You might have heard of "Nation's Sister" IU, who is the top female soloist in the K-pop scene. But, did you know she had a labelmate called FIESTAR, which was a girl group consisting of six members. After debuting in 2012, the band lasted only until 2018.
Get to know more about IU's former labelmates below.
About FIESTAR, One of Kakao M's Former Girl Groups
FIESTAR made its debut in August 2012 with their first single "Vista." The girl group was composed of six members that come from not only South Korea but also from China and the United States. Its members were Cao Lu, Jei, Linzy, Hyemi, Cheska and Yezi.
In March 2014, band member Cheska left the group, though the company didn't reveal the reason for her decision. In July of the same year, FIESTAR made their first comeback as a five-member group with the single "One More," which involved the quintet in a controversy. The song became a hot topic due to its risqué lyrics that seem to be reference to a threesome. Because of that, the girl group had to change the lyrics for "One More" for their promotions.
ALSO READ: Where is Cross Gene Now? Here's the Group That Debuted the First Japanese K-pop Idol
In 2016, FIESTAR released a mini-album (titled "A Delicate Sense") and a digital single (titled "Apple Pie"), which ended up being their last album and digital single before the quintet's disbandment in May 2018.
On May 15, 2018, several sources from the industry reported that most of the band members' contracts with FAVE Entertainment (formerly called LOEN Tree, a subsidiary label of LOEN Entertainment) have expired on April 30. Cao Lu's contract was set to expire at the end of May. The label confirmed the news on the same day.
In July 2018, the quintet posted group photos for the first time since the members parted ways. The photo shows the five ladies enjoying their time together at a restaurant (see picture below).
Where are the FIESTAR Members Now?
Former FIESTAR Jei
The leader and visual of the group, Jei is one of the members who pursued an acting career after leaving FAVE Entertainment.
Before FIESTAR's disbandment was announced, it was revealed that Jei signed a contract with the acting agency Mars Entertainment, causing fans to wonder whether she already her initial agency and the group. Mars Entertainment remains as her current management company.
In October 2019, former FIESTAR Jei opened her YouTube channel under the name "Life of Jei." Then, in October 2020, she tied the knot with her non-celebrity boyfriend.
Former FIESTAR Linzy
Linzy was the main vocalist and the other visual of FIESTAR. Before her contract expired with FAVE Entertainment in May 2018, she signed a contract with Will Entertainment as an actress. Then, she joined WELLS Entertainment in November 2021.
In November of last year, former FIESTAR Linzy competed in MBC's "The King of Mask Singer" under the contestant name "Lump Sum Payment."
Linzy is currently active as a musical actress. She is starring in the musical "Jack the Ripper" where she is one of the cast members playing the role of Gloria. "Jack the Ripper" also stars other K-pop idols like ASTRO MJ, SF9 Inseong and more. The musical will last until February this year.
READ MORE: Where are the TREI Members Now? Know Where EXID's Former Juniors are Following the Group's Disbandment
Former FIESTAR Cao Lu
Cao Lu, the face of the group, signed with EVERGLOW's agency Yuehua Entertainment in 2017 before leaving FAVE Entertainment. The label will manage her solo activities in China.
In September 2018, IOK Company announced that former FIESTAR Cao Lu joined its sub-label, TN Entertainment.
Former FIESTAR Hyemi
Unlike Jei and Linzy, Hyemi continued her career path as a singer but this time as a solo artist. She is currently under Lighthouse, where she is a singer-songwriter and composer. Additionally, she is now called under her new stage name Yel.
In May 2018, former FIESTAR Hyemi made her solo debut with her first digital single "Lucid Dream." Her latest solo release is her third digital track "Feel Lethargic" in 2019.
As a singer-songwriter and composer, Yel has songwriting and composing credits in BUSTER's "Cherry Blossom" and composing credit in Super Junior K.R.Y's "The Way Back to You."
Former FIESTAR Yezi
FIESTAR's main dancer and main rapper, Yezi also continued her singing career. She is currently an artist under JG Star Entertainment. Her first single under the label and after her group disbanded, titled "My Gravity," was dropped in January 2020.
Former FIESTAR Yezi's latest solo release is her second single album "Secreto," which arrived in June 2021. Check out the music video for "Secreto" here.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Where is LOVELYZ Now? Here are the Members' Current Status After Disbandment
Former FIESTAR Cheska
Cheska, who left the group in March 2014, announced in May 2018 that she will quit the music industry. She explained that she decided to end her musical career as music was slowly killing her.
While she left the music industry for good, former FIESTAR Cheska is active in uploading content to her Instagram account and on her YouTube channel. She is currently a Twitch streamer.
For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article
Written by Mhaliya Scott
