Former 4Minute Star Nam Ji-hyun Opens Up About Her New Career and Past Challenges

Former 4Minute member and actress Nam Ji-hyun has shared an update on her current life as a fitness instructor, while also revealing past experiences of being criticized for her appearance during her early career.

On October 3rd, the YouTube channel 'Hwang Bo-ra Variety' posted a video titled 'Hwang Bo-ra's Grueling Olympic(?) Reunion with Nam Ji-hyun After 10 Years | Idol Diet, 4Minute Update, Barre'.

Hwang Bo-ra visited Nam Ji-hyun's barre studio, where they bonded over a workout session. Nam Ji-hyun, who was both a singer and volleyball player during her time with 4Minute, is now a barre instructor. Barre is a fusion workout combining ballet and Pilates. Nam Ji-hyun mentioned, "I got my Pilates certification four years ago, and I've been doing barre for two years."

Nam Ji-hyun shared a behind-the-scenes story from her early drama days. She recounted, "During my first drama shoot while with 4Minute, the camera director called me 'Hey, you ugly X, come here.'" Hwang Bo-ra was visibly shocked by this revelation.

Nam Ji-hyun explained her reaction at the time, saying, "I decided to stay positive and responded with 'Here comes the ugly X' and approached him." She added, "The director then said, 'Look at this X,' but later apologized after the shoot, saying he didn't know I was from 4Minute and thought I was a rookie actress, trying to toughen me up."

Currently working as a barre instructor, Nam Ji-hyun explained her motivation for starting this career: "As an entertainer, you often have a lot of downtime, which can lead to feeling down. I wanted to use that time efficiently and energetically." She mentioned taking Pilates lessons daily during her idol days and now holds 8 to 9 fitness-related certifications, including Pilates and barre.

Nam Ji-hyun also shared updates on her fellow 4Minute members. "So-hyun is continuing her acting career, Ji-yoon is pursuing music and various activities, Ga-yoon has written a book, and Hyun-a is happily married," she said, expressing her affection for her former bandmates. When Hwang Bo-ra noted, "Only one of you is married," Nam Ji-hyun replied, "That's right. I thought I'd be the first to get married," hinting at her own marriage aspirations. Hwang Bo-ra encouraged her, saying, "I think you'll get married next year. You're so beautiful."

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr