While these five female stars were fully equipped with both visuals and skills, they, unfortunately, didn't rise to the limelight completely due to unfortunate circumstances.

SBS' reality competition show, "K-pop Star 6: The Last Chance," aired from 2016 to 2017. The broadcast particularly received massive attention from viewers because the contestants were all incredible and had huge potential to become the next K-pop stars.

But among them, these five female participants stood out during the program and were referred to as future top stars. Unfortunately, while most of them successfully entered the K-pop industry, a lot of them became "underrated" due to intense girl group/artist competition, and eventually left the music scene.

5 'Underrated' K-pop Star 6 Candidates Who Could Have Been Top Female Idols:

1. Shannon Williams

ALSO READ: From Being a K-pop Idol to Voice Actress of Jett in 'Valorant,' Where is Shannon Williams Now?

Also known as "English IU," Shannon who was already a solo artist joined the show to challenge herself as an artist.

Initially, she was loved for her bubbly sound, but during an interview following the show, she confessed that she want to go to YG Entertainment and try the trendy girl crush concept because her previous songs didn't suit her.

But after failing to win the show, she went back to her then company MBK, and in 2019, she opened up about the mistreatment she suffered from the agency leading her to leave not only the company but retire as an idol.

Known for her outstanding vocals, top-tier visuals and dance skills, Shannon could have been a top female star if given the proper treatment and suitable concepts.

2. Kriesha Chu

RELATED ARTICLE: Where Is Kriesha Chu Now? Status of First Filipina K-pop Idol Who 'Disappeared' in Music Scene

Due to her "all-rounder" skills, Kriesha Chu debuted as a solo artist after joining "K-pop Star 6."

Initially, she gained decent popularity in Korea and other countries, but after a few releases, attention to Chu started to decrease and only solid fans remained.

Fans blamed Urban Works as to why Kriesha didn't experience the recognition she deserved due to their lack of promotions, giving the idol outdated outfits and concepts as well as music.

Following the announcement that Chu has lymphedema, she "disappeared" from the music scene. In July, she reportedly left the company after her profiles were deleted from Urban Works' SNS.

3. Lee Soomin

READ MORE: Where Is Lee Soomin Now? 11-Year Idol Trainee's Status After 'PD101,' 'MIXNINE'

Initially gaining a fandom after joining Mnet's "Produce 101" in 2016, Lee Soomin joined "K-pop Star 6" in the same year. Undoubtedly Lee received admiration for her rapping, singing and dancing skills. On top of that, she also has a stage presence that not everyone can have.

Unfortunately, she was eliminated but she continued her aspiration to become an idol and joined "MIXNINE." After failing to join the lineup, she became a trainee for Fave Girls under LOEN and once again failed to join Weeekly. In 2020, she joined Mystic rookies, hereinafter Billlie, but again failed to debut.

After 11 years of being a trainee but not debuting, she announced her retirement and decided to focus on her studies instead in July 2022.

4. Jeon Minju

During "K-pop Star 6," former The Ark Jeon Minju received high praise for her versatility and fans acknowledged her top skills.

In 2018, she formed a duo KHAN with ex-The Ark co-member Euna. Despite their quality music, the duo failed to break into the intense third-gen artists' competition and disbanded in 2019 with just one digital single.

Although Minju has the potential to become a top artist, she wasn't given the platform and right agency to push and showcase her skills. After disbandment, she became a YouTuber and is managing the channel, "Minju X Ursso."

5. ALICE Kim Sohee

ALICE Kim Sohee should be lined up with the current best dancers!

During "K-pop Star 6," Kim amazed viewers with her confident, simple-looking yet mesmerizing dance choreographies. On top of that, she should also be listed as one of the best main vocalists for her crystal-clear vocals. Surely, everyone might agree that she's also a good-looker.

But because she debuted under a small company, Kim Sohee is one of the underrated stars that should have been bigger if they debuted under "BIG 3."

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Written by Eunice Dawson.