As the saying goes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And boy, has South Korea ever been flattered.

Since k-pop's inception in the early 1990s, it has become a global phenomenon with bands and artists from all over the world trying their hand at the catchy melodies and hypnotizing dance moves. But which countries were the first to produce a k-pop idol?

So, you want to be a K-pop idol? Well, before you can even think about auditioning for SM, YG or JYP, you need to know which country you're from.

K-pop is a South Korean phenomenon, so it's no wonder that the vast majority of idols – and fans – are from South Korea. However, there are a few countries that have made a name for themselves in the K-pop world, and today we're going to uncover the top .

These countries have produced some of the biggest names in K-pop – and some of the most successful idol groups as well. So, whether you're just starting out in your K-pop career or you're a diehard fan, make sure to check out this post!

Portugal

Portugal's very own K-Pop sensation, Frankie DaPonte Jr., is making waves across the globe! Better known as just 'Frankie', this Portuguese-American star was born on February 16th, 1989. He's been active in the industry since 2017 and is currently a proud member of the EXP Edition. With his witty and captivating personality on stage, it's no wonder his fan base continues to grow. Keep your eyes peeled, because Frankie is sure to make a splash in the music industry!

Australia 

On the Fourth of July, 1990, Jang Hanbyul made his debut into the world and onto Australia's first k-pop stage. Taking the stage name of Hanbyul, he set his sights on becoming an idol. From 2011 to 2014, Hanbyul was a member of LedApple, under Starkim Entertainment, and is now a soloist with BIG OCEANEM. As a Korean-Australian artist, Hanbyul has taken the k-pop world by storm and continues to make waves!

Brazil

Victor Han is the first Kpop idol from Brazil.

He was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and has Korean heritage. He debuted in 2018 with rock band About U but left the group in 2020. 

France

Meet Olivia Rite, the first ever K-Pop idol hailing from the Gallic nation of France! Better known by her stage name Olivia, she was born on the first of July, 1990 and is signed under MGMC Korea Limited as part of the band, The Gloss. Since 2013, her witty stage presence has been captivating fans worldwide, and she has been enchanting the world of K-Pop until 2014. She's definitely one of a kind, and the first of her kind in her beloved country!

Germany 

Meet Isak, the first-ever K-pop idol hailing from Germany! Born Ida Dene Simmons (or Kim Isak) on May 25th, 1985 in Frankfurt, she is a dual German-American citizen. From 2002 to 2004, she was part of the hit duo Isak N Jiyeon, renowned for their witty and captivating performances. She opened the door for other German K-pop idols and continues to be an inspiration for many.

Argentina 

Maria Chantal Videla, the artistically-inclined multi-hyphenate better known as Chanty, is making history as the first-ever K-Pop idol from Argentina! The passionate singer and dancer is currently slaying the stage as part of the group LAPILLUS under MLD Entertainment. Talk about a global icon!

Hongkong 

Jackson Wang is the pioneering K-Pop idol from Hong Kong! His stage name is simply Jackson but his birth name is Wang Jia Er or Wang Ka Yee. He was born on the 28th of March, 1994 in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong and is of Chinese nationality. Since 2014, Jackson has been part of the world renowned K-Pop group GOT7 and is known for his witty and cheerful character. He is a bright star that is blazing a trail for future Hong Kong K-Pop idols!

Canada 

Vancouver's own Lee SooA, the first K-pop Idol to come out of Canada, is an artist to be reckoned with. Born in Vancouver on April 16th, 1978 and holding both Korean-Canadian nationality, Annie, as she is known on stage, has been a part of the music industry since 1999 up until 2000 under the World Music Entertainment label, where she was part of the group Tashannie. With a witty tone of voice, Annie is sure to make her mark in the K-pop world.

India

Introducting The world to her unique style of K-Pop, Shreya Lenka, or better known by her stage name Sriya, is taking the music industry by storm! Born in Odisha, India on September 15, 2003, Sriya is the first K-Pop idol from India, and has been actively dazzling music lovers since 2022 as part of the group BLACKSWAN. Her witty personality and captivating sound has made her an international star, and she's showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon!

Indonesia 

Introducing the first K-Pop Idol from Indonesia: LØUDI! Born Edward Wen, but better known by his stage name, this 25 year-old Indonesian heartthrob hails from Yogyakarta. His career began in 2017 when he joined the JN Entertainment Boy Group 14U, and since then he's been making waves in the industry. Recently, he's been taking the world by storm as a soloist under AiMERS Entertainment, and is set to make his debut soon. Get ready, because LØUDI is here and ready to set the stage ablaze with his witty, magnetic presence.

Israel 

Sophia Ramazanova is the trailblazing K-Pop Idol from Israel! The Russian-Israeli singer, born on September 3, 1994, is also known by her stage name, Sophia. She has been a part of two musical groups - O My Jewel under Acoustic Company, and Frientree Entertainment - since 2017. With her witty stage presence and unique flair, Sophia has been making waves in the K-Pop music scene since her debut!

Japan 

Kunimitsu Shoo, also known by her stage name Shoo, was the first K-pop idol from Japan. Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan on October 23rd, 1981, she was a Korean-Japanese singer and was a member of S.E.S. under SM Entertainment, active from 1997 to 2002. With her witty personality, she blazed the way for those who followed, becoming the first K-pop idol from Japan.

Italy 

Meet SEO Sarang, the first-ever K-Pop Idol hailing from Italy! Kim Yuri, her birth name, was born on June 19th, 1994 and has a Korean-Italian heritage. She has been actively part of the group O My Jewel since 2017, and has been making waves in the K-Pop scene with her witty and energetic stage presence!

Malaysia

Introducing Isaac Voo Kai Meng, the first ever K-Pop idol hailing from Malaysia! Born in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, this talented artist has been making waves since 2017, when he became a member of the IN2IT boy group. With his stage name simply being Isaac, and his birthday being December 12, 1994, this witty, charismatic performer has quickly become a fan favorite in the K-Pop world.

Myanmar

Meet the first-ever K-Pop idol hailing from Myanmar: Su Nadi Soe, or Didi as her stage name. Born on January 16, 1998 in Yangon, Myanmar, Didi is a witty, talented performer who is ready to conquer the global music scene. She is currently part of WinnerZone Entertainment's all-female group, Rumble-G, and has been active in the group since 2021. Keep an eye out for Didi's star-turn, as she is sure to make a big splash in the music industry!

Russia

Meet Sona-K, the first K-Pop idol from Russia! With her witty tone of voice, Park Euna (birth name) was born in Wonju, South Korea on July 12, 1998, of Chinese-Russian descent. She was a member of the group O21 from 2016 to 2017, and continues to be a source of inspiration for aspiring musicians. Her story is one of resilience, and her music is an ode to her heritage. Let's all raise a glass to the incredible Sona-K!

Switzerland

She's the one and only! Introducing Elody Loda, the very first K-Pop idol from Switzerland! With her stage name, Loda, she's already making waves in the industry and taking her carefree, witty energy to the world. Born on May 20, 2011, Elody is a Swiss-Korean hybrid, and a member of the group Re:Kids Bloom, active from 2021 and beyond. You don't want to miss out on the next big thing!

Netherlands

The Netherlands can now boast a legendary K-Pop idol! Introducing Jeon Somi (formerly known as Ennik Somi Douma) - a Korean-Canadian-Dutch songstress born in Ontario, Canada who has been making waves in the K-Pop scene since 2016. From her time with I.O.I, Girls Next Door, Unnies, and X4, to her current status as a soloist under YG Entertainment, Somi has been delighting audiences with her witty, infectious stage presence and mesmerizing vocals. So get ready to witness a star in the making!

Taiwan

She is the first Taiwanese K-pop idol

Tzuyu was the first Taiwanese national to debut in Korea and with JYP Entertainment as a K-Pop girl group member. Her debut was extraordinary in Taiwan, and a hot topic in Taiwanese media.

United States

Cha Yumi, the first ever K-Pop Idol to hail from the United States, was born in Los Angeles, California on December 21, 1977. This witty artist is best known for being a part of the legendary group, Baby V.O.X, from 1997-1998. Yumi's unique sound and style made her stand out from the crowd, and her influence in the K-Pop world continues to be felt today.

Britain 

Sam Carter is a British singer-songwriter who was born in London, England. He joined the kpop world under the Nega Network as a part of LUNAFLY.

He is currently working as a music producer and songwriter. He also serves as the Super K-Pop DJ for Arirang Radio.

Vietnam

From Vietnam, the charming and witty Ha Hwang Haiyen has become the first K-Pop Idol to make her mark on the scene. Born on June 12th, 1986, the talented star holds both Vietnamese and Nationality citizenship. She rose to fame in 2008 as a member of the group M.I.SO, taking the world by storm with her captivating voice and presence. She continues to make waves in the music world today, having left an impression that won't soon be forgotten.