2017, as the main vocalist and dancer for Pristin. The group released their debut single album Hi! Pristin, featuring the title track Like a Fool, and quickly built a reputation for energetic performances and a unique concept that blended innocence with maturity. Over the next two years, the group released several albums including So Pretty and Schxxl Out, gaining a dedicated fanbase known as Prize.

The trajectory of her career shifted dramatically in February 2019 when Pristin disbanded due to severe financial mismanagement at Pledis Entertainment. Rather than retiring, Minkyeung re-emerged later that year. On November 3, 2019, she re-debuted with Hinapia, a five-member group consisting of former Pristin members Yuki, Rena, Hana, and herself. This new chapter aimed to present a more mature image compared to their previous work.

Hinia released one single album titled HINAPIA in August 2020 but effectively disbanded shortly after without further promotions. Following this quiet disbandment, Minkyeung pivoted her focus entirely to acting and modeling. In October 2022, she signed an exclusive contract with KPLUS agency to pursue a solo entertainment career. Since then, she has appeared in various drama series and modeling campaigns, successfully transitioning from a K-pop idol to a working actress. [edit]

Minkyeung is recognized for her elegant presence and tall, statuesque figure, which she leverages effectively in her modeling work. Her style has shifted from the youthful, colorful aesthetics of her idol days to a more sophisticated and mature look suitable for acting roles. Media coverage often highlights her resilience and grace in handling the abrupt end of her music career groups. She maintains a relatively private social media presence, sharing updates primarily about her professional projects and occasional family moments. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Kim Minkyeung, so she does not hold a current published ranking in the global rankings. She is also not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list. Her audience consists largely of former fans from her time in Pristin and Hinapia, who continue to support her transition into acting. Unlike some major stars, she does not have a formally designated fandom name separate from her group histories. Fans often refer to themselves collectively as alumni supporters or simply follow her individual updates on social media platforms like Instagram. [edit]

Minkyeung holds the distinction of being the tallest member in Pristin, standing at 172 cm, which gave her a distinct 'model-like' appearance even during her idol activities. Her choice of the stage name Roa was deeply symbolic, reflecting her wish to walk a straight road to success. After the disbandment of Hinapia, she took a brief hiatus from the public eye to focus on her mental health and education before returning to the screen as an actress.

Fans often recall her emotional interviews in early 2020 where she tearfully discussed the trauma of Pristin's sudden dissolution. These moments humanized her and highlighted her resilience as an artist navigating the difficult realities of the K-pop industry. Despite the challenges, she maintained a professional demeanor throughout her transition into a solo career. [edit]

Kim Min-kyung is the eldest daughter in her family. She married actor Jo Yoon-hee around 2023, though the details of their relationship timeline were kept private until they went public. In June 2026, news outlets reported that she was hospitalized due to gestational diabetes while pregnant with their first child. By August 2026, it was confirmed that the couple had traveled to Jeju Island for a post-birth recovery trip, indicating a stable and happy family life. There are no public records of siblings or other close family members involved in the entertainment industry. [edit]

Jo Yoon-hee, Yuki, Rena, Hana, Sandara Park, KPLUS Agency[edit]

Kim Minkyeung's romantic life remained largely out of the public eye until her marriage to actor Jo Yoon-hee. Reports indicate they began dating around 2023, though specific details about how they met were not disclosed. Their relationship progressed quietly, avoiding the intense scrutiny typical of celebrity couples. In June 2026, media outlets confirmed that Minkyeung was expecting their first child, marking a new chapter in their lives together.

The couple faced a minor health scare when Minkyeung was hospitalized for gestational diabetes, but she recovered well. By August 2026, they were seen enjoying a family vacation in Jeju Island, showcasing a stable and supportive partnership. There are no credible reports of previous high-profile relationships or marriages prior to her union with Jo Yoon-hee. [edit]

As of 2026, research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Kim Minkyeung's fortune at around $1.2 million. This estimate reflects her earnings from her time with Pristin and Hinapia, combined with her current income streams from acting contracts with KPLUS and various modeling assignments. Unlike established solo pop stars with massive endorsement portfolios, her wealth is derived from steady work in television dramas and brand collaborations rather than large-scale touring or merchandise sales.

The financial landscape for former idols can be unpredictable, especially after group disbandments. Minkyeung managed to secure a stable position in the acting sector, which provides a consistent income source. Her net worth has likely grown steadily since signing with KPLUS in 2022, as she takes on more significant roles and expands her portfolio in the entertainment industry. [edit]