Kwon So-hyun: The Untold Story Behind Her 4Minute Days

Kwon So-hyun stepped into the entertainment spotlight at just 12 years old, making her debut with the girl group Orange in 2005. Before achieving fame with 4Minute in 2009, she had already established herself as a promising young talent in the Korean music industry.

After 4Minute's disbandment in 2016, she channeled her creative energy into acting, while simultaneously pursuing her education at Dongguk University's Department of Theatre and Film. Her dedication to both her artistic and academic pursuits was evident as she maintained impressive achievements, including ranking fourth in her high school class and securing a gold medal in archery at the 2014 Idol Star Athletics Championships.

The Early Days: From Child Star to K-pop Idol

At a middle school audition academy, Kwon So-hyun's path to stardom began taking shape when she caught the attention of an entertainment agency representative. Subsequently, she secured a trainee position within two months.

Orange Group Debut Experience

In November 2005, Kwon made her first entertainment industry appearance as a member of Orange, releasing their debut mini-album "We Are Orange" with the title track "Our Star". The group's journey, however, proved challenging. Anti-fan internet cafes and persistent cyber-bullying led to the group's disbandment in late 2005.

Training Period at Cube Entertainment

Following the Orange experience, Kwon's determination remained unwavering. She continued pursuing her dreams through audition academies. Furthermore, an unexpected opportunity arose when she filled a vacancy in the 4Minute trainee lineup after Soyou's departure.

Joining 4Minute as the Youngest Member

Notably, June 2009 marked a significant milestone in Kwon's career as she debuted with 4Minute under Cube Entertainment. As the group's lead dancer, vocalist, and rapper, she brought fresh energy to the ensemble. The group's debut single "Hot Issue" launched them into immediate spotlight, establishing their presence in the competitive K-pop industry.

Behind the Scenes of 4Minute Success

The bond between 4Minute members extended far beyond their stage performances. During their active years, the group maintained strong relationships through frequent gatherings and shared meals. Essentially, their success stemmed from solid teamwork and mutual support, as the members often emphasized how their enjoyment multiplied when together.

Group Dynamic and Member Relationships

The chemistry among members remained a cornerstone of their success. Rather than formal meetings, they preferred casual get-togethers centered around Korean BBQ and fun activities. Kwon So-hyun, despite being the youngest, earned a reputation as the group's energetic "party girl".

Notable Performances and Achievements

4Minute's journey was marked by impressive accomplishments. The group secured multiple prestigious awards:

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

Their track "Whatcha Doin' Today" made history by becoming their first single to debut at number one in Korea.

Personal Growth During Peak Years

During this period, Kwon So-hyun experienced significant personal development. Accordingly, she balanced group activities with individual pursuits, primarily focusing on both entertainment and education. Indeed, the transition from team-oriented decisions to individual choices marked a crucial phase in her growth, though she later reflected that prioritizing personal needs wasn't wrong.

Beyond the Stage: Hidden Talents

Beyond her performing career, Kwon So-hyun demonstrated exceptional abilities in multiple areas. Her diverse talents ranged from academic achievements to athletic prowess, establishing her as a multifaceted entertainer.

Academic Excellence and Education Journey

At Pungmoon Girls' High School, Kwon demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, ranking fourth in her class. Additionally, she secured admission to Dongguk University's Department of Theatre and Film in November 2014. Initially planning to begin college in 2013, she postponed her enrollment until 2015 due to her packed schedule.

ISAC Archery Championships Success

Kwon's athletic abilities shone brightest in archery competitions. At the 2014 Idol Star Athletics Championship, she clinched the gold medal in an intense final round against SISTAR's Bora. Moreover, she secured second place at the 2013 Archery Club Competition with Medalists, scoring an impressive 322 out of 360 points. Her dedication to archery began during ISAC training under the guidance of a national team member.

Variety Show Appearances and Recognition

On television, Kwon showcased her natural entertainment abilities through various appearances. She served as a Special MC for Weekly Idol's Second Idol Awards. Furthermore, she participated in the 2013 KBS Lunar New Year variety show "Princess Project – Resurrection of the Royal Family". Her engaging personality and quick wit made her a favorite among show hosts, specifically earning affection from Jeong Hyeong-don and Defconn during her Weekly Idol appearances.

Transformation into Kwon So-hyun the Actress

First of all, after signing with 935 Entertainment, Kwon So-hyun embarked on a focused journey into acting.

First Acting Projects and Challenges

Her acting roots traced back to 2003, with cameo appearances in acclaimed dramas like "Jewel in the Palace" and "Lovers in Paris". Consequently, this early exposure provided a foundation for her later career transition. Making choices independently proved challenging after years of team-based decisions.

Evolution of Acting Style

Particularly noteworthy was Kwon's strategic approach to role selection. She deliberately chose supporting roles to develop her skills and build confidence through auditions. Under the guidance of senior actor Yeon Jung Hoon, she refined her craft and received valuable mentorship. Her role model, Ha Ji Won, inspired her aspirations in action-oriented performances.

Notable Movie and Drama Roles

Primarily focusing on television dramas, Kwon secured significant roles in various productions. Her performances included:

"The Secret Life of My Secretary" (2019) as Ha Ri-ra
"Class of Lies" (2019) as Seo Yoon-ah
"Love All Play" (2022) as Chun Yu-ri
"My Perfect Stranger" (2023) as Lee Eun-ha

Altogether, her dedication to acting culminated in recognition for her performance in "Through My Midwinter," where she masterfully portrayed the concerns of a 29-year-old woman. The film garnered acclaim at the 26th Busan International Film Festival, winning both the Watcha Award and Megabox Award.

FAQS

Fans often have questions about Kwon So-hyun's career transitions and future plans. Here are some frequently asked questions that provide deeper insights into her journey:

Does she regret leaving the K-pop stage? Primarily, she acknowledges having some regrets about leaving the stage, stating it would be untrue to claim otherwise.

What are her thoughts about idol-turned-actors? Presently, she maintains a balanced perspective, noting that public opinion can't be simply categorized as positive or negative regarding idol-actors.

Will there be a 4Minute reunion? Obviously, this remains a cherished goal for Kwon. She maintains regular contact with former members and expresses hope for a reunion performance. Their last stage was at a university festival in May 2016, though they were unaware it would be their final performance.

What caused 4Minute's disbandment? Certainly, she addresses this with candor, explaining that different personal aspirations and agency-related matters contributed to the group's conclusion.

What are her current interests outside acting? Gaming has become a recent passion for Kwon. Additionally, she harbors a particular interest in medical dramas and aspires to participate in one.

Who influences her acting career? She looks up to Ha Ji Won as her role model. Furthermore, she values the guidance received from senior actor Yeon Jung Hoon, who has provided valuable acting advice.