Kim Min Ju

Biography

Kim Min-ju is a South Korean actress and former singer. She first gained fame as a member of the South Korean–Japanese girl group IZ*ONE, formed through the reality competition show Produce 48. Following the group’s disbandment, Kim transitioned into acting and has appeared in several television dramas and film projects, earning recognition for her versatile performances.

Early Life and Education

Kim Min-ju was born on February 5, 2001 in Seoul, South Korea. She grew up with her parents, an older brother, and a younger sister. Kim developed an interest in the entertainment industry at a young age and appeared in music videos and television series in supporting roles prior to her major break.

She attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where she majored in theater and film, and graduated in February 2020. Before her rise to public prominence, Kim was also briefly part of a pre-debut girl group project called Girls’ Recipe, although the group never officially debuted.

Career

Produce 48 and IZ*ONE (2018–2021)

In 2018, Kim Min-ju competed on the Mnet survival reality show Produce 48, representing Urban Works Entertainment. She placed 11th overall, earning her a spot in the final debut lineup of the girl group IZ*ONE.

IZ*ONE debuted on October 29, 2018 with their first extended play ColorIz, which was commercially successful and marked a strong entrance into the K-pop scene. Kim served as sub-vocalist, sub-rapper, and visual of the group, contributing to their various music releases and promotions throughout their active period.

Transition to Acting and Solo Activities (2021–present)

Following IZ*ONE’s disbandment on April 29, 2021, Kim returned to Urban Works and refocused her career toward acting. In October 2021, her agency confirmed her plans to pursue acting full-time.

Kim subsequently signed with Management SOOP in September 2022, a major agency known for managing prominent actors, marking a formal shift to her acting career.

She starred in the historical fantasy drama The Forbidden Marriage (2022–2023), for which she received the Best New Actress Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards, solidifying her status as a rising actress in the Korean entertainment industry.

Since then, Kim has continued to expand her acting portfolio with roles in various television projects, portraying diverse characters and demonstrating her range as a performer.

Awards and Honors

• Best New Actress (Television) – The Forbidden Marriage, MBC Drama Awards (2022)

Filmography

Dramas

Movie