The more global K-pop gets, the more we see idols from different backgrounds enter the scene. We have seen many K-pop idols from foreign countries, but many have noticed there has been a rise of mixed-race idols.
These idols have parents from two different countries, making them mixed race.
1. SEVENTEEN's Vernon
Vernon is the son of an American mother and Korean father, making him half-Caucasian and half-Korean. He was born in New York but moved to South Korea when he was five-years-old, making him a dual citizen of the United States and South Korea. He is currently active as SEVENTEEN's main rapper and a member of the group's hip-hop unit.
2. THE BOYZ's Joo Haknyeon
Joo Haknyeon is the son of a Hong Konger father and a Korean mother. Though born in Jeju, South Korea, he lived in Hong Kong for a big portion of his life, and he can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and South Korea. Joo Haknyeon has not spoken about his family in detail, though during his appearance on "Produce 101 Season 2," he mentioned that his father has passed away.
3. MOMOLAND's Nancy
Nancy was born in the United States to a Korean mother and an American father of Irish descent. She moved to South Korea when she was six years old and was first introduced to the public in 2011 when she and her dance crew, Cutie pies, competed in "Korea's Got Talent." In 2016, she joined the survival show "Finding Momoland", subsequently debuting in the girl group MOMOLAND as their lead vocalist and visual.
4. TXT's Huening Kai
Huening Kai gained much attention even before his debut for being Big Hit Entertainment's first-ever foreign idol. His dad is an American of German descent and a Korean mother and was raised in Hawaii. His father promoted as a singer in China, and he met Huening Kai's mother there.
5. Jeon Somi
Born to a Dutch-Candian father and Korean mother, Somi is half-Caucasian and half-Korean. The idol is a citizen in The Netherlands, Canada, and South Korea. What a global star! Jeon Somi is known for being an almost member of TWICE, having made it to the finale of "SIXTEEN," the survival show that formed the group. She is also known as the center of I.O.I, the project girl group that debut from "Produce 101". Somi is currently active as a soloist.
6. NCT/WayV's Lucas
Lucas was born and raised in Hong Kong, China, to a Chinese father and Thai mother. Due to his mixed-race background, he speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and Korean fluently, and can speak basic Thai. He is SM Entertainment's first mixed-race idol.
7. Yoon Mi Rae
Yoon Mi Rae is one of the first mixed-race celebrities to become popular in South Korea. She was born in Texas to a Korean mother and an African-American mother. She moved to South Korea as a child and has revealed numerous times that she often faced discrimination from her peers due to her mixed-race heritage.
8. Kim Samuel
Samuel was born in the United States to a Korean mother and a Mexican father. Many know Samuel as an almost member of SEVENTEEN, having appeared with the members on "Seventeen TV." He left the company before SEVENTEEN's debut. He first debuted in a duo called 1PUNCH, but the duo has since been dissolved following One's departure. In 2017, he competed on "Produce 101 Season 2" and made it to the finale, but ultimately did not make it to the Wanna One line-up. He debuted as a soloist after.
9. Kangnam
Kangnam was born in Tokyo, Japan, to a Korean mother and Japanese father. He spent most of his youth in Japan but also spent some time in Hawaii. He first made his debut in South Korea with the hip-hop group M.I.B and has also made his debut as a soloist in the country. Now, he is most active as a television personality.
9. Kyla (Former PRISTIN)
Though Kyla is no longer active in the K-pop industry, Kyla gained attention for being Pledis Entertainment's second mixed-race idol. She was born in Louisiana, United States, to a Korean mother and a white American father. She grew up in California and lived there before pursuing a career as an idol. She is currently living in the United States again and has released a solo mini-album.
Know any more mixed-race idols? Leave them in the comments below!
