Kim Min-ju

Kim Min-ju, born on February 5, 2001, in Seoul, South Korea, is a multi-talented actress and former singer who has successfully transitioned from the world of K-pop to establish herself as a promising television and film actress. She attended the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul, graduating in February 2020, and began her entertainment journey in 2016 as part of the pre-debut girl group Girls' Recipe, though the group's debut was ultimately cancelled. Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she participated in Mnet's survival reality show Produce 48, representing Urban Works Entertainment, where she finished in eleventh place and earned a spot in the temporary project girl group IzOne. Debuting with the group on October 29, 2018, with the EP ColorIz, she spent two and a half years as an idol, simultaneously nurturing her acting career by appearing in the 2018 MBC drama Tempted as young Choi Su-ji and starring in the 2019 film The Fault Is Not Yours, which premiered at the Jeonju International Film Festival. During her time with Iz*One, she also showcased her hosting abilities by becoming a fixed MC for MBC's Show! Music Core from June 2020 until January 2023, demonstrating her versatility in the entertainment industry.

Following IzOne's disbandment on April 29, 2021, Kim made the pivotal decision to return to her acting roots, officially announcing her transition to actress promotions in October 2021 while under Urban Works, before signing an exclusive contract with the renowned acting agency Management Soop in September 2022. This move placed her alongside established stars such as Gong Yoo and Bae Suzy, marking a significant step in her acting career. She garnered critical acclaim for her role in the historical drama The Forbidden Marriage (2022-2023), earning the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards and establishing herself as a rising star in the historical romance genre. Her recent filmography includes the youth romance film Hear Me: Our Summer (2024), the television series Still Shining (2026), the Netflix series Beauty in the Beast (2026) where she plays a college werewolf, and appearances in highly anticipated projects such as Undercover High School alongside Seo Kang-joon and Jin Ki-joo. Born into a family with a younger sister and an older brother, Kim has successfully navigated the transition from idol to respected actress, continuously expanding her portfolio with diverse roles in both historical and contemporary settings while maintaining her popularity from her IzOne days. She has also demonstrated her enduring appeal through the release of solo photobooks and her continued presence in various entertainment programs.