Before making their debut as idols, these female K-pop stars worked as advertisement models. Their gorgeous visuals attracted consumers and gained a fan base before being formally introduced as celebrities. Here are three K-pop idols who were "advertising princesses" before their debut.
1. BLACKPINK Jisoo
Jisoo always garners attention from the public thanks to her visuals and is known as one of K-pop's top visuals. However, before her debut, Jisoo worked as a model for several brands. Jiso modeled for Samsonite's handbag line alongside actor Lee Min Ho as a trainee. She also modeled for Smart Uniform with iKON, her labelmates. She worked with them again for Nikon.
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Jisoo is also featured in advertisements for LG Electronics. Additionally, she made a cameo in the KBS2 K-drama "The Producers" with Sandara Park and WINNER's Yoon.
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2. aespa Karina
If YG Entertainment has Jisoo, SM Entertainment has Karina. When she was a trainee, Karina was given the opportunity to work with her seniors in several activities. Her most notable activity was when she co-starred with EXO member Kai for a car commercial. The two appeared on Hyundai's "The all-new Hyundai TUCSON Beyond DRIVE" performance.
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Karina is seen wearing a white puffy long-sleeved top and black shorts in the clip. The idol showed off her beautiful visuals and physique while dancing with her senior. After appearing in the advertisement, Karina received a lot of attention from the public. Because of that, she immediately became a top name in the industry following her debut with aespa.
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3. IVE Ahn Yujin
When she appeared on "Produce 48," Ahn Yujin was already a familiar face in the industry. Though she had not debuted at the time, it was mentioned that she worked as a model for several commercials. She continued to gain fame for her stunning visuals and charisma.
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In 2017, she starred in a commercial for skincare produce Clearteen with ASTRO member Cha Eun Woo. In the video, she plays a high school girl who blooms with the help of Clearteen. With her youthful and flawless bare face, she is able to attract the attention of her favorite male idol, Cha Eun Woo.
She also starred in commercials for Acuvue Vita in 2017 and for Gatorade in 2018. Additionally, Yujin was featured in the VCR for Mnet's KCON Japan.
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Know any other idols who were "advertising princesses" before their debut? Tell us in the comments below!
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Written by Alexa Lewis
