Ever wondered if there are actually K-idols who came from a royal family? In this regard, we've looked for K-pop idols who came from the royal family, and there is no one. However, there are K-pop idols who are descendants of the Yangban family clans, who are considered to be noble or elites during the Joseon Dynasty.
According to the website of Korean clans, to be a Yangban, there should be at least three family members to pass the national exam based on Confucianism. If they are already a member of the government holding a high position, then they are considered as high Yangban. Thus, this is not inherited, and families should work hard for it to become part of the Yangban.Passing the high/national exam is a certification of one's noble status.
In context: The true bloodline of Yangban is difficult to determine due to the events and transition to the 20th century. There are several Koreans with the same surname, but it doesn't mean that they are from the same bloodline. There are several Korean clans which include the noble clans. However, this is not really openly discussed and is a sensitive topic for some.
There's few information about this unless you are a Korean who knows the history; that's why the following list is just a few of the K-pop idols who've confirmed their type of clan, the descendants of the families that are part of the Yangban during Joseon, the last Dynasty of Korea.
1. Jeonju Lee Clan
The Jeonju Lee Clan is the royal clan and is the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, under King Taejo of Joseon or Yi. The Lee clan consists of several royal family and high-official politicians, basically the bloodline of the royal family.
According to articles, Lee Soonkyu, or also known as Sunny of Girls Generation, is descendant of Grand Prince Horyeong to King Taejo. Several K-pop artists belong to the same clan as well, including Lee Chaeryeong and Chaeyeon (ITZY & IZ*ONE), SHINee's Taemin, Lee, Haechan, Lee Dino, Lee Jeno of NCT and Super Junior's Eunhyuk and Donghae.
2. Gwangsan Kim Clan Descendants
Several K-pop idols have the surname of Kim, but during the Joseon Dynasty, Gwansun Kim is the most prominent clans under Yangban families. BTS Kim Seok Jin and BTS V are some of the members of this clan, descendants of Heung Gwang, the third Prince of Silla era, Queen Ingyeon of Kim Sukjong as well as Kim Manjung who is the author of one of Korea's most significant novel, "The cloud Dream of The Nine."
MAMAMOO's Solar or Kim Yong Sun, SEVENTEEN Kim Min Kyu, LOONA Kim Hyun Jin, THE BOYZ Kim Sunwoo and ATEEZ Kim Hong Joong are some of the known descendants of this clan as well.
3. Yoheung Min Clan Descendants
On a Vlive broadcast organized by BTS for Suga's birthday, Min Yoongi, or also known as "Suga/ Agust D," mentioned his clan name which is the Yoheung Mins. Min is actually one of the rarest surnames in Korea, however, there are still various lineage of Mins that varies and are categorized through hierarchy. Suga, belongs to the higher hierarchy of the Min.
The clan was founded by Min Ching Do, a descendant of Min Sun, who is a disciple of Confucius. The clan produced four queens throughout the dynasty, including Empress Sunmyeong who is the last empress of Joseon and Korea and is also one of the most powerful clans in Korea.
Here are some of the K-idols who've confirmed their family lineage or clans, which directed them to become the descendants of noble clans of Joseon Dynasty.
