Facts About 4Minute Members' Solo Careers

The sudden disbandment of 4Minute in June 2016 left fans wondering about the future of its talented members. After unsuccessful contract renewal negotiations with Cube Entertainment, the group that had captured hearts since their 2009 debut with "Hot Issue" went their separate ways.

While HyunA continued with Cube Entertainment and achieved viral success with hits like "Bubble Pop!" garnering over 10 million YouTube views, the other 4Minute members carved unique paths in the entertainment industry. Jiyoon rebranded herself as JENYER under JS E&M, Gayoon pursued acting with BS Company, Sohyun signed with TheCNT for drama roles, and Jihyun joined Artist Company to focus on her acting career.

Currently, each former member has diversified their portfolio in different aspects of entertainment, from music and acting to fashion. Their individual journeys since disbandment showcase how these artists have evolved beyond their group identity, creating successful solo careers that continue to captivate audiences.

HyunA's Groundbreaking Journey After 4Minute

Following her continued association with Cube Entertainment after 4Minute's disbandment, HyunA embarked on a remarkable solo journey marked by artistic evolution and strategic career moves.

HyunA's Evolution as a Solo Artist

Subsequently joining Psy's P Nation in January 2019, HyunA released "Flower Shower," which secured a spot in the top ten of Billboard World Digital Song Sales. Her artistic progression continued with the release of "I'm Not Cool" in 2021, followed by "Nabillera" in 2022. Furthermore, November 2023 marked a significant shift as she signed with AT AREA, leading to her latest EP "Attitude" in May 2024.

Under AT AREA's guidance, HyunA participated extensively in the creative process, collaborating with GroovyRoom to showcase a more mature musical direction. The album "Attitude" particularly emphasized her vocal capabilities, marking a departure from her previous high-energy performances.

HyunA's Record-Breaking Achievements in 2025

Throughout her 17-year career, HyunA has consistently pushed boundaries in K-pop. Her involvement in Psy's "Gangnam Style" video notably contributed to its record-breaking success, maintaining its position as YouTube's most-viewed video for five years. Additionally, her solo releases have achieved remarkable milestones:

"Ice Cream" became the tenth Korean music video to reach 20 million views on YouTube
Her digital releases consistently ranked high on major South Korean music platforms
The hashtag #imnotcool garnered over 850 million views on TikTok

HyunA's Business Ventures and Brand Deals

In the fashion industry, HyunA secured a prestigious position as Loewe's global brand ambassador. This appointment aligned with Loewe's strategic expansion in South Korea, where they launched Loewe Korea as their latest subsidiary. The partnership highlighted HyunA's influence in both music and fashion spheres, with her edgy style and social media presence contributing significantly to brand visibility.

Her business acumen extended beyond fashion, as she maintained strong connections with various entertainment sectors. Notably, her collaboration with GroovyRoom at AT AREA demonstrated her ability to forge meaningful industry partnerships while maintaining artistic authenticity.

Jeon Jiyoon's Unexpected Career Transformation

After signing with JS E&M in August 2016, Jeon Jiyoon embarked on a bold artistic reinvention that would reshape her musical identity.

Jiyoon's Rebranding as JENYER

Making a decisive break from her past, Jiyoon adopted the stage name "JENYER" and launched her solo career with the single album "Day and Night" on November 2, 2016. This transformation marked more than just a name change - it represented her determination to forge an independent artistic path. Despite earning less compared to her 4Minute days, she expressed feeling a greater sense of stability in pursuing her authentic musical vision.

Jiyoon's Musical Style Evolution

Primarily focusing on self-produced music, JENYER has developed a distinctive sound that sets her apart from her previous work. Her single "Shower," which she personally produced and wrote, delves into emotional healing and personal growth. Moreover, she has shown remarkable versatility by:

Serving as a musical director for exhibitions
Collaborating with songwriters Heize and Kisum for creative feedback
Releasing singles like "BUS" and "Because" that showcase her artistic range

Essentially, JENYER's approach to music creation has become more hands-on, as she actively participates in every aspect of production. Rather than being constrained by commercial pressures, she prioritizes artistic authenticity, stating, "I'm not making music because I'm obsessed with chart rankings, but I do sincerely hope for good rankings".

Jiyoon's International Collaborations

In 2019, JENYER expanded her musical horizons by joining forces with DJ Allzwell and producer mOnSteR nO.9 to form the band Prsnt. This collaboration has allowed her to explore different musical styles and reach new audiences. Consequently, she has maintained an active presence in both solo projects and group performances, demonstrating her versatility as an artist.

Her dedication to musical growth remains unwavering, as she continues to challenge herself with new projects. "It's really hard to get on television because I'm no longer signed to a big label. So, I usually appear on radio talk shows and perform at festivals or small venues," she revealed, highlighting her commitment to connecting with audiences through various platforms.

Nam Jihyun's Success in the Acting World

Initially transitioning from her idol career, Nam Jihyun established herself as a versatile actress through a series of compelling performances. Her acting journey began with It's Okay, Daddy's Girl in 2010, marking her first step into the drama world.

Jihyun's Breakthrough Drama Roles

Throughout her career progression, Jihyun secured leading roles in acclaimed productions. Her performance in Shopping King Louie alongside Seo In-guk in 2016 impressed viewers with her acting depth. Accordingly, she starred in the legal drama Suspicious Partner with Ji Chang-wook in 2017, which topped streaming, popularity, and brand reputation charts for consecutive weeks.

A significant milestone arrived with 100 Days My Prince in 2018, where she portrayed Hong-Sim opposite EXO's D.O. The series achieved remarkable success, becoming the twelfth highest-rated Korean drama in cable television history. Presently, her role in Good Partner (2024) alongside Jang Na-ra showcases her continued growth as an actress.

Jihyun's Awards and Recognition

Nam Jihyun's exceptional performances have earned her numerous accolades:

Best Performance Award at the 2024 SBS Acting Awards for Good Partner
Top Excellence Award for 365: Repeat the Year at the 2020 MBC Drama Awards
Best Entertainer Award at the 2016 Asia Artist Awards for Shopping King Louie
Best New Actress at the 2014 KBS Drama Awards

Jihyun's Production Company Ventures

In 2022, Nam Jihyun signed with Urban Works Media, demonstrating her commitment to expanding her industry presence. Indeed, she actively participates in diverse projects, including the upcoming historical romantic comedy Dear Bandit, where she portrays Hong Eun Jo, a noble-born character with a compelling storyline.

Under her new agency's guidance, Jihyun expressed her determination to showcase various aspects of her talent, stating, "I plan to showcase many different images and sides [to myself], regardless of genre and field". Her versatility extends beyond acting, as she explores opportunities in music, YouTube content creation, and other entertainment ventures.

Heo Gayoon's Behind-the-Scenes Industry Impact

Throughout her seven-year tenure as 4Minute's main vocalist, Heo Gayoon balanced her musical responsibilities with aspirations beyond the stage. First of all, her role demanded unwavering dedication to performances, often postponing her acting ambitions at the agency's request.

Gayoon's Songwriting and Production Credits

As a skilled vocalist, Gayoon contributed significantly to 4Minute's musical direction. She played an instrumental role in shaping the group's signature tracks, specifically participating in the production of "Crazy" and "Cold Rain". Her involvement extended beyond performing, as she actively contributed to lyrics and provided creative input that brought songs to life.

Gayoon's Mentoring Programs

After the group's disbandment, Gayoon channeled her extensive industry experience into mentoring upcoming artists. Her approach to artist development stems from her unique perspective as both a main vocalist and an actress. Throughout her career transition, she maintained connections with industry professionals, offering insights into both the musical and acting spheres.

Gayoon's Entertainment Agency

Since 4Minute's disbandment, Gayoon's professional journey has included strategic partnerships with several agencies, each supporting different aspects of her career:

BS Company (October 2016 - June 2018): Initial acting career launch
Yuleum Entertainment (February 2020 - January 2021): Acting career development
Management Redwoods (January 2021 - Present): Current representation

Under Management Redwoods, Gayoon joined a roster of established actors, including Kim Jung Eun, Kim Seo Ra, and Park Min Ji. The agency, founded by Deep Rooted Trees production company, specializes in managing actors and has produced notable works such as "Six Flying Dragons" and "Woojoo's Christmas".

Her transition from idol to actress began with the 2018 film "The Drug King," where director Woo Min-ho recognized her "fresh" acting style, unaware of her idol background. This opportunity marked a turning point in her career, as she received valuable guidance on line delivery and character interpretation.

In her current phase, Gayoon continues to expand her artistic horizons. Management Redwoods acknowledges her "infinite potential to grow as an actor" and pledges comprehensive support for her acting endeavors. Meanwhile, she maintains connections with former industry colleagues, taking pride in 4Minute's lasting influence on current girl groups, particularly through their hit song "Crazy".

Kwon Sohyun's Multi-Entertainment Career

As the youngest member of 4Minute, Kwon Sohyun demonstrated remarkable versatility by excelling across multiple entertainment platforms. After the group's disbandment, she signed with 935 Entertainment in 2016, eventually moving to TheCNT in 2019.

Sohyun's Variety Show Success

Primarily known for her engaging personality, Sohyun secured prominent roles in various television programs. Her selection as a 'Special MC' for Weekly Idol's Second Idol Awards demonstrated her natural hosting abilities. Altogether, she participated in several notable shows, including the 2013 KBS Lunar New Year variety show 'Princess Project - Resurrection of the Royal Family'.

During her variety show career, Sohyun gained recognition for her exceptional archery skills. Her achievements include:

Gold medal at the 2014 Idol Star Athletics Championship
Second place with 322 points out of 360 in the 2013 Archery Club Competition
Victory against SISTAR's Bora in a legendary ISAC final match

Sohyun's Musical Theater Performances

Earlier in her career, Sohyun studied Film and Theatre at Dongguk University, which laid the foundation for her theatrical pursuits. Generally, her performances showcased her ability to portray diverse characters, as evidenced by her role as Ha Ri Ra in SBS's romantic comedy.

Hence, her transition to acting became more focused after leaving Cube Entertainment. She appeared in several productions, including Birthday, A Little Princess, and Black Money. Furthermore, her supporting roles in The Secret Life of My Secretary and Class of Lies established her credibility in the industry.

Sohyun's Social Media Influence

Lastly, Sohyun's social media presence reflects her authentic connection with fans. Otherwise than maintaining a professional image, she shares personal moments and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work. In an interview, she expressed her desire to show fans her genuine self, stating, "I believed I would be able to show people my real self".

Her social media strategy aligns with the emerging trend of creators becoming new media moguls. Simultaneously, she maintains active engagement with her former 4Minute members, regularly supporting their projects and sharing updates about their achievements. This approach has helped her build a loyal following while preserving the group's legacy.

The 4Minute Legacy in K-pop

Pioneering a distinctive "girl crush" concept in K-pop, 4Minute's influence continues to shape the industry's landscape. Their edgy dance-pop style and fierce image primarily attracted a substantial female fan base, setting a precedent for future girl groups.

Impact on Modern Girl Groups

4Minute's unique "Candy Funky Style" distinguished them from contemporaries like 2NE1 and After School. Their bold approach to music and performance undoubtedly influenced the evolution of K-pop's girl group dynamics. The group received numerous accolades, including:

Rookie Award at the 2009 Golden Disc Awards
K-pop New Artist Award at the 2010 Billboard Japan Music Awards
Bonsang Awards at the 2011, 2012, and 2014 Seoul Music Awards

4Minute's Lasting Musical Influence

The practice of mixing genres, which 4Minute mastered, became a standard in K-pop. Their hits like "Hot Issue," "Crazy," and "Hate" demonstrated versatility in musical styles. Although the group disbanded in 2016, their impact on K-pop's sonic landscape remains evident through their innovative approach to performance and music production.

Members' Continued Friendship

Certainly, the bond between 4Minute members has endured beyond their professional separation. In 2022, four members - Jiyoon, Gayoon, and Jihyun - attended a showing of Sohyun's indie film "Through My Midwinter". Before their tenth anniversary celebration, Jenyer (Jiyoon) shared, "The three of us saw each other a few days ago too, and I saw you again. It's boring, hehe".

The relationship between HyunA and other members has also evolved positively. In a heartwarming gesture, HyunA sent a coffee truck to Sohyun's film set with an encouraging message, "So proud of you". Similarly, Kwon Sohyun expressed her desire for reunion in a 2024 interview, stating, "Every time I see 2nd-gen idols reuniting, I think about wanting to reunite too... I want to be able to perform on stage with 4Minute at least once someday".

Their enduring connection reflects in their continued support for each other's endeavors. The members maintain regular contact, discussing memories and sharing emotional moments whenever they meet. This lasting friendship, coupled with their significant contributions to K-pop, cements 4Minute's position as pioneers who helped shape the industry's current landscape.

Comparison Table

Future Reunion Possibilities

4Minute's disbandment marked not an end, but rather a beginning of five remarkable individual journeys. Each member carved her unique path - HyunA dominating music and fashion, Jiyoon reinventing herself as JENYER, Jihyun excelling in acting, Gayoon making waves behind the scenes, and Sohyun mastering multiple entertainment platforms.

Their individual successes prove their versatility beyond the group format. HyunA's groundbreaking releases and global brand ambassadorship, Jiyoon's authentic musical productions, Jihyun's award-winning performances, Gayoon's industry influence, and Sohyun's multi-faceted entertainment career showcase their exceptional talents.

The strong bond between members remains evident through their continued support and occasional reunions. Their lasting friendship, coupled with their pioneering "girl crush" concept and bold musical style, cements 4Minute's position as trailblazers who helped shape K-pop's current landscape. These accomplished artists demonstrate how disbandment can lead to diverse, successful career paths while preserving the cherished connections formed during their group years.