Bands/Musicians The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols  

Ranker Music
27.7k votes 3k voters 19.4k views 48 items

List Rules Only K-pop idols who were not born in Korea.

Not every K-pop group is actually made up of Korean singers, and foreign K-pop artists who aren't Korean are becoming increasingly commonplace. Hailing from Japan, China, Thailand, Australia, and even the US, there are many non-Korean members in popular K-pop groups. Who are the best non-Korean K-pop idols? 

Some of the most famous non-Korean idols include Girls' Generation's Tiffany, f(x)'s Amber, BLACKPINK's Lisa, EXO's Lay, Got7's Jackson, and Wanna One's Lai Kuan Lin. JYP's Twice has four foreign members: Tzuyu, Mina, Momo, and Sana. K-pop features Chinese idols, Japanese idols, Taiwanese idols, and even Americans! 

Which non-Korean K-pop stars are your bias? Vote for your favorite idols who were not born in Kore,a and feel free to add anyone you feel is missing. How many K-pop groups with non-Korean members are there? 

1
1,166 365
Jackson Wang is listed (or ranked) 1 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Hong Kong Jackson Wang (born 28 March 1994) is a Hong Kong rapper, singer, and dancer based in South Korea. He is a member of the South Korean boy group Got7 under JYP Entertainment.

2
1,007 306
Mark is listed (or ranked) 2 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America Mark Tuan Yi En (born September 4, 1993) is a Taiwanese-American rapper under JYP Entertainment. He is a member and main rapper of the boy group GOT7.

3
1,429 472
Lisa is listed (or ranked) 3 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Thailand Lalisa Manoban (born March 27, 1997), professionally known by the mononym Lisa, is a Thai singer based in South Korea and a member of the K-pop girl group BlackPink, under YG Entertainment.

4
981 310
BamBam is listed (or ranked) 4 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Thailand Kunpimook Bhuwakul (born May 2, 1997), commonly known by his nickname BamBam, is a Thai singer/rapper based in South Korea. He is best known for being a member of the South Korean boy group

5
1,081 395
Rose is listed (or ranked) 5 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
New Zealand Park Chae Young (born February 11, 1997), professionally known by the mononym Rosé, is a Korean singer based in South Korea and a member of the K-pop girl group BlackPink, under YG

6
912 366
Tzuyu is listed (or ranked) 6 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Taiwan Chou Tzu-yu (born June 14, 1999), professionally known by the mononym Tzuyu, is a Taiwanese singer based in South Korea and a member of the K-pop girl group Twice, under JYP Entertainment.

7
907 362
Momo is listed (or ranked) 7 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Japan Hirai Momo (born November 9, 1996), professionally known by the mononym Momo, is a Japanese singer based in South Korea and a member of the K-pop girl group Twice, under JYP Entertainment.

8
836 341
Sana is listed (or ranked) 8 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Japan Minatozaki Sana (born December 29, 1996), professionally known by the mononym Sana, is a Japanese singer based in South Korea and a member of the K-pop girl group Twice, under JYP

9
827 344
Mina is listed (or ranked) 9 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America, Japan Myoui Mina (born March 24, 1997), professionally known by the mononym Mina, is a Japanese singer based in South Korea and a member of the K-pop girl group Twice, under JYP Entertainment.

10
731 303
Amber Liu is listed (or ranked) 10 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America, Taiwan Amber Josephine Liu, also known as Amber, is an American rapper and singer currently active in South Korea. She is a member of the South Korean girl group f(x). She debuted as a solo artist in ...more

11
716 300
Lay is listed (or ranked) 11 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Zhang Yixing is a member of the musical group, Exo-M.

12
197 44
Felix is listed (or ranked) 12 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
olivia1 added Felix Australia

13
553 261
The8 is listed (or ranked) 13 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Xu Minghao (born November 7, 1997) is a Chinese singer and dancer under Pledis Entertainment. He is a member of the boy group SEVENTEEN and their performance team unit.

14
418 186
Jun is listed (or ranked) 14 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Carat17DIYS added Shenzhen, China Jun (born June 10, 1996) is a Chinese singer, dancer, and actor under Pledis Entertainment. He is a member of the boy group SEVENTEEN and its performance team unit.

15
222 70
Joshua is listed (or ranked) 15 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Maria Purplehill added United States Of America Joshua (born December 30, 1995) is a Korean-American singer under Pledis Entertainment. He is a member of the boy group SEVENTEEN and its vocal team unit.

16
411 184
Samuel is listed (or ranked) 16 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Carat17DIYS added United States of America Samuel Kim Arredondo (born January 17, 2002; formerly known as Punch), referred to as Samuel, is an American singer based in South Korea. He was a part of the short-lived hip hop duo 1Punch, ...more

17
210 66
Jae Park is listed (or ranked) 17 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
AnaM1 added Jae Argentina Park Jae-hyung (born September 15, 1992), better known as Jae, is a Korean-American musician, singer, songwriter, rapper and composer. He is best known as a vocalist and electric guitarist of ...more

18
201 63
Yuta is listed (or ranked) 18 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
ktanji-seki23 added Yuta Japan

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183 54
Chenle is listed (or ranked) 19 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
ktanji-seki23 added Chenle China Zhong Chenle (born 22 November 2001), known professionally as Chenle, is a Chinese singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor based in Seoul, South Korea. He is a member of South-Korean boy group ...more

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175 52
Mark Lee is listed (or ranked) 20 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
ktanji-seki23 added United States of America Mark David Lee is the guitarist and a founding member of the Christian rock band Third Day. Third Day has amassed album sales of over 6 million units. Lee has performed over 1200 shows with the ...more

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397 211
Jay Park is listed (or ranked) 21 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America Jay Park is an American singer, dancer, rapper, music producer, songwriter, model, choreographer, entrepreneur, and actor. He is a member of the Seattle-based b-boy crew, Art of Movement. As ...more

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139 37
Ten is listed (or ranked) 22 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
JiMiPark added Ten Thailand

23
441 243
Lu Han is listed (or ranked) 23 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Lu Han is a member of the musical group, Exo-M.

24
169 66
Yan An is listed (or ranked) 24 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
XtarXing added Yan An China

25
434 247
Kris Wu is listed (or ranked) 25 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Wu Yifan (born November 6, 1990), professionally known as Kris Wu or Kris, is a Chinese Canadian actor, singer, and model. He is a former member of South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO and its ...more

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332 193
Henry Lau is listed (or ranked) 26 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Canada Henry Lau, known as Henry, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, producer, and actor working in Korean pop music. He is best known for being a member of Super Junior-M and the break-out star in the ...more

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376 225
Tiffany is listed (or ranked) 27 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America Stephanie Young Hwang, better known by the stage name Tiffany or by her Korean name Hwang Mi-young, is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She is a member of both the South Korean girl ...more

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95 24
Vernon is listed (or ranked) 28 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
mershashysg added Vernon (born February 18, 1998) is a South Korean rapper under Pledis Entertainment. He is a member of the boy group SEVENTEEN and their hip-hop team unit.

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345 208
Jessi is listed (or ranked) 29 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America Jessica Hyun-ju Ho (born December 17, 1988), better known by her stage name Jessi, is a Korean-American rapper, singer, and songwriter based in South Korea. She was born in New York, raised in ...more

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379 234
Krystal is listed (or ranked) 30 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America Chrystal Soo Jung, better known as Krystal Jung, Krystal, or by her Korean name Jung Soo Jung, is an American singer and actress currently based in South Korea. Discovered by S.M. Entertainment ...more

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137 62
Yuto Adachi is listed (or ranked) 31 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
XtarXing added Yuto Adachi Japan

32
344 226
Jessica Jung is listed (or ranked) 32 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
United States of America Jessica Sooyoun Jung is an American singer, actress, and businesswoman currently based in South Korea. She is a former member of the South Korean girl group Girls' Generation. In 2014, she ...more

33
79 29
WinWin is listed (or ranked) 33 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
TheUltimateShawol added WinWin Chinese

Stage Name: Win Win (윈윈)
Birth Name: Dong Si Cheng (董思成)
Korean Name: Dong Sa Sung (동사성)
Birthday: October 28, 1997
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Height: 178 cm (5’10″)
Weight: 60 kg (132 lbs)
Blood Type: B

WinWin Facts:
– He was born in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
– Education: The Central Academy Of Drama
– Specialty: Traditional Chinese Dance
– Shoe size: 270 mm
– WinWin has lingual braces (braces that are hidden or at the back of your teeth)
– He speaks Chinese and Korean.
– He can play the guitar.
– He specializes in traditional Chinese dance.
– Habits: Sleeping with his eyes opened
– His hobbies are: playing the piano, watching movies, swimming
– His favorite foods are: Hot pot, Tiramisu, Samgyeopsal, Strawberries, Mushrooms, Chips
– His favorite drinks are soda water, Caramel Macchiato and orange juice.
– His favorite colors are Black and White.
– His favorite anime is “One Piece”.
– His favorite movie is “Pursuit of Happiness”
– His favorite actor is Kim Soo Hyun.
– His favorite actress is Shu Qi.
– His favorite artists are EXO and Jay Chou.
– His favorite places are New Zealand, Gyeongbokgung Palace and the amusement parks.
– Likes: Babies, dogs, vacation, NCTzens
– Dislikes: high places, planes and touches (he doesn’t mind being touched by 1st Mark 2nd Taeil)
– His least favorite subject in school: Geography
– He really loves sleeping.
– He loves the snow.
– He enjoys shopping.
– WinWin has two dogs; one is named Figure and the other is named Penny.
– Winwin picks his nails to relieve stress. (NCT Life in Osaka ep. 14)
– Winwin said he dislikes skinship. (NCT Night Night)
– Winwin has a fear of heights (180406 Epop Malaysia magazine)
– He has a deep fear of strangers.
– Due to his fear of strangers, he didn’t trust the SM agents at first, and thought they were scammers. SM scouted him for 2 years because he kept giving them a wrong number whenever they would ask for his number.
– He thinks “faith” is really important.
– Would want to switch bodies with Johnny because he wants to see things from a higher view.
– Winwin was scouted in his school when he performed Chinese traditional dance.
– Winwin is the most flexible member in NCT 127. (Weekly Idol NCT 127)
– The most difficult Korean word for WinWin is ‘deo araero’.
– The song that made him wanna become an artist: EXO’s “Growl” (Apple NCT’s Playlist)
– Winwin, Yuta and Taeil are roommates.
– Sub-Unit: NCT U, NCT 127
– WinWin’s ideal type: Someone who has long black hair.

Information sourced from https://kprofiles.com 

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278 196
Victoria Song is listed (or ranked) 34 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Song Qian, known as Victoria Song or mononymously as Victoria, is a Chinese singer and actress. She is a member and leader of the South Korean girl group f(x).

35
240 173
Nichkhun is listed (or ranked) 35 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Thailand, United States of America Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul (born June 24, 1988), better known by his stage name Nichkhun, is a Thai American rapper, singer, songwriter, model, and actor. He is currently based in South Korea as a ...more

36
217 153
Cheng Xiao is listed (or ranked) 36 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Lifunia added China Cheng Xiao (born July 15, 1998) is a Chinese singer under Starship Entertainment. She is a member of the girl group WJSN.

37
258 198
Sorn is listed (or ranked) 37 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Thailand Chonnasorn Sajakul (born November 18, 1996), better known by the mononym Sorn, is a Thai singer based in South Korea. She is best known as the winner of K-Pop Star Hunt Season 1 in 2011, and ...more

38
190 162
Fei is listed (or ranked) 38 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Wang Feifei, known professionally as Fei, is the main vocalist of the South Korean girl group Miss A. Fei is considered one of the four best well-known and recognized Chinese female celebrities ...more

39
36 17
Wong Yukhei is listed (or ranked) 39 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
j4fn added Wong Yukhei Hongkong China

Stage Name: Lucas (루카스)
Birth Name: Huang Xuxi / Wong Yuk-hei (黃旭熙)
Korean Name: Hwang Wook-hee (황욱희)
Birthday: January 25th, 1999
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Height: 183 cm (6’0″)
Height: 65 kg (143 lbs)
Blood Type: O

Lucas Facts:
– He was born in Hong-Kong, China.
– Lucas is half Chinese and half Thai.
– Family: His father is Chinese, his mother is Thai. He has a younger brother.
– He was introduced as a new S.M. Rookies trainee on April 5, 2017.
– He speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Korean.
– He can speak a bit of Thai (Got7’s BamBam said he’s not very good tho)(Knowing Brother ep. 141)
– Shoe size: 280 mm
– Body Secret: He has a strong digestive ability
– Habit: Touching his rings
– Specialty: Winking
– His Chinese zodiac is Tiger.
– He appeared in TEN’s “Dream in a Dream” MV.
– Lucas likes spicy dishes (Jungwoo said on vLive with Jaehyun and Johnny)
– Lucas doesn’t like sweet taste on his meal. (vlive)
– He loves playing on PC games.
– He really likes dogs. (MTV Asia Interview)
– Likes: Food, exercising, dogs, his parents
– Dislikes: Mosquitoes
– Lucas eats a lot. He eats the most out of all the members. (MTV Asia Interview)
– He has too much muscles. (MTV Asia Interview)
– His hobby is working out, before joining SM he worked out a lot. (MTV Asia Interview)
– His parents owned a Thai restaurant at Woche market, in Hong Kong.
– Lucas visits Thailand every year, to see his mom. He mentioned this to WinWin as they were eating Thai food on the Hot & Young Seoul Trip ep 11.
– Lucas claims he wasn’t popular among girls during high school because he was just too handsome. (“Happy Together”)
– On 30 January 2018, it was announced that he will debut in NCT.
– Lucas thought that he had to join NCT DREAM because he is the same age as Mark, so he practiced Chewing Gum.
– The song that made him wanna become an artist: DEAN’s “I’m Not Sorry” (Apple NCT’s Playlist)
– Would want to switch bodies with Kun because he would want to cook well.
– Lucas and Kun are roommates. (vLive 10/02/18)
– Update: His new roommate is Renjun.
– Sub-Unit: NCT U

40
12 1
Lee Dae Hwi is listed (or ranked) 40 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
wannableee added Lee Dae Hwi (born January 29, 2001) is a South Korean singer-songwriter under Brand New Music. He is known for being the center for the "It's Me (Pick Me)" evaluation during Produce ...more

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123 117
Loudi is listed (or ranked) 41 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
1519316258947 added Loudi Indonesia

Loudi / Edward Wen (born 13 April 1996) is an Indonesian singer, and dancer based in South Korea. He is a member of the South Korean boy group 14U under BG Entertainment.

42
161 165
Elkie is listed (or ranked) 42 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Hong Kong Elkie Chong Ting-yan (born 2 November 1998) is a Hong Kong singer and actress currently based in South Korea. She was previously a child-actress under TVB in Hong Kong and has appeared on ...more

43
7 2
Lai Kuan Lin is listed (or ranked) 43 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
wannableee added Lai Kuan Lin (born September 23, 2001), also known as Lee Guan Lin, is a Taiwanese rapper under Cube Entertainment. He is best known for finishing 7th in Produce 101 Season 2 making him a member ...more

44
132 146
Mei Qi is listed (or ranked) 44 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Lifunia added China Mei Qi (born October 15, 1998) is a Chinese singer under Starship Entertainment. She is a member of the girl group WJSN.

45
121 151
Xuan Yi is listed (or ranked) 45 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Lifunia added China Xuan Yi (born January 26, 1995) is a Chinese singer under Starship Entertainment. She is a member of the girl group WJSN.

46
130 165
Jia is listed (or ranked) 46 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
China Meng Jia, commonly known as Jia, is a Chinese singer and actress. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Miss A, which debuted under JYP Entertainment in 2010. Jia is considered one of ...more

47
97 154
Zhou Mi is listed (or ranked) 47 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Lifunia added China Zhou Mi (born April 19, 1986) is a Chinese singer, actor, songwriter, presenter, MC, and radio DJ based in South Korea and China. He is a member of the Boy band Super Junior's sub-unit Super ...more

48
78 152
Koki Tomlinson is listed (or ranked) 48 on the list The Best Non-Korean K-Pop Idols
Ab Abdillah added Koki Tomlinson United States of America

Koki Tomlinson (born Feb. 4, 1995) is an American singer, model and dancer based in South Korea. He is a member of the South Korean boy group EXP EDITION under IMMABB Entertainment.