The entertainment industry is not for the faint heart. While some naturally retire after decades in the business, others choose to leave early for the sake of their well-being. There are also those who had no choice but to leave their agencies due to certain controversies.
Regardless of the reason, it’s natural for fans to be curious to know what their favourite idols would be up to after leaving the spotlight. After some digging, here are the former idols who have taken normal jobs since they departed from the industry:
1. GFriend Yerin (예린)
GFriend sadly disbanded in 2021 but the group did celebrate their 10th anniversary together earlier in January and will be going on a mini tour later this year. In March 2025, former member Yerin revealed that she’s actually been working at an insurance company for the past 2 years. The retired singer posted photos of her day in the office with a caption that reads, “National Health Insurance Service. Already in my second year…⭐️.”
2. S.E.S Shoo (슈)
Korean singer Shoo is a member of S.E.S (에스이에스), one of K-pop’s earliest girl groups, and is recognised as a legend in K-pop. The singer went on hiatus following a gambling addiction scandal and returned to showbiz in 2022. She later retired and ventured into entrepreneurship. Recently, Shoo revealed is now working in the farming industry.
3. AOA Yuna (서유나)
After leaving AOA in 2021, Yuna has been keeping a low profile. She later revealed that after obtaining her yoga instructor license, she has been teaching both yoga and pilates at Ivory Studio. Although she hasn’t been active in the entertainment industry, she did release her digital single “Iceflower” in 2023.
4. Lee So-eun
Lee So-eun used to be a popular ballad singer who debuted back in 1998 at the age of 16 with her album, “Girl”. She had an active career in music while also juggling school. She later left the music industry and attended and graduated from Northwestern University’s law school in the U.S. She talked about her life and journey as a lawyer in a book she published titled, “Who I Am Now is Enough.” Although she’s no longer active in music, she participated in the “The Masked Singer” back in 2017.
5. SechsKies Jiyong (고지용)
Jiyong was a member of SechsKies, a boy band that debuted in 1997. He is a skilled singer, but when the group disbanded in 2000, he left the entertainment industry. For years, there was little to no information on what he had been up to, and he declined interviews from journalists.
In 2024, his former bandmates confirmed that he was working as a businessman. In 2016, the former idol reunited with SechsKies on the “Infinite Challenge” show. Although he is no longer active in showbiz, Jiyong occasionally makes appearances on reality shows.
6. EXID Solji (허솔지)
Second-generation K-pop fans will always move their hips and dance along to EXID’s hit single “UP&DOWN”. Unlike the other idols on this list, EXID has not disbanded, as they still own the group name, but they are currently on an indefinite hiatus.
After their last concert in 2022, the members have focused on their solo activities. Leader Solji has been appointed as a professor in the Department of Applied Music and Vocals at Yongin University since 2021, where she is teaching.
7. AOA Mina (권민아)
Another K-pop idol who has ventured into entrepreneurship is former AOA member Mina. Known as the group’s vocalist, the singer left AOA and has since embarked on a new journey by opening her own dermatology clinic. The singer recently shared several photos on her personal Instagram with the caption, “It’s really opening now. Please show a lot of interest and look for Manager Kwon Mina.” Fans have rallied to show their support for her on this new journey.
