Park Jihoon and Kang Mina may have started from the same survival show franchise, but the two former Produce 101 stars are now building their acting careers in completely different ways.
Both first rose to fame through Produce 101 and later debuted in hugely popular project groups. However, while Park Jihoon continues pursuing an expansive multi-entertainment career, Kang Mina has chosen a more focused path centered entirely on acting.
Park Jihoon first gained nationwide popularity through Produce 101 Season 2 before debuting as a member of Wanna One in 2017. Since then, he has steadily balanced music, acting and variety activities simultaneously.
The biggest turning point in his acting career recently came through the film The Man Who Lives With The King, where he played King Danjong. The movie became a massive box-office phenomenon, attracting approximately 16.8 million viewers and ranking as the second most-watched Korean film in history.
Park Jihoon’s performance earned widespread praise from audiences, with many viewers affectionately giving him the nickname “Danjong Oppa.” The success also helped him secure the title of a “10-million actor,” an achievement rarely reached by idols in their twenties transitioning into acting.
At the same time, Park Jihoon has continued maintaining his music career. He recently reunited with fellow Wanna One members through the Mnet reality show WANNA ONE GO: Back to Base, while also resuming solo music promotions with the release of his first single album last month.
The star is additionally preparing to meet viewers through the upcoming TVING original drama The Legendary Cook Soldier, scheduled for release on May 11. In the military fantasy cooking drama, Park Jihoon takes on the role of private Kang Sung Jae, marking another major acting challenge in his growing filmography.
Meanwhile, Kang Mina has taken a very different route.
The former I.O.I member debuted through the original season of Produce 101 in 2016 and initially balanced both singing and acting activities. However, when discussions surrounding I.O.I’s 10th anniversary reunion surfaced last year, Kang Mina officially declined participation in order to focus entirely on acting.
While fellow I.O.I members such as Jeon Somi, Kim Se-jeong, Kim So-hye, Jung Chae-yeon and Kim Do-yeon continue balancing multiple entertainment fields, Kang Mina deliberately narrowed her focus to building a stronger acting career.
That decision recently paid off through the Netflix series Girigo, which marked her first major challenge in the horror genre. Although her screen time was relatively short, viewers praised her for leaving a strong impression and showing clear growth in emotional acting and immersion.
For Kang Mina, the project carried additional meaning because it symbolized her commitment to acting over idol reunion activities. Rather than returning to familiar group promotions, she chose to further expand her acting range and strengthen her identity as an actress.
The contrasting careers of Park Jihoon and Kang Mina highlight two very different strategies for former idol stars transitioning into acting. While Park Jihoon continues broadening his public image through music, variety and acting simultaneously, Kang Mina is concentrating on building a denser and more specialized acting portfolio.
Even so, both stars are steadily proving they can move beyond the “Produce 101” label and establish long-term careers in the entertainment industry on their own terms.
