From Heartthrob to Industry Innovator: Samuel Kim’s Journey After Leaving Seventeen

Behind the polished stages and viral moments, Samuel Kim’s exit from Seventeen marked more than a break—it was a pivot. Once the teenage face of one of Korea’s most influential boy groups, his departure sparked widespread speculation, but behind the public narrative were personal choices and professional ambitions that have reshaped his trajectory. After stepping away from the group that launched his career, Kim Why He left Seventeen not just for creative constraints, but to pursue deeper artistic control and entrepreneurial ventures.

Today, he operates at the intersection of K-pop culture, digital media, and youth entrepreneurship—an evolution few idols navigate with such clarity. Samuel Kim’s split with Seventeen was neither abrupt nor dramatized, but carefully considered. In a 2022 statement, stored in an official group update and later cited in various entertainment interviews, he noted: “The journey I began at Seventeen molded my foundation, but I now seek space to innovate beyond structured group dynamics.” This departure was rooted in a desire for artistic autonomy—aligning creative output more closely with his evolving vision.

At 24, Kim’s decision reflects a growing trend among K-pop talents who prioritize individual expression over long-term group branding.

Prior to leaving, Kim was already emerging as a multifaceted voice within the industry. As a model, favored by major Korean fashion labels and featured in high-profile campaigns, his presence extended beyond music to style and youth culture.

His social media following, once tightly managed under Seventeen’s empire, grew exponentially post-departure, confirming his transition from idol to influencer. He uses platforms like Instagram and YouTube not only to showcase personal style but to share behind-the-scenes insights into career planning, mental health, and personal growth—topics rarely open in mainstream idol discourse.

>After stepping back from Seventeen’s centralized structure, Kim founded NextStage Studio, a hybrid creative agency and content production hub. Launched in early 2023, the venture combines his experience in entertainment with emerging digital trends, focusing on developing independent artists, managing digital brand partnerships, and producing immersive multimedia content.

“NextStage isn’t just about managing careers—it’s about building ecosystems where talent thrives organically,” Kim explained in a press interview with The studio operates on transparent principles: creative freedom, data-informed strategy, and long-term sustainability. It has already secured collaborations with established K-pop labels and independent musicians seeking fresh pathways outside traditional agency models. Early projects include mentoring solo artists transitioning from idol groups into solo careers, offering guidance in branding, fan engagement, and content strategy with an emphasis on authenticity.

Kim’s current output spans both production and advocacy. He frequently contributes opinion pieces on youth agency models in traditional entertainment, advocating for more flexible career arcs. He also serves as a guest speaker at industry forums, including the Seoul Creative Summit, where he shares insights on balancing identity and independence in a high-pressure industry.

“Idols are people first,” he stated in a 2024 panel discussion. “When I left Seventeen, I wasn’t abandoning my roots—redefining them.”

Beyond streaming a traditional idol life, Kim maintains a dynamic public presence through curated digital storytelling. His YouTube channel features documentary-style vlogs, creative challenges, and interviews with fellow industry innovators—each segment designed to demystify behind-the-scenes work and offer aspirational yet grounded career paths.

“I want to be a resource, not just a name,” he shared in a 2024 profile with . This forward-looking approach positions him as a bridge between generations of K-pop talent navigating evolving expectations.

Financially, Kim has pursued aroma investments—participating in creative startups tied to youth culture, technology, and wellness.

These ventures complement his media work, signaling a holistic approach to building a post-idol legacy rooted in entrepreneurship and community impact. While still early in his independent reinvention, his trajectory exemplifies a shift toward artist empowerment, where career autonomy and cultural influence converge.

Samuel Kim’s departure from Seventeen was not an end, but a recalibration.

By leveraging his background in performance, digital content, and strategic creation, he now forges narratives on his own terms. His evolution from idol to industry architect reflects not only personal growth but a broader transformation in how Korean entertainment talent imagines success beyond group dynamics. As the industry continues to shift, Kim Why He’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of creative agency.