Hyerim, a former member of the popular K-pop group Wonder Girls, has achieved another milestone in her post-idol career. On August 14, she took to social media to share that she has officially earned her English storytelling instructor certification.
Along with the announcement, she posted several photos showing her certificate and award neatly displayed. In the pictures, Hyerim’s bright smile reflected the pride and joy she felt on this special day.
In her caption, she explained the motivation behind this new achievement.
“I started studying because I wanted to make my time with Siwoo and Sian more beautiful and meaningful, and I’m really glad I did,” she wrote, referring to her two sons. She continued, “I’m still a mom who has much to learn, but I will dedicate myself to helping more children smile through English storytelling.”
Balancing Career and Family
Hyerim’s journey into English storytelling began as a personal project to connect with her children in a more enriching way. As a mother of two, she wanted to create meaningful experiences that would stay with them as they grow. This desire eventually inspired her to pursue formal training and gain official certification.
She married Shin Min Chul, a professional Taekwondo athlete, and the couple welcomed their first son, Siwoo, in February 2022. In June 2023, Hyerim shared news of her second pregnancy, and in December of that year, she gave birth to another healthy baby boy, Sian.
Despite the demands of raising two young children, Hyerim continues to explore new opportunities for personal and professional growth, showing fans a side of her life beyond the music stage.
Educational Background and Skills
Hyerim’s achievement in English storytelling is no surprise to those who know her background. She graduated from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, earning a degree in Chinese Diplomacy and Commerce. Her fluency in both English and Chinese has been one of her strongest assets since her early days in the entertainment industry.
Currently, she applies her language skills in multiple ways. She hosts an English radio show on KBS, which allows her to connect with listeners and share engaging content in a professional setting. She also works as a translator for foreign books, making international stories accessible to Korean readers.
Her passion for education extends into volunteer work as well. She spends time in kindergartens, reading and storytelling to children, an activity that now holds even greater meaning thanks to her new certification.
From Idol to Educator
Hyerim joined Wonder Girls in 2010, stepping into the spotlight as part of one of the most iconic K-pop girl groups of the era. During her time in the group, Wonder Girls achieved both domestic and international success, making them one of the few K-pop acts to gain significant recognition in the United States.
After Wonder Girls disbanded, Hyerim explored different paths, including broadcasting, language studies, and writing. She has since proven that idols can build diverse and fulfilling careers outside of the music industry.
Her latest certification marks a new chapter where she combines her public presence with her love for education and storytelling, showing that personal passions can evolve into meaningful work that benefits the community.
Fans and followers have expressed their admiration online, praising her dedication and her ability to balance so many roles of mother, wife, radio host, translator, and now certified instructor.
