{
  "id": 18521979,
  "title": "From K-pop idols to office workers and business owners: Why former girl group stars are starting over",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/from-k-pop-idols-to-office-workers-and-business-owners-why-former-18521979",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T15:52:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20261107/from-k-pop-idols-to-office-workers-and-business-owners-why-former-girl-group-stars-are-starting-over"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Once celebrated as members of some of K-pop's most renowned girl groups, several have transitioned into working regular office jobs or launching their own enterprises. Ha Joo-yeon, a former member of Jewelry, and 4Minute's Noh Sa-yeon have candidly discussed their career changes post-K-pop stardom. For Ha, the shift involved managing a kitchenware showroom, carrying out daily tasks such as preparing the store for opening and selecting vibrant attire to complement the products. The video captured Ha's newfound routine, which starkly differs from her former life on stage. Noh Sa-yeon echoed similar sentiments, sharing her transition into a managerial role, also away from the glitz and glamour of K-pop. These career shifts aren't portrayed as failures but rather as efforts to secure stability and explore alternative paths beyond performing.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}