5 former K-pop idols who became YouTubers or podcast hosts, from GFriend’s Yerin and Nu’Est’s Aron, to Produce 101 darling Hong Eunki of Rainz and Ladies’ Code’s Ashley
- Disbandment is not the end for K-pop idols, with many turning to vlogging to reconnect with fans; Ladies’ Code’s Ashley returned to her YouTube channel after years
- Nine Muses’ Ryu Se-ra wants to promote up-and-coming talent on her account, while Rainz’s Hong Eunki shares fashion looks and behind-the-scenes vids of his life
Social media has shown that in these modern times, anybody can become a celebrity. One viral video is enough to carve a path to TikTok stardom or even a music career. But in South Korea, the pop music industry remains as crowded and cutthroat as ever. Good music does not lead to a successful career – especially not in a world where album sales and chart rankings are key.
The sheer number of aspirants is enough to intimidate any idol hopeful, given that roughly one million South Koreans aspire to become K-pop artists, reported Reuters. But according to Idology’s Idol Yearbook 2015, only 60 K-pop groups debuted in the year 2015.
With so many factors at play – the need to stay relevant, contract negotiations, scandals or even dissonant values – no group is ever really immune to a break-up, not even the most successful ones.
Thankfully, life after K-pop exists. Ong Seongwu (formerly of Wanna One) and Kwon Nara (Hello Venus) are two examples of former artists who have decided to dive into acting. Others have remained in the limelight as variety show hosts (Sistar’s Bora, Lovelyz’s Mijoo) or musical theatre actors (JYJ’s Junsu, Lovelyz’s Kei).
In recent years, former idols have explored even more ways to stay in touch with their fanbases. In line with the continuous expansion of online audio and video platforms, both vlogging and podcasting have become increasingly popular post-idol career paths.
Here are five former idols-turned-vloggers and podcast hosts we’re keeping on our radar.