Roh Ji-sun (fromis_9): From Trainee to K-pop Star - Jisun Story

Roh Ji-sun captured the hearts of K-pop enthusiasts when she ranked 1st in the survival show Idol School, securing an impressive 71,834 votes. Despite having trained for only 9 months and 2 weeks, she demonstrated exceptional talent and determination that propelled her to the top position.

Born on November 23, 1998, the South Korean singer stands at 158 cm (5'2") and weighs 43 kg (94 lbs). Following her victory, she officially debuted as a member of fromis_9 on January 24, 2018, with the group's first mini album "To. Heart". Initially under Stone Music Entertainment, fromis_9 was later managed by Pledis Entertainment, where Roh Ji-sun continued to develop her career.

Early Life and Background

Born in the vibrant city of Seoul, South Korea, Roh Ji-sun began her life journey at Asan Medical Center in Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu. Her family consists of her parents and an older brother who was born a decade earlier in 1988. This family structure likely contributed to her nurturing personality that would later earn her the nickname "mother" of her group.

Birthplace and family

The South Korean capital where Roh Ji-sun was born has significantly shaped her cultural identity and artistic sensibilities. Growing up in Seoul provided her with exposure to the dynamic entertainment industry that would eventually become her professional home. Her close-knit family, including her parents and older brother, created a supportive environment for her future endeavors in the competitive K-pop industry. While little is publicly known about her parents' occupations or her childhood home life, the strong family bonds have been evident throughout her career journey.

Education and early interests

Roh Ji-sun's educational path reveals her determination and focus on pursuing her dreams. She began her academic journey at Seoul Yeonchon Elementary School. However, her educational route took an unconventional turn as she progressed. According to reliable sources, she attended Hagye Middle School but did not complete her studies there, instead opting to pass the Middle School Graduation Equivalency Examination.

Similarly, although she enrolled at Daejin Girls' High School, she ultimately chose to complete her secondary education through the High School Graduation Equivalency Examination. This educational trajectory suggests that from an early age, Roh Ji-sun was likely balancing her academic responsibilities with training and preparation for her future career in entertainment.

Roh Ji-sun age and zodiac

The K-pop star was born on November 23, 1998, making her 26 years old as of 2025. Her birth date places her under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius, a fire sign known for characteristics such as optimism, freedom-loving nature, and intellectual curiosity. These traits certainly align with her career choice and public persona.

Additionally, according to the Chinese zodiac system, she was born in the Year of the Tiger. In Chinese astrology, tigers are characterized by their courage, competitiveness, and unpredictability – qualities that can be beneficial in the highly competitive K-pop industry. Her blood type is B, which is often associated with creativity and individuality in East Asian culture where blood type personality theory is popular.

These early life details – from her Seoul origins to her educational choices and astrological associations – form the foundation upon which Roh Ji-sun built her journey to K-pop stardom. The combination of her family background, educational decisions, and inherent personality traits all contributed to shaping the artist who would eventually capture public attention through her performances and stage presence.

The Idol School Journey

In March 2017, Mnet announced an innovative reality survival show titled Idol School, designed to form a new permanent girl group. This program differed from other survival shows as it aimed to teach participants not just performing skills but also K-pop history and mental training throughout an 11-week period.

Joining the survival show

The show premiered on July 13, 2017, featuring 41 female participants competing for spots in the final group. For Roh Ji-sun, the decision to join wasn't straightforward. She expressed hesitation about appearing on the program, feeling burdened by the prospect of revealing so much of herself in a short timeframe. Nevertheless, she ultimately decided to participate, reasoning that if she maintained her confidence and focused on her abilities, she could make herself known.

Prior to joining Idol School, Roh Ji-sun had spent years preparing for her K-pop career. Her brother revealed through social media that she had attended a distant academy and prepared for auditions over a five-year period. Moreover, she studied at Gangnam Mu Doctor Academy, an institution specializing in training aspiring idols, for four years. Her perseverance paid off when she passed an audition for Music Works on October 17, 2016. Interestingly, she left after just two weeks due to dissatisfaction with their training system.

Ranking 1st and becoming center

Throughout the competition, Roh Ji-sun demonstrated remarkable growth. After receiving 23rd place in the first episode's ranking, she considered it a satisfactory middle-ground position, though her family expressed disappointment. From that modest beginning, she steadily climbed the rankings.

Her stage presence became a distinguishing factor as the competition progressed. With her charming persona, determination, and impressive skills, she gradually captured viewers' attention. Despite her innocent appearance, she displayed fierce performance abilities that drew all eyes to her.

The live finale aired on September 29, 2017, where Roh Ji-sun secured first place with an impressive 71,834 votes. This achievement was particularly notable considering the relatively short duration of her formal training—just 9 months and 2 weeks. As the top-ranked contestant, she earned the coveted position of "center" in the newly formed group and was granted a special feature in a limited edition of the group's debut album.

Training period and preparation

Roh Ji-sun's training journey before Idol School reveals her dedication. For her audition, she practiced the song "Bad Guy" intensively for three months. This focused preparation exemplifies her methodical approach to achieving her goals.

After the finale, the nine successful contestants—Roh Ji-sun, Song Ha-young, Lee Sae-rom, Lee Chae-young, Lee Na-gyung, Park Ji-won, Lee Seo-yeon, Baek Ji-heon, and Jang Gyu-ri—formed the permanent girl group initially called "Fromis". The name was subsequently changed to "fromis_9," with the "9" representing the nine graduates of Idol School.

Following their formation, the group premiered in their own reality program titled Fromis' Room on October 19, 2017, which documented their continued path toward debut. Under the management of Pledis Entertainment, led by CEO Han Sung-soo, the group underwent further training in preparation for their official entrance into the K-pop industry. Their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" was performed at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan on November 29 and released digitally the following day.

Debut with fromis_9

After completing their journey on Idol School, Roh Ji-sun and her teammates transitioned from trainees to official K-pop idols. The nine members who graduated from the survival show embarked on their professional careers with high expectations from fans who had followed their development journey.

Debut date and first album

Following their pre-debut activities, fromis_9 officially entered the K-pop scene on January 24, 2018, with the release of their first extended play (EP) titled "To. Heart". This milestone came after several months of preparation since the group's formation in late 2017. Notably, the EP made a strong initial impact, debuting at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart issued on January 27.

The path to their official debut included several key steps. First of all, the group's name underwent a slight modification from the original "Fromis" to "Fromis 9" following the final episode of their reality program "Fromis' Room" on November 23, with the '9' specifically representing the nine students who graduated from Idol School.

Prior to the EP release, the group offered fans a glimpse of their performance capabilities through their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes," which they performed at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan on November 29. The digital single was released the following day, generating initial interest in the newly formed group.

Initial public reception

The debut of fromis_9 was met with considerable enthusiasm from both the public and music critics. The group received "massive praise" for their first debut, with the lead single from "To. Heart" contributing to their EP reaching number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart. This impressive chart performance for a rookie group indicated strong initial interest from K-pop fans.

Fans who had followed Roh Ji-sun since her Idol School days were particularly excited to see her transition to an official idol. Many expressed confidence that she would "rise fast to stardom". Her first-place finish on the survival show had already established a solid fan base eager to support her professional career.

The management structure supporting fromis_9's debut was complex yet comprehensive. Initially, they debuted under Stone Music Entertainment. In September 2018, it was confirmed that the group would be managed by a newly created label, Off the Record Entertainment, with Pledis Entertainment handling creative direction and music production. This arrangement was designed to optimize both management and artistic development for the rookie group.

Roh Ji-sun's role in the group

Within fromis_9, Roh Ji-sun assumed several critical positions that shaped her contributions to the group's identity. She was officially designated as a Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, and Center. The Center position held particular significance as it reflected her first-place ranking in Idol School and typically meant she would occupy prominent positions in choreography and group formations.

As the Center, Roh Ji-sun often served as the visual focal point during performances and promotional activities. This responsibility came naturally to her given her previous experience appearing in music videos before joining Idol School, such as her feature in Kyunghoon & Heechul's "Falling Blossoms" MV.

Her dance abilities were particularly valued within the group dynamic, as evidenced by her Lead Dancer position. Furthermore, while not designated as a main vocalist, her sub-vocalist role allowed her to contribute vocally to the group's songs while emphasizing her strengths in performance and visual presentation.

The debut period represented a significant transformation for Roh Ji-sun, converting her competition success into professional standing as an established K-pop idol. Her journey from winning Idol School to debuting with fromis_9 exemplified the traditional K-pop trajectory of survival show success leading to group debut, yet with the distinctive element of her rapid rise from trainee to center position.

Life as a fromis_9 Member

After their official debut, fromis_9 members settled into their new lives as K-pop idols, creating their own unique group dynamic with Roh Ji-sun playing a significant role in shaping the group's identity beyond performances.

Group dynamics and dorm life

The fromis_9 members established their home base in Seoul, where they shared dormitories and created their own mini-community. Within this living arrangement, Roh Ji-sun has resided with various roommates throughout the years. According to recent information, she shares a dormitory with Saerom, Seoyeon, and Nagyung, having previously roomed with Gyuri. Their dorm room carries the whimsical title "Chaboonz", reflecting the playful atmosphere they've cultivated.

The dormitory arrangement has evolved over time. Based on Nagyung's Weverse update, the group eventually split into two separate dorms, with Roh Ji-sun earning the privilege of a solo room in Dorm 2, while Nagyung and Jiheon became roommates. This arrangement highlights her seniority and respected position within the group.

In terms of group dynamics, Roh Ji-sun often serves as a stabilizing presence among the more energetic members. Whenever chaos erupts among the girls, observers note that she remains level-headed, watching her groupmates with amused composure, almost as if trying to comprehend their exuberant world. This balanced perspective helps ground the group amid their hectic schedules.

Nicknames and on-stage persona

Throughout her career with fromis_9, Roh Ji-sun has accumulated an impressive collection of nicknames that reflect different aspects of her personality and talents. Fans affectionately call her "Jisun-e" and "Jissen-e", yet these represent just the beginning of her nickname repertoire.

Her performance-related monikers include "Precious Angel," "Smiley Angel," "Master of cute," "Jicen" (a combination of Jisun and Center), "Killing Fairy," and "99 Jisun". These nicknames celebrate her center position and charming stage presence. Furthermore, her talents outside of performing earned her titles like "Roh Jang-Geum" (referencing a famous Korean historical drama character known for cooking), "Food Captain," and "ASMR Captain".

Interestingly, despite her elegant appearance, Roh Ji-sun possesses a dual personality on stage. While many view her as princess-like, in reality, she exhibits swag and girl crush vibes during performances. This duality makes her performances particularly captivating, as noted by fans who witnessed her fierce stage presence during Idol School.

Her image as the 'mother' of the group

Perhaps Roh Ji-sun's most enduring role within fromis_9 is that of the group's "mother." This maternal image stems primarily from her exceptional cooking skills, which she often employs to prepare meals for all the members. Her willingness to cook for the entire group exemplifies her nurturing personality.

Beyond cooking, her organizational abilities further cement this motherly image. According to Saerom during fromis_9's appearance on Heize's Diary, "She's very good at explaining and organizing things. She's a person that we need for the team to work. Organized and composed. She helps a lot to get things going, thanks to that, our team is doing great". The captain has repeatedly expressed that Roh Ji-sun is a member she can consistently rely on when problems arise.

Her personality traits—described as quiet, sensible, kind, caring, and motherly—naturally align with this maternal role. Even as she claims to be the "most no jam" (least funny) among the members, her dependability and thoughtfulness make her an essential stabilizing force within fromis_9.

Overall, while some members like Jiwon bring "chaotic energy" and others like Chaeyoung serve as the "mood maker," Roh Ji-sun's contribution to fromis_9 lies in her reliability, organization, and nurturing presence that helps the group function effectively as a cohesive unit.

Career Highlights and Appearances

Throughout her career with fromis_9, Roh Ji-sun has built an impressive portfolio of media appearances, performances, and visual content that showcase her versatility as an artist. Beyond her initial success on Idol School, her professional journey includes numerous highlights across various entertainment platforms.

TV shows and variety appearances

Roh Ji-sun's television career extends far beyond her formative appearance on Idol School. First and foremost, she participated in the reality series Fromis's Room which documented the group's pre-debut journey. This five-episode program aired from October 26 to November 23, 2017, offering fans an intimate look at the newly-formed group's dynamics.

In 2019, she ventured into scripted content with We See Winter, a Korean drama series consisting of two episodes that aired from February 13 to February 18. Of course, her reality show appearances continued with Welcome to Heal Inn, a heartwarming V LIVE web series from 2018 that featured the fromis_9 members preparing meals together. In essence, this show highlighted Roh Ji-sun's natural cooking abilities that contributed to her "mother of the group" image.

More recently, Roh Ji-sun demonstrated her artistic side as a participant on Idol Drawing Contest in 2022, broadcast on SBS FiL. Alongside these official appearances, she has been featured on The Game Caterers, a popular reality series where celebrities participate in various games.

Music video roles

Importantly, Roh Ji-sun's on-screen presence extends to numerous music videos, both with fromis_9 and as a featured performer. Prior to her idol debut, she appeared in Min Kyung Hoon and Heechul's "Falling Blossoms" MV in 2018.

Her filmography with fromis_9 is extensive, including:

Early works: "Glass Shoes" (2017), "DKDK" (2018), and "Love Bomb" (2018)
Middle-period releases: "Fun!" (2019), "Feel Good (Secret Code)" (2020), and "We Go" (2021)
Recent productions: "Talk & Talk" (2021), "DM" (2022), "Stay This Way" (2022), "Escape Room" (2022), "#menow" (2023), and "Supersonic" (2024)

In turn, these visual performances showcase her evolution as a performer, from rookie idol to seasoned professional.

Notable performances and fancams

Roh Ji-sun has accumulated an impressive collection of individual performance recordings, with 41 official fancams documented in fan compilations. These solo videos, primarily from music shows, allow fans to appreciate her stage presence and performance skills.

Among her standout performances is the "Stay This Way" stage at MusicBank on July 1, 2022. Granted that all group members receive attention, Roh Ji-sun's fancams have become particularly valued by fans for capturing her dual persona—combining her elegant image with unexpected "girl crush" charisma during performances.

On balance, her consistent presence across television, music videos, and live performances has solidified her position as a multifaceted entertainer within the K-pop industry. From early survival show contestant to accomplished idol with dozens of professional appearances, Roh Ji-sun's career demonstrates remarkable growth and versatility.

Personality, Hobbies, and Style

Beyond her professional achievements, Roh Ji-sun's distinct personality, thoughtful hobbies, and refined style have endeared her to fans. A closer look at these aspects reveals the multifaceted individual behind the performer.

MBTI and personality traits

Roh Ji-sun's MBTI type alternates between ESTJ and ISTJ, reflecting her adaptable yet structured approach to life. As an ISTJ, she exhibits logical, practical, and exceptionally dedicated qualities. Her personality combines loyalty and reliability—she's someone others can depend on when needed. Fundamentally, she values clear hierarchy and structure, approaching projects with thoroughness and attention to detail.

According to her group members, Roh Ji-sun possesses a unique duality. In contrast to her outward demeanor, she describes herself as "the most no jam" (least funny) among fromis_9 members. She maintains that her "personality doesn't come first," often speaking quietly rather than seeking attention. This restrained nature balances the group's more exuberant personalities.

Her personality profile as an Enneagram One with a Nine wing further illuminates her character—she's organized, moral, and driven by a strong sense of purpose. Indeed, her motto encapsulates this determination: "without shame and without regret".

Hobbies like journaling and movies

Among Roh Ji-sun's favorite pastimes, journaling stands out as particularly meaningful. She enjoys writing in her diary because of her habit of "taking notes and arranging things". This practice aligns with her methodical personality and appreciation for organization.

Alongside journaling, she has a genuine passion for movies and radio shows. Her reason is revealing—she "likes to see and hear people's different stories", demonstrating her interest in diverse perspectives and experiences. Consequently, she has expressed that becoming a radio DJ would be an ideal role.

Her entertainment preferences extend to Marvel movies and shows. Interestingly, these superhero narratives have been known to move her deeply—she even mentioned "crying every night while watching a Marvel movie". For someone who might appear reserved, this emotional connection reveals her sensitive side.

Fashion sense and favorite colors

Roh Ji-sun's aesthetic preferences reflect her thoughtful personality. Her favorite colors inhabit a specific palette—she gravitates toward pastels, particularly mellow tones and white. Concurrently, she appreciates black colors with low brightness and saturation.

Her fashion choices have earned her recognition within fromis_9, with member Jiheon identifying her as fashionable. Her style often incorporates soft, muted tones that complement her elegant presence. Through her visual presentations, she creates a cohesive personal brand that enhances her professional image.

In daily life, Roh Ji-sun has some distinctive physical preferences—she enjoys going barefoot, mentioning this as one reason she'd like to visit Australia, "which has a lot of barefuckers". These small details contribute to the authentic personality that fans have come to appreciate beyond her polished on-stage persona.

Departure and New Beginnings

The end of 2024 marked a pivotal turning point in Roh Ji-sun's career as fromis_9's exclusive contract with PLEDIS Entertainment officially expired on December 31. After seven years of working together, the members concluded their group activities with PLEDIS, deciding to follow individual paths.

Leaving fromis_9 in 2025

In January 2025, major changes occurred when five members—Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Na-kyung, Lee Chae-young, and Baek Ji-heon—signed exclusive contracts with ASND (Ascend), a newly established agency. Meanwhile, Roh Ji-sun alongside Lee Sae-rom and Lee Seo-yeon opted not to join the new company. This decision came after what reports described as "extensive discussions with the group".

The separation became official in February 2025 when Lee Sae-rom confirmed in an interview that she, Lee Seo-yeon, and Roh Ji-sun would not be continuing with fromis_9. This announcement finalized the reconfiguration of the group, which continued as a five-member ensemble.

Agency transitions and future plans

As the group underwent this transformation, negotiations between ASND and PLEDIS Entertainment regarding the use of the fromis_9 name took place throughout early 2025. By March, these discussions concluded successfully, allowing the five members at ASND to continue performing under their original group name.

In the aftermath of Roh Ji-sun's departure, ASND announced that the remaining fromis_9 members were preparing new music for release in June 2025. Their sixth EP, titled From Our 20's, was scheduled for June 25, followed by their first world tour, Now Tomorrow, beginning in Seoul on August 9 and 10.

At present, while Lee Sae-rom is reportedly preparing for an acting debut, specific details about Roh Ji-sun's future plans have not been officially announced. Throughout this transition period, fans worldwide continue to support both the restructured fromis_9 and the individual journeys of former members like Roh Ji-sun.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details

Beyond the spotlight and stage performances, Roh Ji-sun possesses numerous fascinating traits and preferences that showcase her individuality. These lesser-known details reveal the person behind the performer, giving fans glimpses into her everyday life.

Roh Ji-sun height and physical traits

Standing at precisely 158 cm (5'2") and weighing 43 kg (94 lbs), Roh Ji-sun has a petite yet well-proportioned frame. Her blood type is B, which many in Korean culture associate with creativity and individuality. First of all, one of her most distinctive physical characteristics is her subtle, attractive eyes that add to her visual appeal. These eyes, ironically, come with poor vision—she typically wears contact lenses to correct astigmatism.

In fact, her solid physique developed through dedicated exercise is another notable aspect of her appearance. As an avid fitness enthusiast, she reportedly visits the gym up to twice daily when her schedule permits. This commitment to physical fitness contributes to her strong stage presence, even with her relatively small stature.

Favorite foods and drinks

Roh Ji-sun's culinary preferences reveal interesting contrasts. Her favorite foods include:

Gopchang (grilled intestines) and chocolate
Mint chocolate flavors
Sundae gukbap (blood sausage soup)
Hot winter snacks like hotteok, oden, and taiyaki

Interestingly, she enjoys cilantro and wasabi—ingredients many people find polarizing. In addition to this, she prefers chicken over pizza and pork belly over legs and wings.

Regarding beverages, she's particularly fond of iced lattes and consumes at least three cups of coffee daily. Furthermore, she's quite selective about her coffee sources, often being picky about which cafes she visits, plus she typically orders her drinks to go.

Unique habits and quirks

Among her distinctive habits, Roh Ji-sun maintains a journal regularly, explaining that she enjoys "taking notes and arranging things". This practice aligns with her MBTI type of ESTJ/ISTJ, personality types known for organization and structure.

Aside from this, she has a pronounced dislike of skinship (physical touch), which stands in contrast to the often affectionate nature of K-pop group dynamics. Together with former groupmate Jang Gyuri, she regularly consumed red bean tea in the mornings to address facial bloating.

Her soft-spoken nature masks an occasional fiery side—while typically shy, there are moments when she displays anger. This duality extends to her personality, as she combines a princess-like appearance with an unexpected "swag" and "girl crush" elements. At the same time, she finds it difficult to consume salty foods because they irritate her tongue.