Lia's Profile
- Real Name: Choi Jisu
- Native Name: 최지수
- Nicknames: Lia, Julia Choi
- Birthday: Jul 21, 2000 (25 years old)
- Blood type: AB
- Height/Weight: 162.3 cm (5 ft 3¾ in) / 43 kg (94 lbs)
- Gender: Female
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
- MBTI: ENFJ
- Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea
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Nationality:
South Korean
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Composer
- Language Skills: Korean, English
- Current Agency: JYP Entertainment
- Debut: February 12, 2019
- Group: ITZY
- Years Active: 2019–present (6 years)
Lia, born Choi Ji-su (최지수) on July 21, 2000, in Incheon, South Korea, is a South Korean singer under JYP Entertainment. She debuted as a member of the K-pop girl group ITZY on February 12, 2019, with the single album It’z Different. Within the group, Lia serves as the main vocalist and occasionally as a sub-rapper.
Early life
During elementary school, she lived in Toronto, Canada, for a period of time before returning to South Korea. In 2012, she auditioned for SM Entertainment and passed, but her family decided not to proceed with the contract.
After coming back to Korea, she attended North London Collegiate School Jeju, an international school, before transferring to the School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), majoring in Practical Music. She graduated in February 2019.
Lia joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2017. After training for over two years, she debuted with ITZY on February 12, 2019.
Career
In 2017, Lia auditioned for JYP Entertainment and became a trainee after two years of training. Before that, she had passed an SM Entertainment audition in Canada but declined the offer due to family disagreements. Lia later graduated from Seoul School of Performing Arts to prepare for her singing career.
On January 20, 2019, Lia was introduced as a member of JYP Entertainment’s new girl group ITZY. On February 12, 2019, she officially debuted as the Main Vocalist and Sub Rapper with the single album IT’z Different, featuring the title track Dalla Dalla. The debut was a breakthrough success as Dalla Dalla set the record for the most views within 24 hours for a K-pop debut music video and earned the group their first music show win just eight days after debut.
From 2019 to 2023, Lia took part in all of ITZY’s releases, including IT’z ICY (2019), IT’z ME (2020), Not Shy (2020), GUESS WHO (2021), CRAZY IN LOVE (2021), CHECKMATE (2022), and KILL MY DOUBT (2023). The group consistently achieved strong results on both domestic and international charts.
In January 2022, Lia began solo activities by releasing Always Be Your Star for the OST of MBC’s drama The Red Sleeve. In October of the same year, she contributed Blue Flower to tvN’s Alchemy of Souls 2, which entered the Circle Chart at No. 184.
In May 2023, she released One Hundred Love for the OST of Dr. Romantic. However, on September 18, 2023, JYP Entertainment announced that Lia would suspend all activities to receive treatment for anxiety disorder and stress. She missed the BORN TO BE world tour and did not take part in the recording of the album BORN TO BE, released in January 2024.
During her hiatus, Lia still composed Blossom as a gift to fans, which was released as a lyric video in November 2023. The track was later included in BORN TO BE as her only contribution during her break.
On July 8, 2024, JYP Entertainment officially announced Lia’s return after a 10-month hiatus. She appeared in a livestream celebrating ITZY’s 5th debut anniversary.
In October 2024, Lia made her official comeback with ITZY in their 9th mini album GOLD. This marked the group’s first full-member promotion since her break. The album contained 11 tracks, including the double title songs GOLD and Imaginary Friend, along with re-recorded versions of BORN TO BE tracks featuring Lia’s vocals.
In 2025, Lia continued her activities with ITZY through their 10th mini album Girls Will Be Girls, released in June. She also extended her OST work with Why Not for The Fiery Priest 2 and Woodahe for The Tale of Lady Ok.
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
