Iksan is a South Korean city situated in North Jeolla Province, which was once the capital of the ancient Baekje Kingdom. Though Iksan might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of K-pop, it's home to a number of talented K-pop idols. This thriving city is called “The City of Jewelry,” and it lives up to its title by giving several gems to the K-pop realm.

Here are 10 K-pop idols who made the journey from Iksan to Seoul to chase their dreams and now shine as the pride of their hometown.

SUNMI

Sunmi, former member of the iconic JYP girl group Wonder Girls and a renowned soloist with a successful solo career, has roots in Iksan. She was born in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, on May 2, 1992.

DINO

Lee Chan, popularly known by his stage name Dino, is the youngest member of acclaimed self-produced boy group Seventeen. Born on February 11, 1999, in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, he stands out as a talented idol.

PARK JEONGWOO

TREASURE’s main vocalist Park Jeongwoo, known for his soulful voice and remarkable vocal prowess, was born on September 28, 2004, in Eoyang-dong, Iksan. Known as the ‘Pride of Iksan,’ Jeongwoo joined YG after only two days of vocal lessons.

SO JUNGHWAN

Another TREASURE member from Iksan, So Junghwan was born in Geumma-myeon on February 18, 2005. He and Jeongwoo are known as ‘Iksan Bros,’ and they knew each other well before joining YG as they both attended the same academy in Iksan.

JUNGHOON

Kim Junghoon, a member of KQ Entertainment’s rookie group Xikers, was born on July 5, 2005, in Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. Shortly after his debut, he halted his activities to undergo surgery and is currently on hiatus, focusing on his recovery.

IVAN

IVAN, born Park Yoo-sung on October 12, 2001, in Sin-dong, Iksan, is a member of the K-pop boy group The KingDom, previously called KINGDOM. He represents the Kingdom of Snow.

PARK HANBIN

Park Hanbin, who rose to fame as a contestant on ‘LOUD’ and ‘Boys Planet,’ is now a member of EVNNE, Boys Planet’s byproduct project boy group. He was born in Eoyang-dong, Iksan, on March 1, 2002.

SIWOO

Yoo Siwoo, a rapper and lyricist of the rookie boy group BXB, was born in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, on May 11, 2001. This Iksan idol is also a former member of the TS Entertainment’s boy group TRCNG.

SUNGJUN

Lee Sungjun, a former member of BLANK2Y, was born on June 15, 2002, in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, known as the ‘city of jewelry.’ He later relocated to Seoul during his junior year of high school.

JUNGSEUNG

Park Jungseung, a former rapper for D-CRUNCH and its sub-unit STOPES, was born on May 20, 2002, in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do. He began his military service in January 2023 and was discharged in July 2024.

Iksan’s contribution to the K-pop world is a reminder that talent can come from anywhere, even the quieter corners of South Korea. Does your favorite idol hail from this city?