Entertainment

From Idol to Actress: Yeonwoo Opens Up About Her Journey and Possible K-Pop Return After Scandal

2025-01-27

Author: Daniel

Yeonwoo's Musical Roots and Departure from MOMOLAND

In a heartfelt discussion, Yeonwoo, once a beloved member of the sensational girl group MOMOLAND, has recently reflected on her tumultuous journey from idol to actress. Debuting in November 2016 after impressing audiences on the survival show Finding MOMOLAND, Yeonwoo quickly rose to fame with the group's catchy hits. However, her sudden exit from the group in 2019 left fans reeling with questions and concerns.

Initially, Yeonwoo cited health reasons for her hiatus, during which her online presence started to dwindle. In fact, the deletion of several posts on the MOMOLAND fan cafe fueled speculation about her unexpected departure. Despite her reassurances to fans, a formal announcement in November confirmed her exit from the group, raising eyebrows and inquiries from fans about the circumstances surrounding her decision.

The Scandal and Speculation

The plot thickened in early 2020 when fellow former member Daisy filed a lawsuit against MLD Entertainment, claiming neglect. This revelation prompted the MOMOLAND fandom to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding Yeonwoo's departure. In July 2020, Yeonwoo hinted that she may have been forced out, though she later clarified that her comments were not directly related to her past with MOMOLAND. This raised suspicions about the entertainment company’s influence over her narrative.

Yeonwoo's Transition to Acting

In her latest interview with News1, Yeonwoo discussed the emotional rollercoaster of her transition from being an idol to pursuing acting. She revealed that the thrill of performing on stage as an idol, where the audience’s reaction is immediate, still plays a significant role in her pursuit of acting. "Even as an actress, I chase that same joy and thrill that performing used to give me. When I connect with a character, it feels like I’m truly living their life," she expressed passionately.

Reflecting on Her Idol Past

Despite her goals of becoming an accomplished actress, Yeonwoo remains open to revisiting her K-Pop roots. In a surprising revelation, she shared her affection for her past as an idol, stating, "I loved being an idol, but there were always worries about how people viewed it. Hearing compliments like 'Yeonwoo is a great actress despite her idol beginnings' makes me incredibly grateful." Her humility shines through as she admits, "I’m not the best singer or dancer, but I genuinely enjoy it. I had to put in a lot of effort to improve back then."

Current Success and Future Possibilities

Fast forward to today, Yeonwoo is flourishing under Nine Ato Entertainment, where she is making a name for herself in the acting world. Recently, she was awarded the "Excellence Award" at the prestigious 2024 KBS Drama Awards for her performance in the miniseries Dog Knows Everything, solidifying her status as a talented actress.

With hints at special performances or covers on the horizon, fans are left wondering: Could we see Yeonwoo take the stage again? The K-Pop world is certainly watching, and her journey is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of artists in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Stay tuned, as Yeonwoo's story continues to unfold!