Though being a K-pop idol is no small feat, it is arguably one lucrative career that makes us fans wonder at one point: Maging K-pop idol na lang din kaya ako?
K-pop offers many benefits beyond music, including commercial opportunities and chances to branch into other entertainment fields. It allows idols to pursue their passion and fulfill their dreams. This is why K-pop continues to captivate audiences worldwide, inspiring many to pursue careers in the industry. The Korean wave has embraced globalization, including the presence of foreigners in the K-pop scene.
READ: A List Of Chinese K-Pop Idols And What You Need To Know About Them
Male Chinese K-Pop Idols
Henry Lau
Henry Lau debuted in 2008 as a member of Super Junior-M. After leaving SM Entertainment in 2018, he signed with Monster Entertainment Group (MEG) and released "Untitled Love Song." His first EP with MEG, Journey, includes 6 tracks with the lead single "Radio." He made his Hollywood debut in 2019 with the film A Dog's Journey, and is latest single is "Moonlight," released in January 2023.
Lay (EXO)
Lay debuted as a member of EXO in 2012. Despite being busy in China with his solo activities, he rejoined EXO for their seventh EP, Don't Fight The Feeling, released in 2021. Although his contract with SM Entertainment ended in April 2022, Lay stated that he will always remain a member of EXO.
Jackson Wang (GOT7)
Though still a GOT7 member, Jackson is also enjoying a thriving solo career. His latest album, Magic Man, reached 5th on South Korea's Circle Album Chart and 15th on the US Billboard 200. Jackson recently went on a Magic Man world tour, with three stops in Southeast Asia, two in Europe, six in North America, and four in South America.
The8 and Jun (SEVENTEEN)
The8 and Jun debuted in 2015 as members of SEVENTEEN. They are also part of the Performance sub-unit. As a soloist, The8 has released six singles including his recent single, "A Bite of Summer." Jun also has five singles, including "Psycho," released last July 2023.
Xiaojun, Kun, Winwin, Renjun, Hendery, Yangyang, and Chenle (NCT)
Xiaojun, Kun, Winwin, and Renjun of NCT's sub-unit, WayV, are from Mainland China. The group also includes Hendery who is from Macau, and Yangyang who is from Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chenle (who began his career as a child singer) is a member of NCT Dream.
Lucas
Lucas, who is from Hong Kong, was a member of NCT's sub-unit WayV until 2023, when SM Entertainment announced that he'd be leaving both WayV and NCT to pursue solo activities. He was also a member of SuperM, alongside Taemin from Shinee, Baekhyun and Kai from EXO, Taeyong and Mark from NCT 127, and Ten from WayV.
Yan An (PENTAGON)
Yan An, known as the "Shanghai Prince," debuted with PENTAGON in 2016. He has expanded his role in the group from a vocalist to a lyricist and composer. He became friends with SEVENTEEN's The8 and Jun after they guested together in Season 2 of the Chinese show, The Collaboration.
Zhang Hao (ZEROBASEONE)
Zhang Hao made history as the first foreigner to rank #1 in a South Korean survival show. He won first place on the reality competition series Boys Planet and debuted as the main vocalist and center of ZEROBASEONE (shortened to ZB1) in July 2023.
Female Chinese K-Pop Idols
Tzuyu (TWICE)
Tzuyu became a member of TWICE after participating in the survival reality show, Sixteen. Aside from being the group's lead dancer, visual, vocalist, and lyricist, Tzuyu is also the brand ambassador for the Japanese make-up brand, Visee Kosé.
Yuqui and Shuhua ((G)-IDLE)
The two international members of K-pop girl group (G)-IDLE, Yuqi is from Mainland China while Shuhua is from Taiwan. Yuqi's parents were initially adamant about her being an idol but eventually allowed their daughter to follow her passions. Shuhua, on the other hand, was mesmerized by HyunA's performances and promised herself that she will be just like her one day.
Yiren (EVERGLOW)
Yiren is the only foreign member of EVERGLOW, a girl group formed in 2019 by Yuehua Entertainment. She is from Hangzhou, China, and was a contestant in Produce 48 before joining EVERGLOW. On the reality show EVERGLOW Land, Yiren revealed her love of food and that she copes with homesickness by ordering Chinese food.
Ningning (aespa)
Ningning is the youngest member of the girl group aespa. She was scouted by SM Entertainment after seeing her performance on a Chinese TV show. Ningning, along with her fellow members Karina, Giselle, and Winter, are preparing for their second world, Synk: Parallel Line, kicking off in Seoul on June 29 and 30, 2024.
Xiaoting (Kep1er)
Though Xiaoting failed in the Chinese survival show Produce Camp 2020, it was her destiny to win Girls Planet 999 and join the multinational K-pop group, Kep1er. Busy as ever since debuting in 2022, Xiaoting and the rest of Kep1er released their fifth EP Magic Hour in September 2023, with "Galileo" as the lead single. They also graced the stage of the 2023 Asia Artist Awards last December at the Philippine Arena.
Vivi (LOONA)
Wong Gaahei, better known by her stage name Vivi, was born in the Tuen Mun District of Hong Kong. The vocalist and rapper debuted in In March 2017 as part of the group's first sub-unit, Loona 1/3. Loona officially debuted as a full group with the release of the extended-play [+ +] in August 2018.
Due to contract disputes Vivi parted ways with Blockberry Creative in May 2023. In September 2023, HyunJin, YeoJin, ViVi, Go Won and HyeJu re-debuted as Loossemble under CTDENM with the extended play of the same name.
Handong (Dreamcatcher)
Fun fact: Each of the seven Dreamcatcher members represents a nightmare or fear, and Handong's is "Scopophobia," the excessive fear of being watched or stared at, especially in public. The group debuted on January 13, 2017, under Happyface Entertainment, and have come to be known as "The Face of Rock in K-pop" due to their distinct rock-metal sound. They released their ninth EP, Villains, last November 2023, and were one of the attendees at the 2023 Asia Artist Awards!
