Love K-Pop? These South Korean Idols Are Actually Thai

The Korean wave, or hallyu as we call it, has taken the world by storm and is not showing signs of stopping. With many artists and groups debuting every year, you would think that they’re exclusive to those born and raised in South Korea. But with K-Pop’s popularity, it’s no longer a surprise to see artists from diverse backgrounds, including Thais! Curious who they are? We’ve listed them down for you.

Lisa From Blackpink

Lisa or Pranpriya Manobal was born in Buriram Province, Thailand. She started attending dance classes at the age of four and later joined the dance crew “We Zaa Cool” along with BamBam of Got7. At age 13, she auditioned to join South Korean record label YG Entertainment. She was the only one who qualified and passed among 4,000 participants, making her a YG trainee until she debuted in Blackpink.

Fun fact: While waiting for the audition results, she changed her name legally to Lalisa after visiting a fortune teller. A week after changing her name, YG called her back to ask her to become a trainee.

BamBam From Got7

BamBam or Kunpimook Bhuwakul was born in Bangkok, Thailand. He became interested in Korean culture due to the influence of his mom, who takes him to watch concerts of South Korean singer-songwriter Rain. He eventually dreamed of becoming a singer because of Rain and started learning to sing and dance at 10. He auditioned for the JYP World Tour Audition in Thailand and became a trainee at 13 until he debuted.

Fun fact: His stage name, given by her mom, was derived from the Flintstones character Bamm-Bamm Rubble.

Nichkhun From 2PM

Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul was born in Rancho Cucamonga, California to Thai-Chinese parents. He moved to Thailand at age five and moved again at age 12 to New Zealand and back to the United States to finish his studies. He was scouted by JYP Entertainment at the Los Angeles Korean Music Festival. He became a trainee in 2006 until he debuted in 2008 as part of 2PM. During that time, he gained huge attention for being the first Thai idol to join the entertainment industry.

Fun fact: He’s called the “Thai Prince” in South Korea because of his wealthy background.

Ten From NCT / NCT U / WayV / SuperM

Ten or Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul was born in Bangkok, Thailand to a Thai-Chinese family. His Chinese name is Li Yong Qin. He passed the SM Global Audition in Thailand and joined SM Entertainment in 2013. In the same year, he was introduced as a member of the pre-debut group SM Rookies.

In 2016, he officially debuted as part of NCT (Neo Culture Technology)’s first sub-unit NCT U. In 2018, it was announced that he’ll be part of a China-based unit WayV as well. In 2019, he joined Baekhyun and Kai of EXO, Taeyong and Mark of NCT 127, and Taemin of SHINee to form SuperM, a group primarily aimed at the American market.

Fun fact: Ten is multilingual and can speak Thai, English, Korean, and Mandarin fluently. And in case it’s not obvious yet, his favourite number is 10.

Minnie from (G)I-DLE

Minnie or Nicha Yontararak was born in Bangkok, Thailand to a family who loves music. She has been playing the piano at age five due to the influence of her mom, and has been taking vocal lessons since age seven. She participated in the Cube Star World Audition in Thailand in 2014 and went to South Korea as a trainee in 2015. In 2018, she debuted with Cube Entertainment’s (G)I-DLE.

Fun fact: The music video of “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton is what inspired her to become an artist.