From BLACKPINK’s Jisoo to NewJeans’ Danielle: K-pop idols’ gorgeous siblings are stealing the spotlight

From left, Jang Da-a, Olivia Marsh, and Kim Ji-yoon with Jisoo / Xportsnews

The sisters of top K-pop idols are increasingly stepping into the spotlight, attracting as much attention as their globally famous siblings.

BLACKPINK member Jisoo’s older sister, Kim Ji-yoon, is set to make her broadcast debut through ENA’s upcoming reality show, “Super Seller: Incentive Game.” On her personal social media, Kim expressed excitement about the challenge, writing, “I can finally share the reason I’ve been studying so hard. I’m so grateful to everyone who gave me confidence and advice! The show will premiere on ENA in October, so I hope you’ll send lots of love and support.”

Kim added, “I’ll try my best to show my good side, so I’d appreciate it if you could cheer me on as I take on my first challenge as a ‘super seller.’ Let’s go for first place!”

In the program’s teaser video, Kim was seen during a pre-interview with the production team, who asked if she felt any pressure for being known as Jisoo’s sister. “Not at all,” Kim said calmly. “It’s true, and I can’t change that. I was just born this way.” She added that Jisoo would likely support her, saying, “She’ll probably tell me to do my best, since we’re both ‘T-types’ (referring to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality test).”

Kim, a former Korean Air flight attendant, previously gained attention for her striking looks and resemblance to actress Han Hyo-joo. Viewers are now curious to see what new charm she will showcase on her variety show debut.

Lee Yun-ji / Captured from MBC

Kim Ji-yoon isn’t the only K-pop star’s sister drawing public attention. Lovelyz member Lee Mi-joo’s older sister, Lee Yun-ji, made an appearance on MBC’s variety show “Hangout With Yoo” in July, earning praise from viewers and celebrities alike. Singer DinDin praised her elegant looks, saying she had “the kind of visuals that would instantly pass any job interview.” Fans compared her appearance to actors Go Yoon-jung and Son Ye-jin, sparking buzz across social media.

Similarly, IVE member Jang Won-young’s older sister, actress Jang Da-a, has already established herself in the entertainment industry. Da-a went viral online after photos highlighting her beauty circulated widely, earning her the nickname “the prettier sister.” She officially debuted in February last year as the lead in TVING’s original drama, “Pyramid Game.”

Jang Da-a / Xportsnews

During an interview for “Pyramid Game,” Jang Da-a said of being referred to as Jang Won-young’s sister, “It was something I couldn’t control since it was already public, so I accepted it. But I want to be recognized as an actress on my own.” Da-a is currently starring in ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama “My Troublesome Star,” playing the younger version of Uhm Jung-hwa’s character.

NewJeans member Danielle’s older sister, Olivia Marsh, is also pursuing a music career. Marsh debuted last September as the first signed artist under global label MPLIFY and performs under the stage name Livy. Since 2023, she has contributed to albums by popular K-pop artists, including BoA, Kep1er, Kiss of Life, Oh My Girl and Wheein, gradually building her reputation in the industry.

Despite her growing profile, Marsh is still often referred to as “Danielle’s sister,” a label she embraces proudly. “It’s natural,” she said in an interview. “Danielle debuted first and is doing so well. I’m proud of her. I’m also working hard and making good music, so maybe someday I’ll be known by other titles, too,” she added with a laugh.

As more K-pop idols’ siblings enter the entertainment and music industries, fans are paying close attention to how these rising stars will carve out their own identities while sharing the spotlight with their famous family members.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.