The South Korean music scene has always been a whirlwind of talent, transformation, and tenacity. But even by K-pop’s high standards, the stories emerging from three former members of the girl group GIRLKIND in 2025 are nothing short of remarkable. From new solo careers to surprising professional pivots, these women are rewriting the rules of what it means to be an idol—proving that life after a girl group can be just as dynamic, if not more so, than the height of stardom.
On October 3, 2025, Joo Min Ah, a familiar face to long-time fans of GIRLKIND, made headlines with a heartfelt announcement. According to OSEN, she revealed her decision to officially withdraw from the group, citing health reasons and personal circumstances. The news, made public two days later, marked the end of an era for both Joo Min Ah and the fans who had followed her journey since GIRLKIND’s debut in November 2020. Yet, this was not a story of retreat, but of reinvention.
Joo Min Ah’s path since leaving GIRLKIND has been as diverse as it is inspiring. After stepping back from the group, she embraced a solo career as a trot singer—a genre known for its emotional storytelling and deep roots in Korean musical tradition. But music wasn’t her only calling. As OSEN reported, she also took on the roles of baker, insurance planner, and most recently, tarot master. In a candid message to her social media followers, Joo Min Ah offered a glimpse into her new life, writing, “While you may lose something during the time you distance yourself out of disappointment at irresponsibility, meeting again will be more satisfying. Focus on your own daily life. If it’s a relationship tied by fate, that person will return like a boomerang.” Her words, a blend of tarot wisdom and personal reflection, resonated with many who have watched her navigate the challenges of single motherhood after her 2022 divorce.
Meanwhile, another former GIRLKIND member, Jang Won Young, has been making waves in her own right. On September 29, 2025, she posted a series of captivating photos on social media, drawing adoration from fans and sparking a wave of nostalgia. According to MyDaily, the images—showing Jang Won Young resting on a bed, her striking features accentuated by natural light—were accompanied by no caption, yet spoke volumes. Comments poured in, with fans calling her a "princess" and marveling at her ever-evolving beauty.
But Jang Won Young’s story is about more than just visuals. Since leaving GIRLKIND in mid-2022, she has forged a successful solo career, embracing the trot genre and releasing the mini album 'IVE SECRET.' As MyDaily noted, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and spoke openly about missing the camaraderie of her days in the group. Looking ahead, she plans to continue her global activities and is preparing for the release of a full album. Her journey underscores a shift in the K-pop industry, where idols are increasingly carving out unique identities beyond their group personas.
Not to be outdone, Kim Min Ji—another name once synonymous with GIRLKIND—has been charting her own course through the competitive waters of K-pop. On April 2, 2025, she dropped her debut solo album 'Re:Scene,' a milestone that signaled both a new beginning and a nod to her roots. According to News1, her mini album 'LOVE ATTACK,' released in 2024 in the United States, received critical acclaim, with tracks like 'Glow Up' and 'Deja Vu' capturing the attention of both domestic and international fans. In fact, 'LOVE ATTACK' was recognized by Billboard as one of the best K-pop albums of 2024, and the title track made it onto Grammy.com’s list of the top 10 K-pop songs of the year.
Kim Min Ji’s ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed. She told News1, “After ‘LOVE ATTACK,’ more people started to listen to our songs. I’m so grateful. When we go to university festivals, I can feel more people singing along.” Her gratitude is matched by ambition; she’s preparing new music and performances, aiming to grow as a solo artist and continue evolving her musical style. The journey hasn’t always been easy—balancing intense schedules, creative growth, and the pressure to stand out in a crowded field—but Kim Min Ji remains undeterred. “Every day feels new and exciting. I want to keep challenging myself with new things,” she shared.
What’s striking about these three stories isn’t just the breadth of their talents, but the way each has embraced change. Joo Min Ah’s foray into tarot and entrepreneurship, Jang Won Young’s blossoming solo career, and Kim Min Ji’s critical acclaim as a soloist all point to a broader trend in K-pop: the rise of multidimensional artists who refuse to be boxed in by their past. They’re not simply former idols—they’re mothers, entrepreneurs, global performers, and creators.
Their individual journeys also reflect the evolving landscape of the Korean entertainment industry. Where once the end of a group’s activities might have spelled the end of a career, today’s idols are increasingly leveraging their fame and experience to branch out. Whether it’s launching new music, pursuing business ventures, or connecting with fans in unexpected ways, the possibilities seem endless.
Of course, these transitions aren’t without challenges. The pressure to maintain relevance, the scrutiny of the public eye, and the emotional toll of constant reinvention can be daunting. Yet, as these women have shown, resilience and adaptability are just as vital as talent. Their willingness to share their struggles and triumphs openly has only deepened their connection with fans, many of whom see their favorite idols’ journeys as mirrors of their own challenges and hopes.
As 2025 draws to a close, the stories of Joo Min Ah, Jang Won Young, and Kim Min Ji offer a compelling snapshot of K-pop’s next chapter—one where reinvention is not just possible, but celebrated. Whether on stage, online, or in entirely new arenas, these former GIRLKIND members are proving that the end of one dream can be the beginning of many others. Their ongoing evolution is a testament to the enduring spirit of K-pop—and a reminder that, in music and in life, the show goes on.
