From K-pop idols to office workers and business owners: Why former girl group stars are starting over

The Korea Times - Nov 6, 2026

They once performed on stage as members of some of K-pop's best-known girl groups. Now, some are clocking in at offices, collecting regular paychecks or running their own businesses. Former members of Jewelry, 4Minute and EXID have recently opened up about choosing new careers after years in entertainment, shedding light on the less glamorous reality of K-pop: Even membership in a successful group does not guarantee steady work or income once the spotlight fades. For them, the career changes are not stories of failure but attempts to find stability and discover what else they can do beyond performing. Former Jewelry member Ha Joo-yeon revealed on the YouTube channel "35-year-old Noh Sa-yeon" on Oct. 22 that she now works as a manager at a kitchenware showroom. The video showed Ha preparing the store before opening and choosing colorful work outfits to match its brightly colored products — a routine far removed from her years on the K-pop stage. Ha spoke candidly about the uncertainty she experienced after her contract with her entertainment agency ended and she stepped away from show bu

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