Who is Park Minji? From Secret Number Star to Solo Artist

Park Minji persevered through multiple survival show eliminations before finally making her mark in K-pop. Despite ranking 71st on Produce 101 in 2016 and 53rd on Produce 48 in 2018, she never gave up on her dreams. Her determination paid off when she officially joined SECRET NUMBER on October 18, 2021, debuting with the group's single album "Fire Saturday" on October 27.

Before becoming part of SECRET NUMBER, Park Minji represented different agencies – first MagicFresh Company on Produce 101, then M&D17 on Produce 48. However, her journey with SECRET NUMBER eventually came to an end in April 2025 when she announced via Instagram that she had terminated her contract with Vine Entertainment.

Early Life and Background

Born and raised in Yongin, Gyeonggi province, South Korea, Park Minji developed her passion for music from an early age. Unlike many K-pop idols who start their journey in Seoul, Minji's upbringing in Yongin provided her with a unique perspective that would later influence her artistic expression.

Birthplace and family

Minji's roots in Yongin shaped her early development and contributed to her distinct character. As a city known for its blend of traditional Korean culture and modern amenities, Yongin offered young Minji diverse influences that would later reflect in her musical style and performance approach.

Family played a significant role in Minji's formative years. She grew up with an older brother who reportedly supported her ambitions from the beginning. Although Minji maintains a relatively private stance regarding her family life, the close-knit nature of Korean families suggests that parental support was instrumental in her pursuit of a career in entertainment.

Throughout her time with SECRET NUMBER and in subsequent social media posts on Park Minji Instagram, she occasionally shared glimpses of family celebrations during traditional Korean holidays, demonstrating the importance of these relationships despite her busy schedule.

Education and early interests

Park Minji's educational journey reflects both academic dedication and artistic pursuit. She completed her elementary education at Seokhyeon Elementary School before moving on to Yongin Heungdeok Middle School. Her academic path took an interesting turn during her high school years when she withdrew from Yongin Seocheon High School to focus on her training and subsequently passed the High School Graduation Proficiency Test.

This decision underscores her early commitment to pursuing a career in entertainment, choosing to balance education with her passion for performing arts. Additionally, her enrollment at the prestigious Berkeley College of Music demonstrates her dedication to developing a strong musical foundation beyond the typical idol training system.

Minji's early interests foreshadowed her future career path. Among her numerous hobbies, playing the piano stands out as particularly influential in developing her musical sensibilities. Furthermore, her passion for composing and singing indicated early on that she aspired to be more than just a performer but also a creator of music.

Dancing and acting rounded out her artistic pursuits, making her a versatile entertainer even before joining SECRET NUMBER. In fact, these multifaceted talents likely contributed to her appeal during the competitive selection processes for shows like Produce 101 and Produce 48.

Perhaps most notably, Minji developed a strong interest in English language studies, which would later prove beneficial in SECRET NUMBER's global outreach efforts. This linguistic aptitude enabled her to connect with international fans and participate more comfortably in English-language interviews and content.

The combination of her formal education, artistic interests, and language abilities created a solid foundation for Park Minji's eventual debut with SECRET NUMBER and continues to serve her well in her evolving career. These early experiences in Yongin shaped not only her skills but also the determination that would carry her through the challenges of the competitive K-pop industry.

First Steps in the Industry

Park Minji's path to K-pop stardom began well before her SECRET NUMBER days, marked by persistence through multiple survival shows that tested her resilience. Throughout her pre-debut years, she built the foundation that would ultimately lead to her successful career.

Produce 101 journey

In January 2016, Park Minji took her first major step into the spotlight as a contestant on the inaugural season of Mnet's "Produce 101," representing Magic Fresh Company. Initially, she received a B grade from dance trainer Bae Yoon-jung who praised her "Kangdagu" (power and energy), and later impressed the judges enough to be elevated to the coveted A grade during the re-evaluation.

Despite limited screen time in early episodes, Minji's talent became evident during the group evaluation round. She performed Kara's "Break It" alongside Hwang In-sun, Han Ji-yeon, Kim Sol-yi, and Pyeon Kang-yoon. Her team narrowly defeated Kim Na-young's group by a single vote, with Minji securing the highest individual score among her teammates—an impressive 87 votes.

Nevertheless, her journey on the show was unexpectedly cut short. In episode 5, she ranked 71st place, making her the only A-grade trainee to be eliminated in the first round. This outcome shocked many viewers who felt she deserved more recognition based on her demonstrated abilities. As a consolation, the production team invited her to serve as a narrator for the live text voting during the show's finale.

Experience in Produce 48

Undeterred by her first elimination, Minji returned to the competition circuit two years later. In May 2018, she participated in "Produce 48," the third season of the franchise which featured a collaboration between Produce 101 and Japanese idol group AKB48. This time, she represented M&D17 entertainment.

On this second attempt, Minji demonstrated growth as a performer and garnered more attention from viewers. She notably gained recognition for a unique talent—maintaining an unblinking stare for over three minutes during one of the show's self-promotion challenges. This memorable moment helped distinguish her among the 96 contestants vying for spots in the final lineup.

Though she performed more strongly compared to her first Produce appearance, Minji was eliminated in episode 8 after ranking 53rd. While this showed improvement from her previous 71st place finish, it still wasn't enough to secure her spot in the final group that would become IZ*ONE.

Training under different agencies

Minji's pre-debut journey was characterized by transitions between several entertainment companies. Following her elimination from Produce 101, she left Magic Fresh Company, which had provided minimal support for her career development. She subsequently signed with M&D17 prior to her Produce 48 appearance.

After her second survival show experience, plans were in place for Minji to debut in a new girl group under M&D17. Regrettably, these plans collapsed in 2019, prompting Minji to terminate her contract with the company and explore other opportunities. This setback was particularly difficult considering she had been a trainee for nine long years at that point.

Her perseverance through multiple disappointments speaks volumes about her dedication to achieving her dream. For many aspiring idols, such repeated setbacks might have been enough to abandon their pursuits entirely. Instead, Minji continued refining her skills and seeking the right opportunity.

The breakthrough finally came when she joined Vine Entertainment, which would become her path to debut with SECRET NUMBER alongside fellow member Zuu. This pivotal transition marked the end of her lengthy trainee period and the beginning of her official career as an idol.

Through these experiences on survival shows and at various agencies, Minji developed not only as a performer but also as a resilient individual prepared for the challenges of the K-pop industry.

Debut with SECRET NUMBER

After years of setbacks and near-abandonment of her dreams, Park Minji's persistence finally paid off with a life-changing opportunity at Vine Entertainment in 2021.

Joining Vine Entertainment

The turning point in Minji's career came through a meaningful connection with fellow Produce 48 contestant Jinny. On the verge of giving up her musical aspirations entirely, Minji received a crucial lifeline when Jinny introduced her to Vine Entertainment. During an emotional segment on Idol Radio, Minji revealed the depth of her gratitude: "Actually, Jinny brought me to this company when I was on the verge of giving up". Her tearful acknowledgment—"I was really on the verge of giving up. Thank you"—underscored just how close the K-pop industry had come to losing this talented performer.

Official debut with 'Fire Saturday'

On October 18, 2021, Vine Entertainment officially announced that Park Minji, alongside Zuu, would be joining SECRET NUMBER as the group's newest members. This announcement generated significant buzz, especially among those who recognized Minji from her previous survival show appearances.

Minji's long-awaited debut finally occurred on October 27, 2021, with the release of SECRET NUMBER's third single album "Fire Saturday". This marked the group's first comeback in 11 months since their previous single "Got That Boom". Consequently, anticipation ran high among fans who had been eagerly awaiting new content.

Interestingly, at the time of Minji's debut, the group was in an unusual situation. Member Denise was unable to participate in recording and promotions due to contract issues. This meant that even though SECRET NUMBER was technically a seven-member group, the comeback proceeded with six active members.

Initial fan reception

Minji joined a group that had already established considerable momentum since their original debut. SECRET NUMBER had quickly risen to prominence since their May 2020 introduction with "Who Dis?". Indeed, their commercial success in their first five months had earned them several rookie awards at major Korean year-end music award shows, including the Asia Artist Awards.

Additionally, the group had secured a spot amongst Spotify's "2020 Top 5 Most Streamed RADAR Korea Artists". Furthermore, they received the "Best Female Rookie of the Year Award" at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards. The group had even caught global attention, earning praise from worldwide publications including Billboard, which named them as one of the Rookie K-pop Groups of 2020.

For Minji, joining such a promising group represented both a tremendous opportunity and a significant challenge. She needed to integrate seamlessly into an established dynamic while simultaneously helping to elevate the group's performances to new heights. Ultimately, her addition alongside Zuu brought fresh energy to SECRET NUMBER as they embarked on their "Fire Saturday" promotions.

Park Minji’s Time in SECRET NUMBER

Throughout her tenure with SECRET NUMBER, Park Minji quickly established herself as a vital member of the group, bringing fresh energy and versatility to their performances.

Notable performances and comebacks

Following her debut with "Fire Saturday," Park Minji participated in several significant comebacks that showcased her growth as a performer. The group's subsequent release "Dangerous" marked her first full promotional cycle with SECRET NUMBER, where she demonstrated her dance prowess and vocal abilities.

One standout moment came during their "DOOMCHITA" promotions, where Minji's powerful stage presence drew attention from fans and critics alike. Her performances on music shows such as M Countdown, Music Bank, and Show Champion highlighted her ability to execute challenging choreography while maintaining stable vocals.

Beyond standard promotions, Minji represented SECRET NUMBER at various festivals and special events. These appearances allowed her to connect with fans in different settings, further solidifying her position within the group and the broader K-pop landscape.

Group dynamics and her role

Within SECRET NUMBER's structure, Park Minji primarily served as a lead vocalist and dancer. Her technical dance background from years of training made her an asset during performances, often handling portions of choreography requiring precision and power.

Remarkably, Minji formed a special bond with fellow member Jinny—the same person who had introduced her to Vine Entertainment. Their friendship, which predated their time in SECRET NUMBER, contributed to the group's cohesive dynamic. Moreover, Minji developed close relationships with other members, particularly Zuu, who joined the group simultaneously with her.

As a bilingual member with strong English skills, Minji frequently took on the responsibility of communicating with international fans during livestreams and interviews. This linguistic versatility proved valuable as SECRET NUMBER pursued global recognition throughout their active years.

Park Minji Instagram updates during this time

On social media, Minji cultivated a distinct presence that resonated with fans. Her Instagram account featured a mix of professional photoshoots, behind-the-scenes glimpses of idol life, and occasional personal updates that revealed her personality outside of performances.

In contrast to her powerful stage persona, Minji's Instagram content often showcased her softer side, including her love for fashion and beauty. She frequently shared outfit details that inspired fans and demonstrated her evolving personal style.

Fan interactions formed a cornerstone of her social media strategy, as she regularly responded to comments and acknowledged fan support. Additionally, she used her platform to share practice videos and vocal covers, giving followers insight into her dedication to continuous improvement as an artist.

During holidays and special occasions, Minji posted heartfelt messages to fans, strengthening the connection between herself and her growing fanbase. These authentic interactions helped build a loyal following that would later support her solo endeavors after her time with SECRET NUMBER concluded.

Departure from SECRET NUMBER

April 2025 marked the end of an era for SECRET NUMBER as several members, including Park Minji, announced their departure from the group and agency.

Contract termination in 2025

After nearly four years with SECRET NUMBER, Park Minji's contract with Vine Entertainment officially terminated on April 4, 2025. This unexpected announcement came just one day after the company had revealed that fellow member Léa had also left the group following the expiration of her contract. The timing created a domino effect that ultimately reshaped the group's future.

The contract situation appeared to involve disagreements between the members and management. According to official statements, the agency "decided not to maintain the contracts any further", indicating that the separation wasn't entirely by mutual consent. This development left many wondering about the circumstances leading to such a significant change after years of the group working together.

Joint statement with Jinny and Dita

Immediately after the contract termination, Minji joined forces with Jinny and Dita to release a heartfelt joint statement to fans. In their collective message, they officially confirmed that their "official activities as SECRET NUMBER have now come to an end". The trio explained that "despite numerous discussions, we ultimately came to a conclusion that under the current situation, it would be extremely difficult for us to move forward".

Their candid message acknowledged the challenging nature of their decision:

"We've always given our very best, but despite numerous discussions, we ultimately came to the conclusion that under the current situation, it would be extremely difficult for us to move forward," they expressed. The statement conveyed both regret and resolve, suggesting that while difficult, this decision was necessary for their professional futures.

Fan reactions and media coverage

News of the mass departure sent shockwaves through the K-pop community. Fans expressed their devastation across social media platforms, with many sharing memories of their favorite performances and interactions with the group. One dedicated fan remarked, "I'm so glad I hopped on that plane and flew to see them when they had their US tour this summer... I knew I would never get the chance again".

Media outlets promptly covered the story, with headlines questioning the future of SECRET NUMBER. Many publications noted that with four members leaving (Léa, Dita, Jinny, and Minji), only Soodam and Zuu remained. This raised serious concerns about whether the group could continue in any recognizable form.

Several industry commentators pointed to management issues, with one article noting that "all this talent went to waste because of the company's lack of care". Others highlighted the group's unusual release strategy, noting they "never released any mini or even a full album for this group yet they've been active for 5 years".

Nonetheless, in their farewell message, Minji along with Jinny and Dita reassured fans that while one chapter had closed, they intended to "continue their careers in their own ways", offering hope for their future endeavors beyond SECRET NUMBER.

Solo Career and New Projects

Beyond her group activities with SECRET NUMBER, Park Minji has consistently developed her identity as an individual artist through various musical endeavors.

YouTube covers and OSTs

As early as March 2020, Park Minji established her online presence by launching her personal YouTube channel, where she showcased her vocal talent with a cover of a Billie Eilish song. In July 2022, while still active with SECRET NUMBER, she released a soulful rendition of Justin Bieber's "Angels Speak" on the group's YouTube channel as part of their "SECRET FUN" series. These covers revealed a different side of her artistry, allowing fans to experience her vocal color outside of group performances.

Alongside these covers, Park Minji has built an impressive portfolio of original soundtrack contributions for Korean dramas. Her OST catalog includes multiple tracks for "The King's Affection" (2021), including "King's Love Waltz," "Nostalgic Heart," and the title track. Her versatility shines through in her work for historical dramas like "Moonlovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016), where she contributed "Love of Haesu" and "The Sorrow of Prince". Additionally, she recorded songs for contemporary dramas such as "The Beauty Inside" (2018) and "Uncontrollably Fond" (2016). In 2019, she collaborated with Baek Myung Han on "I'm Talking You're Laughing" for the drama "Triple Some 2".

Composing and producing credits

Beneath the performer's spotlight, Park Minji has quietly developed her skills as a composer and lyricist. In 2021, she composed "White Day (선물)" for the artist Cotton Candy. The following year, she expanded her repertoire by writing "Look at me" for Kawaguchi Yunira. Perhaps most significantly, she contributed to SECRET NUMBER's own discography by composing and writing lyrics for "Hola" on their "DOOMCHITA" single.

Furthermore, she demonstrated her versatility by composing and writing several tracks for the "Catch the Ghost" original television soundtrack, including "Underworld," "A Wild Imagination," and "A Heart of Affection". She likewise contributed to the "Pegasus Market" soundtrack with "Pegasus Mart Title".

Future plans as a solo artist

Following her departure from SECRET NUMBER in April 2025, Park Minji appears positioned to join the growing trend of K-pop idols establishing successful solo careers. The industry has seen numerous examples of idols launching individual projects after gaining experience in groups. Her joint statement with former members Jinny and Dita indicated intentions to "continue their careers in their own ways" after leaving the group.

With her established foundation in vocal performance, composition, and soundtrack work, Park Minji possesses the versatility essential for longevity in the competitive music industry. Her multilingual abilities and experience across various musical styles suggest multiple potential directions for her solo career moving forward.

Park Minji’s Public Image

Beyond her musical talents, Park Minji has cultivated a distinct public image that resonates with fans worldwide. Her genuine personality and approachable demeanor have become hallmarks of her identity as both an idol and individual artist.

MBTI and personality traits

Park Minji identifies as an ENFP personality type, often referred to as "The Champion" in Myers-Briggs terminology. This extroverted, intuitive personality aligns perfectly with her energetic stage presence and creative musical expression. Fellow SECRET NUMBER members have frequently highlighted her positive energy, describing her as the mood-maker who brightens practice sessions with her enthusiasm.

In variety show appearances, her quick-witted humor and adaptability shine through, making her a favorite among both fans and production teams. At the same time, she displays remarkable depth in one-on-one interviews, showcasing the introspective side typical of ENFPs. This duality—vibrant in groups yet thoughtful in personal settings—contributes to her multifaceted appeal.

Fashion and favorite things

Throughout her career, Park Minji has developed a signature style that blends contemporary streetwear with occasional high-fashion elements. She gravitates toward oversized silhouettes paired with statement accessories, creating looks that fans eagerly attempt to recreate.

Her fashion preferences extend to her performance styling as well. During SECRET NUMBER promotions, she often incorporated personal touches to the group's coordinated outfits, adding unique accessories or styling variations that highlighted her individuality within the collective aesthetic.

Regarding personal preferences, she has expressed fondness for:

Acoustic guitar music and jazz influences
Photography as a creative outlet
Minimalist interior design
Traditional Korean cuisine, particularly sundubu jjigae
Literary fiction and poetry

Social media presence

The Park Minji Instagram account serves as her primary platform for connecting with fans. Unlike many idols who present highly curated feeds, Minji strikes a balance between professional content and authentic glimpses into her daily life. Her photography skills are evident in the thoughtfully composed images she shares.

She maintains consistent engagement with followers, regularly responding to comments and acknowledging fan support. Rather than posting on strict schedules, she shares content organically, reflecting her ENFP tendency toward spontaneity over rigid structure.

After her departure from SECRET NUMBER, her social media presence has evolved to reflect her individual identity, featuring more personal projects and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her solo work. Yet she maintains the warmth and accessibility that fans have come to associate with her public image.

Discography and Appearances

Park Minji's artistic footprint extends across multiple musical projects and television appearances, establishing her as a versatile performer beyond her group activities.

Participation in group songs

First and foremost, Park Minji contributed to two iconic survival show theme songs - "Pick Me" with Produce 101 contestants (2015) and "Nekkoya (Pick Me)" with Produce 48 participants (2018). After joining SECRET NUMBER, she performed on six key releases, beginning with "Fire Saturday" in October 2021. Subsequently, she participated in the group's singles "Doomchita" (2022), "Tap" (2022), "Doxa" (2023), "Starlight" (2023), and their final release "Don't Touch" (2025). As part of SECRET NUMBER's soundtrack contributions, she lent her voice to "Fall In Love" for the "Love Alarm Clap! Clap! Clap!" OST alongside fellow members Zuu and Soodam.

OSTs and solo releases

With regards to her solo work, Park Minji boasts an impressive OST catalog. Her most notable contributions include multiple tracks for "The King's Affection" (2021): "King's Love Waltz," "Nostalgic Heart," and the self-titled "The King's Affection." She also created a musical landscape for "UNDERCOVER Special" (2021) with "A Secret Agent," "Lonely Road," and "Dark Forces." Plus, she recorded "Times Main Title" for the drama "TIMES" and "Secret House (Inst.)" for "Cheat On Me If You Can." Her collaborative projects include "Hosanna" featuring Kim Kenta and Cheon Song E, "Fill Our Soul" with Lee Yong Ha and Kim Kenta, along with solo pieces like "Beauty Inside Opening," "Only You," and "A Girl in the Forest." A particularly meaningful collaboration was "I Talk, You Smile" with Baek Myung Han for the drama "Triple Some 2."

TV and reality show appearances

Obviously, Park Minji's television career began with her participation as a contestant on "Produce 101" (2016) and "Produce 48" (2018). After debuting with SECRET NUMBER, she expanded her presence across Korean variety shows:

Secret Tour (2023): Served as main host and guest (Episodes 4, 17)
Secret Airlines (2022): Main host for all 21 episodes
Dream Center Study Room (2022): Guest appearance on Episode 6
Idol's Snack Spree (2022): Featured on Episode 15
Adola School Season 3: PR on Idol (2022): Appeared on Episode 28
Road To Max (2022): Competed as a finalist for Road To Mama

Correspondingly, she made multiple appearances on popular idol programs including "Weekly Idol" (Episodes 566, 593, 615) and "After School Club" (Episodes 528, 590). These platforms allowed Park Minji to showcase her personality beyond performances, establishing her as a charismatic television presence in the K-pop industry.

FAQS

Fans often have specific questions about Park Minji beyond her official profiles. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Which survival shows did Park Minji participate in before SECRET NUMBER?
Park Minji competed in both Produce 101 (2016) where she ranked 71st and later Produce 48 (2018) where she placed 53rd, showing her determination despite multiple setbacks.

What musical instruments can Park Minji play?
First and foremost, Park Minji is proficient in piano, having started at a young age. Nonetheless, she has also demonstrated guitar skills in various cover videos on her YouTube channel.

Does Park Minji speak languages other than Korean?
Indeed, she is fluent in English, making her valuable for SECRET NUMBER's international communications. Furthermore, she has basic Japanese proficiency.

What is Park Minji's role in composing music?
Beyond performing, Park Minji has composed several tracks, namely "White Day" for Cotton Candy and "Hola" for SECRET NUMBER, demonstrating her versatility as an artist.

Has Park Minji appeared in Korean dramas?
While she hasn't acted in dramas, she has contributed numerous OSTs to popular shows, especially "The King's Affection," where she recorded multiple tracks.

Will Park Minji continue as an idol after SECRET NUMBER?
As indicated in her joint statement with former members, she plans to continue her career in music, albeit pursuing new directions as a solo artist.