Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea

K-pop is becoming widely popular around the world; Thus, the number of foreign members is also increasing!

However, with the systematic idol training in Korea, there are only a few non-Koreans who were able to surpass it and finally debut in Korea as an idol. 

Among them, the following foreign K-pop idols didn't only cross the language barrier and achieve their dreams of becoming idols, but attracted the attention of the whole country as well! 

These 10 idols made extreme popularity in Korea: 

1. BLACKPINK Lisa

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram)

Lisa is from Buriram, Thailand, who trained under YG Entertainment since she was 14 years old. 

Aside from an amazing beauty, she has outstanding dancing and rapping abilities, along with a pleasing personality that Koreans fell in love with. 

2. TWICE Momo, Mina, Sana, and Tzuyu

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Twitter) MINA MOMO SANA AND TZUYU

Mina, Sana, and Momo have Japanese nationality, while Tzuyu has Taiwanese nationality. The Japanese trio has excellent talents, that K-pop fans supported them all out when they joined the survival show, "SIXTEEN" before their debut. 

Meanwhile, Tzuyu is a native of Tainan City in Taiwan who improved her skills and was able to debut despite being eliminated on the same show. Her innocent and clear-looking image is truly loved by many as well. 

3. IZ*ONE Sakura, Hitomi, and Nako

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram) NAKO SAKURA AND HITOMI

IZ*ONE, selected through the Korea-Japan joint Mnet survival audition program "Produce 48," is a project group consisting of three Japanese members, namely Sakura, Hitomi, and Nako. 

Before their debut, the three have already established their career as Japanese idols and members of AKB48. 

Their popularity skyrocketed when they joined the show and were loved and supported by several Korean netizens that they were able to debut as K-pop idols. 

4. (G)I-DLE Shuhua, Yuqi, and Minnie

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Pinterest) YUQI SHUHUA AND MINNIE

Shuhua (Taipei), Yuqi (Beijing), and Minnie (Bangkok) are all successful non-Korean idols. 

Shuhua attracts the attention of K-netz and fans due to her innocent and delicate beauty, similar to Yuqi, who is known for her docile-puppy look. But unlike her appearance, her husky low-pitched voice and powerful dance captivate fans the most.  

As for Minnie, she is praised for dreamy and mysterious visuals along with her unique vocal tones. 

5. CLC Elkie and Sorn

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Twitter) ELKIE AND SORN

CLC Sorn is a Thai while Elkie came from Hongkong. They both exude an exotic appearance and incredible skills that never fail to amaze fans. 

6. GOT7 Jackson, BamBam, and Mark Tuan

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Twitter) MARK TUAN, JACKSON AND BAMBAM

Dubbed as the  "AmeriThaiKong," the trio Jackson (from Hong Kong), BamBam (from Thailand), and Mark (who grew up in the U.S.) is greatly lauded for their their stunning visuals and idol-worthy talents and charms. 

7. NCT Mark, Johnny, Yuta, Chenle, Renjun, and WayV

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram) MARK CHENLE AND RENJUN
Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram) JOHNNY AND YUTA
Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram)

NCT is a global group under SM Entertainment, composed of several non-Korean idols. Mark is Canadian, Johnny is American, Yuta is Japanese, Ten is a Thai, while Chenle, Renjun, Xiaojun, Hendery, Winwin, Lucas, Yangyang, and Kun are Chinese. 

With their all-rounder talents, fans can't help but admire them. 

8. EXO Lay 

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram)

EXO Lay, who came from China, receives lots of support from Korean fans whether as a member of EXO, one of the most popular and respected K-pop groups in the industry, and as a solo artist.   

9. TXT HUENINGKAI

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram)

Hueningkai was born in Hawaii, USA. The male idol was born to an American father and a Korean mother, and he is the youngest of the group TXT.

Hueningkai has a popping visual, a cute, and charming personality, as well as a great voice on stage along with an unexpected charm that Korean fans love the most. 

10.  SEVENTEEN Joshua, Vernon, Jun, and The8

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Twitter) JOSHUA AND JUN

Joshua, Vernon, Jun, and The8 all have a foreign nationality. Joshua was born in California, while Vernon is a dual citizenship holder of South Korea and the United States.

Meanwhile, Jun and The8  are born in China, who came from Guangdong and Liaoning provinces, respectively.  

Non-Korean Idols Who Are Extremely Popular in Korea
(Photo : Instagram) VERNON AND THE8

SEVENTEEN is widely known in Korea, and are often praised for their sharp and synchronized performances. Along with their dancing skills, their vocals are also top-notch complemented by their visuals.

Which non-Korean idol is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!


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KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dela Cruz

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