You’ve Heard Of The 7 Wonders Of The World, Now Here Are The 7 Thai Wonders Of The K-Pop World
Thailand’s architectural temples and golden Buddhas were the backdrop to these idols’ childhoods before they left for the bright lights of Seoul and became the stars that we all know and love. Especially loved for their close friendships, these 7 talented artists are often seen hanging out together as part of K-Pop’s “Thai Line”!
1. Sorn (CLC)
Sorn (Chonnasorn Sajakul) is Thai-born and has been living in Korea since 2012, when she won K-Pop Star Hunt Season 1. She debuted as a member of CLC in 2015.
She is popular for her beautiful looks, strong singing voice, and her Youtube videos which are full of interactions with both international and Korean fans, but she also isn’t afraid to meme herself when appropriate, either.
She is close with BamBam and BLACKPINK’s Lisa, participating in the “Thai Line” group chat that is used to organize meetings between all of the Thai K-Pop idols in Korea.
The two always look like they have a lot of fun hanging out! In 2016, BamBam and Sorn were able to have some quality catch up time at the airport, and were even able to share a meal together before heading back to South Korea on the same flight. Sorn’s expression and body language says it all about her close friendship with BamBam.
Her close friendship with BLACKPINK’s Lisa is also evident, as the pair constantly meet up and hang out together, treating fans with lovely selcas of the two.
More recently, she also added (G)I-DLE’s Minnie to her Thai friend group, showcasing her friendship, sharing jokes, and enjoying lunch alongside Lisa and fellow group member (and foreigner), Elkie.
Check out Sorn in CLC’s most recent comeback MV “Helicopter”:
2. Lisa (BLACKPINK)
Lisa, also known as Lalisa Manoban or Pranpriya Manoban, was born and grew up in Bangkok, Thailand. She was the only person accepted into YG Entertainment during her audition in Thailand in 2010. She joined YG Entertainment in April 2011, becoming the label’s first non-Korean artist, and debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016.
But before that, she was a member of a dance troupe in Thailand called We Zaa Cool along with BamBam and NCT’s Ten. So, she’s childhood friends with both K-Pop idols and the three maintain a close friendship.
She’s also friends with Sorn and is often seen out and about with her, as shown by their multitude of selcas together.
3. Minnie [(G)I-DLE]
Also known as Nicha Yontararak, Minnie ended up joining Cube Entertainment in 2015 after passing the company’s auditions in Thailand. After being introduced to the public in 2016 via Cube Entertainment’s trainee program Cube Tree, she continued to practice for two years, before (G)I-DLE’s debut in 2018.
Minnie is known to be close with both Sorn and Lisa, and the Thai trio have been spotted on several occasions together, such as at the Thai Embassy to pay their respects to the passing of King Rama IX back in 2017.
The Thai trio also made another appearance at BLACKPINK’s 2018 concert, where they shared an adorable moment backstage, following BLACKPINK’s set of performances that set the stage on fire.
4. BamBam (GOT7)
BamBam, aka Kunpimook Bhuwakul, has made a name for himself as GOT7’s rap and dance king. His Thai roots are a big part of his appeal and he remains true to his identity, specializing in rapping in Thai. If you haven’t already heard his “Seventh Floor of Heaven” verse, check him out rapping on Knowing Bros.
He became a JYP Entertainment trainee in 2010 but, before that, he won 1st place in a “Rain Cover Dance” competition in Thailand back in 2007 and 2nd place in an “LG Entertainer” competition in 2010. He endorsed KFC and Ovaltine in Thailand, too!
And it’s no wonder, with his cute baby face! Just look at him posing with an elephant!
As he grew older, he retained his handsome features but got a bit cooler… but he never lost his sense of fun, as shown in his series of comical poses with inanimate objects.
His childhood photos are entertaining and a window into his fun-filled memories growing up in Bangkok, but they also show his evolution to the talented artist and impressive man he is today.
BamBam is often seen with his fellow JYP Entertainment Thai bro, 2PM’s Nichkhun, but he has also been spotted with Lisa, Sorn, and Ten.
5. Nichkhun (2PM)
Nichkhun was at one point, not only the Thai member of 2PM, but he was also the only Thai idol in K-Pop. Nicknamed the “Thai prince” for his wealthy background, good looks, and talent, he has shown his multitude of talents throughout the years, whether it be with 2PM or in his solo activities.
He was born in California but moved to Bangkok when he was five, spending seven years at Dhepkanjana School and Tangpiroondham School. When he was 12, he moved to New Zealand, where he studied at Wanganui Collegiate School, a boarding school for grades 9-13. Following just 18 months in New Zealand, he moved to California, and completed the rest of his school at Los Osos High School. At Korean Music Festival in Los Angeles, he was scouted by a JYP Entertainment official, marking the start of his entertainment career.
He has always been vocal about his love for the country he calls home. In 2008, he even starred in a Thai tourism campaign, and has also been the face of Coca Cola Thailand.
His visual graced covered the 100th anniversary issue of Seventeen Thailand in 2011.
Even when he is now participating in national campaigns, he’s been known for wearing a patriotic t-shirt or two in his down time, so he’s definitely not shy about promoting his home country.
Nichkhun regularly spends time with other Thai idols (like BamBam)!
6. Mintty (Formerly Mint of Tiny-G)
Mintty’s real name is Goonshipas Peonpaweevorakul. She rose to fame in 2012 as a member of the girl group Tiny-G, which unofficially disbanded in 2014. She continued as a duo with former member J.Min, and the two hit it big back in Thailand! She released a solo album with a new agency in South Korea in 2017, under the name Mintty, and appeared on the web drama IDOLMASTER.
Growing up in Thailand, she lived a life of luxury and was bought a house as a lavish coming-of-age birthday treat. She spent years learning dance, which came in handy as a member of Tiny-G, it’s sub-unit Tiny-G M, and IDOLMASTER’s group Real Girl’s Project. She has always remained completely in touch with her roots and actually captions most of her Instagram uploads in Thai, rather than Korean!
She has also taken selcas with her Thai passport, proudly posting warm vacation photos while she visited her home country. She always showcases her fun times with scenic backdrops of the beach or nightlife.
The beaches aren’t the only thing she’s proud of about her country, but also her Thai friends and family.
She still even uses medicines from Thailand, giving her that extra sense of homeliness.
7. Ten (NCT)
Ten (Ten Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul) debuted under NCT’s sub-unit NCT U in 2016, but was born and raised in Thailand. He was already well-known in Thailand as he won the TV show “Teen Superstar” in 2011 before joining SM Entertainment in 2013 as the label’s first Thai trainee.
Not to be outdone by Lisa, he’s friendly with the other Thai idols too! Including Nichkhun…
And BamBam, although BamBam has admitted they don’t get to catch up as often as he would like!
He also was able to share a dance performance with Lisa, causing fans to crave more the combination.
