Natty/ Anatchaya Suputtipong (KISS OF LIFE)
Natty K-pop Journey: From Thai Trainee to KISS OF LIFE Stardom
Natty kpop star's journey spans an impressive 10 years of training before reaching her current success. Born Anatchaya Suputtipong on May 30, 2002, the Thai singer began her K-pop pursuit at the tender age of 12 when she joined SM Entertainment as a trainee, demonstrating remarkable determination from the start.
Despite facing multiple setbacks, Natty persevered through her challenging path to stardom. She participated in "SIXTEEN" in 2015 as the youngest contestant and later competed in "Idol School" in 2017, where she narrowly missed debuting with Fromis 9 by ranking 13th. After these experiences, she finally debuted as a solo artist in 2020 with "Nineteen" before joining KISS OF LIFE in 2023. Currently, Natty serves as the main dancer of KISS OF LIFE, where her extensive training in various dance styles has become a key asset to the group.
Natty's Early Life in Thailand
Anatchaya Suputhipong first entered the world on May 30, 2002, in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. Raised as the only child in her family, Natty experienced a traditional Thai upbringing where family values typically form the foundation of social life. In Thai culture, children often maintain close relationships with their parents throughout their lives, with strong emphasis on respect for elders and family connections.
Family background and multicultural upbringing
Growing up in Bangkok, Natty experienced the rich cultural heritage of Thailand during her formative years. Thai families generally embrace a patriarchal structure with multiple generations sometimes living under one roof. As an only child, Natty likely received the undivided attention of her parents, who supported her developing interests and talents.
While specific details about her immediate family remain private, the cultural context of her upbringing undoubtedly shaped her early perspectives. Thai society places high value on familial connections, with career paths often influenced by parental guidance. This cultural background would prove significant as Natty's journey took an unexpected turn toward the Korean entertainment industry.
Early musical influences and inspirations
Contrary to what many fans might assume, Natty didn't initially dream of becoming a K-pop idol. At age eight, while in second grade, she began training in rhythmic gymnastics, an activity she pursued for approximately one to two years. This early physical training likely contributed to her exceptional dance abilities later in life.
Subsequently, her interests shifted toward dance, prompting her to attend a specialized dance academy for about a year. During this period, Natty's artistic vision began to crystallize, and she started aspiring to become a singer. Rather than pursuing the K-pop route immediately, she initially imagined building her career as a singer or celebrity within Thailand's entertainment industry.
Decision to pursue K-pop in South Korea
The pivotal moment in Natty's career trajectory came through an unexpected source—her dance instructor. Notably, this teacher happened to be Korean and recognized Natty's potential for the competitive K-pop industry. The instructor suggested she attend K-pop agency auditions being held in Thailand, opening a door that would completely transform her life path.
Demonstrating remarkable talent at a young age, Natty accomplished what many aspiring idols find nearly impossible—she successfully passed auditions for both SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. This extraordinary achievement highlighted her natural abilities and determination.
At the tender age of 10, making a decision that showed incredible maturity and courage, Natty relocated to South Korea to pursue her newfound dream. This bold move required not only physical relocation but also cultural adaptation, language learning, and separation from her family and homeland. Additionally, her journey would become a source of inspiration for other Thai youth with similar aspirations, as she would later acknowledge her desire "to become a positive influence on people in Thailand and international trainees who dream of becoming K-pop idols".
This early transition from Thailand to Korea marked just the beginning of what would become a decade-long path to eventual stardom in the competitive world of K-pop.
First Steps in the K-pop Industry
The path to becoming a K-pop idol officially began for Natty when she passed SM Entertainment's Thailand Global Audition in early 2013. This achievement marked the first concrete step in what would become a decade-long journey through the rigorous Korean entertainment industry.
Initial training at SM Entertainment
At just 11 years old, Natty's first experience in the K-pop training system came through SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's largest entertainment companies. Though her time at SM was brief—lasting only one to two months—it provided valuable exposure to the demanding world of K-pop training.
Perhaps most notably, Natty had the unique opportunity to live in a dormitory with members of Red Velvet during this initial training period. In a later interview, she revealed, "I actually trained with Red Velvet's Joy and Seulgi unnies for a short while before I entered JYPE". This early connection with established idols offered her a glimpse into the life she aspired to achieve.
Transition to JYP Entertainment
Shortly after her brief stint at SM Entertainment, Natty auditioned for JYP Entertainment—another powerhouse in the K-pop industry. After successfully passing their Thailand Global Audition in late 2013, she formally joined the company as a trainee. This transition proved significant, as JYP would become her training home for approximately three to four years.
From the age of 11, Natty immersed herself in JYP's training system. The company, known for producing successful acts like Wonder Girls and Miss A, provided comprehensive training in dancing, singing, and performance skills. JYP Entertainment is also recognized for developing BamBam from Got7, another Thai artist who successfully transitioned to the Korean market.
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Life as a young trainee in Korea
Living in South Korea from such a young age presented numerous challenges for Natty. As a foreign trainee, she faced the dual pressure of mastering performance skills along with cultural adaptation and language learning. Her daily routine likely involved intensive practice sessions, Korean language studies, and academic responsibilities.
The typical K-pop trainee schedule includes grueling practice sessions that often extend late into the night, with trainees balancing schoolwork alongside their entertainment training. For Natty, this meant sacrificing normal teenage experiences while pursuing her dream.
In 2015, at just 12 years and 11 months old, Natty became the youngest contestant on JYP's survival show SIXTEEN. Although other sources report her age as 13 years and 1 month during the show, both accounts confirm she was the youngest participant by a significant margin. This early exposure to the competitive reality show format would become a defining aspect of her career path.
Throughout this early training period, Natty demonstrated remarkable perseverance. As she would later reflect, "I previously participated in two survival programs and debuted as a solo artist, but I kept experiencing failures". Nevertheless, her determination remained unwavering through these formative years.
The training experience at both SM and JYP Entertainment laid crucial groundwork for Natty's future career, providing technical skills and mental resilience that would serve her through multiple career transitions in the years ahead.
Survival Shows and Setbacks
Natty's path to K-pop success was marked by two significant survival shows that tested her resilience and shaped her career trajectory. These televised competitions became defining chapters in her story, bringing both valuable exposure and unexpected challenges.
Experience on SIXTEEN and elimination
In 2015, Natty participated in JYP Entertainment's reality survival show "SIXTEEN," which ultimately formed the globally successful girl group TWICE. At just 12 years and 11 months old, she became the youngest contestant on the program. Despite her tender age, Natty's talent was undeniable as she progressed through the competition and remarkably made it all the way to the finale.
Nonetheless, Natty was eliminated in the final episode and did not secure a spot in TWICE. Looking back on this experience, she maintained a positive perspective, stating, "Since it was a program that I did when I was young, rather than thinking of it as a competition, I enjoyed the fact that I had the chance to dance and sing. I think that experience has been the foundation for who I am today".
Participation in Idol School
Following her departure from JYP Entertainment, Natty revealed the emotional toll of her training, saying, "I had to do well to fulfill high expectations, but it was so frustrating because I couldn't". After briefly returning to Thailand, she felt compelled to continue pursuing her dream, explaining, "I felt strange as I put away my ambition. I felt so sorry seeing my parents cry when I returned to Thailand. I was sorry that I gave up".
In 2017, Natty joined another survival show, "Idol School," which created the girl group fromis_9. Her talent was immediately recognized as she ranked first place among contestants in their basic skills evaluation. Surprisingly, Natty excelled particularly in vocal abilities, securing the number one rank in this category. However, history repeated itself when she was eliminated in episode 11, ranking 13th overall and narrowly missing debut.
Public reaction and personal growth
The exposure from these survival shows brought not only recognition but also painful criticism. After "SIXTEEN," Natty developed significant insecurities about her appearance due to negative comments. She later confessed, "After the program ended, I developed a complex—about my appearance".
This was particularly difficult given her language barriers at the time. "I didn't know much Korean back then... When I realized they were saying bad things, I was hurt. I was young, so it became a complex for me". On "Idol School," her struggles became visible when she danced timidly to TWICE's "Like OOH-AHH," admitting, "I was 13 years old when I appeared on 'Sixteen.' During the show, there were malicious comments saying that I'm ugly. Ever since then, I lost my confidence".
Fortunately, Natty received guidance from instructors who encouraged her not to restrain her emotions because of malicious comments. These experiences, though difficult, ultimately contributed to her growth. Years later, she would reflect, "All of my past struggles shaped who I am. The confidence I can show everyone now is because of the hardships. All of the audition programs and failures I went through form the Natty I am now".
These survival shows, despite their setbacks, gave Natty invaluable performance experience and public recognition that would later help establish her career path in the competitive K-pop industry.
Solo Debut and Artistic Identity
After years of training and near-debuts, 2020 marked a turning point in Natty's career. At last, the persistent Thai performer would step into the spotlight on her own terms, beginning a new chapter as a solo artist.
Signing with Swing Entertainment
On April 6, 2020, news broke that Natty had signed an exclusive contract with Swing Entertainment. The agency, which managed prominent acts including Kim Jae Hwan, Son Ho Young, and IZ*ONE (and previously handled Wanna One and X1), confirmed the reports, stating, "We have signed an exclusive contract with Natty, and she is preparing for her debut". This announcement came as welcome news to fans who had followed her journey through multiple survival shows without seeing her debut.
For Natty, joining Swing Entertainment represented a fresh start after her departures from both JYP Entertainment and the survival show circuit. According to reports, she signed with Swing earlier in 2020 and immediately began preparations for her long-awaited official debut. This signing came approximately ten years after she first entered the K-pop training system, demonstrating remarkable perseverance through an unusually long training period.
Release of 'Nineteen' and 'Teddy Bear'
Natty's debut single album "Nineteen" was released on May 7, 2020, featuring two tracks. The title song carried significant personal meaning, with Natty explaining, "It has a comforting message of support and hope for myself when I'm feeling worn out and tired". She made her first music show appearance the following day on KBS' "Music Bank", finally achieving her goal of debuting before turning 20 years old.
Six months later, on November 12, 2020, Natty released her second single, "Teddy Bear". In contrast to "Nineteen," which featured a classic pop-EDM sound, "Teddy Bear" showcased a more playful and upbeat style. Music critics noted that "Teddy Bear" had "a groovy guitar riff, repeated over some very subtle percussion to keep the song moving with a mellow vibrancy". Furthermore, the music video for "Teddy Bear" featured an interesting detail—the crest of New College, Oxford.
Unfortunately, neither "Nineteen" nor "Teddy Bear" achieved significant commercial success. As one source noted, both songs "succeeded in stirring the industry, and her solo debut, to this day, remains relatively unknown to K-pop fans". Nonetheless, these releases represented important artistic milestones in Natty's career progression.
Establishing her solo image
Throughout her solo promotions, Natty worked to establish her unique artistic identity. During her debut showcase, she expressed her ambition, saying, "I want to make a genre that's all my own". This desire to create something distinctive reflected her artistic goals beyond simply debuting.
On November 22, 2020, Natty announced through a V Live broadcast that her official fandom would be named "TwiNny". Interestingly, the name originated from the teddy bear used during her "Teddy Bear" promotions. Natty described the fandom name as meaning "someone who is my best friend, someone who I receive strength from", highlighting the importance of fan connection in her artistic journey.
During her solo career, Natty also reflected on her long path to debut, stating, "I want to say thank you to my fans who've waited for me for a long time, and I want to praise my parents, my friends who've supported me, and myself for working hard and not giving up". These sentiments revealed her gratitude and self-awareness as she finally achieved her dream of debuting in the K-pop industry.
While her solo career was relatively brief before she eventually joined KISS OF LIFE, this period established Natty as a resilient artist who could translate her years of training into a distinctive musical identity.
Joining S2 Entertainment and New Beginnings
After a brief solo career with Swing Entertainment, Natty's artistic journey took an unexpected turn in mid-2022 when she signed with a new agency. This transition would ultimately lead to her joining a group after years of pursuing a solo path.
Why she left Swing Entertainment
In early 2022, after approximately two years with Swing Entertainment, Natty departed the company. On July 12, 2022, S2 Entertainment officially announced that Natty had signed an exclusive contract with them. The agency stated: "We will faithfully support NATTY's future activities with both proven skills and passion through various survival programs". This move marked the end of her time as a solo artist under Swing and the beginning of a fresh chapter in her career.
S2 Entertainment, founded by Hong Seung Sung (former chairman of Cube Entertainment), brought considerable industry experience to Natty's career development. Under Hong's previous leadership, Cube had produced successful groups including 4Minute, Beast, and (G)I-dle. Interestingly, at the time of her signing, Natty was reported to be the only artist under S2.
Preparation for group debut
Upon joining S2 Entertainment, Natty reunited with Julie, a fellow trainee with whom she had previously trained at another company. The two had originally hoped to debut together as a duo, considering their chances "slim". To their surprise, S2 Entertainment signed them together for its debut group, setting the foundation for what would become KISS OF LIFE.
Throughout 2022 and early 2023, Natty underwent approximately one year of preparation for her group debut. Unlike her previous training experiences, S2 Entertainment offered a more nurturing environment. The agency provided songwriting instruction and created a supportive atmosphere that Natty particularly appreciated.
Speculations and pre-debut buzz
In December 2022, Natty appeared in a German documentary about K-pop trainees alongside Julie, Belle, and two unknown trainees. This appearance sparked speculation among fans that these individuals might form S2 Entertainment's upcoming girl group.
On May 12, 2023, these rumors were confirmed when S2 Entertainment announced that Natty would re-debut in a new 4-member girl group called KISS OF LIFE. Soon after, on May 15, she was officially revealed as the first member. The announcement generated significant anticipation, especially among fans who had followed her journey through "Sixteen" and "Idol School."
KISS OF LIFE took a unique approach to their debut by incorporating solo songs for each member on their debut album. Natty's solo track "Sugarcoat" was released on June 18, 2023, receiving praise for its catchy tune and showcasing her artistic growth. The group officially debuted on July 5, 2023, with their self-titled EP.
Debut with KISS OF LIFE
On July 5, 2023, Natty's decade-long journey through the K-pop industry culminated in her official re-debut as a member of KISS OF LIFE (키스 오브 라이프), also known as KIOF. The four-member girl group under S2 Entertainment released their self-titled mini-album, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Thai performer.
Introduction of the group and concept
KISS OF LIFE consists of four talented members: Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul. The group's name carries significant meaning, as Julie explained during their debut showcase: "KISS OF LIFE refers to the mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration method. Like the name, we plan on revitalizing and bringing fresh life to the K-pop scene". This concept perfectly aligned with their mission to offer something distinctive in the competitive K-pop landscape.
What sets KISS OF LIFE apart is their unique pre-debut strategy. Prior to their group debut, each member released individual solo tracks, showcasing their personal artistic styles. Natty's solo "Sugarcoat," released on June 18, highlighted her R&B sensibilities and even received praise from BTS's RM. The EP ultimately featured six tracks: lead single "Shhh," "Neverland," plus individual solo songs from each member.
Natty's role as main dancer
Officially positioned as the main dancer of KISS OF LIFE, Natty brings exceptional performance skills honed through her extensive training. Her decade of experience provides a strong foundation for the group's choreography, coupled with her additional talents as a singer-songwriter and composer. As Julie noted, "I think the biggest differentiating factor is that we all have the ability to perform as a solo artist, and our synergy increases even more when we come together as a group".
Natty expressed her satisfaction with this new chapter, stating, "I debuted as a solo artist first, but I'm so glad that I'm on stage with such cool members". Her seasoned stage presence and creative input add considerable depth to KISS OF LIFE's performances and musical offerings.
Reception of debut EP and performances
The reception to KISS OF LIFE's debut proved promising. According to Korean Sales reports, their album sales started modestly at 759 copies on the first day but rapidly increased to 25,000 by the fifth day. This exponential growth was particularly impressive for a group from a smaller company.
Primarily, critics and fans praised the group's distinctive sound, which blended R&B influences with contemporary K-pop sensibilities. Their debut track "Shhh" was described as "an immediate hit" with "an addictive and sexy instrumental, and easy-to-follow choreography".
Musical Growth and Collaborations
Beyond her role in KISS OF LIFE, Natty has continued to develop her distinct artistic voice through various musical endeavors that showcase her versatility as a performer.
Solo track 'Sugarcoat' and group songs
KISS OF LIFE took an unconventional approach to their debut by releasing individual solo tracks for each member. Natty's "Sugarcoat," released on June 18, 2023, captured the essence of 90's R&B with its nostalgic groove and head-nodding beat. The track featured standout synths in the chorus and a lush arrangement that complemented her smooth vocals. BTS's RM even shared the song on social media, bringing additional attention to Natty's talent.
As a songwriter, Natty has contributed to KISS OF LIFE's discography, receiving credits for tracks like "Shhh (쉿)" and "My 808" on their album "Born To Be XX." These songwriting ventures demonstrate her growth as a multifaceted artist who shapes her group's musical direction.
Collaboration with Jay Park and others
In May 2024, Natty collaborated with Jay Park on "Taxi Blurr," a track that blends UK garage influences with throwback R&B elements. The song features choreography from HolyBang's Honey J, perfectly matching Natty's strengths as a dancer. In radio interviews, Natty expressed her excitement about working with Jay Park, confessing, "I'm a real big fan, so I feel like I'm successful. Everything Park Jae-beom did looked cool, and I was happy to dance and sing with him on his stage."
Natty has established herself as an in-demand collaborator, likewise appearing on Marco 619's "Live or Die" and Adora's "Dusk Twilight (밤이 되니까)" in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Exploring different genres and styles
Throughout these collaborations, Natty has demonstrated remarkable versatility across musical styles. From the 90's R&B influences in "Sugarcoat" to the UK garage elements in "Taxi Blurr," she continues to explore different sonic territories while maintaining her distinctive vocal color.
Her KISS OF LIFE bandmates have expressed similar ambitions for musical exploration, with Julie aspiring to "do strong music that can be recognized in the hip-hop scene" and Belle dreaming of "collaborating with artists like Baek Yerin and Jannabi."
FAQS
Fans across the globe often have burning questions about Natty's personal life beyond her professional achievements. As one of the most distinctive personalities in the current K-pop scene, her journey has sparked considerable curiosity among followers.
What are Natty's favorite hobbies? Outside of her rigorous performance schedule, Natty enjoys choreography and gymnastics. These activities complement her role as KISS OF LIFE's main dancer while reflecting her early training in rhythmic gymnastics.
Which languages can Natty speak? As a multilingual talent, Natty speaks Thai, Korean, English, and Japanese fluently. This impressive linguistic ability allows her to connect directly with international fans without translation barriers.
Who are Natty's role models in the industry? Natty draws inspiration from legendary K-pop soloist BoA and vocalist Baek Yerin. Both artists represent different aspects of musical excellence that have influenced her development.
What is Natty's MBTI personality type? For personality enthusiasts, Natty identifies as an INFJ, often characterized as thoughtful, creative, and determined—traits that align with her perseverance throughout her career.
Why did Natty join a group after starting as a solo artist? In an appearance on the variety program Curator, Natty explained that she felt she "hadn't truly shown herself to the public yet" and wanted to take "one more challenge" by joining a group. She later expressed satisfaction with this decision, noting she's doing exactly what she wants with her members by her side.
Is Natty truly as busy as rumored? Indeed, in 2024, she was elected as the busiest female K-pop idol of the year with an astounding 583 scheduled activities, highlighting her dedication and work ethic.
What foods does Natty dislike? Despite her adventurous spirit, Natty avoids mangos, cucumbers, and bananas, a surprising fact given Thailand's tropical fruit abundance.
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