K-Pop Stars Kim Sohee, Kwon Eunbin Retire Young

Stars are increasingly leaving the entertainment industry in their mid-twenties to choose new lives. Following Kim So-hee from the group Alice, actress Kwon Eun-bin from CLC recently announced her retirement, and voices of support are being raised for those seeking their own happiness.

Kim So-hee, formerly of the group Alice, recently shared an update on her life by posting photos from a trip to Japan with her husband and daughter on social media. In the pictures, Kim So-hee is seen walking down a street in traditional Japanese attire with her husband, showcasing her unchanging beauty even after childbirth and her happy daily life with her daughter. In 2024, at the age of 25, Kim So-hee announced her marriage to a businessman 15 years her senior and declared her retirement from the entertainment industry, stating at the time, "I wanted to build a happy family with the person I love."

Actress Kwon Eun-bin, formerly of CLC, also recently formalized her retirement from the entertainment industry after her exclusive contract with her agency ended, stating, "​I want to return to a normal life and live quietly." In a lengthy post, Kwon Eun-bin revealed, "Reflecting on my activities that began in my teens, I've had many thoughts about the past, present, and future," and "After much deliberation, I have decided to live a life as a civilian." She added, "There were many times I spent in emptiness and anxiety about the future rather than affection for my work," "​I have made a new choice for a better life and a happy future."

Kwon Eun-bin plans to conclude all her entertainment activities with the CLC 11th anniversary Taipei concert in July, to keep her promise to her fans. This is expected to be her final performance with her fans.

Kim So-hee and Kwon Eun-bin, who left the entertainment industry at similar ages, have made different choices, but they are similar in that they are moving towards a 'happy life.' Kim So-hee built a family through marriage and childbirth, while Kwon Eun-bin has chosen a new life as a civilian.