7 Reasons Why Kim Chungha Could Become The Next Big K-Pop Star

K-pop is one of those industries that is incredibly fast paced when it comes to producing new idols who promise to be different. Just like in fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you could be out; only a few stand out either by sheer talent or charisma. Every now and then, we hear about rookies that are touted to be the “next big thing.” This also applied to Kim Chungha, a solo artist and former I.O.I member, who has talent, charisma, and potential.

When she came out as a solo act after I.O.I’s disbandment, many Korean netizens commented that she could be the “next” Hyuna or the “next” Taeyeon. But as Lee Hyori recently said in an interview, nobody can really be “the next” anything because everyone should have their own color. So here are seven great traits about Kim Chungha that could make her become the next biggest K-pop star:

1. She’s a dancing machine

If you haven’t noticed already, Kim Chungha slays on the dance floor. Even when she was on Mnet’s “Produce 101,” many trainees were quite intimidated when they knew she would be joining the show. Apparently, many of them knew about her mad skills. But what’s most important to note is how she seems to be genuinely enjoying herself whenever she performs. Even the other I.O.I members have commented on how she seems possessed whenever any kind of music comes on. And with every kind of genre she performs, she always brings her A-game; she’s awe-inspiring and amazing.

She always seems to have that perpetually blowing wind effect on her perfect hair.

Watch her fierce dance moves here:

2. The girl can sing

It’s tough to have solid vocals while busting out those dance moves, but Chungha has still got amazing vocals even when she sings live.

3. She has a very versatile image.

In K-pop, trends come and go, and every artist has to keep up. If one act is a one-trick pony, then chances are, the audience might get bored. But Chungha can change up her image from cute to sexy, and from fierce to girl-next-door. She could reinvent herself to whatever kind of image and it would still look good on her.

She can go from this:

To this:

4. She’s got perseverance

For any idol, hard work, determination, and perseverance are needed for longevity in the biz. Chungha had been a trainee for five years prior to her solo debut, and she had to move from different agencies as well. In an interview with GQ, she was asked about how she thought her career had progressed since leaving JYP Entertainment. She said, “Rather than thinking, ‘I’m going to quit this industry,’ I just accepted my situation. The team that I was a part of disbanded and the management changed, but I wasn’t used to the change. Before I left, the members were seriously my last string of hope. I think I pulled at that string so much that I broke it. It took me a long time to realize that it was broken.”

But instead of being impatient and just quitting, she worked hard as a backup dancer for B1A4 and for the show “Immortal Song.”

A screenshot of Chungha as a JYP trainee

She was also a part of a dance crew that did cover dances. Watch her dance to Taeyang’s “Ringa Linga” here:

5. She is quite the fashionista

Lately, Chungha is becoming the favorite of many fashion magazines because she has a variety of different expressions that add charm to any style of clothing.

International BnT

Marie Claire

Céci

GQ

star1

6. She’s got a heart of gold

Recently, the solo artist participated in Genie Music’s artist talent donation campaign, “Genie Music Challenge,” and donated 980,000 won (approximately $850) for children with hearing loss.

7. She can communicate well with international fans

Kim Chungha lived in Dallas for seven years when she was little, which explains why she can speak English effortlessly. Though speaking in English is not really a requirement in order to become a global star, her English skills can help her communicate well and connect more easily with her international fans. Check out how she greeted KCON fans in Los Angeles here:

She could be the next queen

It’s just the beginning for Kim Chungha. With her talent and many expressions, fans are excited to see how far she will go. She’s definitely got a bright future ahead of her — but for now, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Hey Soompiers, what do you love most about Kim Chungha? Let us know in the comments below!

DP_Kim is an English magazine writer and fashion fan whose goal in life is to wear heels and find the best OOTD locations while living in the farm outside of Jeonju, South Korea. Follow her Korean adventures here.