Who is Park Min-ju? Meet The Rising Star of ILLIT Members

ILLIT members burst onto the K-pop scene in March 2024, quickly becoming one of the industry's newest sensations with their hit song "Magnetic". Among the five-member South Korean girl group under BE:LIFT Lab stands Park Min-ju, who captured fans' attention after ranking 3rd overall in the survival show R U Next?. The formation of ILLIT took shape through this collaboration between HYBE and JTBC, ultimately debuting with their first mini album "SUPER REAL ME" on March 25, 2024. Originally planned as a six-member group, ILLIT now consists of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha after pre-debut member Youngseo departed in January 2024. This comprehensive profile delves into Minju's background, her journey before joining ILLIT, her role within the group, and the unique qualities that have endeared her to fans worldwide.

Her Journey Before ILLIT

Minju's path to stardom began long before she captivated audiences as one of the illit members. Her dedication to becoming an idol spans half a decade, showcasing her persistence in pursuing her dreams.

Training at YG Entertainment

Initially, Minju started her journey in the K-pop industry as a trainee at YG Entertainment. She joined the prestigious agency at the age of 15 and trained there from 2019 to 2021. Throughout this period, she developed her distinctive vocal style that would later become one of her signature strengths. Indeed, her "YG vocal training" helped distinguish her from other aspiring idols. Furthermore, this training period allowed her to form close bonds with all members of BABYMONSTER, another girl group from YG Entertainment.

Transition to Belift Lab

Following her time at YG Entertainment, Minju made a significant career move when she joined Belift Lab around late 2021. This transition marked a new chapter in her idol journey as she moved from one major entertainment company to another subsidiary under HYBE. The change proved to be a pivotal moment that ultimately set her on the path toward debuting with ILLIT.

Experience on R U Next?

In June 2023, Minju was officially announced as a contestant on Belift Lab's survival show "R U Next?". Despite previously telling friends she "could never do" a survival show, she embraced the challenge. Throughout the competition, Minju demonstrated remarkable growth in confidence and skills. Her performance of 2NE1's "I Don't Care" became a turning point, showcasing her vocal abilities and earning praise from judges, including producer WOOZI.

Final selection and debut announcement

At the conclusion of "R U Next?", Minju secured her spot in ILLIT by ranking 3rd overall in the competition. The final lineup was unveiled on September 1, 2023. After months of preparation, ILLIT officially debuted on March 25, 2024, with their first mini album "Super Real Me," featuring the viral hit "Magnetic".

Minju’s Role and Image in ILLIT

Within the vibrant quintet of illit members, Minju has carved out a distinct presence since their March 2024 debut. Her gentle demeanor coupled with powerful performances creates a fascinating contrast that resonates strongly with fans.

Her position and strengths in the group

As a lead vocalist in ILLIT, Minju showcases her remarkable vocal abilities that were refined during her training years. Her unique vocal color stands out especially during emotional passages, adding depth to the group's musical identity. Notably, her stability while performing live has impressed industry professionals.

Minju brings a particular softness to ILLIT's image while still delivering powerful performances. Her dancing has improved significantly since debut, with fans noting her increased precision and confidence on stage. In essence, she balances the group's energetic concept with moments of delicate expression that showcase her versatility.

Relationship with other ILLIT members

Minju shares an especially close bond with fellow member Moka, with whom she trained together at YG Entertainment. This pre-debut connection has translated into natural chemistry both on and off stage. Throughout their reality content and behind-the-scenes footage, the pair often gravitates toward each other.

With all illit members, Minju maintains harmonious relationships characterized by mutual support. As a result of their time together on "R U Next?", the members developed strong connections that contribute to their authentic group dynamic. Their shared experiences as trainees have fostered genuine friendships that shine through during interviews and variety show appearances.

Public perception and fanbase growth

Since ILLIT's debut, Minju has garnered attention for her duality – appearing shy and reserved off-stage yet confident and charismatic during performances. Consequently, fans have dubbed her the "hidden ace" of the group.

Her fanbase has grown steadily, with many appreciating her authenticity and humble approach to stardom. Korean and international fans alike are drawn to her gentle personality combined with undeniable talent. Social media accounts dedicated to Minju have multiplied rapidly, highlighting her rising popularity within the illit kpop fandom ecosystem.

Expanding Her Career Beyond Music

Beyond her musical activities with ILLIT, Minju has rapidly expanded her entertainment portfolio, establishing herself as a versatile performer with remarkable broadcasting skills and collaborative ventures.

Becoming MC of Music Bank

In September 2024, just six months after her debut, Minju received a significant career opportunity when KBS announced her selection as the new MC for their flagship music program "Music Bank". She officially stepped into this prestigious role on October 4, 2024, becoming the 39th "bank manager" alongside actor Moon Sang-min. This position came about after LE SSERAFIM's Eunchae stepped down after serving for more than a year and seven months. Throughout her first broadcast, Minju displayed natural chemistry with her co-host, guiding the show with remarkable composure. Her enthusiastic approach was evident when she shared, "I was so excited that I couldn't sleep. I'll do my best every Friday". Viewers quickly praised her smooth hosting skills and bright energy that continued the show's lively tradition.

Hosting Minju's Pink Cabinet

Shortly after beginning her Music Bank duties, Minju launched her own YouTube mini segment called "Minju's Pink Cabinet" on November 7, 2024. This web variety series airs every Thursday at 7 PM KST and follows the success of "Eunchae's Star Diary," which was hosted by the previous Music Bank MC. The format invites guests to introduce their daily essential items to viewers, placing them in Minju's signature pink cabinet. In the debut episode, Minju herself showcased her personal essentials including headphones, chocolates, vitamins, and propolis candy. Moreover, the show teased an exciting crossover with Eunchae appearing as a surprise guest.

Collaborations and features

Outside broadcasting, Minju has ventured into exciting musical collaborations. Most notably, she partnered with fellow ILLIT member Yunah to feature on Disney star Kylie Cantrall's single "See U Tonight". Released on May 7, 2025, the track showcased Minju's unique vocal tone complementing Yunah's powerful vocals to create a dynamic harmony. The collaboration held special significance for Minju, who revealed, "Back when I was a trainee, I practiced with Kylie Cantrall's songs, so it's truly surreal and an honor to collaborate with her". The playful summer track captured the push-and-pull tension between two people attracted to each other, demonstrating Minju's versatility as an artist beyond ILLIT's group activities.

Personality, Hobbies, and Fun Facts

Behind the captivating performances of this talented illit member lies a personality filled with fascinating quirks and personal preferences that endear her to fans worldwide.

Her favorite performances and songs

Minju particularly cherishes her performance of 2NE1's "I Don't Care" during R U Next?, describing it as her most memorable stage. "I felt confident about that one. It really let me show off my vocals, and I just like the style," she explained about the performance. For background music representing her life, Minju chose BTS's "FIRE". Her karaoke song of choice is "Destiny/Fate" (인연) by Lee Sun Hee, although she also enjoys singing ballads like Rin's "Back in Time".

Her favorite foods and dislikes

Although Minju enjoys many dishes, she particularly loves kimchi fried rice and could eat it exclusively if forced to choose just one food. Her love for salmon runs deep—she admits she wouldn't tire of eating it daily. Conversely, Minju strongly dislikes vegetables, beans, and mint chocolate. For desserts, she gravitates toward chocolate cake, with Milka being her preferred chocolate brand.

Hobbies like gaming and music

Playing games ranks among Minju's favorite pastimes, alongside practicing typing and listening to music. She relieves stress primarily through music. Her classical training shines through her violin skills, which she developed from a young age. Surprisingly for someone so passionate about music, she's also skilled at photography, often capturing emotional moments and taking numerous pictures of her fellow illit members.

Her dog Ddungi and love for animals

Minju shares a special bond with her dog Ddungi (뚱이), whom she's had since second grade. Beyond her pet, she expresses genuine affection for all animals, with dogs holding a special place in her heart. This compassionate streak extends to her general approach to life.

Unique habits and personal motto

"This too shall pass" serves as Minju's guiding philosophy, a mantra she developed during childhood to navigate difficult moments. Remarkably, she doesn't scare easily—even during ghost pranks, she maintains complete composure. Her MBTI type is ISTP, though she notes that people who know her well often question this classification because of her sentimental side toward fans.

Her favorite movies and songs

"Train to Busan" tops Minju's list of favorite films, showcasing her appreciation for Korean cinema. Surprisingly, she enjoys horror movies despite her gentle demeanor. Her musical tastes span various genres, with her mother's favorite song "Camellia Lady" holding special significance.

What makes her stand out to fans

Fans of illit kpop appreciate Minju's fascinating duality—described by classmates as extremely introverted before debut yet blossoming into what she calls a "love machine" afterward. Her precision when cooking stands out—she meticulously measures water when preparing ramen. Ultimately, her combination of gentle kindness with unexpected quirks creates an authentic persona that resonates deeply with illit enthusiasts.