Young K-pop stars graduate from School of Performing Arts Seoul

Young K-pop stars graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul, or SOPA, on Thursday. SOPA is a high school located in Guro district, western Seoul and is well-known for its music and acting courses, with many K-pop and ...

2023 graduates of the School of Performing Arts Seoul [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Young K-pop stars graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul, or SOPA, on Thursday.

SOPA is a high school located in Guro District, western Seoul and is well-known for its music and acting courses, with many K-pop and Korean actors graduating from the school.

This year, girl group IVE’s Jang Won-young was one of the notable graduates, alongside other girl group members including Lee Jae-hee from Weeekly, Yujeong from Lightsum and Remi from Cherry Bullet.

Park Jeong-woo from boy band Treasure, Kim Yeon-kyu from boy band ATBO and actor Kim Su-jeong also graduated on Thursday.

While Jang was unable to attend the graduation ceremony, she shared a message of gratitude through her agency, Starship Entertainment, thanking everyone who offered her congratulations.

Jang Won-young's yearbook photo for SOPA [SCREEN CAPTURE]

“It still doesn’t feel real and even feels awkward that I have completed high school and turned 20. But as an adult, I will act more responsibly and try to show a more grown-up side of myself,” said Jang.

“While it is sad to leave the school full of good memories, I think an end is also a beginning to a new start,” said Lee Jae-hee during the graduation ceremony.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]