Oh My Girl's Mimi Opens Up About Early Career Struggles on 'Baekban Journey'

On the latest episode of TV Chosun's 'Baekban Journey with Heo Young-man', Oh My Girl's Mimi shared her past struggles of being left alone in the waiting room.

The episode, aired on the 2nd, featured Mimi exploring the culinary delights of Hoengseong with Heo Young-man. Mimi affectionately referred to Heo as "uncle," drawing attention with her playful demeanor. Known for her easygoing attitude towards food, she joked, "Food isn't guilty; it's the tongue that's at fault," bringing laughter to the set.

Heo Young-man expressed his fondness for Mimi, saying, "These days, you can't turn on the TV without seeing Mimi. She's like a faucet." Mimi acknowledged her busy schedule, noting that she is the most active member of Oh My Girl on television, with appearances on shows like 'Earth Arcade' and 'Sixth Sense'.

Reflecting on her early career, Mimi confessed, "In the beginning, I had no solo activities. I was like a dog guarding the house." She recounted feeling out of place during group commercials, as her darker skin and boyish style didn't fit the fresh and fairy-like concept. "While the other members were filming, I was left alone in the waiting room," she revealed.

Mimi candidly shared, "It was quite upsetting. I tried to appear as pure as possible, practicing in front of the mirror, but it didn't work out. I felt a great emptiness back then." Heo Young-man sympathized, saying, "I didn't know you went through such hardships." Mimi responded with resilience, "Those who endure survive and win. Life is about perseverance."

Heo Young-man described his first impression of Mimi as "a talented person." Mimi shared that she is currently engaged in various hobbies, including editing, exercising, DJing, ballet, and boxing. "Originally, I dreamed of being a painter or cartoonist," she said, adding that she also considered becoming a Korean language teacher before her love for dance led her to become an idol.

When asked about her lack of romantic relationships, Mimi replied, "There's no particular reason. There's no one around me making advances or showing interest." Regarding her ideal type, she said, "I want a relationship like childhood friends who naturally fall in love, like Yang Gwan-sik from 'You Have Fallen for Me'."

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia. Contact: eun@tenasia.co.kr