Kim Garam Signs With New Agency as “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” and “Doctor on the Edge” Post Steady Nielsen Ratings

Kim Garam, the former LE SSERAFIM member, has signed an exclusive contract with a new talent agency, Management KOO, signaling a shift from her idol career toward acting. The announcement came on June 16, with the agency citing her training routine and efforts to build skills for a potential global career. At the same time, South Korean TV ratings remained strong for The Legend of Kitchen Soldier on tvN and Doctor on the Edge on ENA as both series approached key late-season moments, according to Nielsen Korea data.

Management KOO makes the case for Kim Garam’s acting pivot

In its statement, Management KOO said it had closely followed Kim Garam’s YouTube content and was impressed by what it described as her “limitless potential for growth as an actress” and her attitude. The agency said it ultimately chose to sign her exclusively after observing consistent progress and daily self-improvement aimed at her goal of becoming an actress.

According to the agency, Kim Garam has been undergoing training and conducting in-depth study to strengthen her acting skills. Management KOO also highlighted her preparation beyond Korea-based performance work, saying she has been investing time in learning English and Japanese with a view toward the “global stage.” The statement further noted that she has been teaching herself to play the guitar, framing it as part of a broader pattern of challenging herself and learning new things.

Kim Garam’s educational and skill-building efforts are also part of her current trajectory. The reports noted that she enrolled at Konkuk University in 2024 and is majoring in Media Acting. Earlier this year, she also launched a YouTube channel intended to communicate directly with the public.

Past controversies continue to shape fan and netizen reactions

While Management KOO presented Kim Garam’s growth and training as the key rationale for its decision, the move has sparked renewed backlash online. Koreaboo reported that some netizens criticized the agency for providing opportunities to Kim Garam, referencing the school bullying allegations that surrounded her earlier in her career.

Kim Garam debuted as a member of LE SSERAFIM in May 2022, but she suspended activities shortly after debut amid the controversy and later left the group. Those earlier events remain a flashpoint in public discussion, and critics argue that signing her for an acting-focused path does not resolve concerns raised during that period.

Supporters and critics appear to be talking about the same facts—her return to training, and her past controversy—from different angles. Management KOO’s messaging emphasizes rehabilitation through practice and learning, while opponents focus on whether industry platforms should move forward before accountability and closure are broadly accepted.

What the agency’s lineup suggests about its expectations

Management KOO, according to the reports, represents a roster that includes actors such as Lee Yo Won, Ha Seok Jin, Seo Ji Hun, Yoo In Soo, and Kwon Hyuk. By adding a former K-pop idol to an acting-centered roster, the agency appears to be betting on Kim Garam’s ability to transition audiences from music to screen.

The timing of the announcement—described as an exclusive contract supporting “full” assistance for her acting career—also implies the agency may be positioning her for project offers, auditions, or staged training opportunities. Kim Garam’s stated study of languages and additional skill acquisition could be intended to broaden her casting options as she prepares for roles that require more than basic performance.

Still, whether audiences and industry stakeholders treat her as an emerging actress rather than as a continuing controversy will likely depend on her next public appearances, training milestones, and any announced acting projects.

Meanwhile, TV ratings: “The Legend of Kitchen Soldier” holds firm

In separate entertainment news, Nielsen Korea reported that The Legend of Kitchen Soldier on tvN maintained solid performance as it moved toward the finale. With only one episode remaining, the show’s penultimate episode averaged a nationwide viewership rating of 7.1 percent, down slightly from 7.3 percent in the previous episode.

On ENA, Doctor on the Edge posted an average nationwide rating of 5.0 percent for episode 5, also a small dip from 5.2 percent the prior week. Together, the two programs illustrate continued mid-to-high single-digit momentum in their respective slots as schedules tighten and late-season storylines intensify.

What to watch next

For Kim Garam, the next steps are likely to be the clearest indicator of how the industry will respond to the signing. Watch for any announcements regarding acting training updates, casting discussions, or confirmed screen projects under Management KOO.

For viewers of The Legend of Kitchen Soldier and Doctor on the Edge, the near-final episode of tvN’s series and ongoing developments in ENA’s medical drama will be critical. Rating reports in the coming days will show whether the slight dips trend downward—or whether audience engagement rebounds as both series move to their most consequential chapters.