As a K-pop fan, it is always exciting to share a connection with our favorite idols. So if you're a Filipino K-pop enthusiast, you might be thrilled whenever Korean celebrities visit the Philippines. But did you know? Some of the K-pop idols we see today actually lived in the country before making their debut!
With that, here are 14 K-pop idols who used to live in the Philippines!
1. Highlight Son Dongwoon
Highlight member Son Dongwoon had once revealed in the KBS program "Win Win" that he studied English in Laguna before joining JYP Entertainment as a trainee. In a 2016 fanmeeting in Manila, he even introduced himself as "Dongwoon from Sta. Rosa."
2. Former gugudan Hyeyeon
Former gugudan member Hyeyeon, who now promotes under the stage name Jo Aram, lived in the Philippines for one year.
3. Former THE BOYZ Hwall
When he was younger, former THE BOYZ member Hwall came to the Philippines to study English. He lived in the country for four years, and had Leo as his English name.
4. MAMAMOO Solar
MAMAMOO Solar had once revealed that she lived in the Philippines for two months when she was 12 years old to study English. But she returned to South Korea when her parents told her to go back.
5. Former BIGFLO Hightop
Former BIGFLO member Hightop also lived in the Philippines for two months, which is why he knows a bit of English!
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6. iKON Jay
Before making his debut, iKON Jay used to live in Cebu. He stayed there for seven months as a high schooler, and even referred to the Philippines as "my country." He can even speak a bit of Tagalog and Bisaya!
7. Former 2NE1 Sandara Park
One of the most well-known K-pop idols to live in the Philippines is former 2NE1 member Sandara Park. She moved to the country at the age of 10 due to her father's business. As a result, she if fluent in both English and Tagalog. She even began her career there, and is still very much popular in the Philippines.
8. PENTAGON Kino
PENTAGON Kino used to live in the Philippines to study English for three months. During his stay there, he only used English to communicate.
9. Former PRISTIN Rena
Former PRISTIN member Rena, now known as Yaebin, told fans during a fanmeeting that she lived in the Philippines for a couple of years. No wonder she's good in English!
10. VAV Lou
VAV member Lou moved around a lot when he was younger, having even lived in Atlanta, United States. But when he was around 17 or 18 years old, he moved to the Philippines.
11. Dreamcatcher Yoohyeon
Another idol who lived in the Philippines was Dreamcatcher member Yoohyeon. While in the Philippines, she studied English with her English name Rachel.
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12. BTOB Sungjae
BTOB member Sungjae had once revealed during a fanmeeting back in 2018 that he lived in Cebu to study English for a brief time.
13. Dreamcatcher Gahyeon
Another Dreamcatcher member who lived in the Philippines is Gahyeon! The idol reportedly lived in Laguna for two months to study English, and used the English name Lucy.
14. ASTRO Cha Eun Woo
ASTRO member Cha Eun Woo was only in fourth grade when he lived in the Philippines. He stayed in the country for six months to study English during elementary school and used the name Felix.
Were you surprised to find out these idols lived in the Philippines?
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Written by Robyn Joan