There are a lot of Korean idols and actors which we are familiar with today. However, did you know that quite a few Korean celebrities were born and raised overseas but now are working in the Korean entertainment industry. Though they were born abroad, they continue to be connected with their roots in South Korea and speak the language of Korea fluently.
Here are some of the most well-known celebrities born abroad but have made their place in the Korean Entertainment Industry.
1. Rosé
When it comes to K-Pop, everyone is familiar with the most popular girl group Blackpink. Rosé, a member of the group, was born in New Zealand and later moved to Australia when she was seven years old. She always had a keen interest in singing and music. She auditioned for YG Entertainment, and she was selected in 2012. After 4 years of training in Seoul, South Korea, she finally debuted as a member of Blackpink in 2016.
2. Joshua Hong
Joshua, a member of the famous K-Pop band Seventeen, was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, United States. He had auditioned for Pledis Entertainment Company in his hometown before being selected as a trainee in South Korea. Though his nationality is American, he is well versed in the Korean language and culture.
3. CL
Lee Chaerin, known by her stage name CL, spent her childhood in Paris, Tsukuba, Japan, and Tokyo. She lived in Paris alone at 13 for about two years. At 15, she auditioned for YG Entertainment, where she got selected as a trainee and eventually debuted in 2009 with 2NE1, the popular group.
4. Jay Park
Jay Park, a famous solo artist, was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, United States. He is a rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and entrepreneur. In June 2010, he came to Korea and signed a contract with SidusHQ, the entertainment industry in South Korea. He has been credited as one of the most influential figures responsible for the mainstream commercialization of hip-hop music in Korea.
5. Tiffany Young
Tiffany Young was born in San Francisco, California, where she developed a keen interest in K-Pop, inspired by BoA. Tiffany participated in a singing competition organized by SM Entertainment when she was fifteen. She later moved to South Korea, where she made an influential name in the industry.
6. Eric Nam
Eric Nam is an American-born singer, songwriter, and host. He was born in Atlanta in Georgia, United States. In 2012, Eric signed a contract with B2M Entertainment as a solo artist. Today, his songs have gained significant popularity worldwide and continue to do so.
7. Chungha
Chungha, one of the most famous soloists of today and a former member of the girl group IOI, grew up in Dallas, Texas. She went by her English name Annie Kim there. She lived in Dallas for about eight years before coming to Korea and making her place in the K-Pop industry.
8. Mark Lee
Born in Vancouver, Canada, Mark Lee is another famous face in the Korean industry as he is a part of the successful band NCT. He also lived in Toronto and New York. After he was cast through the global SM auditions, he left his home and moved to Korea to make a career in music, which he successfully achieved.
9. Ailee
Ailee, also known as the Korean Beyonce, was born in Colorado, United States. She is a soloist known as the vocal powerhouse because of her excellent vocal skills and stage presence. She started her career through a YouTube channel and later gained popularity and recognition after coming to South Korea.
10. Huening Kai
Last but not least is the currently most popular 4th generation K-Pop idol Huening Kai. He is a member of the famous band TXT, which is under the label of Hybe, and the most famous K-Pop band BTS. He was born on 14th August 2002 in Hawaii, United States of America, and later moved to South Korea when he was eight years old. Today, he is among the most famous rising idols of the Korean industry.
