Lia

Choi Ji-su, known professionally as Lia, is a South Korean singer and the main vocalist of the K-pop girl group ITZY under JYP Entertainment. Born on July 21, 2000, she debuted with ITZY in February 2019 and quickly became known for her warm, honey-toned vocals and elegant stage presence. As the group's primary vocalist, Lia has contributed to ITZY's signature blend of energetic dance-pop and empowering lyrics, helping the group amass millions of fans worldwide. After a hiatus in 2023 to focus on her health, she returned in 2024, proving her resilience and dedication to both her craft and her fans. Beyond singing, she has participated in songwriting and composition, showcasing her artistic growth. Lia's gentle personality and bright smile have earned her the affectionate nickname "sunshine" among MIDZY, the group's fandom. [edit]

Lia spent part of her childhood in Toronto, Canada, which gave her fluency in English. She attended Incheon Sinsong Elementary School and later transferred to North London Collegiate School Jeju. Her first taste of the entertainment industry came when she auditioned for SM Entertainment in Canada after elementary school and passed, becoming a trainee. However, her parents wanted her to focus on her studies, so she left. Undeterred, she trained at Dream Vocal Academy in Seoul to hone her singing skills. In 2017, she auditioned for JYP Entertainment and was accepted, training for about two years before ITZY's debut. She later transferred to Seoul's School of Performing Arts, graduating from the Practical Music Department on the same day ITZY debuted in 2019. [edit]

Lia was revealed as the final member of ITZY on January 20, 2019, and the group debuted on February 12, 2019, with the single "Dalla Dalla." The song became a massive hit, topping charts and earning the group their first music show win within nine days. Over the next few years, ITZY released a string of successful albums, including Crazy in Love (2021), solidifying their status as one of K-pop's leading girl groups. In September 2023, JYP announced Lia would take a hiatus due to extreme anxiety and tension. She stepped back from promotions and the group's second studio album Born To Be, which was released as a quartet in early 2024. Lia returned on October 15, 2024, with ITZY's ninth EP Gold, which included re-recorded versions of songs from Born To Be with her vocals. In 2026, she promoted the mini-album Motto with the group. [edit]

Lia is known for her elegant, feminine visual and warm personality, often called the "sunshine" of ITZY. Media highlights her vocal abilities as the group's main vocalist, noting her soft yet powerful tone. She has faced some criticism regarding her dancing compared to other members but has worked to improve. Her Instagram presence is warm and personal, often sharing candid photos and expressing gratitude toward fans. The fandom, MIDZY, appreciates her genuine and caring demeanor, which creates a strong emotional connection. [edit]

Lia currently holds no placement in the iFANN Global Top 1,000 or any scope-based ranking list, a status that reflects her evaluation by the engine without a current numeric position. While she does not appear on the published charts, her standing as the main vocalist of ITZY remains a cornerstone of the group's identity within the global K-pop landscape. The collective fanbase supporting her and her group is officially named MIDZY, a title coined by JYP Entertainment to represent the inseparable bond between the members and their supporters. This fandom has distinguished itself through highly organized streaming parties, massive physical album purchases, and significant charity initiatives, creating an environment where Lia receives unwavering backing. Her relationship with MIDZY reached a defining chapter during her hiatus for mental health in 2023, when fans flooded social media with messages of support rather than criticism. This period transformed into a legendary narrative of resilience, culminating in her triumphant return in 2024 to celebrate with a devoted audience that had remained steadfast throughout her absence. Fans frequently engage with Lia through playful interactions, reacting to recreated outfits on TikTok and sharing intimate glimpses of her daily life, fostering a sense of closeness that extends beyond typical idol-fan dynamics.[edit]

Choi Ji-su carries several affectionate nicknames including LoveLia, Honey Lia, and Cinnamon Lia. She was the final member to join ITZY among the five, and her representative emoji is the sloth. Born on July 21, 2000, she possesses a younger brother born in 2004 and cites her mother as her role model. Her stage name was given by her aunt, derived from her English name Julia, and she speaks fluent English thanks to her time living in Canada. A popular origin story often retold involves her being scouted after attending a GOT7 concert, where someone approached her near the restrooms to recruit her for JYP Entertainment. The most enduring legend surrounding Lia centers on her 2023 hiatus due to severe anxiety and her subsequent return in 2024. This journey from a medical leave to a celebrated comeback has become a core part of her lore, symbolizing the group's commitment to well-being and the loyalty of MIDZY. Her vocal prowess on tracks like "WANNABE" and "LOCO" also established a reputation for setting high standards among fourth-generation girl groups.[edit]

Lia was born to South Korean parents in Bucheon but grew up in Incheon. She has a younger brother named Choi Junsu, born in 2004. She has described her mother as her role model, crediting her for support and inspiration. The family lived in Canada for a period during Lia's childhood, which influenced her language skills. As of 2026, Lia resides in South Korea, and her family life remains private, with no public details about her current household or pets. [edit]

Lia is a member of ITZY alongside Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. She trained at Dream Vocal Academy before joining JYP Entertainment. [edit]

As of 2026, Lia has no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. She has maintained a private personal life with no reported dating, engagements, marriages, or divorces. No credible sources have confirmed any relationship with industry figures or non-celebrities. Her latest reported status is single. [edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Lia's net worth is estimated at $1-5 Million as of 2026. This figure accounts for her income streams derived from ITZY album sales, streaming revenue, concert tours, and her salary with JYP Entertainment. Additional earnings come from individual endorsement deals and songwriting royalties, as she has been credited as a songwriter on various ITZY tracks. While specific brand partnerships have not been publicly confirmed, the group's consistent commercial success suggests her financial position is stable and growing. The exact figures remain private, but the range reflects her established role as a primary artist within one of the industry's leading acts.[edit]