Kang Mi-na
A multitalented performer who transitioned from a K-pop survival show standout into a sought-after actress with a captivating screen presence.
Born 1999 (age 27)·South Korean actress·Birthday: December 4·Generation Z
Biography
Kang Mi-na's journey is a classic tale of modern Korean entertainment evolution. She first captured the public's heart in 2016 as a bright-eyed contestant on the high-stakes survival show 'Produce 101,' where her charm and talent earned her a spot in the project girl group I.O.I. She later debuted as a member of Gugudan, but it was on the acting stage where she truly found her distinctive voice. Shedding the idol image, Kang immersed herself in roles that showcased her growing range, from the historical drama 'Moonshine' to the supernatural hit 'Hotel del Luna,' where her supporting role gained significant attention. With leading parts in series like 'Café Minamdang' and the warmly received 'Welcome to Samdal-ri,' she has firmly established herself as a reliable and expressive actress, proving her staying power lies in narrative, not just melody.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Kang was born in 1999, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kang Was Born
The biggest hits of 1999
#1 Movie
Star Wars: Episode I
Best Picture
American Beauty
#1 TV Show
ER
Kang's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1999Born
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2004Started school
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2012Became a teenager
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Could drive
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2017Could vote
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2020Turned 21
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 27 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished in 9th place on Mnet's 'Produce 101' in 2016, securing her debut in the project girl group I.O.I.
- Debuted as a lead actress in the web series 'Dokgo Rewind' in 2018, marking her official acting transition.
- Gained widespread recognition for her role as a hotel ghost in the popular fantasy drama 'Hotel del Luna' (2019).
- Landed her first leading role in a major network drama with KBS2's 'Moonshine' in 2021-2022.
- Starred as the female lead in the JTBC drama 'Welcome to Samdal-ri' (2023), receiving positive reviews for her performance.
Did You Know?
She trained as a JYP Entertainment trainee before joining Jellyfish Entertainment to compete on 'Produce 101.'
She is a trained hapkido practitioner, having earned a black belt.
She was a member of the Gugudan sub-unit 'SeMiNa,' a trio formed with members Semmi and Mina.
She shares her real name, Kang Mi-na, with a former member of the girl group AOA, leading to occasional confusion.
“I want to be an actress who can show many different sides.”
