Choosing a stage name is a crucial part of a K-pop idol’s career, often reflecting their image and brand. While many idols end up using stage names that become iconic, some considered other names before settling on their final choices. Here are ten K-pop idols who almost debuted with different stage names.
BTS’ V
BTS’ V, born Kim Taehyung, is known for his stage name that symbolizes “victory.” Initially, he considered names like Six and Lex before deciding on V.
aespa’s Karina
Karina, from aespa, chose her stage name based on her baptismal name, Katarina. She was initially offered names such as Jasmine (after a Disney character) and Woo Ah, but ultimately, she opted for Karina as she was not satisfied with the alternatives.
EXO’s Baekhyun
Baekhyun, of EXO, debuted using his real name. However, he first considered the stage name Uto. Lee Soo Man, the founder of SM Entertainment, also suggested Gwanwoo as a potential stage name.
IU
The artist IU is known for her simple and memorable stage name. She almost debuted under the name Jiheun, derived from “Jiwuhjin Heunjeok,” meaning “deleted traces.” This name was eventually rejected due to its complexity.
EXO’s Chanyeol
Chanyeol from EXO was originally set to debut with the name Pia. This choice was linked to his bandmate Baekhyun’s name, Uto, as together they would spell Utopia. The plan was changed, and Chanyeol used his current stage name.
aespa’s Winter
aespa’s Winter, whose real name is Kim Min Jeong, had several options including Baekseol (Snow White) and Youngwon (Forever). She chose Winter due to her birth date on January 1, a winter day.
SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu
During SEVENTEEN’s 2020 appearance on Ask Us Anything, it was revealed that DK, or Lee Seok min, was initially intended to use the stage name Dokyeom. However, the name was eventually given to DK, while Mingyu used his real name.
Kim Chungha
Chungha is actually a stage name; her birth name is Chanmi. She considered other names like Ji An, Seo An, and Se Ri, but chose Chungha to include the sound “Ch,” meaning “calling for summer.”
BTS’ Jungkook
Jungkook from BTS used his real name, but he had considered names like Seagull and Justin Seagull during his trainee days, inspired by his hometown of Busan, known for its beaches and seagulls.
ATEEZ’s San
San from ATEEZ initially thought of using the stage name Howl, symbolizing spreading sound widely. Eventually, he decided his real name suited him best.
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