Who is Lea from Secret Number? The Untold Story Behind Her Career Move

Léa Secret Number's journey in the K-pop industry stands as a testament to perseverance and talent. Born as Ogawa Mizuki on August 12, 1995, in Tokyo, Japan, she eventually became the leader of the South Korean girl group SECRET NUMBER under Vine Entertainment. Standing at an official height of 170 cm, this Japanese singer has made significant waves in the K-pop scene.

Before joining SECRET NUMBER, she was formerly known as Hana during her time with the group SKarf. Her career took a pivotal turn when SECRET NUMBER made their debut on May 19, 2020, with their first single album "Who Dis?". The group quickly gained attention, with their music video reaching over 5 million views just days after their broadcast debut on KBS2's Music Bank on May 22.

Early Life and Background

Behind every K-pop star lies a unique personal journey that shapes their artistic identity. For Léa of SECRET NUMBER, this journey began in Japan's bustling capital city.

Birth name and nationality

Born as Ogawa Mizuki (小川 美月) on August 12, 1995, Léa's roots are firmly Japanese. Her birth name carries significant meaning in her native language—"Mizuki" combines the characters for "beauty" and "moon," reflecting an elegant heritage that would later complement her career in entertainment. As a Leo zodiac sign and born in the Year of the Pig according to Chinese astrology, these cosmic influences supposedly contribute to her determined personality.

Throughout her career, Léa has proudly represented her Japanese nationality in the predominantly Korean K-pop industry. Standing at 170 cm (5'7"), she possesses both the height and presence that would later serve her well in both performing and modeling careers. Additionally, her blood type is B, a detail often noted in Asian entertainment profiles as some fans believe blood types correlate with personality traits.

Growing up in Tokyo

Léa's formative years unfolded in Tokyo, Japan's cultural and entertainment epicenter. The city, known for its blend of traditional values and cutting-edge trends, likely provided a rich environment for her developing interests. Tokyo's vibrant entertainment scene, from J-pop to theater, creates an atmosphere where artistic aspirations can take root and flourish.

The metropolitan lifestyle of Tokyo, with its fast pace and competitive nature, generally instills resilience and adaptability—qualities that would later become essential in Léa's career as she navigated the challenges of debuting in a foreign entertainment market. Although specific details about her family life remain private, her upbringing in one of the world's most dynamic cities undoubtedly influenced her worldview.

Her educational background also remains largely undisclosed in public profiles, demonstrating how Léa has maintained certain boundaries between her public persona and personal history. Nevertheless, her fluency in both Japanese and Korean languages indicates a solid educational foundation and linguistic aptitude.

Early interest in entertainment

Although the factual keypoints don't provide explicit details about when Léa first developed her passion for performing, her eventual career path suggests an early affinity for music and performance. Many successful K-pop idols typically begin training or expressing interest in entertainment during their teenage years, developing skills in singing, dancing, and stage presence.

Prior to adopting the stage name "Léa" for her SECRET NUMBER career, she performed under the name "Hana" during her time with the group SKarf, indicating that her entertainment journey began well before her SECRET NUMBER debut. This early career experience helped shape her performance style and prepared her for future leadership responsibilities.

Her MBTI personality type is listed as INTJ, which characterizes individuals who are typically strategic thinkers with creative vision—traits that align well with both her artistic pursuits and later leadership role. Despite being described as having an introverted personality type, she clearly developed the confidence and stage presence necessary to succeed in the demanding K-pop industry.

As she grew into her artistic identity, Léa established social media presences under handles like @mi.m00n on Instagram and @mizuki_official_tiktok on TikTok, creating direct connections with fans that would later support her through various career transitions.

First Steps in K-pop: Joining SKarf

Léa's formal entry into the K-pop industry began with an opportunity that arose from unexpected circumstances. Her path to becoming a recognized figure in the competitive world of K-pop started not with SECRET NUMBER, but with another multinational girl group that would become her training ground.

Replacing Sol in 2012

The door to K-pop opened for Léa in December 2012 when she joined SKarf, a Singaporean-Korean girl group under Alpha Entertainment. SKarf had originally debuted in August 2012 as a four-member group consisting of Sol, Ferlyn, Tasha, and Jenny. However, on December 30, 2012, Sol departed from the group citing personal reasons.

Following this change, Léa (then performing under the stage name "Hana") and another new member named JooA were introduced to replace Sol. This transition transformed SKarf from a four-member to a five-member ensemble. Company representatives commented at the time: "Unfortunately, Sol could no longer be with us due to personal reasons. However, with the addition of JooA and Hana, the team atmosphere became more lively and we are very excited for new promotions in the near future".

Interestingly, SKarf stood out in the K-pop landscape as a multinational group. Ferlyn and Tasha were from Singapore, Jenny and JooA were Korean, meanwhile Hana (Léa) represented Japan. This diverse composition was particularly notable as SKarf was recognized as the first girl group to include Singaporean members.

Debut with 'Luv Virus'

Léa made her official debut as a SKarf member on May 31, 2013, with the group's first mini-album "Luv Virus". This marked a significant milestone, as it was nearly 10 months after the group's original debut with "Oh! Dance". The comeback represented SKarf's first release as a five-member unit rather than their original four-member configuration.

In preparation for the release, Alpha Entertainment built anticipation by sharing individual member video teasers on their official YouTube channel on May 28, 2013. The full music video for the title track was subsequently uploaded on May 31.

"Luv Virus" itself was characterized as "a bright, refreshing track that perfectly fits this summer". The song was composed by Lee Ki and hitmaker Seo Young Bae, who had previously created successful tracks for other artists including Ailee's "Heaven" and Orange Caramel's "Lipstick". Thematically, the song centered on "girls talking sweet things about love".

To promote their new release, SKarf performed their comeback stage on the popular music show "M! Countdown". Furthermore, on July 20, the group announced plans for a showcase in Singapore where they would perform tracks from the "Luv Virus" EP on August 11.

Disbandment and aftermath

Despite promising beginnings, SKarf's journey as a group was relatively brief. On September 16, 2014, member Ferlyn left the group. This departure proved to be the beginning of the end for SKarf. The group "was quietly disbanded soon after" in late 2014.

Following the disbandment, SKarf's brand name was reportedly sold to South Korean entertainment company CJ E&M in 2015 for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition marked the official end of the group's existence under Alpha Entertainment.

For Léa, the experience with SKarf, though short-lived, provided valuable insights into the K-pop industry. Her time as "Hana" gave her firsthand experience of what it meant to be part of a multinational girl group, preparing her for the challenges and opportunities that would come later in her career with SECRET NUMBER.

The dissolution of SKarf represented both an ending and a transition point in Léa's career path, setting the stage for her next steps in the competitive landscape of K-pop.

A New Challenge: MIXNINE and Trainee Years

After SKarf's disbandment, Léa faced the daunting task of rebuilding her career in the competitive K-pop industry. Her journey between groups reveals a determined artist unwilling to abandon her dreams despite significant setbacks.

Auditioning as an independent trainee

Following the conclusion of her time with SKarf, Léa remained under Alpha Entertainment until 2014. Unlike many K-pop hopefuls who move directly from one agency to another, she took a more challenging path. In October 2017, she made a bold career move by auditioning for MIXNINE as an independent trainee. This decision demonstrated considerable courage, as independent trainees typically lack the resources and preparation advantages enjoyed by contestants representing established companies.

MIXNINE, a survival show produced by JTBC and created by YG Entertainment's Yang Hyun-suk, offered a platform for both agency-backed and independent trainees to compete for spots in a project group. For Léa, this opportunity represented a chance to showcase her talents without agency support, essentially starting fresh in the industry that had already seen her debut and face a group disbandment.

Experience on MIXNINE

Léa's MIXNINE journey proved brief yet significant for her career trajectory. Competing under her birth name Ogawa Mizuki, she faced challenges typical for independent contestants. The show's format was notoriously demanding, requiring participants to demonstrate proficiency in singing, dancing, and stage presence while facing direct criticism from industry professionals.

Despite her previous professional experience with SKarf, Léa was eliminated in episode 7 of the program after ranking 109th place. This early elimination might seem discouraging, yet her willingness to participate at all speaks volumes about her resilience. Many former idols choose to leave the industry entirely after a group disbandment, yet Léa persisted.

The MIXNINE experience positioned her alongside other determined contestants with similar stories. Several participants had previously appeared on other survival shows or had been part of disbanded groups, each seeking a second chance at their K-pop dreams.

Training under CJ E&M and Alpha Entertainment

Throughout her career development, Léa gained valuable experience under different entertainment companies. Beyond her already-discussed time with Alpha Entertainment (2012-2014) during the SKarf period, she subsequently trained under CJ E&M Music from 2015 to 2016.

CJ E&M Music, a division of the major South Korean entertainment conglomerate CJ ENM, provided her with additional professional development after her initial debut. This training period likely refined her skills in preparation for future opportunities, essentially serving as a bridge between her SKarf activities and later career moves.

The diversity of her training background—spanning multiple companies and including both group experience and survival show participation—equipped Léa with a unique perspective on the industry. This comprehensive preparation would ultimately serve her well when the opportunity to join SECRET NUMBER eventually emerged.

Debut with SECRET NUMBER

After years of persistence in the industry, 2020 marked a pivotal chapter in Léa's career as she prepared to re-emerge in the K-pop scene with a new group identity and renewed purpose.

How she was revealed as the final member

The path to SECRET NUMBER's formation began taking shape publicly in early 2020. On February 27, Léa was officially revealed as the fifth and final member of SECRET NUMBER, completing the group's initial lineup. This announcement came after a carefully orchestrated introduction of the other members.

The full group's identity was strategically unveiled on April 29, 2020, through a dance cover video published on YouTube alongside the official announcement of the group name "Secret Number". Consequently, between May 11 and May 14, each member received individual introductions, with Léa being the second member presented to the public.

Notably, SECRET NUMBER had originally planned to debut on March 26, 2020, but these plans were postponed because of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak. This delay, though challenging, ultimately allowed for a more impactful launch when the time finally came.

Debut single 'Who Dis?' and early success

On May 6, 2020, Vine Entertainment officially announced that SECRET NUMBER would release their debut single album titled "Who Dis?" on May 19. In preparation for this milestone, the company initiated a promotional campaign beginning May 10, releasing individual promotional photos alongside music video teasers for each member. The culmination of this campaign occurred on May 17 with the release of a group photo and the official music video teaser.

The group finally made their long-awaited debut on May 19, holding their debut showcase that same day. This was followed by active promotion of their title track on various music shows, starting with M Countdown on May 21. Their first official broadcast appearance came on KBS2's Music Bank on May 22, where they performed their lead single "Who Dis?".

The debut proved remarkably successful for a new group. On May 23, just days after release, it was announced that the "Who Dis?" music video had surpassed 5 million views. This number continued to climb rapidly, with one source noting the video had "already passed 8 million views" despite the group being "newly debuted".

Her role as leader and lead vocalist

In addition to being a core member of SECRET NUMBER, Léa took on significant responsibilities within the group structure. She served as both the leader and lead vocalist of SECRET NUMBER upon their debut. At 25 years old during their debut (born August 12, 1995), she was likely one of the more experienced members, making her leadership position a natural fit.

SECRET NUMBER's commercial success in their first five months earned them recognition at major Korean year-end music award shows, including awards at the Asia Artist Awards, APAN Music Awards, and Asian Pop Music Awards. Furthermore, Billboard Korea acknowledged them as one of the "Rookie K-pop Groups of 2020", cementing Léa's successful reintroduction to the K-pop industry.

Their fandom, later named "LOCKEY" in January 2021, represents "people who become KEYs that open the locked appeal of SECRET NUMBER"—a fanbase that would support Léa throughout her journey with the group.

Life as a SECRET NUMBER Member

Within the walls of SECRET NUMBER's dorm, Léa carved out a life balancing leadership responsibilities alongside her fellow members. As the group solidified their place in K-pop, their living arrangements reflected both closeness and personal space needs.

Group dynamics and dorm life

The living arrangements for SECRET NUMBER revealed much about their day-to-day interactions. Léa enjoyed the privacy of a solo room alongside Soodam, Jinny, and Dita, whereas Minji and Zuu shared accommodations as roommates. This arrangement likely provided Léa the necessary personal space to fulfill her leadership duties alongside maintaining group harmony.

Throughout their time together, SECRET NUMBER consisted of members from diverse backgrounds—Léa representing Japan amid Korean and international teammates. This multinational composition created a unique cultural dynamic within their dorm life, certainly contributing to their global appeal.

Notable performances and comebacks

SECRET NUMBER's journey featured numerous musical milestones after their debut. The group released their second single album "Got That Boom" on November 4, 2020, followed by their third single "Fire Saturday" on October 27, 2021.

One significant chapter in their performance history came with their first concert tour in the United States. Announced in early 2024, the "Unlock" tour visited eight cities selected through fan polls, beginning in Chicago on July 26, 2024, and concluding in Los Angeles on August 10. At these performances, Léa alongside her teammates displayed "powerful vocals, intricate choreography, and undeniable stage presence".

Moreover, the group connected emotionally with audiences during these shows. One particularly touching moment occurred when SECRET NUMBER "tearfully performed 'Beautiful One' while fans waved along". Their first solo concert in Indonesia, titled "Passworld," took place at Tennis Indoor Senayan, Jakarta on September 28, 2024, further establishing their international presence.

Her leadership style

Léa's role as leader followed an interesting trajectory throughout SECRET NUMBER's existence. She initially served as "temporary leader at the debut moment", afterward temporarily relinquishing these duties. In January 2021, Denise was announced as the temporary leader. Nonetheless, the leadership position eventually "came back to her in 'Fire Saturday' era", indicating both the group's trust in her abilities alongside possible organizational adjustments.

As leader, she guided SECRET NUMBER through multiple comebacks alongside their first international tours. During performances, the members consistently took "time to interact with their fans, sharing heartfelt messages and expressing their gratitude for the unwavering support"—a reflection of the appreciative atmosphere Léa helped cultivate as leader.

Departure from SECRET NUMBER

April 2025 marked a significant turning point in Léa's career trajectory, as her five-year journey with SECRET NUMBER officially came to an end. Indeed, what began as a simple contract expiration would spark major changes across the entire group.

Contract expiration in April 2025

On April 3, 2025, VINE Entertainment officially announced that Léa would be parting ways with SECRET NUMBER following the conclusion of her contract. The formal statement revealed that "the exclusive contract period of Léa, who has showcased her shining talents as a member of SECRET NUMBER, has ended as of April 2, 2025". The announcement came somewhat unexpectedly to fans, given there had been no prior indications of her planned departure.

In their official statement, VINE Entertainment expressed gratitude for Léa's contributions: "First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude to Léa for her hard work and dedication to the fans". The company even so promised to "continue to sincerely support Léa's bright future", suggesting an amicable separation even as her chapter with the group concluded.

Public reaction and fan support

The news sent shockwaves through the fandom. As a founding member and sometime leader of SECRET NUMBER, Léa's departure represented a significant loss. One fan voiced on social media: "This is devastating. They worked so hard, and it feels unfair that they can't continue".

Across platforms, supporters expressed both disappointment and understanding. Given that, many fans rallied around her with messages of encouragement for whatever path she might choose next. The hashtag #ThankYouLéa trended briefly as fans shared favorite memories from her five years with the group.

In reality, Léa's exit was just the beginning of major changes for SECRET NUMBER. Just one day after her departure announcement, on April 4, 2025, three additional members—Dita, Jinny, and Minji—also announced their departures from the group. This mass exodus left only Zuu and Soodam as remaining members.

Transition to new opportunities

For Léa personally, the contract expiration represented not an ending but a pivot point in her career. VINE Entertainment's statement hinted at this transition: "We kindly ask the fans to also continue their unwavering support and encouragement for her".

The timing suggested careful career planning on Léa's part. At 29 years old (born August 12, 1995), she had reached a point in her career where many K-pop idols consider their next professional chapter. Simultaneously, the company acknowledged that they had been "carefully reviewing matters related to the group's and individual members' activities as well as contract extensions".

For the group itself, VINE Entertainment promised to "present SECRET NUMBER in a new and refreshed way", a hint at the eventual lineup changes that would follow in the coming months with new members joining.

Reinvention: Modeling and New Stage Name

Following her departure from SECRET NUMBER, the former leader wasted no time in charting a fresh career path that marked her return to her roots both personally and professionally.

Joining SNP Entertainment

Just two months after leaving Vine Entertainment, she made her next career move official. On June 4, 2025, she signed an exclusive contract with SNP Entertainment. This swift transition indicated careful career planning rather than an impulsive decision. SNP Entertainment specifically announced plans to support her in both modeling and acting activities, signaling a significant shift from her previous focus as a K-pop idol to broader entertainment pursuits.

The signing generated considerable buzz among fans, with social media platforms quickly spreading the news. One fan expressed excitement, writing "I'm excited for her modeling career", reflecting the positive reception to her career pivot.

Using 'Mizuki' as her new stage name

In a noteworthy decision, she chose to adopt "Mizuki" as her professional name, effectively reclaiming her birth name Ogawa Mizuki after years of performing as "Léa" with SECRET NUMBER and previously as "Hana" with SKarf. This return to her original name symbolized both a fresh start and a reconnection with her Japanese identity.

This name transition marked her third professional moniker in the entertainment industry, showcasing her willingness to reinvent herself at different career stages. For fans who had known her exclusively as Léa, this change represented both continuation and transformation of her public persona.

Current modeling projects

Since joining SNP Entertainment, Mizuki has focused intensely on building her modeling portfolio. In her own words: "I've wanted to model for a long time, so being able to take my very first step in my dream cities — Paris and Milan — makes me incredibly happy". This statement reveals both long-held aspirations and current activities in Europe's fashion capitals.

Currently, she's actively deepening her knowledge of fashion despite admitting: "In my everyday life I'm the kind of person who wears the most comfortable training clothes possible". This contrast between her casual personal style and professional modeling ambitions highlights her commitment to growth.

Looking forward, Mizuki has expressed her determination "to keep taking on new challenges", suggesting that modeling represents just one facet of her evolving career rather than its conclusion.

Legacy and Impact in K-pop

Throughout her time in K-pop, Léa carved out a distinctive legacy that transcends typical idol narratives, particularly as a Japanese artist succeeding in the competitive Korean entertainment industry.

Her influence as a Japanese idol in Korea

As a Japanese performer in the Korean market, Léa exemplified the increasingly intertwined music industries between Japan and South Korea. Her exceptional Korean language skills stood out, with some fans noting her Korean fluency even surpassed that of native Korean members in the group. This linguistic talent helped bridge cultural divides at a time when relations between the two nations often reflected historical tensions.

The training processes between Japanese and Korean idol systems differ significantly—Japanese idols traditionally debut with minimal preparation and develop skills publicly, whereas Korean trainees undergo years of intensive training before debut. Léa's adaptability between these systems demonstrated remarkable versatility few artists achieve.

Fanbase and international appeal

SECRET NUMBER's multinational composition became a cornerstone of their identity, allowing them to "easily build rapport with fans across the globe". Their free-spirited approach and natural interactions resonated particularly well with international audiences.

The group's commercial success in their first five months earned them several rookie awards at major Korean year-end music award shows, including the Asia Artist Awards, APAN Music Awards, and Asian Pop Music Awards. Furthermore, Billboard Korea recognized them as one of the "Rookie K-pop Groups of 2020".

What makes Léa stand out

Beyond her linguistic abilities, Léa's multifaceted career path sets her apart from many contemporaries. From debuting as "Hana" with SKarf to leading SECRET NUMBER as "Léa" and ultimately returning to her birth name "Mizuki" for modeling, her willingness to reinvent herself demonstrates extraordinary resilience.

Her leadership capacity—taking charge despite being in a foreign country—illustrated both her confidence and adaptability. At the same time, her youthful appearance belied her status as the oldest member, creating an interesting dynamic within the group's presentation.

Ultimately, Léa's legacy rests in her representation of successful cross-cultural exchange in an industry where national identity often shapes reception and opportunities.

FAQS

Fans often wonder about various aspects of Léa's career and personal life. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding this talented performer.

What was Léa's role in Secret Number?
Besides being a vocalist, Léa served as the group's leader during their debut and again during their "Fire Saturday" era.

Did Léa face cultural challenges as a Japanese idol in Korea?
Interestingly, Léa adapted well to Korean culture. In fact, her dining habits surprised members who expected her to prefer eating alone like many Japanese people. "That is because I can enjoy more diverse dishes if I have a meal together with a lot of people," she explained.

How did Léa spend her time during group hiatuses?
"When we were on a hiatus during the past 11 months, I frequently hung out with Soodam to go to exhibitions and visit must-eat restaurants in Seoul," Léa shared.

What made Secret Number unique in the K-pop landscape?
As Léa herself stated, "We are the only K-pop team to feature such a diverse array of countries". Their multinational composition allowed them to "speak various languages".

Why did Léa leave Secret Number?
Her departure occurred naturally when "the exclusive contract period of Léa has ended as of April 2, 2025". Hence, it was a contractual conclusion rather than a conflict-based separation.