As time has passed, more people from different backgrounds have been able to debut as idols.
Usually, groups may have an idol from China or Japan as part of the line-up, but this has since expanded to include idols from Asian countries like the Philippines and Thailand.
Some groups have even grown to include non-Asian idols like three of the four members of BLACKSWAN. BLACKSWAN was also the first K-Pop group to debut an Indian idol, Sriya.
However, before Sriya, there was another Indian idol who was the first to make her debut in the K-Pop scene, though it was not technically a K-Pop group.
In 2019, the Z-POP DREAM Project was announced, featuring boy and girl groups with no Korean members under the title of Z-STARS. The project aimed to make K-Pop global with global stars from other Asian countries.
Z-GIRLS and Z-BOYS debuted shortly after, with each group featuring seven members.
Priyanka from Guwahati, Assam, India, was included in Z-GIRLS line-up and given the position of main vocalist.
Sadly, the two groups only released music in 2019, with the pandemic and travel restrictions harming the group’s activities. Member Carlyn’s pregnancy also affected the group’s plans, resulting in the departure of all but three members, including Priyanka at first.
Eventually, both groups quietly disbanded.
Since then, Priyanka has shared plans for promotion as a solo artist under Beyond Ent. Korea and Siete Music Korea, though she has not made any releases. The idol’s most recent social media post is from January 2024, when she made an appearance at a K-Pop event in her hometown.
Hi everyone! I am preparing for my new music as a Solo Artist here with Beyond Ent. Korea & Siete Music as the music promoter. I know you have been waiting for a very long time & I am so grateful for all your love, support and patience! See you…. Coming soon. pic.twitter.com/AhX7SfOpUe
— Priyanka_프리양카 (@Priyanka_India7) March 23, 2023
Hopefully, Priyanka will be able to make a return to the industry if she so chooses!
