Minju

Kim Minju, widely known simply as Minju, is a South Korean singer-turned-actress who first captured the public’s attention as a member of the South Korean-Japanese project group IZ*ONE. Born on February 5, 2001, in Seoul, she trained for nearly three years at Urban Works Entertainment before stepping into the spotlight through Mnet’s hit survival show Produce 48 in 2018.

On that show, Minju impressed both judges and viewers with her striking visuals and steady stage presence, ultimately finishing in 11th place and securing a spot in the freshly formed 12-member group IZ*ONE. She debuted officially on October 29, 2018, with the mini album Color*Iz, taking on the roles of lead rapper, sub-vocalist, and visual for the group. Over the next two and a half years, she promoted with IZ*ONE across both Korea and Japan, contributing to hit releases such as “La Vie en Rose,” “Violeta,” and “Fiesta.”

Before her idol career even began, Minju already had acting experience, having appeared in the 2018 drama Tempted and in several music videos. After IZ*ONE’s disbandment in April 2021, she made the deliberate choice to pursue acting full-time, a decision that included turning down an offer to join another major girl group. She also served as a co-host of MBC’s Show! Music Core from 2020 to 2023, bridging her transition from idol to broadcaster and actress.

Minju’s acting career has flourished since then. Her breakout dramatic role came in The Forbidden Marriage (2022), for which she won the Best New Actress award at the MBC Drama Awards. She continued to build her filmography with projects such as Marry My Husband-adjacent dramas and other television series, earning further recognition, including a Best New Actress win at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards.

Known for her warm personality, striking beauty, and versatility across music and acting, Kim Minju remains one of the most beloved members of IZ*ONE’s legacy, continuing to grow her career as a leading actress in the Korean entertainment industry.