The world of K-POP is used to sudden departures, but what becomes of idols once out of the game? For some ex-members of groups of girls such as Kim Garam, Soojin or Yulhee, the answer is in retraining as daring as it is outstanded.
Kim Garam – ex LE SSERAFIM
Presented as the center of Le Sserafim during the beginnings of the group under Hybe, Kim Garam left the industry only 19 days after its beginnings, following charges of school harassment. Even if she has always denied the facts, the supposed dissemination of a document from a school discipline committee ignited the controversy.
Shortly after, his contract with Source Music was terminated. Since then, she has resumed her studies and has graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul. In 2024, she joined the media and dramatic art department at Konkuk University. Recently, it was credited in the team to carry out a university project, suggesting a discreet but promising conversion behind the scenes.
FIFTY FIFTY – A lightning success, an eventful suite
After the viral success of Cupidthe four members of Fifty Fifty filed a request for a breach of contract with Attikt in mid-2023. If the fans were first of all, the leakage of audio recordings and legal complications reversed public opinion.
Finally, Keena returned to the agency, while the other three formed a new group, Ablume. However, he struggles to find the dazzling impulse of Fifty Fifty.
Youngseo – ex-trainee d’ILLIT
Youngseo was one of the most noticed trains in the survival R U Next?intended to form Illit. But just before the official beginnings, she withdrew from the project, evoking difficulties related to mental stress. Since then, she has preferred to devote herself to her studies, far from the spotlight and the intense rhythm of the industry.
Soojin – ex (G)I-DLE
Soojin, who was one of the emblematic figures of (G) I-Dle, left the group in 2021 after being accused of school harassment. After two years of radio silence, she made her comeback in June 2023 by launching her own social networks, then by signing with BRD Communications.
His solo start was enthusiastically welcomed by his fans. However, the debate around its past is still alive in public space.
Yulhee – ex LABOUM
Yulhee left Laboum in 2017 at only 20 years old to marry Choi Minhwan de Ftisland, becoming one of the youngest idols to get married. Mother of three children, she divorced in 2023. Malventy rumors circulated around her separation, but were then denied.
Today, she turns to an acting career. Despite the scandals, she gradually regains her place in the media landscape.
Each of these women has taken a different path after K-Pop: some have turned to studies, others towards a solo career or family life. Far from their image of idol, they redefine what “beginnings” means in real life.
What post-K-Pop retraining has surprised you the most?
