Foreign or mixed-race members in K-pop idols groups often possess exotic beauty features
that exude a different kind of charm toward fans. However, such exotic features are not
limited to foreign and mixed-blood idols only, there are exceptional cases when 100% Korean
idols look like they come from another ethnicity. In this video, we shall list some of the idols
that make fans confused about their origins.
1. Liz (IVE)
Ever since their debut, IVE has attracted the attention from K-pop fans and been dubbed
the “all visual” girl group. Aside from Jang Wonyoung and Ahn Yujin, who had been
famous before debuting with IVE, netizens were also generous with compliments for Liz
- a new name with doll-like charm.
Liz’s double eye-lids, straight nose and unique aura contribute to an exotic look,
making some wonder if she is actually mixed-blood right when they see Liz’s first photos prior
to her debut with IVE.
Recently, Liz’s off-stage images were shared, which also caused more and more to scream
over her beauty. Many now expect her beauty will grow even more when she loses cheek fat
and turns from cute to mature style. On top of that, Liz’s exotic features were further
highlighted with her platinum blonde hair.
Thanks to Liz’s exotic charm, some said that they feel like she’s a bit of a mixed
race, although she is 100% Korean.
2. Jihyo (TWICE)
The leader slash main vocalist of TWICE has gained popularity with her impressive talents
in dancing and singing, and also her unique visuals. Jihyo stands out among other gorgeous
visuals of K-pop thanks to her small face and huge eyes, which show off a mixed-race
vibe although she is 100% Korean.
Jihyo even shared on the show Hello Counsellor that she used to feel insecure about her exotic
look. As a kid, Jihyo suffered from negative comments from others over her foreign look.
However, she herself sees her appearance as a blessing - partly thanks to it, she won
a child star competition and then was cast by JYP. Back when Jihyo auditioned for JYP
more than 10 years ago, her face already showed distinctive double eyelids and exotic features.
Even other members in TWICE also shared that at first they thought Jihyo was mixed-blood
when noticing her wide eyes.
Nayeon also confirmed that when they were trainees, many of their fellows mistook Jihyo
to be mixed-race.
Even now, after 7 years of activity with TWICE, many fans and non-fans still mistook that
Jihyo is mixed-blooded rather than 100% Korean.
3. S.Coups (SEVENTEEN)
Talking about native Korean idols that look like mixed-race ones, leader S.Coups from
boy group SEVENTEEN cannot be left out. With huge eyes, super-long eyelashes, chubby cheeks
and radiant white skin, S.Coups surely looks very different from typical Korean appearances.
In addition, S.Coups often chooses bright colours for his hair, which makes him look
even more foreign.
Even when standing beside Vernon, another member of SEVENTEEN who is indeed mixed race,
S.Coups still looks equally, if not more, exotic.
Even though S.Coups has gained quite some popularity among K-pop fans after his 6 active
years as an idol, non-fans are probably still confused about his ethnicity. Many would easily
buy it when CARATs joke that S.Coups is mixed-race but speaks good Korean. Some even find it
hard to believe he is from Daegu.
4. Son Dongwoon
B2ST’s maknae, Dongwoon, has long been famous for his unique visuals. Ever since his debut
with one of the top-tier boy groups in the 2nd generation of K-pop, Dongwoon has attracted
attention with his Western-like facial features.
Dongwoon himself shared that he was frequently mistaken as a foreigner due to his big eyes,
blonde curly hair, defined features and overall look on the show MBC’s Radio Star. Once,
an old woman in the elevator referred to Dongwoon as a foreigner when she was talking on the
phone, then, Dongwoon greeted her in English when they parted, so as not to embarrass her.
Even though Dongwoon has confirmed that both of his parents are native Korean, many fans
and non-fans still hesitate to believe that. In their opinion, Dongwoon looks so exotic
that he must surely be mixed-race.
Some even dug up his baby pics to demonstrate how Dongwoon looks at best half-Korean. A
netizen even said that Dongwoon is white and was pretty sure about that cause he’s also
white.
5. Eunha (G-FRIEND/VIVIZ)
Ever since her debut with G-FRIEND, Eunha has been spotlighted for her unique attractiveness.
Now as a member of VIVIZ, Eunha is often complimented for her porcelain doll visual that is often
seen at Westerners.
The combination of Eunha’s facial features exudes an unmistakably cute vibe, which is
quite contradictory to her steamy hot body proportions.
Eunha’s simultaneous sexy and innocent vibes contributed to her exotic and feminine appearance
that made many fans and non-fans wonder if she is mixed-race. On many platforms, netizens
have pointed out the prominent foreign vibe in Eunha’s appearance.
Although little is stated explicitly about Eunha’s ethnicity, she was born and raised
entirely in Seoul, Korea, making it possible to assume that she is 100% Korean.
After the ups and downs she had been through with G-FRIEND, Eunha still proved her title
as a typical hot-innocent visual of K-pop after debuting with 2 other ex-members of
G-FRIEND in VIVIZ last year.
6. V (BTS)
V is probably one of the most popular male visuals among K-pop idols. His facial features
are found to be very symmetrical and harmonious, contributing to his stunning look.
In particular, V’s double eyelid, defined eyebrows and tanned skin make his face look
out of this world. Some fans thought he has some Southeast Asian traits, while some others
believe V looks European.
Once, there were even rumours that V is ¼ Filipino and, understandably, many ARMYs found
that quite believable due to V’s exotic features. However, the information has never
been confirmed or mentioned in any reliable sources. Most fans claimed that V is purely
Korean.
However, most fans agreed that V looks ethereal and breathtakingly handsome like a Greek god
in every picture. Fans even collected moments when passerbys couldn’t help but glance
back at V when he walked past them.
7. Johnny (NCT)
Technically, Johnny has Korean-American dual nationality because he was born and raised
in the US, so it can be said that Johnny is a foreign member of NCT. However, it has also
been confirmed that both of Johnny’s parents are Koreans, so his ethnicity is 100% Korean.
Nonetheless, fans and non-fans still continue to mistake that Johnny is half Korean, half
white or even of a foreign race.
Indeed, Johnny does look far from Korean male standard appearance with his sharp eyebrows,
high cheekbones and protruding facial lines.
As he was born in Chicago, Johnny is dubbed by fans as the “Chicago hot guy” for his
chic and model-like look. In combination with his casual street style and often fluffy hair,
Johnny exudes an exotic air that is certainly alluring to his fans.
All in all, these are the 100% Korean idols who look so exotic and foreign that many may
think they are mixed-race or even foreigners. Is there any name you would like to add? Please
let us know in the comment section.