{
  "id": 12523752,
  "title": "Former 'Produce X 101' contestant Kang Hyun-soo starts new career as civil servant",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/former-produce-x-101-contestant-kang-hyun-soo-starts-new-career-as",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-07T02:32:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/20261007/former-produce-x-101-contestant-kang-hyun-soo-starts-new-career-as-civil-servant"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kang Hyun-soo, a former contestant on Mnet's reality show Produce X 101, has transitioned into a new career as a civil servant. A recent report by TJB News highlighted civil servants in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, bringing Kang into the spotlight. Prior to his current role, Kang aspired for a stable career and chose to study electrical engineering, influenced by his family's support. He is now employed at the Waterworks Division of Boryeong City Hall, where he is acclimating to his new position. During an interview, Kang expressed contentment with his new workplace, stating, \"Everyone kindly explains everything to me, and I feel like I have reliable colleagues by my side. It feels like I’ve found a place where I belong.\" Born in 1996, Kang has attempted three debuts throughout his career. He debuted first as a member of the boy band LC9 in 2013, then made a comeback with BLK in 2017, before the group disbanded in 2018. In 2019, Kang participated in the survival audition show Produce X 101.",
  "summary": "Kang Hyun-soo, a former contestant on Mnet’s \"Produce X 101\", has embarked on a new career as a civil servant. A recent TJB News report featured newly appointed civil servants in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, drawing attention to Kang, who previously pursued a career as an idol singer. While looking for a stable career, Kang studied electrical engineering under the influence of his family…",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Produce X 101 contestant Kang Hyun-soo now civil servant.",
    "Works at Waterworks Division of Boryeong City Hall.",
    "Expresses satisfaction with supportive colleagues and new workplace."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kang Hyun-soo's shift from aspiring entertainer to civil servant marks a stable career turn, enabled by family support and a new workplace where he feels a sense of belonging.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Former 'Produce X 101' contestant Kang Hyun-soo starts new career as civil servant",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/former-produce-x-101-contestant-kang-hyun-soo-starts-new-career-as-12527144",
        "published": "2026-10-07T02:52:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}