Ex-idol Kang Hyun-soo, 30, becomes industrial civil servant in Boryeong
In short
Kang Hyun-soo, 30, a former member of the boy groups LC9, BLK and NIK who appeared on Mnet's “Produce X 101,” has passed the industrial civil service exam and now works in the waterworks division of Boryeong City Hall, according to local reports. Kang told an interview that he feels he has “entered a fence” and has a clear sense of belonging. Netizens posted messages of support for his new career.
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Kang Hyun-soo, 30, a former idol who appeared on Mnet's survival program “Produce X 101,” has become an industrial civil servant and now works in the waterworks division of Boryeong City Hall, according to a Maeil Business report. Newsis and Seoul Shinmun also reported that he left idol activities to take up public service. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Born in 1996, Kang debuted in 2013 with the boy group LC9 and later performed as a member of BLK, the report said. In 2019 he appeared on “Produce X 101,” and in 2021 he re-debuted with the Korea-Japan boy group NIK. The team disbanded two years later, after which he considered a new path, according to Maeil Business. [ 1 ]
Seeking a stable occupation, Kang studied the electrical field, influenced by his family, and passed the industrial civil service exam, the report said. He is now learning his new duties at Boryeong City Hall's waterworks division. In an interview, he said colleagues explain things kindly and feel like a dependable support, adding that he feels he has “entered a fence” and that his clear sense of belonging is good. [ 1 ]
According to Maeil Business, netizens who saw the news posted messages of support, including “I support your new start,” “I had wondered how you were doing, and I am glad,” “I cannot see you as an idol, but I will support the path you chose,” and “I hope you shine wherever you are.” The specific examination and job title were reported only by that outlet. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The reports show a former idol moving from the music industry into local government service, a second career that drew attention in online communities and on social media. Coverage focused on Kang's own account of satisfaction with the job and on supportive public reaction rather than on any policy or industry consequence.
Key facts
- Kang Hyun-soo, 30 and born in 1996, debuted in the music industry in 2013 with the boy group LC9. [ 1 ]
- He later performed with BLK and appeared on Mnet's idol survival program “Produce X 101” in 2019. [ 1 ]
- In 2021 he re-debuted as a member of the Korea-Japan boy group NIK, which disbanded two years later. [ 1 ]
- Kang studied the electrical field, influenced by his family, and passed the industrial civil service exam. [ 1 ]
- He now works at the waterworks division of Boryeong City Hall. [ 1 ]
- Kang said of public service that he feels he has “entered a fence” and that he likes having a clear sense of belonging. [ 1 ]
- Netizens posted messages such as “I support your new start” and “I hope you shine wherever you are.” [ 1 ]
- Korean outlets reported that he left idol activities and became a civil servant. [ 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The examination he passed, his exact job title and start date. These details appear only in one outlet's report, which says he passed the industrial civil service exam and is learning his duties at the waterworks division.
- The full text of Newsis's report. The article text captured under the Newsis headline concerned an unrelated Supreme Court story, so only its headline could be used.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Maeil Business publishes a detailed report on Kang Hyun-soo's move into public service, including his interview remarks and netizen reactions. [ 1 ]
- Newsis publishes a report headlined that Kang quit idol work and became a civil servant. [ 2 ]
- Seoul Shinmun reports that the former “Produce” contestant stopped activities and passed the exam at age 30. [ 3 ]