Kang Mi-na Biography: From Produce 101 to K-Drama Royalty!

From Hotel del Luna to If Wishes Could Kill: The Evolution of Kang Mi-na!

From her beginnings as a fan-favorite K-pop idol to her current status as an award-winning actress, Kang Mi-na (often known mononymously as Mina) has navigated the entertainment industry with grace and determination. Known for her "juice-like" bright energy and a fearless approach to diverse genres, she has successfully shed her "idol-turned-actor" label to become a respected lead in the South Korean film and television scene.

As of April 2026, Kang is the center of attention for her lead role in the Netflix YA horror series If Wishes Could Kill and for her heartfelt dedication to her acting career over recent music reunions.

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Kang Mi-na Biography: From Jeju to the Global Stage

Kang Mi-na was born on December 4, 1999, in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, and later moved to the picturesque Jeju Island at the age of eight. Her journey to stardom began when she moved to Seoul to pursue her dreams at the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA).

Personal Profile:

• Birthday: December 4, 1999.
• Education: Graduated from SOPA in 2018.
• Rise to Fame: She first captured the public’s heart in 2016 on Mnet’s survival show Produce 101, where she finished 9th, leading to her debut in the global sensation I.O.I.
• Musical Legacy: She was a prominent member of Gugudan and its vibrant sub-units (5959 and SeMiNa) before the group's disbandment in 2020.
• Agency: In 2023, she signed an exclusive contract with Story J Company, joining a roster of top-tier actors to focus entirely on her craft.

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Filmography: A Diverse and Growing Portfolio

Kang Mi-na’s acting career is defined by her willingness to take on roles that challenge her image, from historical nobility to modern-day supernatural survivors.

Breakthrough and TV Success

• Children of the 20th Century (2017): Her acting debut where she played the younger counterpart of Han Ye-seul.
• Hotel del Luna (2019): Her role as the ambitious spirit Jung Soo-jung remains a favorite among international fans for its emotional depth.
• Moonshine (2021–2022): A historical drama that earned her the Best New Actress award at the KBS Drama Awards for her portrayal of Han Ae-jin.
• Café Minamdang (2022): Showcased her comedic range as the genius hacker Nam Hye-joon.
• Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023–2024): Played the youngest sister, Cho Hae-dal, earning her the Best New Actress title at the 2024 APAN Star Awards.

2026 Career Milestone: If Wishes Could Kill

• If Wishes Could Kill (Released April 24, 2026): In this high-stakes Netflix horror series, Kang plays Lim Na-ri, a wealthy and possessive student who finds herself entangled in a deadly supernatural curse.
• Physical Transformation: To inhabit the role of the "Young, Rich, and Pretty" Na-ri, Kang notably transitioned from her signature short hair to long, straight locks, signaling a more mature and sharp screen identity.

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5 Interesting Facts About Kang Mi-na

1. The Professional Choice: In early 2026, Kang made the difficult decision to decline participation in I.O.I's 10th-anniversary comeback project scheduled for May. She publicly apologized to fans, explaining that her priority was to honor her pre-scheduled acting commitments for If Wishes Could Kill.
2. Overcoming Fear: Despite starring in recent horror projects like Midnight Horror and If Wishes Could Kill, Kang admits she is actually terrified of the genre in real life and had to watch horror films daily during production to "desensitize" herself.
3. The "Juice" Aesthetic: In her early debut days, she was nicknamed the "Human Grapefruit" because of her refreshing and bright smile.
4. Island Girl Roots: Her upbringing in Jeju has given her a grounded personality; she is often praised by directors for her humble and hardworking "Jeju soul" on set.
5. Multi-Award Winner: She is one of the few recent idol-turned-actors to have won "Best New Actress" awards across multiple major networks (KBS and APAN), proving her critical as well as commercial appeal.

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Quick Highlights

• Birthday: December 4.
• Current Drama: If Wishes Could Kill (2026).
• Awards: Best New Actress (2022 KBS Drama Awards, 2024 APAN Star Awards).
• Key Strength: Versatility in genre-hopping and extreme dedication to character preparation.

Jeon So-young Biography: From Seoul Institute of the Arts to Netflix Stardom!

The Transformation of Jeon So-young: How She Became a Long Jumper for Netflix!

Rising at an extraordinary pace in the competitive world of South Korean entertainment, Jeon So-young has quickly transitioned from a promising rookie to a sought-after leading lady. Known for her striking visuals and a dedication to her craft that includes intense physical transformations, she is one of the standout "breakout" talents of the mid-2020s.

As of April 2026, Jeon is dominating headlines for her role in the Netflix horror-thriller If Wishes Could Kill and her upcoming casting in major franchise sequels.

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Jeon So-young Biography: The Rising Star of BH Entertainment

Jeon So-young was born on March 27, 2003, in Seoul, South Korea. Her journey into the spotlight is a testament to the modern K-drama scouting system, where formal training meets rapid industry integration.

Personal Profile:

• Education: She is currently an active student at the prestigious Seoul Institute of the Arts, specifically within the School of Performing Arts, which has produced some of Korea's most iconic actors.
• The Big Break: On August 23, 2024, Jeon signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment, the powerhouse agency founded by Lee Byung-hun. This move signaled her entry into the industry's elite circle.
• Industry Recognition: Her debut role in the series Kick Kick Kick Kick (2025) immediately positioned her as a fresh face to watch, leading to a flurry of casting calls for both television and film.
• Dedication to Craft: For her latest role in If Wishes Could Kill, she famously underwent rigorous track and field training for two months and opted for a short haircut and a tan to authentically portray a high-level athlete.

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Filmography: A Fast-Track Career (2025–2026)

Jeon So-young’s portfolio is remarkable for its variety, ranging from youth melodramas to high-stakes legal thrillers.

Television & Streaming Series

• Kick Kick Kick Kick (2025): Her official debut role as Ga Joo-ha, which introduced her to a wide domestic audience.
• Melo Movie (2025): A romantic drama where she played the role of Han-sol, showcasing her softer, emotive side.
• Beyond the Bar (2025): She played Lee Seo-young, demonstrating her ability to handle more mature, professional roles.
• Honour (2026): A gripping legal drama where she portrays Han Min-seo, a character that solidified her reputation for intense screen presence.

Recent & Upcoming 2026 Projects

• If Wishes Could Kill (Released April 24, 2026): A Netflix horror-thriller where she leads as Yoo Se-ah, a long jumper battling a supernatural curse to save her friends.
• Study Group 2 (Expected Late 2026): She has recently joined the cast of this highly anticipated sequel, playing Jang Min-hee, a character rumored to be central to the season's romantic tension.
• My Youth: An upcoming project where she plays the teenage version of the protagonist, Sung Je-yeon.

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5 Interesting Facts About Jeon So-young

1. The "Athlete Posture" Mystery: To prepare for her role in If Wishes Could Kill, Jeon trained with professional track coaches daily for two months because she was determined to "master the posture of a long jumper" without using a double.
2. Viral Music Video Debut: Before her major drama roles, she appeared in the official music video for ATEEZ Jongho’s "Everything" (2024), which first sparked "Who is she?" queries on global social media.
3. The BH Rookie: Being scouted by BH Entertainment—the same agency as Kim Go-eun and Han Hyo-joo—immediately placed a high level of expectation on her, which critics say she has already exceeded.
4. Chameleonic Looks: Fans have noted her ability to look like a completely different person between roles, moving from a "beauty pageant" aesthetic in Melo Movie to a gritty, tan athlete in If Wishes Could Kill.
5. Academic Commitment: Despite her skyrocketing fame, she continues to attend classes at Seoul Institute of the Arts, often seen on campus by fellow students.

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Quick Highlights

• Birthday: March 27.
• Agency: BH Entertainment.
• Current Hit: If Wishes Could Kill (2026).
• Key Strength: Extreme physical commitment to roles and a versatile emotional range.