Former Girl Group Member Boasts That She “Escaped” The Toxic K-Pop Idol Industry

“…started to follow my dream on my own.”

Former Weeekly member Shin Jiyoon has gained attention for her comments about leaving the K-Pop industry.

Shin Jiyoon | @swanflies/Instagram

In 2022, it was announced that Jiyoon would be leaving Weeekly.

IST Entertainment Announces Jiyoon Will Withdraw From Weeekly Due To Health Issues

Recently, Jiyoon shared a video on TikTok with a caption referring to how she looks happier, and the idol added, “Thanks, I escaped the toxic K-Pop idol industry and started to follow my dream on my own.” The video showed her performing in front of crowds and photoshoots.

I started my journey as an independent K-pop idol last year, and my latest single “Did you love me?”’s MV is about to hit 200k views🩵 and also, I’m on US tour! I wonder what’s next, and so grateful for all of my fans. If you’re new, don’t miss a chance to be a part of my journey before I blow up and become something much bigger. One day you’ll be able to say, ‘I knew her before she got famous.’ Hahahahha #kpop #fyp #idol

♬ sonido original – i24.millaaa

I started my journey as an independent K-pop idol last year, and my latest single “Did you love me?”’s MV is about to hit 200k views🩵 and also, I’m on US tour!

I wonder what’s next, and so grateful for all of my fans. If you’re new, don’t miss a chance to be a part of my journey before I blow up and become something much bigger.
One day you’ll be able to say, ‘I knew her before she got famous.’ Hahahahha

— Jiyoon

The comments were flooded with supportive messages for Jiyoon, loving how she has the freedom now she is working outside the industry. In particular, many shared how sad they were when she left Weeekly but happy they can follow her on a different journey where she is thriving.

In particular, Jiyoon showed this freedom by reminding fans that she is on her US tour.

Netizens love when idols can break free and do what they love without the constraints of industry expectations.