Where Is Kriesha Chu Now? Status of First Filipina K-pop Idol Who 'Disappeared' in Music Scene
Following participation in "K-pop Star 6," Kriesha Chu reached her dream to enter the K-pop scene and later on debuted as a soloist. Amid her rising career, she suddenly "disappeared" without any hint at her whereabouts. Two years since her hiatus, where is the singer now?
Kriesha Chu in 2016 to 2020: 'K-pop Star 6,' Solo Debut, Lymphedema & Hiatus
The name Kriesha Chu became first known in the K-pop world following her audition in the competition show, "K-pop Star 6."
During the show, Chu gained massive attention for her angel-like visuals, crystal-clear vocals and incredible dance skills. She particularly drew the attention of global K-pop fans, especially in the Philippines.
Although she was raised in the U.S., her nationality is Filipino and her family's ethnicity is Chinese.
Being able to speak fluent Korean, the multilingual singer also drew interest from Korean viewers.
Despite her talents and charm, Kriesha was unfortunately eliminated in the seventh episode. But due to the love of her growing fandom, she was brought back into the show as a wild card participant and completed the show as runner-up.
Kriesha Chu Becomes First Filipina K-pop Idol With 'Trouble'
READ MORE: These are the FIRST to Become K-pop Idols From Their Country
After the competition, Kriesha who was signed with Urban Works Entertainment officially debuted in 2017 as the first Filipina K-pop idol through her single album, "Kriesha Chu 1st Single Album." The album is comprised of two songs, "I want you," and the title track, "Trouble."
After establishing her name in the music scene, the album was followed by her first mini-album, "Dream of Paradise" in 2018. It gained decent popularity as aside from the album being her comeback in about eight months, she also worked with other K-pop idols including Pentagon Hui and former IZ*ONE Minju, her best friend and ex-labelmate.
The "Like Paradise" singer enjoyed increasing recognition from more music fans once she appeared in Hoya's single, "Baby U," as well as when she participated in "King of Masked Singer," where she sang SNSD Taeyeon's "Fine."
In 2019, the singer continued to expand her influence and released drama OSTs. She even challenged the acting industry with her debut web drama, "Spunk."
Chu's busy schedule continued until 2020 and even attempted to enter the Chinese market.
Unfortunately, amid album preparation, Urban Works announced that Kriesha Chu was suffering from stress-enduced lymphedema.
This was revealed after plastic surgery rumors against the idol surfaced when people noticed her swollen face.
Since then, Kriesha's appearance on stage and social media platforms gradually decreased, until her schedules ultimately stopped.
Where Is Kriesha Chu? Status of Idol in 2022
Since then, Kriesha Chu "disappeared" into the K-pop scene and became inactive in both broadcast, SNS and music platforms.
Her supposed China activities didn't have any follow-up from Urban Works, and Chu's activities in the Philippines didn't come true as well.
Amid disappointment from fans, who are still nameless despite the idol debuting in 2017, there were rumors in 2021 that arose saying Kriesha Chu is preparing for her debut in a new girl group, along with Kim Minju following IZ*ONE's disbandment. Some also speculated she would join "Girls Planet 999," which turned out not to be true.
Kriesha Chu's whereabouts gained more attention from fans in July this year when her profile was deleted from Urban Works' official website and SNS. This sparked claims that Chu parted ways with the agency, although the company and the idol are yet to release their statements.
Other than these, there is no hint about the current status of the female star, whether she went back to the U.S. or is still in Korea.
Fans expressed their disappointment about Urban Works, who failed to manage Kriesha Chu's career despite her infinite potential.
Fans wonder what kind of career the idol would have now, if she just chose an agency such as JYP Entertainment or YG Entertainment, given that the two companies founders (J.Y. Park and Yang Hyun Suk) were fond of her during "K-pop Star 6."
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
