Lia
리아 · 최지수 (Choi Ji-su) · Julia Choi
Choi Ji-su — Main Vocalist · Sub Rapper
July 21, 2000 South Korean 162 cm 43 kg Type AB ENFJ Cancer
Lia is the main vocalist and sub rapper of the South Korean girl group ITZY, formed by JYP Entertainment in 2019. Born Choi Ji-su on July 21, 2000, in Incheon, she spent part of her childhood in Toronto before nearly training with SM Entertainment, eventually joining JYP and debuting with ITZY after just over two years of training. Known for her soft, powerful tone and calm, elegant stage presence, Lia has lent her voice to several drama soundtracks, including "The Red Sleeve" and "Dr. Romantic 3." In September 2023 she paused activities to focus on treatment for anxiety, a decision JYP Entertainment and fans both supported, and she returned to full group promotions in July 2024 stronger and more open about her mental health journey. Fans affectionately call her "Honey Lia" and "Cinnamon Lia" for her gentle warmth, while her fluent English and bilingual charm have made her a natural bridge between ITZY and its global MIDZY fandom. Lia's story is one of resilience, proving that self-care and stardom can coexist.
Story
Biography
Lia is the main vocalist and sub rapper of ITZY, the South Korean girl group under JYP Entertainment. Her story is one that resonates far beyond music charts: a talented singer who paused her career to protect her mental health, then came back stronger. Born Choi Ji-su on July 21, 2000, in Incheon, Lia spent part of her childhood in Toronto, Canada, which gave her the fluent English that later made her a natural bridge between ITZY and its global fanbase.
Early Life and Path to Debut
Before joining JYP Entertainment, Lia actually passed an audition for SM Entertainment in Canada — but her parents weren’t ready to let her train so far from home. She returned to South Korea, later graduated from the Seoul School of Performing Arts, and joined JYP in 2017. With just over two years of training, the shortest of any ITZY member, she debuted on February 12, 2019 as the group’s main vocalist.
Vocal Work and Soundtrack Appearances
If you love K-drama OSTs, you’ve probably heard Lia’s voice without realizing it. She’s lent her soft, powerful tone to soundtracks including “The Red Sleeve,” “Alchemy of Souls,” and “Dr. Romantic 3.” Her calm, elegant delivery has made her one of the most in-demand vocalists among fourth-generation idols for these kinds of features.
Hiatus, Health, and Return
In September 2023, JYP Entertainment announced that Lia would step back from ITZY’s promotions to focus on treating anxiety and extreme tension. She was open with fans about the toll nonstop promotion had taken, writing that she’d been “gradually losing myself.” During her time away, she released the solo track “Blossom” as a message to fans, and in July 2024 she returned to full group activities, healthier and more open about the experience.
Want to know what resilience in the idol industry actually looks like? Lia’s journey — from a bilingual trainee with a gentle voice to an artist unafraid to prioritize her wellbeing — is worth following closely.
Profile
Basic Information
| Stage Name | Lia |
| Full Birth Name | Choi Ji-su (최지수); English name Julia Choi |
| Date of Birth | July 21, 2000 |
| Birthplace | Incheon, South Korea |
| Hometown | Incheon, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 162.3 cm (5'4") |
| Weight | 43 kg (94 lbs) |
| Blood Type | AB |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| MBTI | ENFJ |
| Education | Seoul School of Performing Arts (practical music major) |
| Agency | JYP Entertainment |
| Debut | February 12, 2019 (ITZY, "It'z Different") |
| Languages | Korean, English |
| Nicknames | Honey Lia, Cinnamon Lia, Ariana Grande |
| Hobbies | Listening to music, shopping at vintage stores, resting |
| Favorite Color | Baby blue |
| Ideal Type | Someone dependable and warm who can share quiet, comfortable moments with her |
Membership
Groups & Positions
ITZY
JYP Entertainment
Main Vocalist Sub Rapper
February 2019 – Present
The Lineup
Group Members — ITZY
Yeji
Leader · Main Dancer · Lead Vocalist · Sub Rapper
Lia
Main Vocalist · Sub Rapper
This Idol
Ryujin
Main Rapper · Lead Dancer · Sub Vocalist · Center
Chaeryeong
Main Dancer · Sub Vocalist · Sub Rapper
Yuna
Lead Rapper · Lead Dancer · Sub Vocalist · Visual · Maknae
Journey
Career Timeline
2017
Passed her JYP audition
After an earlier SM Entertainment audition in Canada didn't work out, she auditioned for and joined JYP Entertainment.
2019
Debuted with ITZY
Officially debuted on February 12, 2019, as ITZY's main vocalist with the single album "It'z Different."
2019
Co-hosted a major awards show
Served as an MC for the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards alongside Super Junior's Leeteuk, a rare honor for a rookie.
2022
"Always Be Your Star" OST
Released her first solo original soundtrack single for MBC's drama "The Red Sleeve."
2022
"Blue Flower" OST
Recorded a track for tvN's "Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow."
2023
"One Hundred Love" OST
Released a soundtrack single for the drama "Dr. Romantic 3."
2023
Hiatus announced
On September 18, 2023, JYP Entertainment announced Lia would pause activities to focus on treating anxiety.
2024
"Blossom" solo release
Released a solo track dedicated to fans while on hiatus, included as part of ITZY's "Born to Be" EP.
2024
Returned to ITZY
Resumed full group activities on July 9, 2024, after her symptoms significantly improved.
2025
Continued OST work
Released "One Day" for "Ms. Incognito" and, in early 2026, "How I Love You" for "Idol I."
Music
Discography
🎵
Blossom
Solo Track
2024
🎵
One Hundred Love
OST Single
2023
🎵
Blue Flower
OST Single
2022
🎵
Always Be Your Star
OST Single
2022
💜
It'z Different
Single Album
2019
💜
It'z Icy
EP
2019
💜
It'z Me
EP
2020
💜
Not Shy
EP
2020
💜
Guess Who
EP
2021
💜
Crazy in Love
Studio Album
2021
💜
Checkmate
EP
2022
💜
Cheshire
EP
2022
💜
Kill My Doubt
EP
2023
💜
Born to Be
EP
2024
💜
Gold
EP
2024
💜
Girls Will Be Girls
EP
2025
💜
Tunnel Vision
EP
2025
🎧
Trust Me (Midzy)
Digital Fan Song
2021
🎧
Voltage
Japanese Single
2022
🎧
Blah Blah Blah
Japanese Single
2022
🎧
Boys Like You
English Single
2022
🎧
Algorhythm
Japanese Single
2024
🎧
Rock & Roll
Japanese Single
2025
Recognition
Awards & Achievements
Rookie of the Year (with ITZY)
Golden Disc Awards
2020
Rookie of the Year – Bonsang (with ITZY)
Circle Chart Music Awards
2020
Rookie of the Year (with ITZY)
Melon Music Awards
2019
Best New Female Artist (with ITZY)
Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
2019
Rookie of the Year (with ITZY)
Seoul Music Awards
2020
Bonsang / Main Prize (with ITZY)
Various Music Award Ceremonies
2023
Did You Know?
Trivia & Fun Facts ✨
★
Born Choi Ji-su in Incheon, South Korea, on July 21, 2000.
★
Moved to Toronto, Canada, during elementary school and became fluent in English there.
★
Initially passed an audition for SM Entertainment, but her family decided against her training with that company.
★
Attended North London Collegiate School Jeju after returning to South Korea.
★
Passed her JYP Entertainment audition in 2017 and trained for just over two years, the shortest training period among ITZY's members.
★
Graduated from the Seoul School of Performing Arts with a focus on practical music.
★
Her stage name comes from her English name, "Julia," which was given to her by her aunt.
★
Nicknamed "Honey Lia," "Cinnamon Lia," and "Ariana Grande" by fans for her voice and style.
★
Represents light green and the sloth as her symbolic color and animal within ITZY.
★
Jokingly lists "doing nothing" as one of her hobbies, and groupmates say she is the deepest sleeper in ITZY.
★
Has named her mother as her biggest role model.
★
Has a younger brother.
★
Co-hosted the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards in 2019 alongside Super Junior's Leeteuk.
★
Has said that if she weren't an idol, she would want to become a fashion designer.
★
Named American singer Kehlani as her dream collaboration partner.
★
Lists "Gossip Girl" among her favorite television shows.
★
Released "Always Be Your Star" in 2022 for the OST of MBC's "The Red Sleeve."
★
Recorded "Blue Flower" for tvN's "Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow" in late 2022.
★
Donated 30 million won to flood relief efforts in South Korea in August 2022.
★
Released "One Hundred Love" for the "Dr. Romantic 3" soundtrack in May 2023.
★
Announced a hiatus in September 2023 to focus on treatment for anxiety and extreme tension.
★
Shared a handwritten letter with fans explaining she had been gradually losing herself while promoting nonstop.
★
Released the solo track "Blossom," co-written with Sim Eun-ji, during her time away from the group.
★
Donated 30 million won to the National Cancer Center Foundation in December 2023 to support pediatric cancer patients.
★
Returned to full ITZY activities in July 2024 after her symptoms improved.
★
Continued recording OSTs after her return, including songs for "The Fiery Priest 2" and "The Tale of Lady Ok."
★
Strongly dislikes cucumbers.
★
Describes her own personality as peaceful, relaxed, and happy.
The Fandom
Fan Club & Fan Name 💜
Official Fan Name
MIDZY (믿지)
MIDZY is ITZY's official fandom name, taken from the Korean word 믿지 (mitji), meaning "trust." JYP Entertainment explained the name reflects the mutual bond between the group and their fans: MIDZY trusts ITZY, and ITZY trusts MIDZY right back.
Official Fan Color
White & Magenta
ITZY's fan colors combine crisp white with a vivid magenta accent, echoing the group's bold, confident "teen crush" concept and giving MIDZY a striking, unified look at concerts and events.
Official Light Stick
Light Ring (Official Light Stick)
Revealed on June 30, 2020, the Light Ring breaks from the traditional wand-style lightstick: it's a circular, all-white ring meant to be held like a tambourine, complete with a wall cradle so it can double as a mood light. It offers multiple color spectrums and flashing modes and can be paired with the official ITZY Lightstick app for synced fan-chant light shows during concerts.
Fan Community Platform
Weverse
ITZY's main hub for connecting directly with MIDZY through posts, live broadcasts, and membership-only content.
Stay Connected
Social Media
Photos
Gallery 📷
