The K-Pop world has embraced foreign idols for decades now, and they form a significant part of the industry. However, the K-Drama industry is still quite closed off when it comes to casting foreign idols as actors.

Despite the incredible popularity of foreign idols, not many of them are seen on the small screen.

Some foreign K-Pop idols who have acted in K-Dramas include Henry Lau, who has even acted as a Korean ("Oh My Venus"), (G)I-DLE's Minnie in "So Not Worth It" and Terada Takuya in "The Lover".

Isn't it surprising that more foreign K-Pop idols are not seen in K-Dramas?

Here are 5 foreign K-Pop idols we think would be amazing in a K-Drama!

 

1. NCT's Yuta

First on this list, we have NCT's Yuta, who has been proving his extraordinary mettle as an actor in Japan.

With his versatility, skills, and visuals, he would be a delight to watch in a K-Drama.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he could well make a place for himself in the prestigious film industry too!

 

2. Lapillus' Chanty

Chanty is an actress in her homeland, just like Yuta.

She is extremely talented, gorgeous and a queen of expressions!

We can totally imagine her as the leading protagonist of a rom-com K-Drama.

 

3. TWICE's Sana

TWICE's Sana is a veteran in the K-Pop industry.

She is just as beloved as she is talented, with unrivaled charisma.

It is truly surprising that Sana has not appeared in a K-Drama yet but if she ever does, it would break the internet.

 

4. LE SSERAFIM's Sakura

Miyawaki Sakura is a master of all trades.

So, it is no surprise that she is also a talented actress but unfortunately for us, she hasn't acted in a K-Drama.

Sakura's ethereal visuals may remind you of a romance drama, but she would do fantastic in an action/thriller, too!

 

5. aespa's NingNing

NingNing is an idol with angelic beauty and immense talent.

Due to her short appearance on aespa's "Better Things" sitcom, many fans were left wanting more.

We have no doubt that NingNing would be incredible as an actress in a K-Drama, making even more fans fall in love.

You don't need to be Korean to be a K-Pop idol! When young kids all over the world dreaming of standing on South Korea's stage first realized this, a whole new world opened up in front of them. From BLACKPINK's Lisa to TWICE's MiSaMo, BLACKSWAN's Fatou, GOT7's Jackson Wang, Lapillus' Chanty, ChoCo's Anpan, X:IN's Aria, SECRET NUMBER's Dita, KISS OF LIFE's Natty and many more - some of the most beloved and successful K-Pop idols across generations have been foreign, and they have been embraced not just by Koreans but K-Pop fans globally. The immense heights that these foreign K-Pop idols reached quickly proved that talent cannot be bound by borders. So, the ultimate global talent hunt is on, and K-Pop companies are gearing up to find the next big star through worldwide K-Pop auditions.

 

International K-Pop Idols As A Reflection Of Globalization

In the beginning, when the second generation of K-Pop was advancing in full force towards expansion in Asia, the presence of a non-Korean member in an idol group was a reflection of this development. Soon after, as Hallyu crash-landed on the farthest corners of the world, leading to the steady globalization of K-Pop, we saw even more trailblazers like Taiwanese idol Amber Liu in f(x), Thai-American Nichkhun in 2PM and Sriya Lenka from India in BLACKSWAN. As such, foreign K-Pop idols have always been indicative of K-Pop's transnational impact.

We have also recently seen the rise of the 1st generation of global pop groups coming out of the K-Pop industry, such as all-Filipino group HORI7ON, JYPE's American girl group VCHA trained in the K-Pop system, HYBE's global girl group KATSEYE, and many more, which has opened the doors to endless possibilities for aspiring K-Pop idols all over the world.

It is quite natural, therefore, that in the current landscape, it is standard practice for K-Pop companies to seek out talent from all over the world for their idol groups. From the big 4 - HYBE, SME, YGE, and JYPE to more diverse companies like MLD Entertainment, WAKEONE, Kakao Entertainment, and ChoCo Entertainment - everyone wants to nurture the next big global star in K-Pop and to do so, inviting global applicants is a must. After all, amidst the fierce competition that defines the K-Pop industry, those who can swiftly identify and recruit from diverse talent pools first emerge victorious. The world is witnessing the globalization of the K-Pop dream, and the industry is catching up.

 

Spotlight On India: The New Epicenter For Talent

The latest hot spot for K-Pop companies to find the next diamond of K-Pop is India. Yes, the country known for its rich culture and heritage is also emerging as the goldmine for finding future K-Pop idols with the potential to take the world by storm.

Following Sriya Lenka's impactful debut in BLACKSWAN as the first Indian K-Pop idol, it was Aria, also from India, who debuted in X:IN, going viral at once for her charming visuals and talent. Both idols received immense love from K-pop fans all over the world and are moving forward in their careers, achieving one milestone after another. Sriya recently walked the runway for the brand GREEDILOUS at the 2024 F/W Seoul Fashion Week, and Aria is currently preparing to debut as a part of the multinational project K-Pop group Triple iz.

 

So, Who's Next?

According to ChoCo Entertainment, headed by ChoPD, it may just be Kashish Pushpak - a young girl from India who has just landed in Seoul to fulfill her dream of becoming a K-Pop idol.

K-Pop company ChoCo Entertainment has officially launched its 2024 Global Audition, aiming to scout the best talents from all over the world. ChoCo Entertainment, which is renowned for its unique artist incubation system, is setting eyes on India first and foremost to find its next big star. Towards this end, singer and dancer Kashish Pushpak has been chosen to fly out to South Korea and audition for ChoCo Entertainment.

ChoCo Entertainment's team personally escorted Kashish and her guardian from the airport, introducing her to her favorite Korean food, and showed her around, proving their dedication to caring for young artists and nurturing them to the best of their capacity.

On her second day in Seoul, Kashish met ChoPD, the CBO/Executive Producer of ChoCo Entertainment, sharing her dream of marrying Indian pop with K-Pop and creating a whole new genre that will dominate the global music scene. ChoPD was thoroughly impressed by her vision and showed enthusiasm about making her dream come true.

What is particularly significant about this conversation is that Kashish's dream is something that K-Pop fans in India also share. Collaboration between Indian artists and K-Pop artists is highly desired, especially if it materializes in the form of a unique and innovative new genre, paving the way for future developments and sparking a movement in global music. So, fans are already supporting Kashish and cheering her on for her journey.

About her experience in ChoCo Entertainment, Kashish shared, "I totally love this company..friendly, comfortable, helpful" and urged all aspiring K-Pop dreamers to join ChoCo's global audition, set to be conducted in a full-fledged manner in 2024.

 

How To Audition For ChoCo Entertainment?

ChoCo Entertainment's 2024 Global Audition for finding the next K-Pop star is currently underway, and applications are always open.

You can audition for Vocal, Dance, and Rap categories (up to three choices), and anyone is eligible to audition, regardless of nationality, age, or gender, which goes to show ChoCo Entertainment's commitment to prioritizing talent above all.

To apply, download the application form here, fill it out, and submit it with a video highlighting your vocal, rap, or dance skills in a 2-minute clip, along with a short self-introduction to [email protected].

For more details, check out ChoCo Entertainment's official website here.

Are you ready to be the next K-Pop star? What are you waiting for? Globalize your talent and apply now!

If you are a Kpopmap reader, you might have noticed a weekly series by the name of "Girl Crush" where we feature a female K-Pop idol who is total girl crush material.

A 'girl crush' is defined as a woman or girl who is the object of one's admiration. In other words, one of the female K-Pop idols that fans wish was their best friend or girlfriend. This can be based on their style, personality, overall vibe, etc.

Here are the female K-Pop idols that we have featured in our series so far. They each have their own charm and different auras, but will make you crush on them for sure! If you want to know more about what makes them so charming, make sure to read their individual articles.

Note: This is not a ranking. This list is in order of the series. After the first article, the order was determined by a poll within each article. The series is still ongoing so keep an eye out for updates on this list.

 

1. BLACKPINK's Lisa

Charming points you should read about: global citizen, stage presence, modeling potential

Read more about her here:

 

2. MAMAMOO's HwaSa

Charming points you should read about: down-to-earth personality, mukbang queen, natural beauty

Read more about her here:

 

3. TWICE's JiHyo

Charming points you should read about: radiant beauty, athletic figure, all-round performer

Read more about her here:

 

4. ITZY's RyuJin

Charming points you should read about: iconic dancer, captivating facial expressions, sentimental side

Read more about her here:

 

5. Red Velvet's SeulGi

Charming points you should read about: dancing queen, fashion brand ambassador, undefeated aesthetic

Read more about her here:

 

6. Jeon SoMi

Charming points you should read about: trendsetter, Barbie doll visuals, family-oriented

Read more about her here:

 

7. STAYC's SuMin

Charming points you should read about: vocal range, tiny cutie, girlfriend material pictures

Read more about her here:

 

8. LOONA's Yves

Charming points you should read about: visual duality, slim figure, unmatched dance lines

Read more about her here:

 

9. ChungHa

Charming points you should read about: charismatic performance, artist duality, cutest dog lover

Read more about her here:

 

10. Lovelyz's MiJoo

Charming points you should read about: variety show presence, body line, angelic vocals

Read more about her here:

 

11. (G)I-DLE's SoYeon

Charming points you should read about: all-round artist, genius songwriter and producer, duality queen

Read more about her here:

 

12. HyunA

Charming points you should read about: free spirit, bold fashion choices, artistic perspective, down-to-earth

Read more about her here:

 

13. Jessi

Charming points you should read about: sassy attitude, variety show queen, alluring aura

Read more about her here:

 

14. EVERGLOW's Mia

Charming points you should read about: all-rounder performer, sassy but cute, emotive ace

Read more about her here:

 

15. EXID's Hani

Charming points you should read about: iconic sexy female K-Pop idol, plot-twist-like charm, beauty and brains

Read more about her here:

 

16. IVE's YuJin

Charming points you should read about: charismatic leader, broad musical range, language learning queen

Read more about her here:

 

17. CL

Charming points you should read about: style icon, influential aura, next-level artistry

Read more about her here:

 

18. IU

Charming points you should read about: unmatched vocalist, wide acting spectrum, fairytale beauty

Read more about her here:

 

19. LeeHi

Charming points you should read about: honey melodic vocals, total cutie, empathy queen

Read more about her here:

 

20. ITZY's YeJi

Charming points you should read about: pretty dance lines, duality princess, relatable queen

Read more about her here:

 

21. MAMAMOO's MoonByul

Charming points you should read about: androgynous fashion, girlfriend material pictures, easy-going personality

 

22. TWICE's JeongYeon

Charming points you should read about: beautiful inside and out, family-oriented, animal lover

 

23. Lee ChaeYeon

Charming points you should read about: feather-like dancer, K-Drama OST potential, loving sister

 

24. LOONA's Chuu

Charming points you should read about: bubbly aura, angelic vocals, relatable real side

 

25. OH MY GIRL's Mimi

Charming points you should read about: multitalented, mukbang queen, fashionista

 

26. aespa's Karina

Charming points you should read about: AI-like beauty, 4th generation all-rounder, friend-like idol

 

27. Girls' Generation's SeoHyun

Charming points you should read about: plot-twist-like charm, model persona, Tinkerbell-like

 

28. Suzy

Charming points you should read about: nation's first love, CF queen, versatile actress and singer

 

29. Weki Meki's Choi YooJung

Charming points you should read about: unmissable groove, best girl energy, naturally charming

 

30. GWSN's Miya

Charming points you should read about: androgynous fashion, charisma personified, high-key adorable

 

31. WJSN's Bona

Charming points you should read about: authentic idol actress, positive attitude, a stylist in her past life

 

32. DREAMCATCHER's GaHyeon

Charming points you should read about: reality better than fiction, cool but cute, charismatic aura

 

33. Kim YooJung

Charming points you should read about: nation's little sister, historical drama fairy, refreshing beauty

 

34. Apink's Jeong EunJi

Charming points you should read about: beautiful vocal quality, mood booster, entire existence is the biggest vibe

 

35. MAMAMOO's WheeIn

Charming points you should read about: a musical gift, style icon, aegyo queen

 

36. Kim GoEun

Charming points you should read about: queen of sentiment, whatever it takes to portray the role, inspirational attitude

 

37. Park EunBin

Charming points you should read about: top-tier duality, musically talented, youthful aura

 

38. Kim HyeYoon

Charming points you should read about: versatility queen, cheerful personality, plot-twist fashion preference

 

39. Kim TaeRi

Charming points you should read about: attention to detail in acting, wholesome, down-to-earth

 

40. fromis_9's Lee ChaeYoung

Charming points you should read about: energizer bunny, moodmaker, strong and fit

 

41. PURPLE KISS' Yuki

Charming points you should read about: impactful rap ability, angelic beauty, cutest laugh

 

42. Kim SoHyun

Charming points you should read about: goddess visuals, bubbly persona, mature personality

 

43. Kim SeJeong

Charming points you should read about: golden voice, industry all-rounder, generous attitude

 

44. cignature's JeeWon

Charming points you should read about: beautiful smile, 'the human pink', sunshine angel

 

45. Mun KaYoung

Charming points you should read about: free-spirited, global citizen, high-fashion modeling

 

46. Billlie's Moon SuA

Charming points you should read about: it factor, bloodline talent, whisker dimples

 

47. Kep1er's DaYeon

Charming points you should read about: dancing queen, top-level professionalism, authentically herself

 

48. SECRET NUMBER's Dita

Charming points you should read about: honey-dripping voice, artistic creativity, walking vitamin

 

49. Jung SoMin

Charming points you should read about: acting duality, traditional dancer, family-oriented

 

50. Brave Girls' YuJeong

Charming points you should read about: the essence of melodic, appreciative displays for fans, powerhouse smile

 

51. Shin SaeKyeong

Charming points you should read about: ever-dynamic actress, ethereal visuals, professional baker in past life

 

52. Jo YuRi

Charming points you should read about: dalgona-sweet melodies, triple threat, sentimental personality

 

 

53. IVE's Rei

Charming points you should read about: all-rounder rookie, industry trendsetter, stunning visuals

 

54. MAMAMOO's Solar

Charming points you should read about: vocal powerhouse, an inspiring musical actress, as dazzling as her name

 

55. Cherry Bullet's May

Charming points you should read about: doll-like visuals, praiseworthy dance, extreme athleticism

 

56. Choi YeNa

Charming points you should read about: undeniably solid vocals, dancing queen, happy virus

 

57. Lee SeYoung

Charming points you should read about: captivating character portrayals, source of inspiration, animal lover

 

58. WJSN's YeonJung

Charming points you should read about: lasting vocal impression, pitch-perfect, endearing charm

 

59. BLACKPINK's JiSoo

Charming points you should read about: airy vocals, lovable aura, beagle beauty

 

60. TWICE's NaYeon

Charming points you should read about: delightful vocal tone, graceful dance lines, downright gorgeous

 

61. Billlie's Tsuki

Charming points you should read about: destined industry legend, facial expression queen, an idol of positivity

 

62. LE SSERAFIM's Sakura

Charming points you should read about: incredible work ethic, stellar mindset, concept chameleon

 

63. TRI.BE's SongSun

Charming points you should read about: perseverant spirit, aromatic vocals, adorable leader

 

64. DREAMCATCHER's DaMi

Charming points you should read about: the personification of charisma, diligent attitude, invented the term 'girl crush'

 

65. Han SoHee

Charming points you should read about: wide acting spectrum, added another level to the beauty standard, down-to-earth queen

 

66. VIVIZ's SinB

Charming points you should read about: pure vocals, conceptually flexible dance technique, sassy side with a touch of silly

 

67. woo!ah!'s NaNa

Charming points you should read about: hexagonal idol, affinity for leadership, 'the idol that nobody is allowed to dislike'

 

68. fromis_9's Lee SaeRom

Charming points you should read about: anchor-like captain, a standout on stage, fashionista

 

69. Rocket Punch's YeonHee

Charming points you should read about: lovable stage presence, persistent leader, mood booster persona

 

70. Lapillus' Chanty

Charming points you should read about: multilingual queen, beauty and brains, belongs in the limelight

 

71. Go YounJung

Charming points you should read about: breakout actress successful from the start, fine artist, regal visuals

 

72. Seor InA

Charming points you should read about: actress not afraid of a challenge, trained to be a K-Pop idol before, goes the extra mile for fans

 

73. PURPLE KISS' ChaeIn

Charming points you should read about: all-rounder, stellar improvisation skills, the best beagle

 

74. Weeekly's Lee SooJin

Charming points you should read about: level-headed, constantly working behind the scenes, actress-like aura

 

75. LOONA's HyunJin

Charming points you should read about: always has the time of her life on stage, the source of many smiles, 4D personality

 

76. Kang MiNa

Charming points you should read about: holistically talented figure, natural aegyo, fairy-like ears and visuals

 

77. Girl's Day's Lee HyeRi

Charming points you should read about: career duality, energizing personality traits, charitable/generous heart

 

78. Lee YoungJi

Charming points you should read about: MZ generation it girl, husky honey-like vocals, authentic personality

 

79. Girls' Generation's TaeYeon

Charming points you should read about: 'representative female K-Pop idol', vocal queen, fearless leader

 

80. LE SSERAFIM's Kim ChaeWon

Charming points you should read about: Honey-like vocals, charismatic stage presence, heartwarming personality

Read more about her here:

 

81. (G)I-DLE's Minnie

Charming points you should read about: 'Queencard' like no other, incredible vocals, flawless visuals

Read more about her here:

 

82. Red Velvet's Wendy

Charming points you should read about: Amazing at covers and originals, OST goddess, loveable queen

Read more about her here:

 

83. aespa's Winter

Charming points you should read about: Insane vocal range, incredible musicality, overall sweetheart

Read more about her here:

 

84. ITZY's ChaeRyeong

Charming points you should read about: Dancing queen, natural born comedian, jaw-dropping visuals

Read more about her here:

 

85. fromis_9's Song HaYoung

Charming points you should read about: Walking serotonin boost, skilled dancer and vocalist, revitalizing energy

Read more about her here:

 

86. Kep1er's XiaoTing

Charming points you should read about: Dancing prowess, amazing survival show history, jaw-dropping visuals

Read more about her here:

 

87. Cherry Bullet's JiWon

Charming points you should read about: Master of concepts, enchanting dance skills, all-rounder

Read more about her here:

 

88. Kim JiEun

Charming points you should read about: Amazing actress, wonderful MC, hilarious variety sense

Read more about her here:

 

89. Red Velvet's Joy

Charming points you should read about: Awe-inspiring vocals, noteworthy actress, radiating light

Read more about her here:

 

90. Han HyoJoo

Charming points you should read about: Storied career, timeless visuals, heartwarming personality

Read more about her here:

 

91. DREAMCATCHER's SiYeon

Charming points you should read about: Rock-inspired, powerful voice, source of joy

Read more about her here:

Which other Korean idols or actresses do you have a girl crush on? Let us know in the comments.