Kim Minju, formerly of IZ*ONE, has been in talks with Urban Works and HYBE Labels about her future, according to YTN star's investigations. HYBE Labels was earlier rumored to be seeking to recruit former IZ*ONE members, including Kim Minju. After much deliberation, she opted to pursue a career as an actor rather than an idol.

According to reports, Minju has not only been training her acting skills, but she has also been auditioning for numerous roles. Despite this, it was said that HYBE had repeatedly attempted to recruit her for their female group, putting Minju in a difficult situation. A member of the industry said that HYBE was intent on acquiring her and had approached Urban Works, her present employer, up to September 2021. Urban Works, on the other hand, flatly refused HYBE's offer, indicating that they would respect Minju's choice.

It was claimed that Minju had been asked about her future plans during auditions, since many directors had heard about her upcoming job between HYBE and Urban Works at the time. Minju was said to be taken aback by press stories regarding her possibly being hired by HYBE. A staff member claimed unequivocally that Minju had no desire of marketing herself as an idol, and that even when she participated on Produce 48, she was training as an actor.

Minju had joined her business as an idol trainee, but following negotiations, she decided to pursue a career in acting. Around that time, her firm received a recruiting offer for Produce 48, and she was requested to appear in the show given her history as an idol trainee. She passed the auditions and was eventually voted in as a member of IZ*ONE. Minju is set on a career as an actor after the completion of IZ*ONE promotions, and she has turned down all offers from HYBE.

While Kwon Eunbi, Choi Yena, and Jo Yuri are pursuing solo careers, the remaining IZ*ONE former members are pursuing solo careers. Sakura and Chaewon were said to have joined HYBE Labels as they continued to look for Minju. Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin are poised to make their Starship Entertainment debut in a new female group, while Hitomi and Nako have returned to Japan. Chaeyeon, who recently starred in Street Woman Fighter, will continue to work with WM Entertainment. Kang Hyewon plans to pursue a profession as an actor.