aespa Karina, Secret Number Soodam, Red Velvet Irene and more are some of the K-pop idols with top-tier visuals. With their beauty, these female idols were considered "ulzzang," or already famous even before their debut.

In Korea, "ulzzang" are internet stars who are known for their "best faces," and the aforementioned stars are known to be part of this.

Here are 7 K-pop Female Idols Who Rose Into Popularity as 'Ulzzang' Prior to Debut as Idols (Third-Gen and Fourth-Gen Idols):

1. aespa Karina

(Photo : Karina (Instagram))

Among fourth-gen female idols, aespa Karina has been drawing attention from K-pop fans for her CG-like visuals. She's popular for her gorgeous face and golden ratio body.

Prior to her debut in aespa, Karina was first seen promoting together with SHINee Taemin and EXO Kai, where she initially gained interest from internet users.

However, even before she joined SM Entertainment, the female rookie is already popular among netters for she's a former ulzzang! Her pre-debut photos are truly stunning indeed!

2. Secret Number Soodam

(Photo : Soodam (Instagram))

Soodam debuted as the center and visual of Secret Number in 2020 under VINE Entertainment. When she was introduced, Soodam immediately drew the attention of K-pop fandoms for her beauty and resemblance with Red Velvet Irene and BLACKPINK Jisoo.

ALSO READ: Rookie Idol Draws Attention for Looking Like BLACKPINK Jisoo and Red Velvet Irene

As people tried to gain more information about her, it was revealed that Soodam is actually a popular ulzzang and has a strong fandom in various forums as an internet star!

3. Viviz SinB

(Photo : SinB (Instagram))

SinB, a former GFriend and soon-to-debut Viviz member, is truly good-looking ever since she was a kid that she became a member of Ulzzang Kids, a group of models for child clothing.

With her initial popularity, SinB also starred in the kid's show, "The Fairies in My Arms."

4. Red Velvet Irene

(Photo : Irene (Instagram))

READ MORE: K-pop Idols with "Best Faces" and Known as "Ulzzangs" During Pre-Debut Days

Irene, the main visual of Red Velvet and one of the most beautiful idols in the K-pop industry, is also revealed to be a former ulzzang!

During her debut days in 2014, Irene revealed that she was known as "Daegu Ulzzang" and people were shocked that some even took trips to see her face!

Well, who wouldn't love to take a glimpse of this original visual?

5. Former AOA Mina

(Photo : Mina (Instagram))

Mina, a former AOA member, was also a famous ulzzang! Apink Eunji attested to this as they both attended Jaesong Girls' Middle School in Busan.

Mina's pretty face was loved until high school before she was cast and debuted as AOA in 2012.

6. Former Crayon Pop Soyul

(Photo : Soyul (Instagram))

Soyul debuted as Crayon Pop in 2012. The group was loved for their bubbly and energetic hit track, "Bar Bar Bar."

However, the former idol confessed that even before fame as a Crayon Pop member, she was a former teen ulzzang.

According to her story in 2017, male students would wait for her outside her class, and drop her graduation photo.

7. Laboum Haein

(Photo : Haein (Instagram))

Last but not least is Haein of Laboum, who debuted in 2014. She is also a former ulzzang.

During her student days (she attended Solmoe Middle School & Justice Girls’ High School) Haein gained huge attention like a star for her good-looking face.

Do you know other 3rd and 4th-gen female idols who are former ulzzang?

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Written by Eunice Dawson