Han Groo

1.1. Birth and Childhood

Han Groo was born Min Han-groo on May 29, 1992, in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Her parents personally chose her name, "Han Groo," with the intention that she would become "one tree" that contributes to forming a large forest and bears abundant fruit.

1.2. Education Abroad and Early Talents

When Han Groo was in the fourth grade of elementary school, her family relocated to the United States, where she pursued her studies at Acacia Elementary School and Ladera Vista Junior High School in California. During her time in the U.S., she demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude, earning a U.S. President's Education Award in 2003.

Her artistic and athletic pursuits also flourished from a young age. She cultivated an extensive background in various forms of dance, winning numerous accolades at several competitions. In 2003 alone, she secured third place in the Tap category at the Starpower Dance Competition (USA), second place in Jazz at the Showbiz Dance Competition (USA), and first place in Hip-hop at the Dance USA and Dancesport Dance Competition (USA). She also achieved third place in Lyrical dance at the American Stage competition. Her success continued into 2005, where she placed second in Hip-hop and Tap, and third in Jazz, at the Hall of Fame Dance Challenge (USA).

After four years in the United States, at the age of 15, her family moved again to China, driven by her burgeoning interest in Chinese culture. She enrolled in the Beijing International Art School for four years. During this period, she honed her linguistic skills, becoming fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese. Additionally, she broadened her talents by learning swordsmanship, horse riding, and engaging in activities such as golf. Her family resided in China for another four years before returning to South Korea in 2008. Upon her return, she met composer Joo Young-hoon and successfully passed an audition, reportedly overcoming a competition ratio of 2000:1.

2.1. Singing Debut

Han Groo's exposure to the entertainment industry began early, influenced by her father, a television commercial director, and her mother, a professional model. Upon returning to Korea, she initially signed with Climix Academy. Following her agency's recommendation, she launched her singing career in 2011. She released her debut EP GROO ONE on January 12, 2011, featuring the title track "Witch Girl," which earned her a nomination for Best New Female Artist at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards. This was quickly followed by the digital single My Boy on March 17, 2011. Despite her debut as a singer, Han Groo later confessed that acting was her primary passion from the beginning. She found it challenging to stand out in Korea's highly competitive music industry, especially amidst the rise of K-pop girl groups.

2.2. Acting Activities

Later in 2011, Han Groo made her acting debut by securing the leading role in the three-episode cable drama Girl K (also known as Killer K), aired on CGV. She successfully beat out 100 other hopefuls during auditions for the role. In the series, she portrayed a character similar to Nikita, a high school student who joins a secret organization to become an assassin and avenge her mother's death. Han Groo performed most of her own action stunts, impressing audiences and contributing to the drama's number one ranking in its timeslot.

Following this, she joined her first network series, the MBC daily drama Just Like Today. She expressed an immediate connection to the character, describing her as "bright and positive despite her difficult situation," a quality she found resonant with her own personality. After taking on supporting roles in The Scandal and One Warm Word, Han Groo returned to cable television in romantic comedies. She starred as female protagonists in Can We Get Married? (2012) and Marriage, Not Dating (2014), both roles involving characters who fall for bachelors with commitment issues. In 2015, she made a cameo in episodes 8 and 9 of Super Daddy Yeol as Laura Jang. More recently, she appeared in The Midnight Studio (2024) as Jin Na-rae and is slated to be the main female protagonist Goo Ha-na in the 100-episode KBS2 drama Cinderella Game, scheduled from 2024 to 2025.

2.3. Hiatus and Return to Entertainment

After her marriage in November 2015 and the birth of her twin children in March 2017, Han Groo largely ceased her entertainment activities. However, in June 2022, she signaled her potential comeback by signing an exclusive contract with SBD Entertainment, marking her return to the entertainment industry after a seven-year hiatus.

3.1. Marriage and Family

In November 2015, Han Groo married her boyfriend, a non-celebrity who is nine years her senior, in a private ceremony. On March 8, 2017, she gave birth to twin children.

3.2. Divorce

On September 27, 2022, Han Groo announced that her marriage had ended in divorce after seven years. She made the decision to take sole custody of her twin children.

4.1. Television Series

4.2. Variety Shows

• 2014: SBS Running Man - Guest
• 2015: MBC Real Men - Female Soldier Special 3
• 2024: TV Chosun Now I'm Alone - VCR appearance (episode 1, Jo Yoon-hee's segment)

4.3. MC Activities

• 2011-2012: Mnet Project Serenade Season 2
• 2011: SBS Fun Quiz Club
• 2011: QTV Soo-mi Ok

4.4. Commercials and Advertisements

• December 2010: Hwasung Construction
• January 2011: Ivy Club
• February 2011: Nike Running "FREE YOURSELF" digital video
• April 2012: Amorepacific Aritaum
• August 2014: SK Telecom
• October 2014: Amorepacific Happy Bath
• March 2015: Dongsuh Foods Kanu
• September 2015: Moms Club Atopalm

5.1. EPs

5.3. Original Soundtracks

• Awards in Dance**

9. Criticism and Controversies

Han Groo's public image has been subject to discussion, particularly regarding a controversy surrounding her family background that drew significant public attention.