You might not know these Kpop idols have completely different pre-debut stage names from theirs now
Before officially debuting to the public, idols have to choose whether to use a stage name or a real name. They have to find a name that is easy to remember, makes a certain impression on the audience, and can show off their personality. Let’s take a look at the idols that surprised the fans because they intended to debut with a different stage name than the present one.
The golden maknae of BTS is a rare member who uses his real name for activities. However, before his debut, he was given the stage name Justin Seagull. The reason is that Jungkook’s hometown is the beautiful coastal city of Busan – a place very famous for the image of seagulls.
Before becoming famous worldwide with the stage name V, Kim Taehyung thought of three potential stage names for himself: Six, Lex, and V. Thanks to the help of his fellow group members and the management company, he decided to choose V as the most suitable stage name because it stands for Victory.
The stage name of “digital music queen” IU has been known for a long time in the K-pop fan community because it is both easy to remember and brings a sense of closeness. However, few people know that before becoming famous with the stage name IU, she almost used the name Jiheun.
The maknae of EXO also made many people laugh when revealing the name he almost debuted with. Specifically, on the show MBC Radio Star aired in 2019, Sehun shared, “Initially, the company said that I would debut under the stage name Sewol (세울). When I heard it, I was shocked and appalled. But because the pronunciation of this name is too similar to the name of the city Seoul (서울), so the company had to change its mind and say that I would use my real name.”
Baekhyun almost made fans cry as he was about to debut with the name Uto. In addition, SM president Lee Soo Man also intended to use the stage name Gwanwoo for Baekhyun.
It seems that SM loves pairing names because Chanyeol was supposed to debut under the stage name Pia. So that when combined with Baekhyun’s name, it will become Utopia.
Karina impressed the audience right from her debut with her special stage name. It is known that this is her holy name. However, in an interview, Karina said that she almost debuted under the name “Baekseol” (Snow White), then “Jasmine” (name of a Disney princess) or “Woo Ah“. In the end, because she was not satisfied with the names that the company gave her, she decided to take her holy name Karina as her stage name.
Many Korean idols make fans excited because of the funny stage names they once intended to use. Besides, some fans are also relieved because their idols have changed their name, which sounds more catchy and luxurious.
