Where Is Kwon Mina Now? Ex-AOA Member's Status After Bullying Scandal
After claiming that she was bullied by her former co-member AOA Jimin in 2020, Kwon Mina went on and off in the entertainment scene. Two years after the controversy, where is she now?
Kwon Mina in 2012 to 2019: Popularity As Ulzzang, Debut in AOA, Contract Expiration
Prior to her debut, Kwon Mina was initially known for being an ulzzang, a Korean internet star who is popular for her beauty.
Later on, she established her name after debuting as AOA (Ace of Angels) in 2012 under FNC Entertainment.
Amid popularity, Mina announced her contract expiration in May 2019, leading her to leave the group and agency.
Kwon Mina in 2020: Idol Accused Shin Jimin Of Bullying Her For 10 Years
Since then, Mina silently focused on her career as an actress not until 2020, when she posted a cryptic letter, confessing that she was bullied by Shin Jimin, their former leader in AOA, for 10 years since she was a trainee. She also hinted at Seolhyun being a bystander.
As the controversy grew, Jimin eventually left AOA and apologized to Mina personally. The rest of AOA one by one left the team as well, while Seolhyun temporarily suspended her activities as a singer and actress.
Where Is Kwon Mina in 2022? Idol Starred In MV, Announces Plan Of Opening Shopping Mall
Following the scandal, Kwon Mina has also temporarily suspended her activities since then, but in early November, the idol actress reported her return to the entertainment industry.
On November 2, she starred as a heroine in the music video of Vietnamese idol Roy's solo track, "1CM -Acoustic Ver." In particular, Roy is a member of the multinational boy group, Z-Boys.
In the MV, Mina surprised viewers with her undeniable chemistry with the male singer after playing as lovers. Mina showed off her adorable side of playing as the lovely girlfriend with a big smile, reminiscent of a "first love."
Roy, who worked with Kwon Mina, returned to his home country Vietnam after the group's agency was shut down due to the influence of COVID-19. He eventually left the group and left his activities in Korea, but he got a chance to make his solo debut in Vietnam instead.
Roy, who took the opportunity once again, is known to have worked harder on the album than anyone else, along with her senior idol.
Aside from the MV, Mina also announced her plan of opening an online shopping mall.
According to Money Today reports, Kwon Mina will open an online shopping mall around January and February next year and will also launch a brand. She will be in charge of overall design and planning, as well as preparing clothes, basic cosmetics, miscellaneous goods, and limited editions.
Earlier in July, the idol-turned-businesswoman accelerated her business activities by directly participating in marketing and idea initiatives at a cafe.
READ MORE: 5 of the Biggest Bullying Scandals in K-Pop
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Eunice Dawson.
