Foreign singers, actors on rise in Korea
K-pop girl band TWICE. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
Nowadays, it is not difficult to spot foreign singers and actors on the Korea entertainment scene.
Many suggest that the surging number of foreign residents in Korea is the reason.
About 10 percent of K-pop band members reportedly are foreigners. In particular, the nine-member group TWICE has three Japanese members Sana, Mina and Momo, as well as one Taiwanese member Tzuyu. Despite their different nationalities, these members are extremely popular, with some fans charmed by their ability to speak and sing in Korean.
The band is considered Korea's hottest girl group, with many hits, including “Cheer Up” and “Knock Knock.” It recently released another album, “Summer Nights.”
K-pop boy band NCT. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Boy band NCT also has several foreign members, including Winwin from China and Yuta from Japan. The group is now in Osaka, Japan, for gigs at SMTOWN LIVE 2018 IN OSAKA.
Robin Deiana from France. Capture from Instagram
More foreigners are also involved in acting. In particular, Robin Deiana, from France, is appearing in the KBS drama “Sunny Again Tomorrow,” as a fashion designer married to a Korean woman. He has also appeared on several Korean programs including the JTBC talk show “Abnormal Summit.”
Deiana came to Korea first as an exchange student.