From K-pop group leader to barre instructor: Nam Ji-hyun's new chapter

Nam Ji-hyun, a former member of the girl group 4Minute who opened a barre studio last year, has shared her philosophy as a barre instructor while showing off her fit physique.

On Monday, Nam posted on her social media: "Isn't the essence of barre — the essence of wellness — about keeping both mind and body as healthy and positive as possible? What do you think?"

Photos shared alongside the post showed Nam enjoying a relaxed time at a hotel pool and other settings. Her toned figure, the result of a dedicated fitness lifestyle, drew attention throughout the images.

Nam debuted as a member of 4Minute in 2009. The group scored a string of hits — including "Hot Issue," "Crazy" and "Volume Up" — before officially disbanding in 2016. She had pursued singing and acting simultaneously, and after the group's breakup she transitioned fully to acting. Last year, however, she opened a barre-only studio in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where she now works as an instructor.

When she first announced her new path as a barre instructor, Nam was asked whether she had retired from the entertainment industry. "No," she said. "I think I had grown tired of being chosen by others. I exercised to escape that sense of helplessness — to go further with more strength — and that exercise turned out to be barre."

She added, "Barre gave me so much energy that I wanted to share it, and I wanted to show people how rewarding it is to break a sweat. I believe sincerity gets through to people. I want to pass on the energy to live life on your own terms — and help build it together."

Barre takes its name from the ballet barre used in its practice. The workout combines the fundamental movements and alignment principles of ballet with elements of Pilates, yoga and functional strength training to condition the entire body.