Jo Hyewon Signs Exclusive Contract with KeyEast, Begins New Journey as an Actress
Former idol Joah of the girl group Weeekly has officially transitioned into acting under her birth name Jo Hyewon, signing an exclusive contract with entertainment agency KeyEast.
On April 16, KeyEast announced the signing, stating, “Jo Hye-won is a multi-talented artist with proven abilities in singing, acting, and variety entertainment, as well as a deep passion for acting. We will provide full support so she can flourish as an actress.” The agency also asked for strong support for Jo as she embarks on a new chapter in her career.
Jo debuted in 2020 as the youngest member and main rapper of Weeekly.
The group rose to prominence quickly, sweeping six rookie awards and breaking records with their 2021 hit “After School,” which topped iTunes album charts, surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, and achieved over 200 million streams on Spotify.
Jo made her acting debut in the 2022 web film 3.5 Period, where she played Baek Ah-jin, a mysterious transfer student who stumbles upon a watch that slows time.
Her performance drew praise for its stability and her distinct voice, signaling potential as a rising actress.
She has since focused on developing her acting craft, gaining admission to Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of Acting Arts in 2024 to pursue formal education in the field.
Beyond acting, Jo has also shown promise as a variety entertainer. Her solo web variety show Ohiryeo Joah revealed her playful charm and boosted her public appeal, solidifying her image as a versatile performer.
Reflecting on her new path, Jo Hye-won shared, “It’s an honor to start this new journey at KeyEast alongside so many actors I respect.
I’ll work hard to grow into an actress who can take on diverse roles and show sides of me the public hasn’t yet seen. Please look forward to it.”
Her signing with KeyEast, home to top-tier talents such as Cha Seung-won, Kim Hee-ae, and Han Sun-hwa, has drawn attention as she prepares for a full-fledged transition into acting.
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사진 ©keyeast.co.kr
