In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of K-pop, AleXa has carved out a unique and compelling space for herself. Known for her powerful performances, futuristic concepts, and a trailblazing spirit that led her to victory on a major American television stage, she is more than just a singer; she is a global pop warrior. Representing a new wave of artists who bridge the gap between the Korean and Western music industries, AleXa’s journey is one of relentless ambition, undeniable talent, and a deep connection with her international fanbase.
Profile
Name: AleXa (알렉사)
Birth Name: Alexandra Christine Schneiderman (알렉산드라 크리스틴 슈나이더만)
Birthday: December 9, 1996
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 149 cm (4 ft 11 in)
Instagram: @alexa_zbofficial
Twitter: @AleXa_ZB
Fun Facts
- AleXa is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. Her appearance on Produce 48 made headlines in her local newspaper, highlighting her as a hometown talent.
- Her father is a Russian-American from Queens, New York. Based on her surname, Schneiderman, it’s likely that her paternal grandfather has German or Jewish ancestry.
- Her mother is a Korean-American who was born in South Korea in 1959 and adopted into a white American family at the age of five in 1964. She was raised in Texas and Oklahoma. Growing up in the 1960s and 70s, she was often the only Asian in her neighborhood and experienced severe racial discrimination as a child.
- Although her mother has long wished to find her biological parents, she has been unable to do so, as adoption records do not provide information if the biological family does not seek contact. Her mother once had a younger brother (AleXa’s maternal uncle) whom she was separated from. Fortunately, through a DNA test, she discovered a cousin living in Norway. However, due to the language barrier—her cousin speaks Norwegian and her mother speaks English—they were unable to communicate well.
- AleXa began learning dance at just 18 months old. During her school years, she was a cheerleader and a fan of artists like Carrie Underwood, SUPER JUNIOR, and SHINee. She developed a deep love for K-pop in sixth grade, around 2008, and even attended a concert by EXO’s Sehun.
- When she appeared on Produce 48, her Korean language skills were still developing. She was seen studying Korean diligently and became close with fellow contestants Park Seo-young and Wang Ke from China, both of whom spoke English.
- Standing at around 150 cm, AleXa is considered quite petite by K-pop standards. However, as a soloist rather than a group member, her height is less noticeable. She is similar in height to Yabuki Nako (149 cm), and once jokingly said on YouTuber Grazy Grace’s show that if she could replace a member of IZ*ONE, she’d choose Nako due to their similar height.
- As an American, AleXa has a significantly larger international fanbase, especially in North America. Most of her official video content is in English, her native language. While her domestic presence in Korea remains modest, her music videos garner high views and her online concerts have been successful. Her agency intentionally debuted her with a global market in mind, resulting in a schedule heavy with overseas promotions.
Career
The Foundation: Rising Legends and Produce 48
Before the K-pop world knew her as AleXa, she was Alex Christine, a passionate performer from Oklahoma. Her first major foray was through Soompi’s Rising Legends online auditions. She won the dance category in 2016 and returned to win the grand prize in 2017. These victories were crucial, proving her talent on a global platform, yet they didn’t lead to a contract with the associated major labels (JYP and Cube). This early setback led her to Zanybros (ZB Label), a company renowned for its high-quality music video production. This partnership would become defining, as ZB’s visual expertise perfectly complemented AleXa’s performance-heavy style.
In 2018, she joined Mnet’s highly anticipated survival show Produce 48. While her time on the show was brief (eliminated in episode 5, finishing 82nd), it was a critical learning experience. It exposed her to the rigors of the K-pop training system and introduced her to the Korean public, laying the groundwork for her solo debut.
The “A.I. Warrior” Era: A High-Concept Debut
On October 21, 2019, AleXa exploded onto the scene with “Bomb.” The debut was a statement. Rejecting the more common “girl crush” or “cute” concepts, AleXa and ZB Label crafted an ambitious, multi-layered “A.I. warrior” narrative that extended across her early music videos. Tracks like “Do or Die” and the EP Decoherence expanded this universe, presenting a cybernetic, futuristic world where AleXa was a powerful, rebellious protagonist. This high-concept, story-driven approach, fueled by Zanybros’ cinematic music videos, set her apart in a crowded industry. It was a bold, expensive-looking gamble that paid off, establishing a strong international fanbase captivated by the lore.
The Game Changer: Winning the American Song Contest
In 2022, AleXa made a move that would redefine her career: she represented her home state of Oklahoma in the inaugural American Song Contest. Her song, “Wonderland,” was a perfect showcase of her K-pop training: intricate, high-energy choreography, a powerful vocal performance, and a stunning stage presence.
Her victory was monumental. She not only won the jury vote in her semi-final but also overwhelmingly won the public televote in the Grand Final, earning 710 points. It was a landmark moment: a K-pop artist had won a major American music competition based on public vote. The win brought her unprecedented mainstream exposure in the U.S., leading to performances on shows like the Billboard Music Awards and the Kelly Clarkson Show. While it didn’t immediately translate to sustained U.S. radio play, it solidified her status as a credible and compelling artist bridging the gap between K-pop and the Western market. The reception in South Korea was one of immense pride, with media outlets celebrating a homegrown talent achieving a significant victory on American soil.
Evolution and a New Chapter as Kim Seri
Following her ASC win, AleXa released the EP Girls Gone Vogue, continuing to showcase her powerful performance style. However, subsequent releases like “Juliet” and especially the 2024 single “Sick” signaled a distinct sonic shift. “Sick” embraced a pop-punk sound, moving away from the electronic-heavy, futuristic concept of her debut. This evolution showcased her versatility and a desire to explore more personal and emotionally direct lyrical themes.
In early 2025, she announced her departure from ZB Label and her decision to promote under her Korean name, Kim Seri. This change represents a significant turning point, suggesting a desire for greater creative control and a deeper connection to her Korean identity, moving beyond the “AleXa” persona to present a more authentic version of herself.
Personal Life
Early Life
Born December 9, 1996, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, AleXa’s identity is rooted in a diverse heritage, with a Russian-American father and a South Korean-born mother.
Growing up in Tulsa, AleXa was deeply involved in dance and performance from a young age. She has spoken about the struggle of being one of the few Asian faces in her community and how discovering K-pop was a revelation. It was a space where she saw people who looked like her excelling, which gave her the confidence to pursue it as a career.
Her connection to Korea is deeply personal. Her mother was adopted at age five by American parents from an orphanage in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. This family history has imbued AleXa with a profound desire to connect with her Korean roots, a theme that has become increasingly prominent in her career.
Overcoming Adversity
AleXa is candid about the pressures of the industry and the personal challenges she’s faced, including bullying both online and in real life. She credits these experiences with making her “tougher” and fuels her desire to be a strong role model. At 4’11”, she has consciously defied stereotypes about size and strength, using her powerful performances to prove that presence and impact are not dictated by height. Her mother remains her biggest role model, a woman she describes as having faced “hardships and adversity her whole life.”
Other Ventures
Televisions
- Produce 48 (Mnet, 2018) – Contestant
- American Song Contest (NBC, 2022) – Contestant/Winner
Web Series
- Ghosts of Ruin (2023) – Voiced the character Juggernaut, further expanding her presence into the world of animation and gaming culture.
Podcast
- She has also hosted podcasts, including the How Did I Get Here? podcast with Jae of Day6.