K-pop Idols Who Began Their Careers as Ulzzang or Internet Celebrities

Introduction to the Phenomenon

K-pop, known for its high standards of physical beauty, has a unique draw for aspiring idols. Some, like Soojin from G.I.D.L.E and Dahyun from Twice, started their careers as ulzzang, a term that signifies visibly beautiful individuals through natural beauty. Others, like Karina from Aespa and Ella from MEOVV, were already well-known internet personalities before joining their respective K-pop groups. This article explores the journey of several K-pop idols who leveraged their online presence to transition into successful careers in K-pop, showcasing their talents and visuals to a broader audience.

Aespa MEOVV: From Ulzzang to K-pop Stardom

Aespa

Details: Karina, a member of Aespa, was a well-known ulzzang and internet celebrity. Before making her debut on November 17, 2020, she had already garnered a significant following for her natural beauty. She is the leader and main dancer of Aespa and boasts the most followers (20M) among fourth-generation female idols. Notably, she is also the newest global ambassador for Prada.

MEOVV

MEOVV's Ella Gross is the first revealed member set to debut in September. Before joining TheBlackLabel's girl group, Ella was a famous US child actress and model with over 4 million followers on Instagram. This transition from a young model to a K-pop idol illustrates the widening appeal of K-pop across diverse audiences and industries.

Blackpink, Twice, and More: From Beauty to K-pop Stardom

Blackpink: Jisoo's Journey

Details: Jisoo from Blackpink was well-known for her beauty and participated in various modeling gigs before joining YG Entertainment. This seamless transition from modeling to K-pop highlights the versatility and marketability of K-pop idols who combine natural beauty with talent.

TWICE: Dahyun's Viral Popularity

Details: Dahyun from Twice gained popularity through her viral content, showcasing her unique persona and visual appeal. Her journey from being an internet sensation to becoming a K-pop star reflects the influencer model in the K-pop industry, where online fame can be a stepping stone to mainstream success.

Red Velvet and More: Internet to Spotlight

Somi

Details: Before debuting with I.O.I and later as a solo artist, Somi was a well-known internet personality and had a significant following on social media. This journey from internet celebrity to K-pop idol is a testament to the impact of online presence in shaping K-pop careers.

Red Velvet: Yeri's Social Media Influence

Details: Yeri from Red Velvet was already popular on social media platforms before joining the group. Her pre-debut online presence helped bridge the gap between her internet fame and K-pop career, demonstrating the power of social media in launching careers.

APINK: Naeun's Online Recognition

Details: Naeun, a member of APINK, was recognized for her visuals and gained a following through her appearances in various internet content. Her journey from internet celebrity to K-pop idol showcases how online presence can serve as a foundation for a successful K-pop career.

Conclusion: These idols leveraged their online popularity to transition into successful careers in K-pop. Their journey highlights the evolving nature of K-pop, where natural beauty and visual appeal, often enhanced by social media presence, are crucial factors in shaping careers. This phenomenon underscores the importance of social media and internet fame in the K-pop ecosystem.