K- Pop industry is no more restricted to only Korea; it has become more globalized. Since it’s liked globally, idols are now Korean as well as foreigners. Even many idols have Korean ethnicity, but due to some reasons, they are often called “foreigners”. This may be due to their mixed race, living abroad or, schooling abroad. In the case of these 10 K-pop idols, let’s see their “foreign” names and also some interesting facts about them.
1. Rosé
Roseanne Park, a.k.a. Park Chae Young, was born in Auckland, New Zealand to, South Korean parents. But 24-year-old, Blackpink member moved to Australia, with her family at the age of seven, where she was raised. She signed with YG Entertainment and debuted in the most influential South Korean girl group, Blackpink. This main vocalist and lead dancer of Blackpink has two citizenship- New Zealand and Korean.
2. Bangchan
Christopher Chan Bang the leader of Stray Kids was born in Seoul, South Korea. Chan moved to Sydney, Australia, during his childhood. He is the producer, songwriter, composer, lead vocalist, rapper, and dancer of Stray kids, under JYP Entertainment. Though his ethnicity is Korean, he finally accepted only one citizenship, Australian. But has the nationality as Korean-Australian.
3. Felix
Born in Sydney, Australia Yongbok Lee, is the lead dancer, lead rapper, and songwriter of the K-pop boy group Stray Kids under JYP Entertainment. This 20-year-old idol accepted only one citizenship- Australian. But has the nationality as Korean and Australian.
4. Heuning Kai
Kai Kamal Huening, also referred as Jung Kai. The maknae of TOMORROW BY TOGETHER is HYBE’s first international artist. This 19-year-old idol is half Korean- half American. He has lived in Hawaii, the USA, and China, before moving to South Korea. He came back to South Korea when was eight years old.
5. Nancy
Nancy Jewel McDonie was born in Daegu, but grew up in Ohio, USA. She joined the South Korean girl group Momoland under MLD Entertainment in 2016. This 21-year-old idol is a Korean-American singer, actress, and host. She has been living in the US for about six years. She is well-versed in both the cultures, American as well as Korean.
6. Jessi
Jessica Ho born was born on December 17, 1988, to her South Korean parents in New York. This 32-year-old idol is a Korean- American rapper, singer, and songwriter based in South Korea. South Korean’s solo artist was raised in New Jersey, and moved to South Korea at the age of 15 with a solid determination to step into the industry. She was a schoolmate of Tiffany Young and Jessica Jung.
7. Jay Park
Park Jae-beom was born in Washington, USA. He is a 34-year-old American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer of Korean descent. He is the former leader of the South Korean boy band 2 PM, under JYP.
8. Jeon Somi
Registered as Ennik Somi Douma, was born in Ontario, Canada, to a Korean mother and Dutch- Canadian father. She and her family later shifted back to South Korea when she was one-year old. Jeon Somi told herself that she is a citizen of Korea, Canada, and the Netherlands. She’s well known for ranking number one on the Produce 101, the South Korean survival reality program. She initially debuted as a member of I.O.I. under CJ E&M but later started her solo career in 2019.
9. Krystal Jung
Jung Soo Jung is a Korean- American singer and actress in South Korea. She has acted in different K-dramas like- The Heirs, My lovely girl, Prison playbook, the bride of Haebak, player and search. She was born in California, USA. She has U.S. citizenship. Also she has a sister, Jessica Jung.
10. BM
Matthew Kim known by his stage name Big Matthew, is a Korean- American rapper, songwriter, and composer in South Korea signed under DSP media. He is a member of the Korean co-ed group KARD. He was born in 1992 in California and moved to South Korea in 2011 in order to step into this industry. He has American Nationality.
