Produce 101 is one of the most popular and prominent, K-pop contest shows and has created some of the most successful groups with large followings and millions of streams on music platforms such as I.O.I, IZONE, and Wanna One. Yet not everyone makes the cut into the competitive world of Korean Pop as rounds of eliminations remove many contestants at a time. But what about those who had to leave, even if the public wanted them to stay?

Kim Tae Min

This is exactly what happened in the show's second season to Hanahreum Company trainee, Kim Tae Min, who after passing through many rounds and a ranking of 37th, the singing hopeful suddenly withdrew from the show on the 8th episode. He had to leave the show due to health reasons!

Pressing Health Concerns 

During his time on the show, Kim Tae Min complained of abdominal pain, triggering immediate surgery and his departure from the Mnet talent show. His company broke the news to devastated fans.

It must have not only been physically difficult for the star, but mentally too as the idea that the only thing between you and your dreams is something out of your control, and he could have made the cut for Wanna One and have a completely different life.

Acting Career

After he departed from the show, not much was heard of, from Kim Tae Min, until his 2018 appearance in the Korean teen-horror film, The Whispering, where he played a supporting role. He also had roles in three drama shows that same year, Sunny as well, Love in time, and Mischievous detectives.

Social Media Silence

This K-pop hopeful turn actor has not been active on his only known social media platform, Instagram. On his verified page, he has a black profile picture and only one photo of himself from the 16th of January 2021.

Instagram Post Details

After looking into his post, it is revealed that Kim Tae Min completed his mandatory military service to the nation for about two years. This explains his absence from 2019 to 2021.

So What's Next?

After returning from the Military, not much has happened regarding Kim Tae Min. All of the other articles about him, talk about his departure from the show. With no recent acting work and quiet social media, it is likely he is perhaps now choosing to live a quiet life. Whatever his choice is, I wish him well, and I hope he is healthy and happy.