Who is Choi Jisu? The Real Story Behind ITZY's Lia

Known professionally as Lia, she has been an integral part of one of South Korea's popular girl groups since their debut in 2019.

Born on July 21, 2000, Lia serves as the main vocalist of ITZY. She officially joined the K-pop scene on February 12, 2019, when the group released their first single album "IT'z Different". However, her journey temporarily paused in September 2023 when she took a break to address issues related to extreme tension and anxiety. Beyond her musical career, Lia has also shown her philanthropic side by donating ₩30 million (approximately US$23,229) to The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association in 2022.

Early Life and Education

Choi Jisu began her life's journey on July 21, 2000, in Incheon, South Korea. While today she's recognized globally as ITZY's main vocalist Lia, her roots trace back to this port city where she spent her earliest years.

Birthplace and childhood in Incheon

Born as Choi Ji-su to a supportive family in Incheon, she developed an interest in music from a young age. Her family recognized her natural talent, particularly her beautiful singing voice, and encouraged her to pursue formal training. This early support would prove instrumental in shaping her future career path. She initially attended Incheon Sinsong Elementary School, where she began building the foundation for her education before an opportunity arose that would broaden her horizons significantly.

Studying abroad in Canada

During her elementary school years, Choi Jisu relocated to Toronto, Canada, where she lived for approximately three years. This international experience proved formative for the young performer. According to reliable sources, she didn't stay in Canada continuously for the entire three-year period but instead traveled back and forth between Korea and Canada.

This time abroad significantly enhanced her language skills. Notably, her English proficiency developed remarkably during this period. A YouTuber who analyzes the English skills of K-pop idols who studied abroad has commented that Choi Jisu speaks "very advanced English" with impressive language choice, sentence construction, and nearly perfect pronunciation. Her unique linguistic blend has been described as a cross between a native speaker and a Korean, giving her communication a distinctive charm.

Schools attended and musical training

After returning to South Korea, Choi Jisu's educational journey took several turns. She transferred to Shinsong Middle School before attending North London Collegiate School Jeju (NLCS Jeju), an prestigious international school following the UK curriculum. At NLCS Jeju, where tuition reportedly exceeded ₩40 million (approximately $32,000 USD) annually, she was known by her English name "Julia" – which would later inspire her stage name "Lia".

Subsequently, she transferred back to Shinsong Middle School before enrolling at the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA) in the department of Practical Music, a specialized high school known for educating many future K-pop idols. Throughout this period, she received professional vocal training at Dream Vocal Academy, honing the skills that would eventually make her ITZY's main vocalist.

Her path to stardom wasn't without detours. Initially, she auditioned for SM Entertainment and successfully passed, but had to decline the opportunity due to her parents' disapproval. Several years later, fortune smiled on her again when she passed JYP Entertainment's auditions in 2017. After training for approximately two years, she finally made her debut with ITZY in 2019, becoming the last member to join the group and the trainee with the shortest training period among them.

This diverse educational background, combining international experience with specialized musical training, prepared Choi Jisu not only with performance skills but also with the linguistic abilities and cultural adaptability that would serve her well in the global K-pop industry.

The Journey Before ITZY

Long before becoming ITZY's main vocalist, Choi Jisu's path to K-pop stardom took several unexpected turns. Her journey reveals a story of persistence, parental concerns, and ultimately finding her place in one of South Korea's prominent girl groups.

Auditioning for SM Entertainment

The first chapter in Choi Jisu's pre-debut story began during her time abroad. While studying in Canada, she attended SM Entertainment's global audition and successfully passed. This early recognition of her talent came as no surprise to those familiar with her abilities. Nevertheless, despite this early opportunity to join one of Korea's biggest entertainment companies, Choi Jisu's parents intervened.

Her family expressed concerns about her pursuing an idol career at such a young age. As a result, rather than beginning her training immediately, she respected her parents' wishes and returned to Canada to complete her education. This decision, although delaying her debut, allowed her to further develop both academically and personally while maintaining her musical aspirations.

Joining JYP Entertainment

After graduating high school, Choi Jisu returned to Korea with renewed determination to pursue her dream of becoming an idol. She planned a strategic approach – auditioning for all major entertainment companies to maximize her opportunities. Fortunately, JYP Entertainment's open auditions were scheduled first among her planned auditions.

In what could be described as a case of perfect timing, she impressed JYP Entertainment's talent scouts and passed her audition with exceptional results. Despite having previously passed SM Entertainment's audition, she chose to sign with JYP Entertainment in 2017. This decision proved pivotal in shaping her future career trajectory.

Her choice of JYP over returning to SM Entertainment has been a topic of interest among fans. Unlike traditional scenarios where companies compete for trainees, Choi Jisu's situation represented a role reversal – she had options and selected JYP largely because their audition came first in her schedule.

Training period and preparation

Once accepted at JYP Entertainment, Choi Jisu embarked on a rigorous training period that lasted approximately two years. This duration, though shorter than some of her future groupmates, was intense and focused on developing her skills as a vocalist. Throughout this time, she worked diligently to refine her singing abilities, dance techniques, and stage presence.

Interestingly, she became the final member to join what would eventually become ITZY. Despite having the shortest training period among the members, her natural talent and dedicated work ethic allowed her to secure her position as the group's main vocalist.

During her training, Choi Jisu adopted the stage name "Lia" – a simplified version of her English name "Julia" which she had used while attending the international school in Jeju. This name would soon become recognized throughout the K-pop industry.

On January 20, 2019, JYP Entertainment officially revealed Choi Jisu as a member of their new girl group ITZY. Shortly after, on February 12, 2019, she made her official debut with the release of their first single album "IT'z Different". On that same day, she also graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another as she stepped into the spotlight as ITZY's Lia.

Debut and Rise with ITZY

After months of anticipation, JYP Entertainment officially announced their new girl group on January 21, 2019, their first since Twice's debut in 2015. The company revealed the five members through a trailer uploaded to their official YouTube channel, setting the stage for what would become one of K-pop's most successful rookie groups.

Official debut in 2019

On February 12, 2019, Choi Jisu officially stepped into the spotlight as ITZY released their debut single album It'z Different along with the music video for its lead track "Dalla Dalla". The song featured a dynamic blend of EDM elements, combining bass house verses with an electro house chorus and a trap bridge. Its empowering lyrics about self-confidence resonated strongly with audiences worldwide.

The debut exceeded all expectations. "Dalla Dalla" peaked at number two on the Circle Digital Chart, the Billboard K-pop Hot 100, and the US World Digital Songs chart. Moreover, the music video shattered records by accumulating 17.1 million views within 24 hours of its release, breaking the record for the most viewed K-pop debut music video within that timeframe.

Just eight days after their debut, ITZY achieved their first music show win on M Countdown, establishing a new record for the fastest time for a girl group to secure their first music show victory. "Dalla Dalla" ultimately garnered nine music show wins, furthermore, its music video became the fastest K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views on YouTube at the time.

Role as main vocalist

Throughout this whirlwind debut period, Choi Jisu embraced her position as ITZY's main vocalist. Her distinct voice became integral to the group's sound, adding emotional depth and technical precision to their performances. Despite being the last member to join ITZY and having the shortest training period among them, she quickly proved her value through her vocal abilities.

Interestingly, Choi Jisu has openly discussed feeling somewhat insecure during the group's debut period. "During 'Dalla Dalla', our debut, for example, even if everyone liked us and liked our songs, I would still feel unstable at the time, no matter what – I didn't relate to the theme and the love," she told Billboard in 2022. Thankfully, her perspective evolved as she grew more comfortable with her role: "Now, I think it's more about me feeling that I have a team. I have my fans. I know where I belong".

Key performances and milestones

In July 2019, ITZY continued their impressive trajectory by releasing their first extended play (EP) titled It'z Icy, alongside a music video for the lead single "Icy". The EP was a commercial success, reaching number three on the Gaon Album Chart. The single "Icy" built upon their earlier success, securing 12 music show wins, including a triple crown on Show Champion.

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement during this period was ITZY becoming the first K-pop girl group in history to achieve a "Rookie Grand Slam" by winning Rookie of the Year awards at:

The 34th Golden Disc Awards
9th Gaon Chart Music Awards
2019 Melon Music Awards
2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards
29th Seoul Music Awards

This unprecedented achievement cemented ITZY's status as exceptional rookies in the industry. Behind the scenes, Choi Jisu was developing alongside her groupmates, transitioning from a trainee with self-doubt to a confident performer. As she expressed about ITZY's members: "Our members were meant to perform".

Solo Projects and OST Contributions

Beyond her group activities with ITZY, Choi Jisu has built an impressive portfolio of drama soundtrack contributions, showcasing her vocal talents in a more intimate setting than her group performances. Beginning in 2022, she has steadily released original soundtrack (OST) songs that highlight her emotional range and vocal abilities.

First solo OST: 'Always Be Your Star'

Choi Jisu marked her first solo venture on January 3, 2022, with the release of "Always Be Your Star" (밝혀줄게 별처럼) for the critically acclaimed historical drama The Red Sleeve. This milestone represented her debut as a solo vocalist outside of ITZY's discography. The track, produced by TOON STUDIO under license to Kakao Entertainment, perfectly complemented the drama's emotional narrative with its melancholic vibe.

The song's production team included composers HUMBLER, 어영수, and 김성현, who crafted a melody that beautifully showcased Choi Jisu's vocal color. As her first OST, "Always Be Your Star" demonstrated her ability to convey deep emotion through her singing, earning praise from listeners who noted how perfectly her voice matched the drama's tragic themes.

Other OSTs: 'Blue Flower', 'One Hundred Love'

Following the success of her debut OST, Choi Jisu released "Blue Flower" (푸른꽃) on December 18, 2022, for the fantasy drama Alchemy of Souls 2. This track achieved commercial recognition by peaking at position 184 on the prestigious Circle Chart, indicating her growing appeal as a solo artist.

Several months afterward, on May 26, 2023, she contributed "One Hundred Love" (수백날 수천밤) to the soundtrack of medical drama Dr. Romantic 3. The song served as the OST Part 5 for the 16-episode drama that aired from April 28 to June 17, 2023. "One Hundred Love" thematically centers around the struggle of trying to hide one's feelings of love but ultimately failing in that endeavor. This track functioned as a love theme within the drama, adding emotional depth to key romantic scenes.

Recent releases: 'Why Not' and 'Woodahe'

Toward the end of 2023, Choi Jisu continued expanding her OST repertoire with "Why Not" for SBS TV's The Fiery Priest 2, released on November 30. This release maintained her momentum as a sought-after vocalist for drama soundtracks.

Her most recent OST contribution came on December 22, 2024, with the release of "WOODAHE" (우리 다시 헤어지는 일은 없기로 해요) for JTBC's period drama The Tale of Lady Ok. Unlike her previous solo releases, "WOODAHE" featured a collaboration with actor Choo Young-woo, creating a unique vocal pairing. The production team for this track included producer LEE ARUM alongside arrangers CHUNG YEAKYUNG, KIM SEUNGCHAN, and Eeno.

The instrumental arrangement for "WOODAHE" incorporated piano, guitar, strings, drums, and bass, creating a rich soundscape that complemented both vocalists. This collaborative approach represented a new direction in Choi Jisu's OST career, proving her versatility as both a solo artist and collaborative performer.

Throughout these releases, Choi Jisu has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt her vocal style to different drama themes and musical arrangements. Each OST has allowed her to showcase aspects of her musical identity separate from her work with ITZY, establishing her credentials as a versatile vocalist within the Korean entertainment industry.

Hiatus and Mental Health Journey

In September 2023, the K-pop world received unexpected news when JYP Entertainment announced that Choi Jisu would temporarily step away from her activities with ITZY. This marked the beginning of a significant chapter in her career, focusing on something rarely discussed openly in the entertainment industry: mental health.

Announcement of hiatus in 2023

On September 18, 2023, JYP Entertainment officially announced that Choi Jisu would be taking a temporary break from her scheduled activities. The company explained that she was "experiencing extreme tension and anxiety about carrying out her scheduled activities". Initially, fans hoped for a brief absence, yet in November 2023, JYP Entertainment released a more detailed statement confirming the situation's seriousness.

The November 17 announcement revealed that Choi Jisu would not participate in ITZY's upcoming album release scheduled for January 2024, nor would she join the group's world tour. In a thoughtful gesture toward disappointed fans, JYP Entertainment included her unreleased solo song "Blossom" in ITZY's new album.

Diagnosis and treatment for anxiety

Throughout this period, Choi Jisu focused intensively on her health. According to official statements, she underwent examination at a specialized medical institution where she received a formal diagnosis of anxiety disorder. The condition specifically manifested when she attempted to carry out scheduled activities.

JYP Entertainment consistently emphasized their commitment to prioritizing her recovery above all else. Meanwhile, ITZY temporarily continued as a four-member group, with Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna proceeding with their "Born To Be" studio album and world tour.

Return to activities in 2024

After approximately nine months of treatment and rest, signs of Choi Jisu's potential return began emerging. In February 2024, she was spotted in the audience during ITZY's "Born To Be" tour in Seoul, South Korea, sparking speculation among fans.

The official announcement came on July 8, 2024, when JYP Entertainment confirmed that Choi Jisu's "tension and symptoms of anxiety have significantly improved through treatment and rest". The statement detailed that after careful discussions with her, she would resume activities starting with ITZY's new album scheduled for release in the second half of the year.

That same day, Choi Jisu made her first official appearance in a livestream where she became emotional, tearing up while thanking fans for their support during her absence. "I'm preparing hard so that the next activity we'll be a complete group again. Don't worry too much. Let's meet again soon," she said through tears.

Choi Jisu’s Personality and Public Image

Behind the choreography and catchy songs lies a personality that fans have come to adore. As ITZY's main vocalist, Choi Jisu has developed a distinct public image that sets her apart from her groupmates.

MBTI and fan perception

Fans familiar with personality typology recognize Choi Jisu as an INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging) – often called "The Advocate." This personality type aligns with her thoughtful demeanor and reflective nature. In reality, her INFJ traits manifest in her careful consideration of others and genuine approach to interactions.

Fellow ITZY member Yeji once described her as "warmhearted and understanding," noting how she carefully listens to others' concerns. Fans frequently comment on her empathetic nature, with many highlighting her ability to pick up on subtle emotional cues during interviews. This sensitivity, characteristic of INFJs, has endeared her to MIDZY (ITZY's fandom).

Nicknames and stage presence

Throughout her career, Choi Jisu has accumulated several affectionate nicknames. Prior to debuting, she went by "Julia" during her international school days, which later inspired her stage name "Lia." Fans occasionally call her "ChicChic" due to her elegant demeanor on stage.

On stage, she transforms from her normally reserved self into a confident performer. Her stage presence is characterized by subtle expressiveness alongside her powerful vocals. In particular, fans note how she communicates emotion primarily through her eyes and facial expressions. Unlike some performers who rely on grand gestures, Choi Jisu's stage presence is marked by its understated intensity and vocal focus.

Visual appeal and fashion sense

Considered one of the visual members of ITZY, Choi Jisu's appearance has drawn attention for its classical beauty. Her fashion choices off-stage typically embrace minimalist elegance – favoring clean lines and neutral colors. In essence, her personal style reflects her INFJ personality: thoughtful, intentional, and subtly distinctive.

For performances, she adapts seamlessly to ITZY's bold concepts while maintaining her characteristic grace. Stylists have praised her versatility, noting she can transition between cute, elegant, and edgy concepts with ease. During ITZY's "Wannabe" era, fashion publications highlighted her ability to pull off the colorful, pattern-heavy styling that characterized the concept.

Primarily known for her vocal abilities, Choi Jisu nonetheless maintains a significant following for her visual appeal. Her features, especially her expressive eyes and distinctive smile, have become recognizable elements of her public image as she continues to evolve as both an artist and public figure.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details

Beyond her professional achievements, Choi Jisu's personal life reveals a collection of endearing quirks and preferences that showcase her authentic self. These smaller details often create the strongest connections between idols and their fans.

Favorite foods and hobbies

When it comes to food, Choi Jisu maintains quite specific preferences. Honey ranks as her absolute favorite, alongside a genuine love for fruits, pasta, and both Korean and Western cuisine. Conversely, she struggles with vegetables, once humorously declaring that "cucumbers taste like electricity" during an episode of ITZY's behind-the-scenes content. Nevertheless, she has gradually made peace with some greens, admitting, "I can actually eat salads. I became a little more closer with green vegetables. But, not that close."

Her daily food routine typically begins around noon with fresh fruits or smoothies. For snacks, she enjoys cherry tomatoes paired with honey or balsamic sauce, as well as glazed donuts—confessing to eating more than one daily. Her evening often concludes with kimchi fried rice topped with mozzarella cheese.

Regarding hobbies, Choi Jisu finds joy in shopping and listening to music. Additionally, she draws to express herself, stating, "For me, it's singing or drawing or listening to music. And I try to go over my mind a lot... Just small stuff like 'be happy.'" This reflective practice helps her reconnect with her core values.

Unique habits and quirks

One distinctive trait that sets Choi Jisu apart is her reflective nature. As she explained in an interview, "I remind myself again and again" of important personal values that might otherwise get lost amid busy schedules. This thoughtfulness manifests in her approach to self-expression and artistic pursuits.

Her smile has become legendary among group members, with Chaeryeong once describing it in remarkably poetic terms: "When she smiles with her eyes, it melts the heart of everyone. It makes you let your guard down. I wouldn't even call it a facial expression. It's more like a scent in a sense that it spreads everywhere from person to person."

Relationship with other ITZY members

Within ITZY, Choi Jisu shares a special bond with Chaeryeong, whom she has named as the member she feels most comfortable with. Simultaneously, she maintains a meaningful connection with her roommate Yuna. Their relationship runs deeper than mere convenience, as demonstrated when Yuna wrote "I hope you never lose yourself" during a video exercise where members shared hopes for each other—a sentiment that brought Choi Jisu to tears.

Yuna explained this emotional moment: "That means I really love who she is—her personality and her values and the way she thinks. I don't want her to lose that charm." The relationship flows both ways, with Yuna acknowledging that Choi Jisu "really trusts in other people" and protects her pride by not pointing out mistakes in front of others.

Outside of ITZY, she maintains a friendship with MOMOLAND's Ahin, showing her connections extend beyond her immediate group.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Beneath the spotlight of K-pop stardom, Choi Jisu has quietly built a reputation for philanthropy, using her success to support various charitable causes. Her generosity often flies under the radar, yet represents an important facet of her identity beyond her musical career.

Donations to disaster relief

In August 2022, Choi Jisu made a substantial contribution of ₩30 million (approximately US$23,230) to The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. This generous donation specifically targeted victims affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall in South Korea. The organization focuses on providing emergency relief to survivors of natural disasters, including floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

Such donations typically help provide emergency clean water, food supplies, temporary shelter, blankets, and essential hygiene kits to those displaced by disasters. The Hope Bridge Association also assists communities in rebuilding efforts after the immediate crisis has passed, offering long-term support to families struggling to recover.

Participation in charity campaigns

Beyond disaster relief, Choi Jisu has participated in broader charitable initiatives. In January 2020, she joined the Gmarket Global Shop's 'Give Love' donation campaign, demonstrating her early commitment to philanthropy even before her career reached its peak.

Perhaps most touching was her December 2023 donation while on hiatus for health reasons. Despite facing her own challenges with anxiety, Choi Jisu donated ₩30 million to the National Cancer Center Foundation. The foundation revealed that she personally set aside part of her income specifically for this charitable act.

Her donation was earmarked to cover treatment costs for pediatric and adolescent cancer patients at the National Cancer Center, with special focus on those facing financial difficulties. A representative from JYP Entertainment commented on the donation, stating, "We wanted to bring some warmth and hope to the children fighting illness during the cold winter".

This act of generosity amid her own personal struggles particularly resonated with fans, highlighting her compassionate nature. As one observer noted, her actions sent "a powerful message about the importance of empathy, compassion, and giving back, transcending the boundaries of stardom".