A growing number of former stars who once performed on glamorous stages are now living their second lives as ordinary employees. gugudan member Shin Bo-ra (Hana), Wanna One member Lai Kuan-lin, LC9 member Kang Hyun-soo, Jewelry member Ha Joo-yeon, and 4Minute member Kwon So-hyun have recently shared updates about their new lives as working professionals, greeting fans with news of their career changes.
In January, Shin Bo-ra was asked what kind of work she was doing abroad. “I’m working as a flight attendant. I’m flying around like Hong Gil-dong,” she replied, referring to the legendary Korean folk hero known for traveling from place to place. However, she did not disclose which airline she works for.
Shin Bo-ra debuted in June 2016 as a member of the girl group gugudan, alongside Kim Se-jeong and Kang Mina, who gained recognition through Mnet’s Produce 101. The group released songs such as “A Girl Like Me” and “Chococo” before officially concluding its activities in December 2020. After the group disbanded, Shin shifted her focus to acting, appearing in projects including Save The Old Fossil, Summer Guys, and Our D-Day. She is now working as a flight attendant.
Lai Kuan-lin revealed an update about his life when he appeared on Mnet’s Wanna One Go: Back to Base, which aired in May. After announcing his retirement from the entertainment industry in June 2024, he began working for a Chinese film production company. “Having a steady salary makes me feel secure,” he said.
Lai was selected as a member of Wanna One through the second season of Mnet’s Produce 101 in 2017. He won fans’ hearts with numerous hit songs, including “Energetic.” After the group’s activities ended in 2019, he directed the short film Battle Between Winter and Spring in 2021, which won five awards at international film festivals, including Best Director and Best Film.
Kang Hyun-soo’s new career came to light through a training video for newly appointed civil servants released by the channel TJB NEWS on October 4. After ending his idol career, Kang had considered pursuing a more stable profession. He has now been assigned to the Waterworks Department, where he is learning the job. Expressing his satisfaction with his new workplace, he said, “I think it’s nice to have such a clear sense of belonging.”
Kang previously debuted in 2013 as a member of LC9. After appearing on Mnet’s Produce X 101 in 2019, he joined the Japanese audition program G-EGG in 2020 and was selected as one of the final debut members, making his third debut with the group NIK. However, the project concluded in 2023.
Ha Joo-yeon’s life as an employee was first revealed in a video posted by the channel Hellohanssemyo in May. She had uploaded her profile to a job-search website to look for work. On October 22, she also appeared on the channel 35-Year-Old Noh Sa-yeon, where she shared stories about her job hunt, saying, “I submitted applications to hundreds of places.”
Ha is currently working as a manager at a kitchenware showroom. She has also shared glimpses of her daily life as an employee on her personal channel, Ha! Joo-yeon, expressing satisfaction with her new career.
Ha previously joined Jewelry as a member of the group’s third lineup. The group’s 2008 hit “One More Time” sparked a major craze, earning Jewelry both the Digital Daesang (Grand Prize) and a Bonsang at the 23rd Golden Disc Awards. Ha left the group in 2014 after her exclusive contract ended, and Jewelry disbanded in January 2015.
Kwon So-hyun’s life as an office worker was first revealed in a video titled “People Get Exhausted, You Know” uploaded to her channel, Kwon So-hyun, on October 23. She disclosed that she had been working at an entertainment agency for six months. “Watching the members of LIGHTSUM made me want to help them, even if only a little,” she said, adding, “I’m simply grateful when people recognize me.” Her comments showed that she was happy with her current role.
Kwon debuted in 2009 as a member of the girl group 4Minute. The group achieved success with hit songs such as “Muzik,” “Mirror Mirror,” “What’s Your Name?” and “Whatcha Doin’ Today,” earning numerous awards. After 4Minute disbanded in 2016, Kwon transitioned into acting. She later took a leading role in the film That Winter, I, which achieved notable results.
The stars’ decisions to pursue different paths instead of returning to the glamour of the stage have also drawn support from fans. As they go about their daily lives and write new chapters beyond the entertainment industry, attention is turning to what comes next for each of them.
Sources: Daum