In a candid revelation, former K-pop star Nam Jihyun has shared a distressing experience of verbal abuse she endured on the set of a Korean television drama. The 36-year-old, who rose to fame as a member of the chart-topping girl group 4Minute, recounted the incident during a recent interview on the Hwang Bora Boraiety YouTube channel, shedding light on the harsh realities sometimes faced by performers in the entertainment industry.
Shocking On-Set Incident
Jihyun described how, while filming her first K-drama during her time with 4Minute, a camera director subjected her to demeaning language. According to a translation from Koreaboo, the director shouted, "Hey, ugly b*tch! Stand in front," in a moment that left her stunned. Demonstrating resilience, Jihyun responded with positive energy, saying brightly, "Here comes the ugly b*tch," to which the director laughed and retorted, "Haha, look at this b*tch."
Apology Only After Recognition
The director later apologized to Jihyun, but his reasoning was troubling. He explained that he hadn't realized she was a member of 4Minute, one of the most popular K-pop groups of the early 2010s, and had mistaken her for a rookie actress. "He thought I was a rookie actress and wanted to test my courage," Jihyun said, highlighting how power dynamics and fame can influence treatment in the industry.
From Stardom to New Ventures
4Minute, which debuted in 2009 with the single 'Hot Issue', achieved massive success with hits like 'Whatcha Doin' Today?' and 'What's Your Name?' before disbanding in 2016. Jihyun leveraged her fame to launch an acting career, starring in over a dozen Korean dramas and several movies. However, in recent years, she has pivoted away from acting to become a Pilates instructor, now owning her own barre studio that attracts numerous Korean celebrities and K-pop stars.
Bandmate's Health Struggles
Meanwhile, Jihyun's former 4Minute bandmate, Hyuna, made global headlines last year after collapsing on stage during a performance at the Waterbomb Festival in Macau. The 33-year-old was performing her hit song 'Bubble Pop' in November when she became woozy and fell to the ground, with backup dancers and security rushing to her aid. Hyuna has been open about health issues stemming from years of disordered eating, including an extreme diet that saw her lose 10kg (22lbs) in just one month and a past regimen of eating only one piece of sushi daily to maintain a weight of 40kg (88lbs).
Industry Pressures and Legacy
This incident underscores the intense pressures and sometimes toxic environments that K-pop idols and actors can face, even as they achieve fame. Jihyun's story serves as a reminder of the challenges behind the glamour, while her successful transition to entrepreneurship shows resilience beyond the spotlight. As 4Minute's legacy continues with Hyuna's solo career and Jihyun's new path, their experiences highlight broader issues in entertainment culture.
