Kim Sejeong first caught the public’s eye as the bubbly runner-up of Produce 101, but in the years since she’s quietly become one of the most versatile figures in K-pop and K-drama. From leading a cable hit like Business Proposal to leaving the agency that trained her for over a decade, her career has taken a deliberate, independent turn.
Born: August 28, 1996 ·
Height: 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) ·
Debut Year: 2016 (I.O.I) ·
Groups: I.O.I, Gugudan, solo ·
Notable Dramas: Business Proposal, The Uncanny Counter, School 2017 ·
Former Agency: Jellyfish Entertainment (2009–2024)
Quick snapshot
- Born August 28, 1996 (Kpop Profiles (fan database))
- Debut with I.O.I in 2016 after placing 2nd on Produce 101 (Celeb Confirmed (K-pop news))
- Lead roles in School 2017, The Uncanny Counter, Business Proposal (IMDb (film database))
- Ended exclusive contract with Jellyfish Entertainment in 2024 (Chosun English (Korean press))
- Current relationship status (no public confirmation) (Celeb Confirmed)
- Next agency after Jellyfish (reports suggest BH Entertainment but unconfirmed) (Chosun English)
- Specific upcoming drama project (multiple offers under review) (Kpop Profiles)
- Exact date of departure from Jellyfish Entertainment (reports vary) (Chosun English)
- 2016: Debut with I.O.I (Celeb Confirmed)
- 2020: Breakout role in The Uncanny Counter (IMDb)
- 2024: Leaves Jellyfish Entertainment (Chosun English)
- 2026: Reportedly signs with BH Entertainment (Chosun English)
- New agency likely BH Entertainment (Chosun English)
- Continued balance between music and acting projects (IMDb)
- Fans expect a solo album or OST after agency move (Chosun English)
Eight facts from her career show a pattern of steady growth from idol to independent star.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Se-jeong |
| Birthdate | August 28, 1996 |
| Birthplace | South Korea |
| Height | 168 cm |
| Agency | Formerly Jellyfish Entertainment (2009–2024) |
| Debut | 2016 (I.O.I) |
| Notable Dramas | Business Proposal, The Uncanny Counter, School 2017 |
| Social Media | Instagram: @clean_0828 |
The implication: she has packed more transitions in eight years than many artists manage in two decades.
Is Kim Se-jeong in a relationship?
- Kim Se-jeong has not publicly confirmed any current relationship (Celeb Confirmed (K-pop news)).
Past Dating Rumors
- Rumored relationships with co-stars from The Uncanny Counter and Business Proposal were never substantiated (IMDb (film database)).
Current Relationship Status
- She stated in a 2023 interview that she focuses on her career and has no time for dating (Chosun English (Korean press)).
Privacy and Public Statements
- Sejeong keeps her personal life private; no official relationship announcement has ever been made (Kpop Profiles (fan database)).
The pattern: she keeps her private life separate from a very public career, a boundary most idols struggle to maintain.
What happened to Kim Se-jeong?
- Kim Sejeong left Jellyfish Entertainment in 2024 after 12 years as a trainee and artist (Chosun English (Korean press)).
Departure from Jellyfish Entertainment
- Jellyfish Entertainment announced the departure, stating she would not renew her exclusive contract after about a decade (Celeb Confirmed (K-pop news)).
Career Timeline After Leaving
- She posted a heartfelt farewell on Instagram, thanking fans and staff (Instagram (official account)).
- As of early 2025, she has not signed with a new agency, though BH Entertainment is reportedly in discussion (Chosun English).
Future Plans and Speculation
- She confirmed interest in more acting roles and solo music (Chosun English).
- Fans speculate a full album or OST project after the agency change (Kpop Profiles).
Leaving Jellyfish gave Kim control over her artistic direction but also left her without agency support for negotiations. For an actress with multiple drama offers, the next few months will determine whether she can maintain momentum alone or needs a new partner.
The catch: independence cuts both ways — more creative freedom, less bargaining power.
Why is Kim Se-jeong so popular?
- Her rise from I.O.I to leading lady is driven by versatility, not luck (Celeb Confirmed).
Versatile Talent as Singer and Actress
- She debuted as a singer in I.O.I and later Gugudan, then proved her acting chops in School 2017 (IMDb).
- Her solo EP Door (2023) showed she can carry both vocal and acting careers (Kpop Profiles).
Breakthrough Roles in Dramas
- The Uncanny Counter (2020) set OCN’s highest viewership record, with Sejeong playing Do Ha-na (IMDb).
- Business Proposal (2022) became a global hit on Netflix, cementing her status as a rom-com queen (Kpop Profiles).
Fan Connection and Personality
- Her relatable, down-to-earth image and frequent social media updates keep fans engaged (Instagram (official account)).
- She stays close with former I.O.I members, appealing to nostalgia (Kpop Profiles).
Kim’s popularity isn’t manufactured. She earned it by delivering in two industries simultaneously. For talent agencies scouting idol-actors, her trajectory sets a new benchmark: you can be both, but you have to be genuinely good at each.
The implication: her dual-career model is now the standard, not the exception.
Is Kim Se-jeong still acting?
- Yes, she continues to act. Her latest drama is The Uncanny Counter 2 (2023) (Kpop Profiles (fan database)).
Recent Acting Projects
- She starred in Today’s Webtoon (2022) and Brewing Love (2024) (Kpop Profiles).
- Her role in The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch was a supporting part as Ga Mo-tak’s love interest (IMDb).
Upcoming Roles
- No new drama confirmed as of early 2025, but multiple offers are being reviewed (Chosun English (Korean press)).
Acting vs. Music Priority
- She balances both, stating she enjoys acting but also wants to release more music (Chosun English).
The pattern: she refuses to drop either discipline, which keeps her schedule demanding but her options open.
What is Kim Sejeong’s latest drama?
- Her most recent drama is The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch (2023) (Kpop Profiles (fan database)).
Details of Latest Drama
- The sequel aired on tvN and continued the story of noodle shop employees who are demon hunters (IMDb (film database)).
Character and Reception
- She played Ga Mo-tak’s love interest in a supporting role, receiving praise for her comic timing (Kpop Profiles).
Future Drama Projects
- As of early 2025, no new drama is confirmed; she is reportedly reviewing offers (Chosun English (Korean press)).
What this means: the gap between projects will stretch until her agency status is settled.
Timeline signal
- 2016 – Finishes 2nd on Produce 101; debuts with I.O.I (Celeb Confirmed)
- 2017 – Acting lead debut in School 2017 (IMDb)
- 2020 – Stars in The Uncanny Counter as Do Ha-na (IMDb)
- 2022 – Lead role in Business Proposal as Shin Ha-ri (Kpop Profiles)
- 2023 – Releases solo EP Door; stars in The Uncanny Counter 2 (Kpop Profiles)
- 2024 – Leaves Jellyfish Entertainment after 12 years (Chosun English)
- 2026 – Reportedly moves to BH Entertainment (Chosun English)
The pattern: each major career move comes roughly two years apart, suggesting a deliberate rhythm.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Born August 28, 1996
- Debut with I.O.I in 2016
- Acted in Business Proposal, The Uncanny Counter, School 2017
- Height 168 cm
What’s unclear
- Current relationship status
- Next agency (BH Entertainment rumored)
- Specific upcoming drama role
- Exact date of solo album release
- Exact departure date from Jellyfish Entertainment (sources vary between 2024 and 2026)
The catch: even basic timeline facts remain contested between different press accounts.
Quotes from Kim Sejeong
In her farewell statement on Instagram in 2024, Kim Sejeong thanked the Jellyfish team and fans for their support over 12 years, expressing sincere gratitude for the journey together (Instagram (official account)).
“I want to keep both acting and music going. It’s hard but I love both too much to give one up.”
Kim Sejeong, 2023 press conference (Chosun English (Korean press))
Her own words confirm the balancing act that defines her career.
Summary
Kim Sejeong has navigated the shift from idol group star to independent actress-singer with few missteps, but the real test lies ahead. Without a major agency backing her, she must negotiate her next drama and album offers alone. For Korean entertainment fans watching her journey, the decision is clear: either she signs with BH Entertainment and continues the hybrid career, or she goes fully independent and bets on her name alone.
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For those curious about her career trajectory, a detailed look at her life after leaving Jellyfish provides additional context on her solo journey.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kim Sejeong’s real name?
Her birth name is Kim Se-jeong ( ). It is her stage name as well.
How tall is Kim Sejeong?
She is 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) tall.
What is Kim Sejeong’s blood type?
Her blood type is A.
What is Kim Sejeong’s favorite food?
She has mentioned loving tteokbokki and Korean fried chicken.
Does Kim Sejeong have any siblings?
She has a younger brother.
What is Kim Sejeong’s MBTI?
She has publicly stated her MBTI is ENTJ.
What is Kim Sejeong’s net worth?
Estimates vary, but her income from acting, music, and endorsements is believed to be in the millions of dollars, though no verified figure exists.
What are Kim Sejeong’s most popular dramas?
Her most popular dramas are Business Proposal (2022), The Uncanny Counter (2020), and School 2017 (2017).
The implication: fans ask the same questions about every K-star — height, blood type, net worth — but Sejeong’s answers stay consistent because she keeps her personal baseline stable.
Related reading
- Han Jisung: Age, Birthday, Nationality, Relationship, and Facts – biography of another K-pop idol
- Shah Rukh Khan: Health, Net Worth & Smoking Habit (2024) – celebrity profile for context
The pattern: both profiles share the same editorial DNA — verifiable facts, clear unknowns, and a focus on career trajectory.
Daniel Harper is Editor-in-Chief at Coast Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.