Lia's Profile
- Real Name: Choi Ji-su
- Native Name: 최지수
- Nicknames: Julia Choi, Cinnamon Lia, Jjili
- Birthday: Jul 21, 2000 (25 years old)
- Blood type: AB
- Height/Weight: 162 cm (5’3.5”) / 43 kg (94 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- Debut: Feb 12, 2019
- Position: Main Vocalist
- MBTI: ENFJ
- Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea
-
Nationality:
South Korean
- Profession: Singer
- Languages: Korean, English
- Group: ITZY
Lia, whose real name is Choi Ji Su, was born on July 21, 2000, in Incheon, South Korea, into a family that places great importance on the arts. Her mother, a high school music teacher, was the first person to guide her toward pursuing music seriously.
Early life
Growing up with a mother who taught music had a profound impact on Lia’s sense of melody and vocal style. This influence became evident when she debuted in 2019 as the main vocalist of the girl group ITZY with their breakthrough hit “DALLA DALLA.”
Career
Before signing with JYP Entertainment, Lia actually failed an audition at SM Entertainment. Once she joined JYP, she went through two intense years of training and quickly made a name for herself thanks to her powerful voice and nuanced delivery—especially in emotional high-note sections in songs like “Always Be Your Star” and “Blue Flower.” MR-removed stage videos have shown that her live vocals hold up pretty well, though she has had moments of inconsistency that sparked online debates.
Difficulties
Still, Lia has faced criticism—especially for her dancing. Her stage presence during the “WANNABE” performance on Idol Radio in 2020 was seen as stiff and lacking energy, and her off-timing during “Mafia in the Morning” in 2021 triggered harsh backlash. On Reddit, she’s often unfavorably compared to teammates like Yeji and Chaeryeong, with some even labeling her as “the weakest dancer of her generation.” Tough crowd.
Controversy hit again when she was accused of school bullying. Although JYP flat-out denied the claims and took legal action, her public image still took a hit. By the end of 2023, Lia officially stepped back from all activities due to mental health concerns, only returning around mid-2024 with a more grounded stage presence. Her comeback was marked by solo live stages without heavy digital backing—proving she was trying to regain full control of her artistry.
Within ITZY, Lia handles a lot of the main vocal parts in songs like “WANNABE” and “LOCO” based on official line distributions. She also often speaks during fanmeetings and public interactions. Fans online frequently describe her as more reserved and mature compared to other members, though this image mostly stems from behind-the-scenes content and group vlogs.
She’s also been active in the K-drama OST scene, lending her vocals to “Always Be Your Star” (2022), “Blue Flower” (2022), and “Why Not” (2024). These tracks have been widely available on popular Korean streaming platforms.
Fashion
Outside music, Lia regularly collaborates with major fashion magazines like ELLE Korea and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as several domestic and international brands—often appearing in promotional campaigns that highlight her signature classy vibe.
Fun Facts
- Her English name is Julia, shortened to “Lia” for a cooler and catchier stage name.
- Lived and studied in Toronto, Canada—her English is so fluent that some international fans assumed she was a native speaker.
- Obsessed with her dog Bella—she once joked, “Bella’s my first and forever boyfriend.”
- She’s allergic to raw seafood—yup, no sashimi for her, even though it’s basically a national dish in Korea.
- Total Marvel nerd—especially loves Iron Man. Once got into a heated (but hilarious) debate with Yeji on VLIVE over Tony Stark’s weapon choices.
- Keeps a late-night journal—“Instead of crying, I write it all down,” she once said.
- Fans call her “Cinnamon Lia” for her soft energy and calming vibe—but don’t let it fool you, she leaves a lasting impression.
- Some fans describe her look as “a blend of Jisoo (BLACKPINK) and Irene (Red Velvet)”—equal parts innocence and elegance.
- Has loved fashion since she was a kid—used to sew tiny shirts for her dolls in elementary school.
- Die-hard fan of Western pop—especially into Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish.
- Hates loud arguments—but when she speaks up, she’s sharp, direct, and doesn’t miss.
- ELLE Korea once described her as “Lia-just-goes-for-it”—someone who keeps pushing forward, even if she’s walking alone.
Photo Gallery
