Hidden Facts About Minju IZONE That True Fans Need to Know

Before becoming a beloved member of Minju IZONE, Kim Minju was already making waves in the entertainment industry as a child actress, appearing in notable dramas like "The Great Seducer."

While many fans know her from her successful run on Produce 48, where she secured 11th place with 227,061 votes, there's much more to her story. In fact, Kim Minju trained for 2 years and 2 months before joining IZ*ONE, developing multiple talents including exceptional flexibility and cooking skills.

Minju's Secret Pre-IZ*ONE Journey

Kim Minju's journey began when an Urban Works casting director spotted her on the streets during her eighth grade. Subsequently, she passed the company's audition and embarked on a 2-year and 10-month training period.

Minju's Early Acting Career

Her entertainment career started with notable appearances in music videos and dramas. She showcased her versatility through roles in:

iKON's "#WYD" music video (May 2016)
Kriesha Chu's "Like Paradise" (January 2018)
Kriesha Chu's "Falling Star" (January 2018)

Additionally, she made her drama debut in MBC's "Tempted," portraying the younger version of Choi Su-ji's character.

Minju's Training Period Struggles

During her training at Urban Works, Minju faced unique challenges as the company primarily focused on actor management. Furthermore, she stood as the only girl group trainee at the time of her Produce 48 participation. The constant shuttling between school and practice studios marked her dedication, with her mother's support playing a crucial role in this phase.

Minju's Pre-debut Group Experience

In 2016, Urban Works planned to debut Minju in a girl group called "Girls' Recipe" alongside Kriesha Chu and other trainees. Notably, this project was ultimately canceled in the same year. This setback led Kriesha Chu to pursue a solo career after achieving success in K-Pop Star Season 6, leaving Minju's debut prospects uncertain.

Hidden Details About Minju's Produce 48 Journey

On Produce 48, Kim Minju began her journey with a D grade evaluation, which was later re-evaluated to C grade. Her initial performance reflected her struggle with self-confidence, often doubting her abilities during practice sessions.

Minju's Initial Audition Story

The Urban Works trainee's first evaluation showcased her natural dancing talent, though her lack of confidence initially held her back. Nevertheless, the coaches recognized her potential, leading to her grade improvement early in the competition.

Minju's Growth Throughout the Show

Her transformation became evident through several key performances:

SummerWish team performance with Miyazaki Miho and Lee Chae Yeon
Position evaluation where she secured first place within her team
Center position in the "1000%" performance

Minju's Most Memorable Moments

Throughout the competition, Minju demonstrated remarkable emotional growth. Consequently, she overcame her initial hesitation, expressing her determination with the phrase "The bigger the dream, the bigger the piece". Her perseverance paid off as she secured 11th place with 227,061 votes, earning her spot in IZ*ONE.

Moreover, her journey on Produce 48 laid the foundation for her future success. The show's challenges helped her develop the confidence that would later shine through in her performances as an MC on "Show! Music Core". Therefore, her transformation from a hesitant trainee to a confident performer became one of the most inspiring storylines of the season.

Unknown Facts About Minju's Family Life

Born in Miseong-dong, Seoul, South Korea, Kim Minju grew up in a close-knit family of five members.

Minju's Relationship with Siblings

Alongside her parents, Minju shares her home with an older brother and a younger sister. Her relationship with her brother particularly showcases a typical sibling dynamic, marked by playful moments and occasional conflicts. Primarily, her brother maintained such privacy about their relationship that his friends remained unaware of Minju being his sister until his graduation.

Minju's Parents' Support

Her parents' unwavering support played a crucial role throughout her journey. Despite her busy schedule between training and education, their encouragement remained constant. Beyond their emotional support, they helped her manage the demanding lifestyle of a trainee while ensuring she maintained her academic pursuits.

Minju's Childhood Stories

Although Minju's early years were spent in Miseong-dong, her path took an unexpected turn during middle school when she initially aspired to become a flight attendant. Her perspective on family bonds evolved significantly through her entertainment career. Particularly touching is her reflection that while she once doubted forming close relationships outside her family, her IZ*ONE members became her second family.

Surprising Facts About Minju's Personality

As a rare INFJ personality type holder, Kim Minju of IZ*ONE stands out among K-pop idols. Her personality type, revealed through Vogue Korea, places her among just 1% of the global population.

Minju's MBTI Evolution

Initially showing little interest in personality tests, Minju's INFJ revelation came after fellow members' curiosity. Her personality type reflects her deep sense of idealism and integrity, simultaneously showcasing her ability to speak passionately about her beliefs. Essentially, this rare combination makes her both passionate and understated, choosing peace over confrontation.

Minju's Hidden Talents

Beyond her public persona, Minju possesses several remarkable abilities:

Skilled guitar player and songwriter
Exceptional photography enthusiast
Unique talent for animal impressions, primarily focusing on kangaroo and monkey impersonations

Minju's Leadership Style

Presently recognized for her empathetic nature, Minju's leadership approach centers on understanding and supporting others. Her composed demeanor often masks deep emotional intelligence, making her a unifying figure within groups. This balance of empathy and calmness earned her special recognition among fans.

Her constant drive for self-improvement reflects in her professional attitude, as noted by Management SOOP: "She does not settle for the present but constantly takes on challenges". This mindset has shaped her into an artist who consistently pushes boundaries while maintaining her authentic personality.

Behind-the-Scenes of Minju's IZ*ONE Days

Life in IZ*ONE brought unique experiences for Kim Minju, from shared living spaces to emotional concert moments.

Minju's Dorm Life Stories

Living arrangements split the group into two residences with six members each. Accordingly, daily routines involved late-night snacks and shared bathroom schedules. Soon after returning home, members would change into pajamas and gather for communal activities. Primarily, these moments created lasting bonds among groupmates, with Minju often helping younger members adjust to dorm life.

Minju's Practice Room Moments

Indeed, Minju's dedication shone through her practice sessions. Her piano skills emerged as a highlight, as she spent countless hours perfecting the intro for "As We Dream." She openly shared her nervousness about the performance, stating, "I was shaking so much. Ever since it was decided that I would play the piano at our concert, I practiced a lot".

Minju's Concert Preparations

The group's concert preparations revealed intense emotional investment. Key aspects included:

Piano practice sessions for special performances
Vocal rehearsals for ballads like "Really Like You"
Stage presence development through eye contact with fans

The final concerts proved especially moving, with Minju expressing heartfelt gratitude: "I never thought I would be a person to make someone happy. I'm amazed and thankful every time I see WIZ*ONE. I'm able to learn more about myself and who I am as a person everyday thanks to you". Her growth throughout these experiences shaped her into an artist capable of touching fans' hearts through genuine performances.

Minju's Secret Hobbies and Interests

Beyond her entertainment career, Kim Minju's personal interests reveal an artistic soul with a passion for creative expression.

Minju's Book Collection

In 2023, Minju released her first solo photobook titled "Kim Min-ju 1st Present [ALL MY FAVES]" through Management SOOP. This collection primarily showcases her personal interests alongside carefully curated photographs. Furthermore, the photobook includes special elements such as an illustration calendar set, sticker collection, and exclusive photo cards.

Minju's Photography Skills

Her enthusiasm for photography manifests through outdoor adventures capturing beautiful moments. Primarily, she explores diverse settings, from modern architecture to lush natural environments. Her photography style reflects both technical skill and artistic vision, as demonstrated in her photobook "Pro Memoria" where she personally selected and arranged the images.

Minju's Gaming Preferences

Apart from her artistic pursuits, Minju maintains an active lifestyle. She dedicates time to physical training twice weekly through PT sessions. Additionally, her favorite outdoor activity involves extended walks, occasionally lasting up to four hours. Swimming also features prominently among her regular activities, as she previously maintained an almost daily swimming routine.

Throughout her career, Minju's passion drives her success. As she once expressed, "I think I can do well if I'm passionate, no matter how tiring our schedules are". This dedication extends across all her interests, from photography to maintaining an active lifestyle.

Untold Stories About Minju's Friendships

Strong friendships shape Kim Minju's life, ranging from her enduring bonds with former groupmates to cherished relationships outside the entertainment industry.

Minju's Bond with IZ*ONE Members

The connection among IZ*ONE members remains remarkably strong even after disbandment. Primarily, Minju spends most of her free time with former members, coordinating meetups through their group chat. Rather than drifting apart, the members maintain their closeness by gathering whenever schedules align, with some joining after work and others leaving early based on next-day commitments.

Minju's Celebrity Friends

Outside IZONE, Minju shares a special friendship with soloist Kriesha Chu. Their connection dates back to their trainee days when both were set to debut in a group called "Girls' Recipe." Meanwhile, within IZONE, she formed unique friendship pairings:

The "Touch Duo" with Hitomi, named after their Produce 48 position evaluation
Part of the close-knit squad including Yena, Yujin, and Chaewon

Minju's School Friends

Throughout her school years, Minju maintained a balance between idol life and academics. Hence, her classmates witnessed a different side of her, seeing her as a regular student rather than a celebrity. This duality allowed her to experience normal school life while pursuing her entertainment career.

The depth of these friendships becomes evident in Minju's own words: "I don't have many friends, hence I really want to stay close to the members and keep seeing them for a long time". These relationships provide her with strength and support, making her former groupmates feel more like family than just friends.

Minju's Hidden Musical Talents

Musical talent runs deep in Kim Minju's artistic repertoire, extending far beyond her public performances with IZ*ONE.

Minju's Guitar Skills

After dedicating herself to learning guitar for 11 months, Minju emerged as a proficient player. Her acoustic performances showcase a natural affinity for the instrument, primarily demonstrated through her raw, unfiltered covers that resonate with fans. Furthermore, her guitar sessions reveal a genuine connection to music, often pairing her instrumental skills with her distinctive vocal tone.

Minju's Songwriting Process

Throughout her IZ*ONE career, Minju contributed significantly to the group's discography. Her songwriting credits include:

"Really Like You" from Heart*IZ album
"Love Bubble" from Vampire single album
"You & I" from Bloom*IZ album
Korean adaptation of "Neko ni Naritai"

Minju's Vocal Development

Ultimately, Minju's vocal prowess sets her apart with a unique tone often compared to BLACKPINK's Rosé. Her voice carries distinct characteristics:

Clear and emotive quality
Strong technical control over vocal dynamics
Versatility across various genres

Her song "As We Dream" holds special meaning, as Minju explains, "The lyrics are our messages to each other. It has sincerity. Listening to it cheers me up". Similarly, her consistent vocal performances throughout her career demonstrate her dedication to growth and improvement in the musical arts.

Lesser-Known Facts About Minju's Education

Educational pursuits marked a significant chapter in Kim Minju's journey through the entertainment industry. Her academic path weaved through multiple institutions, showcasing her dedication to both studies and career.

Minju's School Life

The educational journey began at Sungbo Middle School, followed by a brief period at Samsung High School. Afterward, she made a pivotal decision to transfer to the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). This transition aligned perfectly with her growing entertainment career, offering specialized training alongside academic studies.

Minju's Study Habits

Primarily focusing on maintaining balance, Minju developed effective time management skills between her training commitments and academic responsibilities. Her determination became evident as she pursued education while simultaneously training at BE:LIFT from the second half of 2021. Generally, her approach to studies reflected her professional attitude, maintaining focus on both academic and artistic growth.

Minju's Academic Achievements

The culmination of her academic journey arrived with her graduation from the School of Performing Arts Seoul on February 13, 2020. This milestone represented not just academic success, but also her ability to excel in multiple domains simultaneously. Ultimately, her educational background at SOPA provided her with a strong foundation in performing arts, complementing her career development in the entertainment industry.

Secret Behind Minju's Visual Evolution

Recognized as a visual ace within IZ*ONE, Kim Minju's beauty emanates from a unique blend of purity, innocence, and maturity. Her striking features include large eyes, plump lips, and a harmonious facial structure.

Minju's Beauty Secrets

Currently collaborating with luxury skincare brands, Minju represents the 14th Special Edition Bichup Self-Generating Anti-Aging Concentrate. Her skincare favorites include:

Dark Spot Correcting Serum for hyperpigmentation
PDRN Hyaluronic Capsule Serum for hydration
Azelaic Acid Redness Soothing Serum for calming

Minju's Style Journey

Evidently, Minju's style evolution reflects her versatility, markedly demonstrated in the "Oneiric Diary" era where she experimented with vibrant makeup looks. Her ability to adapt different styles, from elegant to cute, establishes her as an all-round beauty icon.

Minju's Self-Care Routine

Primarily focusing on maintaining her signature features, Minju adheres to Korean beauty standards while developing her unique appeal. Her self-care routine emphasizes skincare over makeup, prioritizing a natural glow. Undoubtedly, her dedication to maintaining her appearance contributes to her widespread recognition, with netizens often comparing her to legendary visuals like Suzy.

Overall, Minju's visual journey showcases not just external beauty but also her growing confidence and self-assurance. Her harmonious facial features and dedication to skincare have earned her recognition as one of the industry's top visuals.

Minju's Unknown Language Skills

Throughout her career, Kim Minju demonstrates remarkable aptitude for language learning, mastering multiple tongues alongside her entertainment pursuits.

Minju's English Progress

Currently pursuing English studies with dedication, Minju showcases her growing proficiency through various media appearances. Her commitment to language learning reflects in her ability to communicate effectively with international fans.

Minju's Japanese Learning

Primarily recognized for her exceptional Japanese skills, Minju stands out for her natural grasp of grammar and pronunciation. Her language abilities include:

Near-perfect Japanese accent
Strong grammatical understanding
Extensive vocabulary range
Natural speaking ability

Her Japanese proficiency surpasses basic communication, allowing her to engage in complex conversations and participate fully in Japanese media activities.

Minju's Language Study Methods

Ultimately, Minju's approach to language learning combines traditional study methods with practical application. She maintains consistent practice through:

Immersive Learning: Watching Japanese dramas helps expand her vocabulary and improve pronunciation. This method proves particularly effective, as noted by language experts who praise her natural speaking style.

Structured Practice: Regular grammar exercises and vocabulary building form the foundation of her study routine. This systematic approach contributes to her impressive command over Japanese syntax.

Interactive Learning: Practicing with native speakers, primarily her Japanese groupmates, enhances her conversational skills. This real-world application strengthens her language abilities beyond textbook knowledge.

Hidden Aspects of Minju's Acting Career

Kim Minju's dedication to acting shines through her meticulous preparation for the film "Hear Me, Our Summer," where she portrays Ga Eul, a hearing-impaired swimmer.

Minju's Acting Preparation

Currently immersed in her role preparation, Minju approaches each character with thorough dedication. For "Hear Me," she undertook extensive sign language training, studying with professional instructors and researching through various media platforms. Primarily focusing on authenticity, she practiced sign language daily, specifically learning:

Basic everyday communications
Character-specific expressions
Non-verbal emotional conveyance
Professional swimming techniques

Minju's Character Studies

Ultimately, Minju's approach to character development involves deep personal connection. "I found joy in preparing for the role, as I discovered many similarities between myself and GaEul," she revealed. Furthermore, her commitment extended beyond basic preparation, as she maintained a strict athlete's diet and followed an intensive swimming training schedule.

Minju's On-Set Stories

The filming experience brought unique challenges and growth opportunities. Specifically, Minju developed authentic sibling chemistry with co-star Roh Yoon-seo through shared sign language practice sessions. Her dedication manifested in maintaining a rigorous routine: morning gym sessions, swimming practice, and evening strength training. "I lived the life of an athlete for a while," she reflected, noting how overcoming her initial fear of water boosted her confidence.

Minju's Secret Social Media Life

Social media unveils a different side of Kim Minju, primarily through her Instagram account @minn.__.ju, which garnered over 344,000 followers within its first day of creation.

Minju's Instagram Stories

Her social media presence captures candid moments with former IZ*ONE members, as demonstrated by her recent Instagram story featuring Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chaewon at an IU concert. Basically, these updates offer glimpses into their enduring friendship, with Minju frequently sharing photos from their casual meetups and special occasions.

Minju's Fan Interactions

Her approach to fan communication stands out for its heartfelt sincerity. "I end up using a lot of hearts and emoticons with fans. I guess I'm sentimental when it comes to people who like me," Minju revealed. Currently, she maintains active engagement on Weverse, where fan messages serve as motivation during challenging times. Her genuine curiosity about fans extends to wanting to know about their daily lives, from school experiences to career paths.

Minju's Photo Selection Process

The visual artist carefully curates her social media content, often featuring herself with cameras or in artistic settings. Her photography skills shine through her feed, where she maintains a balance between professional shots and personal moments. Ultimately, her Instagram profile photo, showing her holding a white flower while gazing into the camera, exemplifies her attention to visual aesthetics.

Unknown Facts About Minju's Fashion Sense

Fashion designer turned idol, Kim Minju crafts unique designs that blend bold silhouettes with feminine characteristics. Her creative journey extends beyond performing, as demonstrated by her successful fashion label MINJUKIM.

Minju's Personal Style

The designer's signature aesthetic combines free-flowing feminine silhouettes with playful details. Her collections feature distinctive elements:

Voluminous silhouettes with interesting color combinations
Folk art motifs with whimsical patterns
Classic 60s-inspired baby doll dresses

Minju's Fashion Influences

Primarily drawing inspiration from her imagination, Minju creates concept art in fine art style before designing collections. Furthermore, her work often incorporates fairy-tale elements, reflecting her belief that fashion should tell stories. Her collections emerge from thorough research, with themes ranging from superheroes to female knight characters.

Minju's Shopping Habits

Currently, Minju advocates for bold fashion choices, stating "I think it can be a waste to wear only neutral colors". Her personal wardrobe primarily consists of MINJUKIM pieces, featuring vibrant colors and prints. Ultimately, she encourages self-expression through fashion, believing that turning heads should be celebrated rather than feared.

Secret Stories from Minju's Fansigns

Recent fan gatherings showcase Kim Minju's dedication to creating meaningful connections with her supporters. Her first solo fan meeting, "Blooming Story," held at Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall on November 22, 2024, marked a significant milestone in her career.

Minju's Fan Interactions

At "Blooming Story," Minju performed covers of iconic girl group hits, primarily focusing on songs by former IZ*ONE members. Her setlist included:

Jennie's "Mantra"
Kwon Eun Bi's "Underwater"
Jo Yu Ri's "GLASSY"
Choi Ye Na's "Nemonemo"
Lee Chae Yeon's "Knock"

Minju's Special Fan Moments

Furthermore, emotional connections define her fan meetings. During Sakura's birthday live stream, a touching moment unfolded as they celebrated Minju and Chaeyeon's birthdays together, making up for missed celebrations with WIZ*ONE. Ultimately, these gatherings strengthen the bond between Minju and her supporters, creating lasting memories for both parties.

Minju's Fanmeeting Preparations

Management Soop revealed that Minju invested considerable effort in preparing various stories and events to express gratitude to her fans. Her commitment to delivering quality performances manifested through extensive dance practice, as evidenced by her improved choreography execution. The preparation process reflects her professional approach, ensuring each fan meeting becomes a cherished experience for attendees.

Unknown Facts About Minju's Daily Life

Daily routines shape former IZ*ONE member Kim Minju's lifestyle, balancing entertainment commitments with personal wellness.

Minju's Morning Routine

Her day begins with physical training, attending PT sessions twice weekly. Currently, she maintains an active schedule that includes swimming and pilates. Her fitness regimen encompasses:

Personal training sessions
Pilates workouts
Regular swimming practice

Minju's Free Time Activities

Walking stands out as Minju's cherished hobby, occasionally extending up to four hours. Primarily, these extended walks occur once or twice monthly, complementing her regular exercise routine. Furthermore, she finds joy in watching sitcoms and taking photographs during leisure hours.

Minju's Evening Habits

Ordinarily, Minju's evenings involve family time, often thinking about them while eating or before bed. She particularly misses her dog Ddungi, whom she's had since second grade. Her evening routine includes maintaining a personal diary, reflecting her introspective nature. Ultimately, she manages stress through positive self-talk, telling herself "This too shall pass" during challenging moments.

Minju's Hidden Athletic Abilities

Athletic prowess marks a distinctive aspect of Kim Minju's career, with remarkable achievements in swimming and dedicated physical training regimens.

Minju's Sports Skills

Swimming excellence defines Minju's athletic journey. At age 17, she achieved the distinction of becoming Korea's second-fastest 50m freestyler. Her remarkable time of 25.24 seconds in the Asian Age Group Championships surpassed the previous record of 26.05. Furthermore, this performance positioned her as the 13th fastest U.S. 17-18 female performer in the 50m freestyle event.

Minju's Exercise Routine

Physical fitness remains a cornerstone of Minju's daily schedule, incorporating diverse training elements:

Morning cardio sessions
Twice-weekly personal training
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Strength conditioning exercises

Minju's Physical Activities

Beyond structured workouts, Minju maintains an active lifestyle through various physical pursuits. Primarily, she engages in dance-based cardio, incorporating K-pop choreography for enhanced fitness. Her comprehensive approach includes bodyweight exercises, resistance training, and flexibility work. Currently, she follows a balanced routine combining cardio, strength training, and recovery periods to maintain peak physical condition.

Minju's Hidden Cooking Adventures

Behind the glamour of idol life, Kim Minju possesses remarkable culinary talents that showcase her versatility beyond entertainment.

Minju's Signature Dishes

Primarily recognized for her cooking abilities, Minju learned proper taste appreciation from her father, ultimately passing this knowledge to fellow member Jo Yuri. Currently, her cooking style reflects a unique blend of creativity and practicality, even though some dishes might not always appear aesthetically pleasing.

Minju's Kitchen Stories

Her kitchen adventures often lead to memorable moments, particularly her distinctive approach to preparing instant noodles. Unlike her groupmates, she prefers breaking up the noodle cake before boiling. Furthermore, this unconventional method sets her apart from fellow members Woolimz and Yujin, who maintain traditional cooking methods.

Minju's Food Preferences

Her culinary preferences reveal an eclectic taste, including:

Chocolate ice cream as her favorite frozen treat
Cheese balls ranking high among preferred snacks
Gummy bears holding a special place in her snack collection

These food choices reflect not just personal taste but also her willingness to share culinary experiences with fans. Through various show appearances and live broadcasts, she openly discusses her favorite foods, creating deeper connections with her audience.

Behind Minju's Decision Making

Pivotal career decisions shape Kim Minju's trajectory in the entertainment industry. After careful consideration, she declined HYBE Labels' persistent recruitment attempts for their upcoming girl group. This decision came after multiple discussions between HYBE and Urban Works, extending through September 2021.

Minju's Career Choices

Primarily focusing on her acting aspirations, Minju signed with Management SOOP in September 2022. This strategic move aligned with her long-term vision, as the agency formally announced their commitment to supporting her acting career. Furthermore, her versatility shines through various roles, including a remarkable appearance as a weathercaster using sign language fluently in November 2024.

Minju's Future Plans

Currently immersed in multiple projects, Minju demonstrates unwavering dedication to her craft. Her role in "The Forbidden Marriage" earned her the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards. This achievement validates her decision to pursue acting, as she continues receiving recognition for her performances.

Minju's Personal Goals

Ultimately, Minju's determination extends beyond immediate success. Her approach to professional growth reflects in her statement: "No matter how tired I am and how arduous the activities are, I think I'm able to do them if I'm passionate enough". This mindset drives her forward, as she balances artistic growth with maintaining connections to her fanbase. Certainly, her transition from idol to actress showcases her commitment to authentic career development, prioritizing personal artistic fulfillment over immediate commercial success.

Secret Behind Minju's Popularity

Kim Minju's popularity soared through her commercial work, primarily gaining recognition through advertisements even before her Produce 48 appearance. Her unique appeal attracted a diverse fanbase, leading to a remarkable 20% share in bias voting during her early career.

Minju's Fan Demographics

Her fanbase spans across multiple regions, with particularly strong support in:

South Korea, where she maintains a robust domestic following
Japan, where her acting projects garner significant attention
International markets, where her fashion influence resonates

Minju's Global Appeal

Ordinarily recognized for her visual appeal, Minju's influence extends beyond entertainment. Her victory in Netflix's Next in Fashion series, securing a USD 250,000 investment prize, established her as a rising star in global fashion. Furthermore, her decision to pursue acting over joining LE SSERAFIM sparked widespread international discussion, demonstrating her cross-cultural impact.

Minju's Public Image

Currently, Minju's reputation transcends traditional idol boundaries. Her transition to acting culminated in winning the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards. Industry experts acknowledge her as "super popular in Korea and Japan", with netizens frequently comparing her visual appeal to legendary figures like Girls' Generation's YoonA. Ultimately, her authenticity resonates with audiences, as evidenced by her consistent ranking among top visual preferences in entertainment surveys.

Minju's Unknown Achievements

Recognition flows steadily for Kim Minju through prestigious awards and achievements in both acting and entertainment.

Minju's Awards

Her acting prowess earned her the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards for "The Forbidden Marriage". Furthermore, she secured another Best New Actress Award at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards for her role in "Connection". Her entertainment career garnered nominations for Female Rookie of the Year at the MBC Entertainment Awards in both 2020 and 2021 for her work on Show! Music Core.

Minju's Records

Primarily focusing on her MC career, Minju maintained her position as Show! Music Core host from June 2020 to January 2023. Her final appearance on January 28, 2023, marked the end of a successful broadcasting chapter. Currently, her achievements extend beyond television, as demonstrated by her receipt of the Seoul Tourism Foundation CEO Award at the Newsis K-Expo Cultural Awards.

Minju's Special Recognition

The entertainment industry acknowledges Minju's versatility through various accolades. Ordinarily excelling in multiple fields, she received the Special New Actor of the Year recognition in 2020. Her dedication to craft ultimately led to her winning the Best New Actress award at both major broadcasting networks - MBC and SBS. These achievements validate her decision to focus on acting, establishing her as a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry.

Behind Minju's MC Career

In June 2020, a new chapter unfolded in Kim Minju's career as she stepped into the role of center MC for MBC's Show! Music Core. Her journey on the show lasted until January 28, 2023.

Minju's Show Preparation

Primarily focusing on creating comfortable atmospheres, Minju approached her MC duties with dedication. "Thanks to Jungwoo and Lee Know making it comfortable for me, I think I'll be able to do a fun and good job," she shared about her co-hosts. Her preparation involved studying scripts and developing chemistry with fellow MCs NCT's Jungwoo and Stray Kids' Lee Know, who joined in August 2021.

Minju's Broadcasting Stories

Throughout her tenure, Minju faced various challenges, including health-related absences. In September 2022, she missed a broadcast due to throat issues and cold symptoms. Currently, her broadcasting journey reflects dedication and perseverance, as she maintained her position for over two years while balancing other commitments.

Minju's MC Skills Development

Ultimately, Minju's growth as an MC garnered recognition from both fans and industry professionals. Her departure in January 2023 marked the end of a significant chapter, as she chose to focus on her acting career. Management SOOP announced her final appearance, acknowledging her contributions to the show's success over the years.

Hidden Facts About Minju's Work Ethic

Determination defines Kim Minju's approach to her craft, as evidenced by her consistent practice until physical exhaustion. Her former teacher praised her dedication, noting how she never missed classes despite night shoots or early morning schedules.

Minju's Practice Routine

Primarily focusing on perfection, Minju earned recognition as the member who practiced most frequently during IZ*ONE activities. Her commitment manifested through:

Extended dance rehearsals
Vocal training sessions
Acting preparation workshops
Physical conditioning exercises

Minju's Professional Attitude

Kim Cho-yeon highlighted Minju's exceptional work ethic during Produce 48, stating "She works really hard, constantly seeking improvement". Furthermore, her decision to decline HYBE's offer for LE SSERAFIM demonstrated her professional integrity. Currently, she maintains this standard through intensive preparation for roles, as shown by her dedication to learning sign language for recent projects.

Minju's Time Management

Ordinarily balancing multiple commitments, Minju developed effective scheduling strategies. Her approach involves coordinating various activities, from morning training sessions to evening rehearsals. Ultimately, this systematic organization allows her to maintain peak performance across different domains, whether preparing for broadcasting duties or mastering new skills for upcoming roles.

Minju's Secret Project Involvement

Projects shape Kim Minju's post-IZ*ONE career path, marked by strategic decisions and new ventures. In 2021, she declined HYBE Labels' persistent recruitment attempts for their upcoming girl group LE SSERAFIM.

Minju's Unreleased Works

Primarily focusing on acting aspirations, Minju turned down multiple idol opportunities. Urban Works firmly rejected HYBE's offers through September 2021, respecting her decision to pursue acting over idol activities.

Minju's Special Collaborations

At her recent fan meeting "Blooming Story," Minju delivered remarkable cover performances:

LE SSERAFIM's "Smart" honoring Chaewon and Sakura
IVE's "Love Dive" celebrating Yujin and Wonyoung
Eunbi's "Underwater" showcasing vocal growth

Minju's Future Projects

Currently, Minju prepares for her first leading role in the upcoming drama "Shining". The series follows a hotelier who reunites with her first love after ten years. Furthermore, her character, Mo Eun Ah, experiences significant life changes upon meeting Yeon Tae Oh. Ordinarily selective about roles, Minju's acceptance of this project marks a milestone in her acting career.

The drama, directed by Kim Yoon Jin of "Our Beloved Summer" fame, promises to showcase Minju's growth as an actress. Ultimately, this project follows her successful role in "The Forbidden Marriage," which earned her the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards.

Lesser-Known Charity Work

Charitable initiatives mark a significant chapter in the IZ*ONE fandom's history, with fans raising substantial amounts to support various causes in Kim Minju's name. Their dedication manifested through a remarkable fundraising campaign that collected over USD 2.00M domestically in a brief period.

Minju's Volunteer Activities

Primarily focusing on community engagement, fans organized various charitable events under Minju's influence. These activities extended beyond traditional fan support, creating meaningful impact through organized volunteer programs. Furthermore, the initiatives demonstrated the fandom's commitment to social responsibility.

Minju's Donations

The fandom's charitable contributions reached impressive heights:

Domestic donations exceeding USD 2.00M
Multiple fundraising campaigns
Support for various social welfare organizations

Minju's Social Causes

Ordinarily, these charitable endeavors aligned with specific social causes. The funds supported various initiatives, reflecting both Minju's values and her fans' dedication to making positive change. Currently, these efforts continue through organized fan clubs, maintaining the spirit of giving that characterized the IZ*ONE community.

The impact of these charitable activities extends beyond monetary contributions, fostering a culture of giving within the K-pop community. These initiatives ultimately showcase how fan dedication can transform into meaningful social action, creating lasting positive change through collective effort.