It is not uncommon for K-pop idols to don unique stage names while promoting. For example, BTS members Suga, V, and J-Hope all use stage names that are very different to their real names. However, some idols use stage names that fans easily confuse to be their real names.

Here are 10 K-pop idols that you had no idea use stage names!

1. MAMAMOO Hwasa

Did you know MAMAMOO's charismatic singer and rapper Hwasa actually dons a stage name. Her birth name is actually Ahn Hyejin!

Hwasa chose to use a stage name because she though her birth name was too common for an idol to use. She settled on the name Hwasa, which comes from the adjective "hwasa-hada," which means to shine brightly. As she attracts attention wherever she goes and dominates every performance, it is safe to say the name matches her well!

2. IVE Leeseo

IVE's maknae Leeseo is one of the members who uses a stage name for her official activities. Her real name is Lee Hyunseo. The idol's stage name is a shortened version of her actual name, taking her last name and the second half of her first name.

The idol has not revealed why she chose to use a stage name, though it definitely helps her stand out!

3. NCT Haechan

Several NCT members use stage names, but you might be surprised to find out Haechan is one of them! His real name is actually Lee Donghyuck.

During his time as an SM Rookies member, he promoted with his real name. However, while preparing for his debut, then-SM Entertainment CEO Lee Soo Man gave him the stage name Haechan.

His birth name and stage name are closely related. Donghyuck means "radiant," while Haechan means "Full Sun." Lee Soo Man chose the name Haechan because he wanted the NCT member to shine brightly and reinvent himself as an idol.

4. ASTRO Cha Eun Woo

Since he promotes with a full name, it might be surprising to learn that Cha Eunwoo is not the ASTRO member's real name! His birth name is Lee Dongmin.

The idol-actor was given that name by a higher-up in his company, Fantagio, and it has stuck ever since. His character in ASTRO's pre-debut web-drama "To Be Continued" was also named Cha Eunwoo, and after gaining fame from the drama, there was no turning back from the iconic name.

5. NCT Doyoung

NCT member Doyoung's real name is actually not that far from his birth name. Doyoung's real name is Kim Dongyoung.

It is believed that he opted to go for Doyoung rather than Dongyoung because it was easier to pronounce. During his trainee days, many foreign trainees (such as fellow member Johnny) found his name difficult to say.

6. SEVENTEEN Dokyeom

Though Dokyeom sounds like a legitimate Korean name, it is not actually the name the SEVENTEEN member was born with. His real name is Lee Seokmin.

Originally, Dokyeom was a stage name meant for fellow member Mingyu. Other stage names Dokyeom could have had incclude Yong Pal, 8Light, and The8. The latter stage name was ultimately given to fellow SEVENTEEN member Minghao.

7. NMIXX Sullyoon

Though Sullyoon is a pretty name, it is not the NMIXX's member's actual name. This pretty visual is actually named Seol Yoona.

The idol crafted her stage name by taking her last name and combining it with the first syllable of her first name. Though unconfirmed, it is likely she chose to use a stage name due to the abundance of Yoona and Yuna's in the industry. JYP Entertainment also has a Yuna, who is a member of ITZY.

8. Girls' Generation Seohyun

Though known in the industry for sixteen years as Seohyun, that is not actually her name. Instead, this Girls Generation member's birth name is Seo Joohyun.

Though she never explained why she chose to adopt a stage name, it is speculated that it is because there was already a famous Juhyun in the industry at that time: Fin.K.L's Ock Juhyun. However, during her acting debut, Seohyun chose to use her birth name.

9. The Boyz Hyunjae

Several The Boyz members use stage names, but you would never expect Hyunjae as one of them! His birth name is Lee Jaehyun.

As there are several idols with the name Jaehyun, it makes sense why he would use a stage name. Ingeniously, Hyunjae simply reversed the syllables of his first name to create his stage name. However, this was not his only choice. Originally, Hyunjae wanted to use Lee Hanbit for his stage name.

10. Red Velvet Yeri

This Red Velvet has made quite the name for herself -- however, it is not her birth name! Yeri's real name is Kim Yerim.

The idol simply removed the "m" from her name to form her stage name. It is unknown why the idol chose to promote under Yeri, but it definitely worked out for her!

What's your favorite idol stage name? Tell us in the comments below!

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Written by Alexa Lewis