In K-pop, most idols come from East Asian countries: South Korea, Japan, or China.
However, as K-pop expanded worldwide, multiple agencies also tried reaching out to neighboring countries from South Asia, particularly in India. Here are some of them:
Priyanka Mazumdar
Born in Guwahati, Assam, India, Priyanka was initially known in the music scene after promoting in Korea as a former member of the international group, Z-Girls.
After parting ways with the team, she became a soloist under the agency, Beyond Ent Korea.
BLACKSWAN's Sriya Lenka
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In 2022, Sriya Lenka made history as the first Indian idol to join a K-pop group. She became the maknae of BLACKSWAN after 5 years of training.
X:IN's Aria
Born in Kerala and raised in Mumbai, Aria is the second Indian to debut in a girl group. She went to Korea to pursue her dreams after becoming a fan of the global boy group, BTS.
KATSEYE's Lara
Lara is ethnically Indian (Tamil Nadu), but she was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.
In 2024, she debuted as a member of HYBE's multinational girl group KATSEYE, which technically follows the K-pop system.
Kwon Hyeop
Kwon Hyeop became known among fans first after joining Mnet's "Produce 101" Season 2 under Maroo Entertainment.
Although he failed to debut, he became a member of the boy group WAKER under Howling Entertainment in January this year.
His nationality is Korean, but he's half-Indian, according to rumors. He drew attention for his resemblance to BTS V.
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