Kim Choyeon, a former contestant of the audition program “Produce 48,” has recently shared her reflections and current situation, drawing attention. A video titled “Retirement and Working in a Chinese Restaurant… Update on the Contestant who Competed with Jang Wonyoung for Center” was released on the YouTube channel “Recent Olympics.”
Kim Choyeon participated in Produce 48 as a trainee from A Team Entertainment in 2018. Reflecting on her past experience, she recalled competing for the center position with Jang Wonyoung, acknowledging that people still recognize her from that performance. During the show, she received feedback from trainers that her expressions and dance moves were overly intense.
About Jang Wonyoung, Kim Choyeon expressed admiration, saying, “She is very pretty. I love watching idol performances and she is indeed beautiful. I hope she becomes even more successful.” She also reflected on her own efforts, expressing pride and emotion at her hard-working past self.
After debuting with the girl group bugAboo for a year and then stepping away, Kim Choyeon received multiple offers, but she decided to leave her idol career as a fond memory and sought other opportunities. Instead of returning to her hometown of Gwangju, she chose to work part-time at a Chinese restaurant. She recounted an emotional moment when a customer recognized her, which made her question her choices.
Kim Choyeon struggled with depression and panic disorder due to the harsh life of an idol and left the entertainment industry without receiving proper payments, as her company faced financial difficulties. She felt a sense of loss since becoming an idol had been her only dream since moving to Seoul during her middle school years. However, she eventually began performing in children’s musicals and is currently earning income by shooting advertisements on social media platforms. She expressed happiness with her current life and shared her aspiration to teach aspiring idols in the future.