7 Shocking Ways Nana (After School) Has Redefined Her Career In 2025

The narrative of Im Jin-ah, famously known as Nana, has taken a dramatic and exhilarating turn in late 2024 and heading into 2025, solidifying her status as one of South Korea's most versatile entertainers. After spending over a decade building a formidable career as an idol and a respected actress, Nana has once again surprised fans with a bold new direction, including a major return to her musical roots and a lead role in one of the most anticipated films of the year. As of late 2024, the former After School and Orange Caramel member is no longer just the 'visual' of a K-pop group; she is a solo artist, a critically-acclaimed actress, and a figure of resilience, navigating high-profile projects and even a dramatic personal incident with grace and strength. Her career trajectory is a masterclass in reinvention, culminating in a series of high-impact announcements and releases that have cemented her place in the industry.

Nana (Im Jin-ah) Complete Biography & Profile

Nana, whose real name is Im Jin-ah, has successfully transitioned from a global K-pop icon to a respected actress, model, and now a solo music artist. Her journey from the stage to the screen is marked by continuous evolution and a willingness to take on challenging roles.

• Full Name: Im Jin-ah (임진아)
• Stage Name: Nana (나나)
• Date of Birth: September 14, 1991
• Birthplace: Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea
• Height: 171 cm (5 ft 7 in)
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Model
• Former Groups: After School (2009–2019), Orange Caramel (Sub-Unit)
• Debut: 2009 (as a member of After School)
• Current Agency: Sublime Artist Agency (Signed September 2024)
• Notable Awards: Excellent Actress (2020 KBS Drama Awards for *Memorials*), Best New Actress (2016 Asia Artist Awards for *The Good Wife*)

The Solo Music Comeback: 16 Years in the Making

One of the most significant and unexpected developments in Nana's career is her return to music as a solo artist. After a 16-year hiatus from the music scene since her debut with After School, Nana announced her first-ever solo music project.

The Debut Album: *Seventh Heaven 16*

Nana's debut solo album is titled *Seventh Heaven 16*. The title itself is a poignant nod to her 16 years in the entertainment industry, starting from her days with After School, which debuted in 2009. This solo project marks the beginning of her full-fledged music career as an individual artist, showcasing a different side of her artistry that has been largely focused on acting in recent years. Fans eagerly anticipate the release, which is expected to showcase her personal musical style and artistic vision under her new agency, Sublime Artist Agency.

From Idol to A-List Actress: Nana's Film & Drama Entities

Nana’s transition from K-pop idol to a serious actress is one of the most successful in the industry, earning her critical praise and numerous awards. Her recent and upcoming filmography is packed with high-profile projects, demonstrating her topical authority in the acting world.

Upcoming Blockbuster: *Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint*

Nana is set to star in the highly anticipated 2025 film *Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint* (*Jeonjijeok Dokja Shijeom*). Based on the popular fantasy web novel, this major production will see Nana taking on the main role of Jung Hee-won. Her character is described as a justice-driven fighter, a role that perfectly fits her strong, compelling screen presence. The film is slated for release in 2025 and is generating massive buzz within the Korean cinema landscape.

A Deep Dive into Her Notable Works

Nana has carefully selected diverse roles that have allowed her to showcase her range, moving far beyond the typical 'idol-turned-actress' stereotype. Her most recognized projects, which serve as key entities in her filmography, include:

• *Mask Girl* (2023): Her role as Kim Mo-mi (B) in the Netflix series was a game-changer, earning her widespread praise for her intense and complex performance.
• *Glitch* (2022): Another Netflix hit where she played Heo Bo-ra, a mysterious streamer investigating a UFO mystery.
• *The Good Wife* (2016): Her official foray into acting, where she played the investigator Kim Dan, earning her a Best New Actress award.
• *Justice* (2019): Starring as prosecutor Seo Yeon-ah.
• *Memorials* (2020): Her lead role as Goo Se-ra earned her the Excellent Actress award at the KBS Drama Awards.
• *Oh My Ladylord* (2021): A romantic comedy role as Oh Ju-in.
• *My Man is Cupid* (2023): Playing the role of Oh Baek-ryun.

Her upcoming slate also includes the drama series *Climax* (2026) and *Scandals* (2026), further cementing her busy schedule and commitment to acting. She is also part of the cast for the 2025 film *Humint*.

Personal Resilience: Home Invasion and Tattoo Discussions

Nana has consistently maintained a bold and honest public image, which has recently included addressing a serious incident and a personal artistic choice.

The Self-Defense Incident

In a shocking and dramatic turn of events, Nana was involved in a home invasion incident at her residence in Guri. A man in his 30s broke into her home, leading to a physical confrontation. Nana bravely subdued the intruder, an act of self-defense that unfortunately resulted in injuries to both her and her mother. Following the incident, Nana was officially cleared of any wrongdoing by the authorities, confirming her actions were purely self-defense against the attempted armed burglary. This event highlighted her personal courage and resilience outside of her professional life.

The Tattoo Conversation

Nana sparked a major public conversation after appearing with numerous tattoos covering her body. She later openly discussed her decision to have her tattoos removed, explaining the personal meaning behind the choice. She stated that she got the tattoos during a particularly difficult time in her life, and as she began to feel more comfortable and better, she decided to remove them. This candid discussion about her personal journey and body art resonated with many fans, showcasing her transparency and emotional maturity. Her willingness to share such personal details reinforces her image as an authentic and evolving public figure.