Where Is Ex 'MIXNINE' Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee's Status After Survival Show
Kim Bowon is best known as a former "MIXNINE" contestant. However, it has been more than four years since the survival show ended, so many fans might wonder where Kim Bowon is now. Keep on reading to know her current activities.
About Former "MIXNINE" Contestant Kim Bowon
Kim Bowon is a South Korean celebrity who was a trainee under LOEN Entertainment. She was part of the company's upcoming girl group, which was tentatively called LOEN Girls (later called FAVE Girls then PlayM Girls- which is now the K-pop girl group named Weeekly).
Where Is Ex ‘MIXNINE’ Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee’s Status After Survival Show
Although she was about to debut in an idol group, Bowon appeared as a contestant in YG Entertainment's survival show "MIXNINE" in late 2017. She represented FAVE Entertainment (formerly called LOEN), along with her fellow trainees, including Lee Soomin, Lee Soojin (Weeekly member), Shin Suhyun, Shin Jiyoon (former Weeekly member), and more.
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Where Is Ex ‘MIXNINE’ Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee’s Status After Survival Show
Kim Bowon managed to last until the final episode, however, she only finished in 10th place. As a result, she didn't make it to the winning girls' team (which wasn't able to debut after losing to the boys' team). "MIXNINE" became the first, and last survival show that Kim participated in.
Former "MIXNINE" Contestant Kim Bowon Terminates Contract With FAVE Entertainment
Following the conclusion of "MIXNINE," fans were expecting the debut of Play M Girls, as the company already made official social media accounts for the pre-debut group even before the trainees competed in YG's survival show.
Where Is Ex ‘MIXNINE’ Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee’s Status After Survival Show
However, Kim terminated her exclusive contract with FAVE Entertainment after competing in "MIXNINE," along with fellow trainees Lee Soomin and Park Soyeon. FAVE shared that they had an in-depth discussion with the three at that time due to health reasons and personal concerns about their musical direction.
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Where Is Ex ‘MIXNINE’ Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee’s Status After Survival Show
After such discussions, they have agreed to end their trainee contracts and go their separate ways after Aug. 31, 2018. Fans had since obtained no update on Kim Bowon's whereabouts until May 2021, when she was revealed to have signed with a new agency.
Where Is Former "MIXNINE" Contestant Kim Bowon Now? Trainee's Status After Leaving FAVE Entertainment
Currently, former "MIXNINE" contestant Kim Bowon is managed by Big Picture Entertainment. She, however, didn't join the company as a K-pop idol. Instead, Bowon is now an actress and has legally changed her name to Kim Gyeol Yu (which she also uses for her activities).
Where Is Ex ‘MIXNINE’ Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee’s Status After Survival Show
At the time, she was announced to have signed an exclusive contract with Big Picture Entertainment, Kim Gyeol Yu was also revealed to make her drama debut on the web drama "Blue Birthday," where she played the role of Do Soo Jin. "Blue Birthday" also starred Red Velvet Yeri and PENTAGON Hongseok.
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"Blue Birthday" was also produced as a movie, titled "Blue Birthday: The Movie," and was released on Jan. 19 this year. Kim Gyeol Yu appeared in the movie to play her role as Do Soo Jin again.
Where Is Ex ‘MIXNINE’ Contestant Kim Bowon? Trainee’s Status After Survival Show
Aside from "Blue Birthday," the former "MIXNINE" contestant also appeared in the YouTube show "Tickle Tickle" as herself. She was featured in PENTAGON's "DO or NOT" music video as the female lead.
As of writing, Kim Gyeol Yu has no new drama projects. But she actively updates her personal Instagram account. Follow her on IG here to get updated on her daily activities.
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Written by Maria Scott
