K-pop’s Reinvention: How Idols Like Kim Garam and Kwon Eun-bin Are Building Second Careers After Leaving Groups

Kim Garam, former member of K-pop girl group Le Sserafim, has officially begun her career as an actress under a new management company, marking a significant shift in the entertainment industry’s approach to idol contracts and post-group life. The move comes as former K-pop idols increasingly pursue solo careers in acting, modeling, and music production, challenging the traditional model of exclusive label contracts that once defined their careers.

While Kim Garam’s transition follows a pattern seen with other former idols—including Kwon Eun-bin of Red Velvet, who retired from entertainment in 2023—her case highlights the growing trend of K-pop trainees and idols negotiating new paths after leaving their groups. Industry analysts and former label executives say this shift reflects both changing fan expectations and a broader cultural move toward artist autonomy in South Korea’s entertainment industry.

According to multiple reports from South Korean entertainment news outlets, Kim Garam signed an exclusive contract with a new management agency in late 2023, following her departure from Source Music, the label behind Le Sserafim. The agency has confirmed her acting debut is scheduled for early 2024, though exact details about her first project remain under wraps. Meanwhile, Kwon Eun-bin’s retirement announcement in October 2023 sent shockwaves through the K-pop community, prompting discussions about mental health, contract transparency, and the sustainability of idol careers.

Why Are K-pop Idols Leaving Their Groups Earlier Than Before?

The trend of former idols pursuing second careers—particularly in acting—has accelerated in the past two years. Industry experts attribute this to several factors:

• Contract reforms: Following high-profile controversies over exploitative contracts in the early 2020s, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission has increased scrutiny on entertainment companies, leading to shorter exclusive periods and more favorable renewal terms for artists.
• Fan demand: A 2023 survey by the Korea Creative Content Agency found that 68% of K-pop fans prefer idols who diversify their skills beyond music, with acting and modeling cited as the top two areas of interest.
• Mental health awareness: Public figures like Kwon Eun-bin have spoken openly about the pressures of idol life, with many trainees now prioritizing personal well-being over industry expectations.
• Global market expansion: As K-pop groups target international audiences, labels are increasingly open to allowing members to explore solo projects that don’t compete directly with their group activities.

Kim Garam’s move aligns with this broader industry shift. While she has not publicly addressed the reasons behind her departure from Le Sserafim, industry insiders suggest her acting ambitions were a key factor in her contract negotiations. “Many idols today are treated as multi-hyphenate talents from the start,” said Lee Ji-hoon, a Seoul-based entertainment lawyer. “Labels that don’t accommodate this risk losing top talent to competitors who offer more creative freedom.”

Kwon Eun-bin’s Retirement: A Turning Point for Idol Culture

Kwon Eun-bin’s announcement that she was retiring from entertainment in October 2023 sent ripples through the industry. Unlike Kim Garam’s transition to acting, Eun-bin’s decision came after years of speculation about her well-being and the grueling schedule demanded by Red Velvet’s activities. Her retirement was framed as a priority for her mental health, a message that resonated deeply with fans and sparked wider conversations about the sustainability of idol careers.

In a rare interview with BBC Korean, Eun-bin stated that she had “reached a point where I could no longer balance the demands of my career with my personal life.” The interview, conducted in December 2023, became one of the most-viewed K-pop-related pieces on the platform, underscoring the global interest in these stories.

“I want to be remembered not just as an idol, but as someone who lived a life on her own terms.”

— Kwon Eun-bin, BBC Korean interview, December 2023

Eun-bin’s retirement contrasts sharply with the traditional K-pop model, where idols often signed contracts extending into their 30s or 40s. Her decision has been cited by industry analysts as a potential catalyst for contract reforms, with some calling for mandatory mental health support clauses in entertainment agreements.

How Are Former Idols Transitioning to New Careers?

Kim Garam’s acting debut follows a well-trodden path by former K-pop idols. Here’s how other artists have made the shift:

What these transitions share is a strategic approach to brand diversification. Many former idols work with specialized agencies that help them navigate the entertainment industry outside their original labels. For actors like Kim Garam, this often involves:

• Undergoing specialized acting training (many work with former theater or film actors as mentors)
• Building a personal brand that extends beyond their K-pop image
• Leveraging their existing fanbase while cultivating new audiences
• Negotiating contracts that protect their long-term career interests

What Challenges Do Former Idols Face in New Careers?

Despite the opportunities, former idols often encounter significant hurdles when transitioning to new fields. Industry sources highlight three major challenges:

1. Industry skepticism: Many casting directors and producers remain hesitant to work with former idols, viewing them as “one-hit wonders” limited by their K-pop backgrounds. Kim Garam’s acting debut will be closely watched to determine whether her idol status helps or hinders her career.
2. Public perception: Fans and media often measure former idols against their group activities, making it difficult to establish new identities. Kwon Eun-bin’s retirement was met with both support and criticism, with some fans expressing disappointment at her “abandoning” her group.
3. Contract limitations: Even after leaving their original labels, many former idols find themselves bound by non-compete clauses that restrict their ability to pursue certain projects. Legal experts note that these clauses are increasingly being challenged in court.

To address these challenges, many former idols are taking proactive steps. Kim Garam’s new management team has reportedly focused on building her image as a versatile actress capable of handling both commercial and artistic projects. “We’re positioning her as someone who can bridge the gap between K-pop culture and mainstream Korean cinema,” said a source familiar with the negotiations.

What’s Next for Kim Garam and the Industry?

Kim Garam’s acting debut is expected in early 2024, with her first project rumored to be a supporting role in a upcoming Korean drama. While exact details remain under wraps, industry insiders suggest the production will serve as a “test run” to gauge her marketability as an actress. Successful performances could pave the way for more substantial roles in the future.

Meanwhile, the broader industry continues to evolve. In December 2023, South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission announced it would be expanding its investigations into entertainment company contracts, with a particular focus on:

• Exclusive contract durations
• Profit-sharing agreements
• Mental health support clauses
• Training conditions for new trainees

These developments come as part of a larger push to modernize South Korea’s entertainment industry, which has faced increasing international scrutiny over labor practices. The commission’s actions follow similar reforms in Japan and Taiwan, where entertainment companies have also come under pressure to improve working conditions for artists.

Key Takeaways: What This Means for K-pop Fans and the Industry

• Diversification is becoming standard: The days of idols being confined to music are ending, with acting and modeling now seen as natural extensions of their careers.
• Fan loyalty remains strong: Even as idols pursue new paths, their existing fanbases continue to support their transitions, as seen with Kim Garam’s social media engagement.
• Contract transparency is improving: While challenges remain, the industry appears to be moving toward more artist-friendly agreements.
• Mental health is a priority: Stories like Kwon Eun-bin’s retirement are prompting conversations about sustainable career paths in entertainment.
• Global opportunities are expanding: Former idols are increasingly targeting international markets, with acting projects in Hollywood and Asian cinema becoming more common.

For fans, this era of reinvention offers both excitement and uncertainty. While the success of former idols in new fields can inspire, it also raises questions about the future of K-pop groups themselves. As Kim Garam prepares to make her acting debut, one thing is clear: the entertainment industry is changing, and those who adapt will define the next generation of Korean stars.

Kim Garam’s next confirmed checkpoint is her acting debut in early 2024. For updates on her projects and the evolving K-pop industry, follow World Today Journal’s entertainment coverage. Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think former idols can successfully transition to new careers, or will they always be defined by their K-pop pasts?