Jimin, former leader of girl group AOA, has resurfaced in China with unexpected activities, years after her controversial exit from the Korean entertainment industry.
According to Chinese outlet Sohu on September 21, Jimin has been collaborating with Chongqing-based MCN (multi-channel network) agencies such as Maixiu Media and Sunzidan, a group rooted in traditional dance. Through these partnerships, she has been performing—including the viral “leg sweeping dance”—and holding small-scale online live broadcasts.
The report highlighted that Jimin successfully revived nostalgia for the third-generation K-pop era by performing AOA’s hit songs like “Like a Cat” and “Miniskirt.” These activities have helped fuel new popularity in China, leading to monetization opportunities such as e-commerce tie-ins and offline fan events.
In fact, Jimin recently hosted a fan meeting in Chongqing, with tickets priced between 580 yuan (about ₩110,000) and 1,280 yuan (about ₩250,000). Local fans reportedly viewed the pricing as reasonable.
Jimin debuted in 2012 as the leader of AOA, rising to fame with hits such as “Heart Attack,” “Short Hair,” and “Good Luck.” However, in 2020, she withdrew from both AOA and the entertainment industry after former member Kwon Mina accused her of a decade-long pattern of bullying. Later, public opinion shifted when Mina became embroiled in her own controversies, and it was revealed she had also sent harsh messages to Jimin.
In 2022, Jimin made her return through JTBC’s survival program The Second World and later released a solo album. Still, her activities remained minimal. After parting ways with Alomalo Entertainment in 2023, she continued to promote independently, with her last release being “Walking Talking” in April 2024.
Now, her re-emergence in China suggests a new chapter in her career, one that has caught both domestic and international attention.
Sources: Sports Chosun,Sohu China
You must be logged in to post a comment.