6 K-Pop Idols You Might Not Have Known Were On “K-Pop Star”
K-Pop Star was a reality show aired on the broadcasting station SBS from December 2011 to April 2017. The show was one of the most popular survival shows at the time, including breakout stars like AKMU and Jamie (formerly known as Park Jimin). Here is a list of some current K-Pop idols you might not have known were on the show.
1. Dayoung (WJSN)
In season 2 of K-Pop Star, a 13-year-old Dayoung auditioned in front of JYP, BoA, and Yang Hyun-Suk. Although super nervous and having to start over, Dayoung powered through the audition charming the judges with her cuteness. She passed the first round but eventually got sent home. Watch Dayoung’s audition video here:
2. Chaeryeong (ITZY)
The main dancer of the all-star girl group ITZY got her start on season 3 of K-Pop Star. Singing IU‘s “Someday” and dancing to Beyonce‘s “End of Time,” Chaeryoung made sure to wow the judges with her skills at such a young age. Although Chaeryeong didn’t win the show, she grabbed JYP’s attention and quickly signed to JYP Entertainment shortly after. Check out her season 3 audition here!
3. Chaeyeon (former IZ*ONE member)
Performing right before her younger sister, Chaeryeong, in season 3 of K-Pop Star, former IZ*ONE member Chaeyeon also stunned the judges with her talent at just 14 years old. She also passed the first round by singing the classic “Lullaby of Birdland” by Ella Fitzgerald and dancing to “Go” by Drunken Tiger. She joined JYP Entertainment after her elimination later in the show. Although she could not debut under JYPE, she joined the survival show Produce 48 and placed 12, allowing her to debut in the group IZ*ONE. Check out her performance here!
4. Denise Kim (former member of SECRET NUMBER)
Auditioning for season 5 of K-Pop Star and getting placed in the group Mazinga’S, Denise Kim made it to the top 4 of the show with her group. Her soulful vocals and edgy look garnered YG Entertainment‘s attention since she soon joined the company after her time on K-Pop Star. Although Denise left the company in 2018, she debuted with the group SECRET NUMBER under Vine Entertainment in 2020. Denise left SECRET NUMBER in 2021 and is now focusing on her solo endeavors. Check out Denise’s final performance on K-Pop Star singing Mariah Carey‘s “Hero.”
5. Jae (former member of Day6)
In the first season of K-Pop Star, Jae (also known as eaJ) swooned over the judges with his silky vocals and guitar-playing abilities. He eventually achieved 6th place in the show and signed an exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment after the show. He debuted in the band Day6 in 2015 and left the band in 2021. Check out his top 7 performances of “That Thing You Do” by The Wonders.
6. Kevin (The Boyz)
Participating in the final season of K-pop Star, Moon Hyungseo proved himself to be a sweet and smooth vocalist. With his charming looks and singing talent, he was able to pass the first round. Although eliminated in the second group mission round, he was able to sign a contract with IST Entertainment (formerly Cre.ker Entertainment) and debut with THE BOYZ in 2017. Check out his rendition of “Almost Is Never Enough” by Ariana Grande here!
