In one of the most talked-about moments in Korean entertainment this year, Seolhyun and Jung So Min leave IEUM HASHTAG 2025 — officially marking the end of a long chapter with their agency. The announcement, made on October 24, 2025, caught both fans and industry insiders by surprise.
The agency, IEUM HASHTAG, confirmed the news through an official statement, expressing warm gratitude and best wishes to both actresses for their future paths. While the breakup seemed peaceful and respectful, the entertainment world can’t help but wonder: what’s next for these two talented stars who’ve captured millions of hearts across K-drama land?
Let’s take a closer look at their journey, their reasons for change, and what exciting projects lie ahead for both Seolhyun and Jung So Min.
Seolhyun’s Journey: From Idol to Respected Actress
Kim Seolhyun, better known as Seolhyun, first rose to fame in 2012 as a member of the girl-group AOA under FNC Entertainment. As an idol, she was more than just a musician; she was an art-maker, someone who could convey an emotional connection through her facial expressions, whether they were direct or indirect, as an idol or acting.
Early on, she was featured in the drama Seo-young, My Daughter and quickly began to build a strong filmography that illustrated to her fans that she was an actress, beyond music. Ultimately, Seolhyun has given viewers indelible acting performances in dramas such as My Country: The New Age, Awaken, The Killer’s Shopping List, Summer Strike, and Light Shop.
She portrayed different angles and nuances of artistry every time she undertook a project— portraying everything from a tough warrior to a gentle wife who experiences a range of emotions while searching for peace. Fans across social media often mention that Seolhyun’s most potent charm is within her “soft strength,” in that she doesn’t have to yell on-screen in order to give an emotional heft.
What’s Next for Seolhyun?
Now that she’s left IEUM HASHTAG, Seolhyun seems ready for a fresh start.
She’s currently filming Netflix’s “Slowly and Intensely,” a drama set for 2026 that features an all-star cast — Song Hye Kyo, Gong Yoo, Cha Seung Won, and Lee Hanee. The buzz is already huge, and fans can’t wait to see Seolhyun in a deeper, more mature role.
She’s also confirmed for “Show Business” (working title), where she’ll reportedly play a celebrity trying to find her true self in a world obsessed with fame. Sounds personal, right?
Reports also say Seolhyun might sign with THE PRESENT COMPANY, the agency representing Ahn Hyo Seop and Shin Se Kyung. If true, that could open exciting new doors for her internationally.
For her fans, this isn’t a sad goodbye — it’s like watching your favorite star spread her wings after years of growth.
Jung So Min’s Graceful Evolution in K-Drama
Although Seolhyun expands her career versatility, Jung So Min is known for her emotionally rich persona and ability to portray relatability. She first debuted in 2010 with Bad Guy on the SBS network. Immediately, the public was intrigued by her natural acting style.
She garnered the most attention with a lead role in Because This is My First Life where Jung So Min was a character who navigated the struggles of love and life as an independent woman, which felt so real it resonated with audiences worldwide. After that, the actress had audiences swooning in dramas like Hundred Million Stars from the Sky, Monthly Magazine Home, Alchemy of Souls, and Love Next Door.
Jung So Min currently stars in SBS’s “My Universe, Marry Me,” another romantic drama where she plays Yoo Mary, a woman rediscovering love after experiencing heartbreak in her previous relationship. The critics have acknowledged her performance as time will tell, they called her performance nuanced and one of her most mature performances in emotional depth.
Jung So Min is also an actress in film with performances in Twenty, Project Wolf Hunting and Love Reset, balancing high commerce with an artistic sensibility.
Why Did They Leave IEUM HASHTAG?
While neither actress has publicly discussed the reason behind their departure, insiders suggest it was a mutual and respectful decision. Both stars have grown immensely during their time with the agency, but they may now be seeking new opportunities, creative freedom, and global collaborations.
In its official statement, IEUM HASHTAG shared:
“The exclusive contracts of actress Kim Seolhyun and actress Jung So Min, who have been with us for a long time, have come to an end. We sincerely wish them continued growth, happiness, and success in their new journeys.”
This tone of warmth and respect reassured fans that there was no internal conflict — just a natural progression in their careers.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media fans had an overwhelming response filled with nostalgia and excitement. After the announcement was made, trending topics like #Seolhyun and #JungSoMin surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) within hours. Most members of the fandom complimented the actresses for their hard work and wished them well in their next endeavor.
Comments like “They deserve the world,” “New beginnings for our queens,” and “Seolhyun and Jung So Min leave IEUM HASHTAG 2025 — but they’ll never leave our hearts” populated fan pages.
The fandom’s reaction embodies how great the love is for both actresses — not only for their remarkable skills, but their humbleness and authenticity.
The Future: What Lies Ahead
Now that both Seolhyun and Jung So Min have completed their lengthy contracts, the inevitable question is — what next?
For Seolhyun, it appears she’s concentrating on expanding her acting career globally, likely with a Netflix series or film in the works, while also exercising her soft image that the audience loves. She’s also indicated that she wants to branch into movies and humanitarian endeavors at some point.
Jung So Min has been rumored to be meeting with various top-tier agencies. Insiders have reported that she’s looking for scripts that give her challenges as an actress, including psychological thrillers or slice-of-life stories.
As long as both actors are thinking about their next steps and they always do, 2026 could be a pivotal year for them telluric outfits.
The Bigger Picture: Change and Growth in K-Drama
The causes for their exit highlight an additional trend occurring in the Korean entertainment industry, in which actors are taking control of their own careers. Many entertainers are leaving their larger agencies in pursuit of an independent career, collaboration on global platforms, or a more creative route through launching their own companies.
This is an indication that the Korean entertainment industry is evolving, becoming more artist-led, more international, and in effect, more empowering for artists like Seolhyun or Jung So Min.
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Conclusion: A New Chapter, Same Stardust
As Seolhyun and Jung So Min exit IEUM HASHTAG 2025, and transition into a new part of their professional lives, one thing we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is that this is not the end. This is a new beginning. Both women have already established their versatility, respect and popularity as individuals in the Korean entertainment industry.
They have been admired, and to some extent, even idolized, for their journey from young kids with dreams to acknowledged artists. As they transition into a new trail ahead, fans will undoubtedly witness more incredible performances, more genuine perspectives, and perhaps even a few unexpected moments.
Because if there is one takeaway from the experiences of Seolhyun and Jung So Min, it is that moving into a new chapter in your life can be beautiful, if you have courage and have grace.
