Apink member Kim Namjoo shared on SBS variety show "Running Man" that she has been attending college for 10 years and still has not graduated.
During the January 11 episode, where Apink appeared as full-group guests for the first time in seven years, the members discussed their recent activities. When host Yoo Jae-suk asked about updates from their lives, Namjoo surprised everyone with her revelation about her prolonged college journey.
"I returned to college after seven years, and I still haven't been able to graduate for 10 years now," Namjoo explained. The singer is enrolled at Sungkyunkwan University, where she majors in Acting Performance Arts, according to allkpop.
Her extended academic journey raised questions from the show's cast. Kim Jong-kook asked whether she needed to retake the entrance exams after such a long break. Namjoo clarified that she underwent an evaluation test and successfully re-enrolled in the program.
When Yoo Jae-suk followed up asking when she plans to graduate, Namjoo candidly responded that she does not know. She added that actress Shin Ye-eun returned to school alongside her, and neither has managed to complete their degrees yet, drawing laughter from the studio, tenasia reported.
Namjoo originally enrolled at Sungkyunkwan University as part of the freshman class of 2015 through special admission to the Department of Performing Arts. Her agency at the time stated that she had a strong interest and talent in acting, which influenced her decision to pursue the program while maintaining her active singing career.
The episode also featured other life updates from Apink members. Fellow member Yoon Bomi, who recently announced her engagement to music producer Rado, received congratulations from the cast. The wedding is scheduled for May 2026.
The group appeared on "Running Man" to celebrate their comeback with the song "Love Me More" and mark their 15th anniversary as a group. The members performed together and demonstrated their lasting chemistry after over a decade in the industry.
Namjoo's candid admission about her academic struggles highlights the challenges many entertainers face in balancing education with demanding schedules in the entertainment industry. Despite the uncertainty about her graduation timeline, she continues pursuing her degree alongside her entertainment career, as per K-hallyunews.
