Lia (South Korean singer)

1. Early life

Lia was born on July 21, 2000, as Choi Ji-su, in Incheon, South Korea. While in elementary school, she moved to Toronto, Canada.^[9] She initially passed an audition for SM Entertainment when she was 14, but backed out due to a disagreement with her parents.^[10] Lia returned to South Korea and attended North London Collegiate School Jeju.^[11] In 2017, she passed an audition for JYP Entertainment and trained for two years.^[10] She later graduated from the School of Performing Arts Seoul.^[12]

2. Career

2.1. 2019–present: Debut with Itzy

On February 12, 2019, Lia officially debuted as a member of Itzy with the release of their first single album, It'z Different, and the music video for its lead single "Dalla Dalla".^[13][14][15] In 2022, she released her solo song "Always Be Your Star" for MBC's The Red Sleeve.^[16] Later that year, she recorded "Blue Flower" for tvN's Alchemy of Souls 2, which peaked at number 184 on the Circle Chart.^[17] On May 26, 2023, Lia released "One Hundred Love" for the original soundtrack of Dr. Romantic.^[18]

On September 18, 2023, JYP Entertainment announced that Lia would be taking a hiatus to focus on treatment for anxiety.^[19] During her break, she released "Blossom", a solo track dedicated to her fans, which she co-wrote with Sim Eun-ji as part of Itzy's solo performances on the EP Born to Be.^[20][21]

On July 9, 2024, JYP Entertainment announced that Lia would resume activities with Itzy, starting with a new album set for release in the second half of the year.^[22] In the same year, she recorded "Why Not" for SBS's The Fiery Priest 2, and "Woodahe" for JTBC's The Tale of Lady Ok.^[23][24]

3. Other ventures

3.1. Fashion

In March 2023, Lia was featured in a solo pictorial for Elle Korea, where she shared her personal style and reflections. In the accompanying interview, she discussed Itzy's identity, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and spreading positive energy. She also reflected on her personal growth and journey alongside Itzy.^[25]

3.2. Philanthropy

In August 2022, Lia donated ₩30 million (equivalent to ₩32.48 million or US$22,841.79 in 2025)^[26] to The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to support flood victims.^[27] In December 2023, she donated ₩30 million (equivalent to ₩31.35 million or US$22,048.6 in 2025)^[26] to the National Cancer Center Foundation to support pediatric cancer patients.^[28]

4. Discography

4.1. Soundtrack appearances

List of soundtrack appearances, showing year released, selected chart positions and album name

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
		KOR [29]
"Always Be Your Star"	2022	—[1]	The Red Sleeve OST
"Blue Flower"		184	Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow OST
"One Hundred Love"	2023	—[2]	Dr. Romantic 3 OST
"Why Not"	2024	—[3]	The Fiery Priest 2 OST
"Woodahe" (with Choo Young-woo)		—[4]	The Tale of Lady Ok OST
"One Day"	2025	—[5]	Ms. Incognito OST
"How I Love You"	2026	—[6]	Idol I OST
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that region.

4.2. Other charted songs

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album title

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
		KOR DL [38]
"Blossom"[7]	2024	49	Born to Be
"Asylum"[8]	2026	57	Motto

4.3. Composition credits

All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.^[39]

List of songs, showing year released, artist name, and name of the album

Year	Artist	Song	Album	Lyricist		Composition		Ref.
				Credited	With	Credited	With
2024	Herself	"Blossom"	Born to Be		Sim Eun-ji		Sim Eun-ji	[40]
2025	Itzy	"Focus"	Tunnel Vision		Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna, Noday		—N/a

5. Filmography

5.1. Hosting

Year	Title	Notes	Ref.
2020	9th Gaon Chart Music Awards	with Leeteuk	[41]
	Dream Concert	with Eunhyuk and Cha Eun-woo	[42]
2021	10th Gaon Chart Music Awards	with Leeteuk	[43]