Former OH MY GIRL member Jiho, now Gong Ji Ho, made her grand debut in 2015 as a K-Pop idol. Alongside her teammates, Jiho served as a visual member with pristine vocal skills. But on May 9, 2022, when her contract with WM Entertainment came to an end, Jiho chose not to renew and withdrew from the girl group she called home for seven years.
Then, in July of the following year, Jiho signed with P&Studio to pursue an acting career and even changed her name to actress Gong Ji Ho. While Jiho was not active for two years after that, it was finally announced in September 2024 that she was shooting the 2025 SBS K-Drama Buried Hearts.
That said, what are Jiho’s thoughts on the switch from idol to actress? In an interview with TENASIA, Jiho hinted that while being “K-Pop idol Jiho” for a decade was great, she is not planning on going back to idol-ing, at least for now.
I wouldn’t say I have absolutely no lingering feelings [about being an idol], but right now, I’m fully focused on acting. My only thought is that I want to take on more projects. I have a goal of being recognized and called by my character’s name. For the past 10 years since my debut, I’ve been known as ‘Jiho.’ From now on, I want to be remembered by the names of the characters I play.
— Jiho
About her unintended “hiatus” between 2022 to 2024, Jiho said she trusted her new management to work things out for her. Good thing she did, as her debuting K-Drama became a huge hit, re-writing SBS history by ranking in the Top 10 highest-rated SBS Friday-Saturday series!
During my hiatus, I spent time auditioning for projects, traveling, and consistently working out. There were moments when I questioned, ‘Will I be able to continue doing this in the future?’ In the midst of it all, I chose to trust the CEO of my current management company. Every step I’ve taken up until now was entirely my own choice. And I realized that changing the outcome is ultimately up to me, no one else. Since it’s not over until it’s truly over, I strengthened my resolve once again with the mindset of giving it my all.
— Jiho
Set on becoming a successful actress, Jiho expressed anticipation for the future.
There were times during my hiatus when it felt like time was barely moving. But looking back now, I realize that three whole years have already passed. It’s amazing (laughs). I’m curious about the future me. Up until now, I’ve been running toward my dreams, but now, realities I could have never imagined back then are unfolding before me. I’m full of anticipation for a future that even I can’t predict.
— Jiho
Read more about Jiho:
OH MY GIRL’s Jiho Reveals Why She Doesn’t Want To Get Married