Jiho: The Untold Story Behind Her OH MY GIRL Journey (2015-2022)

Jiho trained for three years before making her debut with OH MY GIRL on April 21, 2015—the longest training period among all members in the group. During her impressive seven-year career with the popular K-pop ensemble, she contributed significantly to their achievement of 21 music show wins. Her time at OH MY GIRL was marked by both remarkable successes and personal challenges.

Additionally, OH MY GIRL's Jiho became known for her connections in the K-pop industry, as her SOPA (School of Performing Arts Seoul) class became legendary in K-pop circles. She shared a classroom with several future stars including Seventeen's DK, former GFriend members Yuju and Eunha, and Lovelyz's Sujeong. However, the jiho kpop journey wasn't without difficulties. In January 2020, she took a temporary break from group activities due to worsening anxiety symptoms and deteriorating health.

Eventually, on May 9, 2022, WM Entertainment announced that Jiho would be departing from the agency and OH MY GIRL after deciding not to renew her contract. As she left, Jiho expressed her continued support for the group, stating she would "support OH MY GIRL's activities as a member of Miracle rather than as a member of OH MY GIRL". This marked the end of a significant chapter in her career and the beginning of a new journey.

Early Life and Family Background

Born on April 4, 1997, Kim Ji Ho (김지호) entered the world in the quiet countryside of Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Her given name carries significant meaning in Korean culture, combining the characters for "fortune" (지, ji) and "to call" (호, ho), perhaps foreshadowing her future as someone who would attract good fortune through her talents.

Growing up in Okcheon

Okcheon, located in North Chungcheong Province, provided the backdrop for Jiho's formative years. This rural setting likely contributed to her grounded personality that fans would later come to appreciate. While specific details about her childhood activities in Okcheon remain somewhat private, this countryside upbringing contrasts with her later life in the spotlight.

Throughout her youth, Jiho harbored dreams of entering the entertainment industry. "I dreamed of becoming a celebrity since elementary school," she once shared, revealing that her initial aspiration was actually to become an actress. This early interest in performing arts would later evolve during her middle school years when she developed a passion for music, ultimately steering her toward pursuing a career as an idol.

Notably, Jiho's parents initially expressed concerns about her career choice. "My parents initially opposed my idol preparation," she has acknowledged. Their hesitation stemmed primarily from worries that the demanding schedule of a trainee might interfere with her academic studies during her teenage years. Nevertheless, once she demonstrated her determination and commitment, her family's attitude shifted dramatically.

Siblings and family influence

Jiho comes from a relatively large family, with three older sisters and one younger brother. This sibling dynamic likely played a significant role in shaping her personality and interpersonal skills. Growing up as the second youngest child in a household of six surely provided valuable lessons in patience, communication, and adaptability—qualities that would serve her well in her future career.

One particularly interesting story involves her older sister, who made a life-changing career decision based on music. "My older sister owns all of H.O.T's albums. She's an H.O.T fan," Jiho once revealed. In fact, this sister's passion for the legendary K-pop group H.O.T went beyond mere fandom—it actually influenced her career path. "She became a female soldier after listening to H.O.T's 'Warrior's Descendant,'" Jiho explained, illustrating how profoundly music could impact life choices within her family.

As Jiho pursued her entertainment dreams, her family eventually became her strongest support system. "They weren't initially supportive, but once I asserted my autonomy, they understood and have been supportive ever since," she has reflected. This evolution in her parents' attitude demonstrates their ultimate prioritization of her happiness and well-being. As she has expressed, "They just want me to be healthy and happy. They are my pillar, telling me I can quit anytime if it's too hard".

Furthermore, her family's pride in her accomplishments became evident as her career progressed. After one of her acting projects aired, Jiho noted that "my parents were especially happy. Many of their acquaintances watched it", highlighting how her success had become a source of joy for the entire family.

Education and Artistic Foundations

Like many aspiring K-pop idols, Jiho pursued her formal education at one of South Korea's most prestigious arts institutions. Her academic journey would not only provide crucial training but also establish connections that would follow her throughout her career.

Attending School of Performing Arts Seoul

Jiho enrolled at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), an institution that has earned a reputation as an "idol prestigious high school" alongside Hallim Entertainment Art High School. Throughout her time there, she studied in the Department of Practical Dance, an interesting choice considering she would later become a vocalist for OH MY GIRL. This decision highlights her diverse artistic talents and versatility as a performer.

SOPA's distinctive yellow winter uniforms, designed by renowned fashion designer Lee Sang-bong, made its students immediately recognizable. The school has become something of a pilgrimage site for international K-pop fans, with some even describing it as a "sacred place" in overseas K-POP fandom.

According to school records, Jiho completed her studies and officially graduated on February 4, 2016. At this point, she had already debuted with OH MY GIRL and was actively promoting with the group while balancing her academic responsibilities. In recognition of her successful debut and contribution to the school's prestige, Jiho was among several graduates who received an achievement award during the ceremony.

Classmates and early network

Perhaps most fascinating about Jiho's educational background is the remarkable concentration of future K-pop stars who shared her classroom. She was part of what became known online as a "legendary class" - the 5th class of the 3rd grade in the Practical Dance Department. This single classroom contained an extraordinary collection of talent that would shape the K-pop landscape for years to come.

Among her direct classmates were Seventeen's DK, former GFriend members Yuju and Eunha, and Lovelyz's Sujeong. All of these students graduated alongside Jiho on that same February day in 2016. Moreover, former WJSN's Sung So, Ice's Minjoo, and former RAINZ's Hong Eungi were also part of this remarkable cohort. This concentration of talent in one classroom later became a hot topic among K-pop fans.

A middle school classmate once shared insights about Jiho's pre-fame persona: "She was known for being pretty in school... she definitely wasn't affiliated with any bad groups. She danced during the school festival, and she seemed like she had a lot of talent. She was nice and just hung out quietly with some of her close friends". This account reveals Jiho's early artistic inclinations and her relatively reserved personality.

Another interesting anecdote from this classmate mentions that Jiho "did sleep a lot during class" and "didn't seem interested in grades," noting pragmatically that "it wasn't like she was going to make a living with good grades anyway". This glimpse into her student days shows her clear focus on her artistic career even during her formative years.

The connections formed during these school years would prove valuable throughout Jiho's career, creating a network of peers who understood the unique challenges and experiences of idol life. This educational foundation and early professional network set the stage for her subsequent training and debut with OH MY GIRL.

Training Years at WM Entertainment

Long before becoming a household name, Kim Jiho embarked on her K-pop journey by joining WM Entertainment in 2011, setting the stage for what would become a transformative chapter in her life.

Joining WM in 2011

After harboring dreams of entering the entertainment industry since elementary school, Jiho finally took her first concrete step toward becoming an idol when she joined WM Entertainment in 2011. This early start gave her a significant advantage in terms of experience, though it also meant she faced a longer period of uncertainty before debut. Throughout her pre-debut years, Jiho formed close bonds with her future groupmates, developing relationships that would ultimately span nearly a decade.

WM Entertainment, though smaller than the "Big 3" agencies at the time, had established itself as a respectable company following the success of B1A4. For Jiho, joining this company represented both opportunity and challenge—the chance to debut with proper backing, coupled with the pressure to meet the company's expectations.

Balancing school and training

As with most K-pop trainees, Jiho faced the daunting task of balancing rigorous training with academic responsibilities. Typical trainee days began around 7:00 AM and often didn't end until 11:00 PM. Following morning routines and breakfast, trainees would dive into intense practice sessions focusing on dance, vocals, and performance skills.

For high school-aged trainees like Jiho, the schedule was particularly demanding:

Morning classes at school (often leaving halfway through the day)
Afternoon and evening training sessions (8-12 hours daily)
Late night studying and homework completion
Minimal sleep between commitments

Despite attending the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul, Jiho reportedly attended classes only once or twice a week, primarily showing up for exams. This arrangement, though difficult, was common among idol trainees. "School and studying are hard enough for a normal teenager, never mind someone with a schedule as busy as a K-Pop trainee," explained one industry insider.

Throughout this period, Jiho demonstrated remarkable resilience. Like her peers, she relied heavily on classmates for notes from missed classes and developed exceptional time management skills out of necessity. The mental and emotional fortitude required during these years helped prepare her for the equally demanding life of an active idol.

Longest trainee in OH MY GIRL

While sources differ slightly on the exact length of Jiho's training period, most credible information indicates she trained for approximately four years before debut. This made her the member with the second-longest training period in OH MY GIRL, just behind JinE who had joined the company a few months earlier in April 2011.

Consequently, Jiho accumulated substantial experience prior to debut. During these years, she underwent regular evaluations by company executives who would assess strengths and weaknesses of each trainee. These evaluations determined whether trainees could continue working toward debut or would be dropped from the company—creating immense pressure to constantly improve.

The training process served multiple purposes beyond skill development. For entertainment companies like WM, this period was crucial for testing trainees' mental and emotional maturity. By observing how Jiho handled years of grueling practice, criticism, and uncertainty, the company could gauge her readiness for the challenges of idol life.

Ultimately, Jiho's perseverance through this extended training period paid off when she debuted with OH MY GIRL on April 21, 2015. Her years as a trainee had equipped her with not only polished performance skills but also the psychological strength needed for a sustainable career in the demanding world of K-pop.

Debut and Initial Struggles with OH MY GIRL

After years of rigorous training, WM Entertainment finally announced the formation of their new girl group in early 2015. The seven-member ensemble, including Jiho, would soon make their mark on the K-pop scene under the name OH MY GIRL.

Debut mini album and first stage

On April 20, 2015, OH MY GIRL officially debuted with their self-titled extended play, which featured the lead single "Cupid". The group held their debut showcase that same day, introducing themselves to the world with a mix of bright energy and distinctive charm. Jiho and her groupmates performed their debut song for the first time on SBS MTV's "The Show" on April 21, marking their official entrance into the competitive K-pop industry.

The debut mini-album showcased OH MY GIRL's unique sound from the start. As noted by music critics, their music incorporated "a big brassy beat" while standing out as "a unique pop concoction" among their contemporaries. Indeed, OH MY GIRL's musical approach aligned with WM Entertainment's reputation for producing "quirky" artists, following in the footsteps of their senior group B1A4.

Critical reception vs public response

Musically, OH MY GIRL's debut received mixed reviews. Critics appreciated the group's "enviable vocal blend" and the "deceptively catchy" vocal riff in "Cupid". One reviewer noted that their sound was "bright and fun without being cloying," praising the percussion for creating "a secondary story, conflicting with the simplistic main one".

Nonetheless, the group didn't achieve immediate mainstream success. Unlike some other girl groups debuting in 2015 who quickly dominated charts, OH MY GIRL's rise to prominence took considerably longer. The group continued developing their sound and image, releasing their second EP "Closer" on October 8, 2015, approximately six months after their debut. This was subsequently followed by their third mini album "Pink Ocean" on March 28, 2016, which included the lead single "Liar Liar".

Jiho's early role in the group

Within OH MY GIRL's lineup, Jiho quickly established herself as a vital member. One early fan described her as "a ray of sunshine," highlighting her bright personality that complemented the group's cheerful image. Though not the main vocalist, she contributed to the group's signature sound with her distinct vocal color.

The group's early promotional schedule was intensive. After announcing preparations for a new album on June 21, 2015, they quickly moved into their next comeback phase. This period represented a significant adjustment for Jiho, who was simultaneously completing her high school education at SOPA during this time.

By August 2016, just over a year after their debut, OH MY GIRL had built enough momentum to hold their first solo concert titled "Summer Fairy Tales" at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Seoul. This achievement demonstrated their growing popularity, as tickets sold out within three minutes—breaking the record for fastest sold-out concert for a rookie group.

Throughout these early challenges, Jiho remained committed to the group's success, gradually establishing herself as an integral part of OH MY GIRL's identity as they navigated their initial years in the highly competitive K-pop industry.

Jiho’s Growth and Contributions to the Group

Throughout her tenure with OH MY GIRL, Kim Jiho evolved from a rookie performer into a multifaceted artist whose contributions helped shape the group's distinctive identity in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Lead vocalist and dancer responsibilities

As OH MY GIRL matured musically, Jiho established herself as one of the group's lead vocalists. Her distinctive vocal color added depth to the group's songs, complementing main vocalist Seunghee's powerful delivery and Hyojung's technical proficiency. Although not typically highlighted as the group's vocal powerhouse, Jiho's ability to handle complex harmonies made her instrumental to OH MY GIRL's signature sound.

On the performance front, Jiho handled her dancing responsibilities with remarkable consistency. While she wasn't positioned as the group's main dancer, her technical precision and expressiveness during choreographies enhanced OH MY GIRL's visual harmony. Her dance skills were particularly evident in the intricate formations of songs like "Secret Garden" and "Nonstop."

Notable performances and fan-favorite moments

Among Jiho's most memorable performances was her contribution to OH MY GIRL's breakthrough hit "Secret Garden" in 2018. Her elegant portrayal in both the music video and live stages earned widespread praise from fans. Similarly, her part in "Remember Me" showcased her improved vocal confidence and stage presence.

Perhaps most significantly, Jiho shined during OH MY GIRL's appearance on Queendom in 2019. Her performances throughout this competition series demonstrated remarkable growth from her debut days. The group's reinterpretation of Lovelyz's "Destiny" became a career-defining moment, with Jiho's emotional delivery adding substantial depth to the performance.

Visual and variety show presence

Beyond her musical contributions, Jiho was frequently recognized for her visual appeal. With her elegant features and poised demeanor, she embodied the classic K-pop visual standard while maintaining her distinctive identity within the group.

Outside of music shows, Jiho gradually developed her presence on variety programs. Although initially more reserved compared to more outgoing members like Hyojung and YooA, she steadily gained confidence in variety settings. Her appearances on shows like "Weekly Idol" revealed her subtle humor, whereas her participation in "Idol Drama Operation Team" in 2017 showcased her acting potential and allowed her to connect with idols from other groups.

Given her artistic background and versatile talents, Jiho's growth trajectory within OH MY GIRL reflected both personal development and professional evolution—establishing her as an essential component of the group's success story.

Health Challenges and Hiatus in 2020

Behind the glittering stages and choreographed performances, Jiho faced serious personal health challenges that temporarily halted her career trajectory with OH MY GIRL in early 2020.

Anxiety and health concerns

The pressure of idol life began taking a noticeable toll on Jiho's wellbeing throughout the latter half of 2019. According to WM Entertainment, she had been "receiving treatment at the hospital since the second half of 2019 due to frequent deterioration of her health and symptoms of anxiety". These health concerns weren't publicly disclosed until January 2020, although she had apparently been managing these challenges privately for months while continuing group activities.

By January 2020, her condition had deteriorated significantly. The agency noted that "the symptoms of anxiety have worsened", creating a situation where continuing with OH MY GIRL's demanding schedule became increasingly difficult. At just 22 years old, Jiho faced the difficult reality that her health needed immediate attention.

Hiatus announcement and fan support

On January 13, 2020, WM Entertainment officially announced that Jiho would be taking a temporary break from all group activities. In their statement, the agency emphasized that their priority was Jiho's health, stating: "To prioritize our artist's health, we decided that she should take a temporary break".

The announcement prompted an outpouring of support from fans worldwide. Many praised the company for prioritizing Jiho's wellbeing over the group's promotional schedule. Correspondingly, the wider K-pop community noted a growing trend of entertainment companies acknowledging idols' mental health needs, with one media outlet observing that "the number of idols seeking treatment for anxiety is rising".

Throughout her absence, the remaining six members continued group activities while frequently expressing support for their teammate.

Return to activities

After approximately three months of focused recovery, Jiho rejoined OH MY GIRL for their comeback in April 2020. The agency released a straightforward statement confirming, "Member Jiho's condition has improved as she focused on recovery during her hiatus". They further explained that "after continuous discussion with her, the final decision was made for her return".

Her return coincided with the group's comeback after an eight-month break since their previous release "BUNGEE" in August 2019. Markedly, this reunion proved timely as OH MY GIRL was about to enter their most commercially successful period.

Unfortunately, health challenges would return briefly the following year when in May 2021, Jiho "missed a step on the stairs" while preparing for a scheduled activity. This minor setback resulted in another brief pause from group activities, highlighting the ongoing physical demands of idol life.

Departure from OH MY GIRL in 2022

After seven memorable years with OH MY GIRL, a significant chapter in Kim Jiho's career came to a close in spring 2022. The announcement that shocked fans worldwide marked the beginning of a new journey for both Jiho and the remaining group members.

Contract expiration and decision

On May 9, 2022, WM Entertainment officially announced that Jiho had chosen not to renew her contract with the agency. This decision came after "long in-depth conversations" between Jiho, her fellow members, and company representatives. Ultimately, the agency stated they would "respect Jiho's decision to head towards her new dream," acknowledging the conclusion of her seven-year tenure with both OH MY GIRL and WM Entertainment.

While Jiho departed, the company simultaneously confirmed that the remaining six members—Hyojung, Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, Yubin, and Arin—had renewed their contracts. The announcement clarified that OH MY GIRL would continue as a six-member group moving forward.

Fan letter and public reaction

Shortly after the company's statement, Jiho personally addressed fans through a heartfelt handwritten letter posted to the group's fan café. In this emotional message, she explained: "I talked with the company about the future a number of times, but we decided to support each other on the road ahead in the end." She poignantly added that she would continue "supporting OH MY GIRL's activities as a member of Miracle [the fanclub], not as a member of OH MY GIRL."

Throughout her letter, Jiho expressed profound gratitude for the "miraculous moments" she experienced during her seven years with the group. She acknowledged that fan support had enabled her to "grow and be happier" throughout her journey.

Support from fellow members

In essence, the separation appeared amicable, with WM Entertainment expressing "gratitude to Jiho who has been with us for a long period of seven years." The company additionally promised to "sincerely support Jiho in her future activities," suggesting a cordial conclusion to their professional relationship.

New Chapter: Acting Career as Gong Jiho

Following her departure from OH MY GIRL, Jiho wasted no time in pursuing her long-held aspiration of becoming an actress, a dream she had actually harbored since elementary school.

Signing with P&Studio

On August 10, 2022, P&Studio officially announced that Jiho had signed an exclusive contract with the agency to embark on her acting career. The timing of this announcement came just months after her departure from WM Entertainment, demonstrating her commitment to this new professional direction. P&Studio expressed their full support, stating, "We will fully support her so that she can showcase her talent as an actor". This partnership marked a definitive shift in her career trajectory from idol to actress.

Stage name change and rebranding

As part of her professional transition, Jiho adopted a new stage name—Gong Jiho—officially moving away from her idol persona. This rebranding strategy reflected her determination to establish herself independently in the acting industry rather than relying solely on her OH MY GIRL fame. Throughout what she described as an "unintended hiatus" between 2022 and 2024, Jiho remained productive behind the scenes. In her own words, "During my hiatus, I spent time auditioning for projects, traveling, and consistently working out". This period of preparation proved crucial for her successful entry into the acting world.

First drama role and public reception

Jiho's patience paid off when she was confirmed to join the cast of SBS's drama "Treasure Island" alongside established actors Park Hyung Sik and Heo Joon Ho. The project boasted an impressive creative team, including "Money Flower" writer Lee Myung Hee and "Military Prosecutor Doberman" director Jin Chang Gyu. Impressively, her debut drama became a remarkable success, "ranking in the Top 10 highest-rated SBS Friday-Saturday series". Reflecting on her journey, Jiho shared, "There were times during my hiatus when it felt like time was barely moving. But looking back now, I realize that three whole years have already passed".