Minzy

Minzy’s story is one of resilience, acceptance, and growth. At just 15 years old, Gong Min-ji—better known to fans around the world as Minzy—burst onto the South Korean music scene as the youngest member of 2NE1, the powerhouse girl group that transformed the sound, style, and global reach of K-pop. With chart-topping hits like “I Am the Best”, “Fire” and “Come Back Home”, 2NE1 became a cultural force. Minzy, known for her fierce dancing and magnetic stage presence, quickly became a standout figure in an industry built on precision and performance.

A beloved artist, Minzy has spent over a decade navigating what it means to grow in the public eye. After seven groundbreaking years with 2NE1, she made the deeply personal and courageous decision to leave the group and forge her own path. That choice marked not just a career shift, but the beginning of a transformative journey—one of self-discovery, creative freedom and healing.

In an interview with Timid, Minzy reflects on how it feels to reunite with 2NE1, the importance of prioritizing mental health, and the legacy she’s building as a solo artist, mentor, and proud granddaughter of the famous Korean traditional folk artist, Gong Ok Jin.

Timid Magazine: Minzy, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Let’s start with something recent—your performance with 2NE1 at 88rising's Head In The Clouds: LA in June was a historic reunion for fans in the United States, especially since your last US performance together at Coachella in 2022. How did it feel to be on stage with the group and what was the energy like from the crowd during that performance?

Minzy: I really missed our fans in the US, so seeing them again made me incredibly happy. But more than anything, just being on stage with the members again was truly emotional for me. You could really feel how long the audience had been waiting for that moment—their energy, their excitement… It was so heartwarming to share that joy with them.

TM: You debuted at just 15 years old with 2NE1. Looking back, what moments or experiences from that time do you feel were most crucial in shaping who you became as an artist?

M: One of the most impactful experiences for me was going on concert tours and meeting fans from all around the world. Being exposed to different cultures, learning new languages, and connecting with people really helped me expand my world, not just as an artist, but as a person. By broadening my perspective, my values and worldview also grew, and I found myself deeply moved and inspired in ways I’ll never forget.

TM: 2NE1 had such a unique bond as a group. What did you learn about sisterhood and support from your time with CL, Dara, and Park Bom that you still carry with you today?

M: We’re like family. In many ways, we spent more time together than with our actual families, especially since we trained and grew up together from such a young age. Because of all those years, we came to understand each other deeply—not just on the surface. We don’t always need words to know what the other person is thinking or feeling. That kind of trust only comes from real connection. Our bond is strong because we know that, no matter what, if one of us falls or struggles, the others will always be there to lift her up.

TM: Leaving 2NE1 in 2016 was a significant turning point that you've openly shared came with emotional challenges. In South Korean culture where mental health is still often stigmatized, what helped prioritize your well-being and regain stability?

M: I think I learned how to become a calm sea through a lot of trial and error. Even when storms come and everything feels chaotic, if you can hold onto a sense of peace within, you can get through so much. I started to really love myself—embracing everything as it is, whether it’s a strength or a flaw. And when you can fully accept yourself, that’s when you begin to love and care for others in the same way. Loving yourself changes everything. It also helps to practice embracing things that are beyond your control with compassion. Sometimes, learning to let go allows time and life to bring things back to you naturally—and that’s when peace finds you.

TM: You've navigated both incredible highs and challenging moments throughout your career and have shown such personal growth along the way. What message would you give to fans who might be struggling with their mental health or going through difficult times?

M: Even though I can’t call you or meet you in person like a close friend would, I hope you remember that I’m always with you through my music. Whenever you listen to my songs, know that I’m there beside you, giving you strength and comfort in my own way. That’s the reason I make music—to be there for you, even from afar.

TM: The K-pop industry is known for its intense standards, which you experienced firsthand from such a young age. What advice would you give to young artists today about navigating those pressures while protecting their mental health?

M: Back then, I remember being really hard on myself. I would fixate on things that didn’t really matter and often let small insecurities bring me down. There were so many moments when I lacked confidence. But now, when I look back at videos from that time, I actually surprise myself—I think, “Wow, how did I do that at such a young age? That was actually really good.”

So my advice is: don’t be too harsh on yourself, but also stay humble. In this industry, you’re constantly under so many eyes, and if you focus too much on how others see you, you lose the chance to really understand yourself. Take time to look inward and treat yourself with kindness. And most of all, listen to words that truly matter—the ones that uplift you and help you grow.

TM: What has been the most liberating part about your solo journey and what challenges have surprised you along the way?

M: I think the most liberating part was making my own choices freely and expanding my relationships on my own terms. At the same time, making your own decisions always comes with responsibility, so learning to take full ownership of every choice I made was definitely a challenge for me. It required a kind of courage and emotional strength that I had to build along the way.

TM: How did you balance honoring your 2NE1 legacy while shaping your own artistic identity?

M: That balance required me to take a step back and really explore myself. I needed time to ask: Who am I now? What kind of energy or inspiration do I want to share with the world? It felt a bit like standing in a forest without knowing what kinds of trees were around me. You have to study, explore, and observe, and eventually, you begin to realize, “This is how this beautiful forest came to be.” That’s what the process of shaping my own identity felt like.

TM: Tell us about your recent projects and what excites you most about this current chapter of your career.

M: Lately, I’ve been focusing on creating new music. To do that, I feel like I need fresh inspiration to enter my world—whether that comes from friends, new cultures, or cities I’ve never been to before. So I’ve been exploring and traveling a lot, allowing myself to stay open to new experiences. What excites me most is the idea of coming back with music that reflects a new chapter of growth and sharing it with everyone. And of course, performing again with the 2NE1 members has been so exciting. We inspire each other in such a natural way, and working together feels truly joyful. I really hope we get more chances to create and share more moments together.

TM: As you continue growing your solo career, what sounds, collaborations, or creative directions are you most excited to explore? Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance to yet?

M: I really want to be involved in writing and composing an entire album. Up until now, I’ve contributed to one or two tracks on singles or albums, but my next goal is to create a full body of work—whether it’s a mini or full-length album—that truly reflects my passion, sincerity, and storytelling through music. I want it to feel like a complete masterpiece, something that represents who I am as an artist on a deeper level.

TM: Your grandmother, Gong Ok Jin, was a celebrated traditional Korean folk dancer and pansori performer known for her solo artistry. How did her dedication to this art form influence your own approach to performance and self-expression, especially as you’ve grown into your solo career?

M: Because my grandmother was a recognized National Treasure of Korea, I’ve always carried a strong sense of pride and patriotism. I want to represent Korea and share our culture with the world through my work. Of course, as a person, I know I’m not perfect, but I try to walk this path with sincerity and integrity. It brings me so much joy to think that I’ve become an artist who carries forward my grandmother’s legacy, and I truly believe that the influence she had on me should continue to be passed down to the next generation.

TM: As a pioneer in K-pop's global expansion, what do you think about your role in representing Korean culture to international audiences?

M: It brings me pure joy to see so many people around the world listening to and loving K-pop, and simply showing interest in Korean culture. I feel that my role now is to continue sharing sincere music that truly represents Korea, and also to support the next generation of artists—offering guidance, encouragement, and being part of their journey as they grow. Watching them step into their own light is something I find incredibly meaningful.

TM: What traditions or values from Korean music culture do you feel are essential to preserve as K-pop continues to evolve globally?

M: I carry a strong sense of pride in being Korean, but at the same time, I believe it’s important to have a spirit of solidarity as a global artist. The values of Korean etiquette, especially from our tradition as a nation of respect and courtesy, have always grounded me in humility. And I believe it’s essential to never lose that spirit, to stay humble, no matter how far you go.

TM: You've been in the industry for over a decade, moving from being mentored to now being in a position to influence younger artists. What do you hope your journey—including both your triumphs and your struggles—teaches the next generation of performers, particularly young women entering the entertainment industry?

M: I hope that my journey—both the highs and the lows—shows young women that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to grow at your own pace, and to define success on your own terms. This industry can be intense and overwhelming at times, especially for women, but I want them to know that they don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. There is strength in staying true to yourself. I’ve learned that even the struggles have value, because they shape you into someone more grounded, more compassionate, and more powerful. If my story can give even a little bit of courage to the next generation, then it’s all worth it.

TM: What kind of legacy do you want to build through your continued work?

M: I hope my legacy is one of honesty, resilience, and heart. More than just achievements or numbers, I want to be remembered as someone who stayed true to her voice, who wasn’t afraid to be vulnerable, and who used her platform to inspire strength and self-love in others. If my music and journey can make even one person feel seen, understood, or empowered, then that’s the kind of impact I want to leave behind. I want my work to remind people that it’s okay to take your time, to grow slowly, and to be human.