Netizens are reflecting on Kim Min Ju’s career path, with some describing it as a "pity" that she chose to pursue acting instead of continuing as an idol.

On an online forum, fans and netizens discussed Kim Min Ju’s undeniable star quality, focusing on her recent solo fan meeting, 'Blooming Story.' During the event, the idol-turned-actress captivated the audience by performing Jennie’s "Mantra" along with a lineup of iconic girl group hits, including "Underwater" by Kwon Eun Bi, "GLASSY" by Jo Yu Ri, "Nemonemo" by Choi Ye Na, "WaveWay" by SAY MY NAME, "Knock" by Lee Chae Yeon, "Smart" by LE SSERAFIM, and "Love Dive" by IVE.

With each performance, Kim Min Ju showcased her impressive dancing skills, delivering her own renditions of songs originally performed by her fellow ex-IZ*ONE members.

A netizen commented on her cover of "Mantra" with an X post, writing:

"If Kim Min Ju had continued as an idol, she truly would have been a core member in her group drawing in fans, and it wouldn’t have just been Jang Wonyoung and Karina as a leading duo, but a troika instead, with her included in it."

The comment sparked discussion, with many agreeing on her potential as an idol while respecting her decision to transition to acting. A fan noted, "Kim Min Ju did not want to pursue a goal as an idol due to the pressures that come with the position."

Despite her career change, fans praised her continued excellence in dance and stage presence, with many acknowledging that she "has the face of an actress" and seems well-suited to her current path.

Reactions include:

"I assumed it was her choice, but after watching this video, she’s so good that it feels like a real shame LOL."

"Wow, this might be the best Mantra cover I’ve seen."

"Wow, she’s still so good at choreography with delicate hand movements."

"She decided not to continue as an idol because she felt it was too overwhelming. She always found big stages very stressful and burdensome."

"Wow, she's such a good dancer."

"Min Ju’s situation wasn’t due to external circumstances—it was her choice..."

"As a WIZ*ONE, I’m thankful that you’re viewing her positively. She originally intended to be an actress and was always known as one of the most hardworking members in IZONE (she didn’t want to burden others). Since she hadn’t prepared for an idol career initially, she felt a lot of pressure. That’s why she didn’t consider being an idol after IZ*ONE and seems more relaxed and at ease now."

"Then why did she go on Produce 48?"

"Because her agency made her. What power does an aspiring actress have? This happens a lot in the Produce series."

"Once she decided to participate, she gave it her all and took her responsibilities seriously during IZ*ONE as well."

"She went on Produce 48 to get her name out there. Plenty of contestants joined just for exposure, even if they weren’t idol trainees. Still, I think Min Ju practiced some dance routines at her company, like in that old cover video I saw."

"Before she went on Produce 48, I think she was briefly preparing to debut as an idol under a group called Girl's Recipe or something."

"Min Ju was preparing to be an idol, and it wasn’t the company forcing her to go on Produce 48. She agreed after considering their suggestion. It wasn’t like, 'The company made her do it and she had no choice.'"

"It was her decision, and I think she’s happy and comfortable with her acting career now. But honestly, she would’ve been perfect as an idol too. You can see how talented she is."

"Min Ju is really good."

"She got so many offers to join LE SSERAFIM, but in hindsight, not joining was the best decision."

"If she had stayed as an idol, she would’ve had both a solid core fanbase and a lot of buzz."

"A troika, LOL. That could’ve been the case too."

"Whoa, how did her dancing improve so much? She’s amazing."

"She really looks like an actress—so beautiful."

"But saying she had no interest in being an idol doesn’t really match up. There were no complaints about her performance in IZ*ONE like, 'Kim Min Ju is holding them back' or 'She’s bad.' I thought she was an idol trainee all along."

"Wow, her dancing improved a lot."

"She’s still young, and with her talent, she could release a solo album anytime. Fans might feel regretful, but I doubt she feels that way herself LOL. The real problem is when you desperately want to be an idol but don’t have the skills for it LOL."

"Why does she just seem like an actress to me now LOL?"

What are your thoughts?

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