Wonder Girls News: Former Member Hyelim Switches Career, Enjoying University Life

K-pop idol Hyelim is enjoying her ordinary life away from the spotlight. The former Wonder Girls member revealed her new passion and possibly a new career in the future.

Hyelim (Woo Hye-rim in real life) is currently a university student. She said after her K-pop girl group was disbanded in January 2017, she decided to attend an international Korean university. Hyelim is currently taking English Interpretation-Communication Studies (EICC) as her major.

Hyelim, also known as Lim, explained in a recent interview with The Star Magazine (via AllKPop) her reason for taking EICC. The singer admitted that she lacks the basic communication skills when she was still with Wonder Girls. Hyelim added that she chose EICC because translating books is her passion.

"Right now, I am translating diaries and essays, but I want to try translating a variety of different genres in the future," Hyelim said. 

Hyelim's University Life Experience

It looks like the classmates and teachers of the Wonder Girls singer are not giving her a hard time in the university. Hyelim is clearly experiencing a great time in school. She confessed that since last year, she has not skipped her classes and is never even late to school. She proudly said that her university motto right now is to attend her every class "diligently and sincerely."

Aside from translating written words, it looks like Hyelim is also looking into the possibility of being a vocal coach. It can be recalled that she recorded a vocal guide for K-pop female group TWICE last year. She shared the recording on Instagram.

Many fans are wondering when she will come back on stage. In her blog post earlier this year, the K-pop singer said she plans to continue her studies this year. However, just over a week ago, she posted a photo of a JYP Entertainment coffee cup. It seems as if the photo was taken at the office of her management agency, JYP Entertainment. This suggests that Hyelim is still under contract with the agency and may come back anytime she wishes.

Hyelim was 17-years-old when she joined Wonder Girls as Sunmi's replacement. The latter put her musical career on hold to focus on her studies. In January 2017, JYP Entertainment announced that Wonder Girls would be disbanded after an unsuccessful contract renewal negotiation with some of its members. Hyelim was one of the members who renewed her contract. The K-pop group released their final single "Draw Me" on February 10, 2017.

Wonder Girls gained popularity with their hit song "Nobody" in 2009. The single made it to No. 67 on Billboard Hot 100 chart, making them the first South Korean group to enter the chart. They have been known as "South Korea's Retro Queens" as their music contains elements from the retro era.