Oh My Girl Mimi’s Career Resurgence: From Hardship to Star

On the November 2, 2025 broadcast of TV Chosun’s “Heo Young-man’s Baekban Tour,” Oh My Girl Mimi shared the story of her remarkable career resurgence. The popular K-pop idol reflected on her difficult early days and her journey to becoming a beloved variety show star while sharing a meal with host Heo Youngman in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province.

A Difficult Start After Debut

Mimi debuted in 2015 as a member of the girl group Oh My Girl. Despite the group’s activities, she experienced a long period of relative obscurity with few individual opportunities. During her appearance on the food travel show, Mimi recounted a particularly painful memory from her early career that highlighted her struggles. She revealed that she was once excluded from a group cosmetics commercial.

Overcoming Image Mismatches

The reason for her exclusion was that her “boyish” and tanned image did not align with the brand’s desired “fairy-like” concept. “While the other members were filming, I had to wait alone,” she confessed, illustrating the professional hardship she faced. This incident was a stark reminder of the challenges she had to overcome when her personal style clashed with the prevailing industry image for girl group members. Her perseverance through these times laid the groundwork for her eventual success.

The Turning Point: A Variety Show Star is Born

Mimi’s career took a dramatic turn in 2022, marking the beginning of her impressive career resurgence. Her appearance on the tvN variety show “Earth Arcade” catapulted her into the mainstream spotlight. Her unique personality and comedic timing resonated with audiences, quickly making her a household name and a highly sought-after variety show star.

A Packed Schedule and Mainstream Success

Following her breakout role on “Earth Arcade,” Mimi became a fixture on television. Her schedule filled up with appearances on numerous popular programs, solidifying her status as a top entertainer. She has been featured on Channel A’s “Heart Signal 4,” JTBC’s “Call Call Agency,” the Netflix series “Super Rich in Korea,” and SBS’s “Our Ballad.” This wave of popularity is a testament to her talent and the connection she has forged with the public.

Mimi’s Philosophy: “The One Who Endures, Wins”

Reflecting on her journey, Mimi shared her personal motto: “The one who endures is the one who survives and wins.” This philosophy encapsulates her experience in the competitive K-pop industry, from feeling left out to reaching the peak of her popularity. Her story serves as an inspiration, proving that persistence and staying true to oneself can lead to incredible success. Oh My Girl Mimi’s journey is a powerful example of how a K-pop idol can overcome early challenges to achieve a brilliant career resurgence.

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