Idol-Turned-Actress Addresses Her Possible Return To K-Pop After Scandalized Exit From Group
Yeonwoo debuted with MOMOLAND in November 2016 after participating in the survival show Finding MOMOLAND. The group became an overnight sensation with their catchiest songs, so things seemed to be working out for Yeonwoo.
In 2019, however, Yeonwoo left the group to “focus on her career as an actress.” Her departure was unexpected and, therefore, raised many questions. In fact, in June 2019, the idol cited health-related issues and announced a hiatus. During this hiatus, most of Yeonwoo’s posts on the MOMOLAND fan cafe were deleted, leading to speculations about her impending departure from the group. Yeonwoo reassured her fans that she was not leaving the group—except soon after, in November 2019, an official statement posted to the fan cafe confirmed her exit.
It was when fellow former member Daisy filed a lawsuit against MLD Entertainment for neglecting her that MOMOLAND fans became fully convinced that something was also off about Yeonwoo’s departure.
Then, in July 2020, Yeonwoo alluded that she, too, was kicked out of MOMOLAND. While Yeonwoo later explained the post was not about MOMOLAND, fans suspected MLD Entertainment of intervening and shushing the idol-turned-actress.
Now that she is a more established actress, what does Yeonwoo think about a possible return to K-Pop? In her latest interview with News1, Yeonwoo mentioned that, even when in front of the camera as an actress, she still chases the thrill and joy that she felt during her idol days.
Q. What differences are there between working as an idol vs. as an actress?
A. As an idol, when I’m on stage, the reaction from the audience is immediate. Seeing that response right away used to give me such a thrill… Overcoming the fear of standing in front of them and performing. As an actress, the feedback isn’t necessarily immediate. But there are moments when I feel that same kind of thrill and joy while acting. I think I keep pursuing acting because I can’t let go of that feeling. It happens when I truly connect with the character and feel like I’m living their lives.
And while her ultimate goal is to become a better actress, there is room for K-Pop!
I really loved being an idol and was happy in that role, but I worried a lot because there seemed to be people who viewed it negatively. So now, when I hear things like, ‘Yeonwoo is a good actress despite her idol beginning,’ I feel grateful and fulfilled. It feels like they appreciate me both as an idol and as an actor, and that makes me so glad.
As for returning to K-Pop, I’m always open to special stages or covers. I’m actually not that great at singing and dancing, but I love doing it. I wasn’t very talented, so I had to work really hard back when I was an idol.
— Yeonwoo
As of 2021, Yeonwoo is signed with Nine Ato Entertainment where she continues to blossom. In most recent news, at the “2024 KBS Drama Awards,” she took home the “Excellence Award” for her miniseries, Dog Knows Everything.
Read more about MOMOLAND here:
