The K-POP industry has seen a rise in idols of diverse nationalities, each bringing unique talents and backgrounds to the stage. Among these, Moroccan artists are beginning to make their mark. This article explores the journeys of Moroccan K-Pop idols and their contributions to the global music scene.
There have been many different idols of different nationalities that have been active in the K-POP industry, or have been associated with it!
Spotlight on Ines: The First Moroccan-Korean K-Pop Singer
Amina Benayoun, known by her stage name Ines, is a Moroccan-Korean singer under Fashion Enterprises Entertainment. Amina Benayoun was born on February 18, 2005, in Dunchon-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea to Bae Hyun-seok (b. July 22, 1968), a South Korean businessman who works for a banking company also from Seoul, and Maryam Benayoun (b. May 31, 1965), a Moroccan housewife who formerly worked for the embassy of Morocco, originally from Agadir.
Her mother immigrated to Korea during the late 90's. Growing up, she considered her family to be "culturally diverse", as she grew up with both Arab and East Asian cultures. She spent the majority of her life in South Korea, with her occasionally traveling to Morocco to visit her maternal family. Back then, she never had interest in music, as she was more interested in sports at the time.
She was raised mostly by her grandparents, as both of her parents had jobs. At her school, She used to play softball as apart of her team, however, she lost interest in it, and later decided to quit. She later joined the soccer club, however, lost interest in it again. After retiring from sports clubs, her main hobby was now collecting stuff that were hard to find.
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At a young age, she discovered K-pop with Girls' Generation, thanks to her sister, and enjoyed it. She later discovered more groups. In 2016, she temporarily moved to the U.S due to her father's job, She settled in Chicago, Illinois. While in the U.S, she was diagnosed with ADHD. She lived in the U.S from 2016-2018. In 2019, she moved back to Seoul. In early 2023, she was scouted by JYP Entertainment, but declined it because she thought it was a scam. In June 2023, she auditioned for Fashion Enterprises Entertainment. She was praised for her powerful vocals and dancing skills.
She appeared on IMPGS' music video of "Love Us Like This". Her main hobby is collecting stuff, especially rare stuff.
Through the activation of external content, you agree that personal data may be transferred to third party platforms. Interesting.
Good luck to her. Never thought I would see a moroccan debuting in kpop. Can’t imagine telling my parents I want to become a kpop idol. Good luck to her tho, hope she doesn’t get too much hate.
I can never imagine what goes through a foreigner's heads when they try to be kpop idols. But yeah. Never thought I would see a moroccan debuting in kpop. Can’t imagine telling my parents I want to become a kpop idol. Good luck to her tho, hope she doesn’t get too much hate.
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She speaks Arabic?Interesting. I can already see her getting popular with Arab Kpop fans if she speaks Arabic. "She is Moroccan, born in 2002, sub vocal and speaks English & French."Does she speak Korean? Interesting. Maybe.
i think in such type of kpop groups with mostly non asian members, they should just make english songs while promoting as a kpop group. Never thought I would see a moroccan debuting in kpop. Can’t imagine telling my parents I want to become a kpop idol. Good luck to her tho, hope she doesn’t get too much hate.
Wouldn’t kim miso be the first morrocan to debut in Korea? Through the activation of external content, you agree that personal data may be transferred to third party platforms.
ATEEZ at MAWAZINE: A Historic Performance
On the 23rd, the group ATEEZ headlined the "MAWAZINE" festival in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. They took the main stage, "OLM SOUISSI," for about an hour.
ATEEZ performing at MAWAZINE, photo by Fadwa Bettache
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"MAWAZINE," launched in 2001 and now in its 19th edition, is a renowned music festival that attracts over 2.5 million attendees annually. Notably, ATEEZ was invited as the "first K-pop artist" to perform.
Stage of MAWAZINE festival, Photo by Fadwa Bettache
This year's event was particularly special, as it marked Ateez's debut performance in Morocco, an eagerly anticipated highlight for both the band and their fans.
MINGI of Ateez at MAWAZINE, Photo by PASANOVA ELIZAVETA
ATEEZ opened their show with a spectacular flag routine, starting with the song "WIN" from their first full album "TREASURE EP.FIN: All To Action," signaling the beginning of their stage journey. Their choreography, featuring a flag adorned with "ATEEZ," immediately captivated the audience.
The lyrics, "Our ship goes only one way" and "Keep going, there is a path ahead," matched their confident stage presence. They further energized the crowd with explosive performances of "Say My Name" and "Guerrilla," showcasing their powerful energy and captivating stage presence.
YUNHO of Ateez at MAWAZINE, Photo by Fadwa Bettache
Greeting the audience for the first time, ATEEZ shared, "Morocco is very special to us. We filmed the music video for our debut song in the Sahara Desert here, and it feels like coming home." They added, "We want to make today an unforgettable day."
They then elevated the atmosphere with their debut song "Pirate King," followed by a diverse setlist including "Answer," "ARRIBA," and "DJANGO," offering a rich mix of genres and impressive stage effects that delighted all the senses.
Particularly during "Good Lil Boy" and "WAVE," ATEEZ moved freely on stage, interacting closely with the audience, demonstrating their headliner-worthy stage presence. They also delivered passionate and impeccable performances of "Crazy Form" and "I'm The One," further cementing their reputation as "artists you can trust."
Ateez performing at MAWAZINE, Photo by Fadwa Bettache
Throughout the concert, the members of Ateez interacted warmly with the crowd, expressing their gratitude and excitement in a mix of Korean, English, and a few phrases in Arabic, much to the delight of their Moroccan fans. This linguistic effort was a testament to the group's respect and appreciation for their host country and its culture.
HONGJOONG of Ateez at MAWAZINE, Photo by PASANOVA ELIZAVETA
Before their final performance, ATEEZ expressed their sincere gratitude by saying, "We are truly grateful to ATINY and everyone who came to see us. We are happy to return to the place where we started and thank you for welcoming us with such passion. We will never forget this."
SEONGHWA of Ateez at MAWAZINE, Photo by PASANOVA ELIZAVETA
They concluded with the song "WORK" from their 10th mini-album, impressing with groovy choreography and rhythmic sensibility, and ended the show beautifully with the energetic and vibrant "BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPERS)."
YEOSANG of Ateez at MAWAZINE, Photo by PASANOVA ELIZAVETA
The audience's energy was palpable, with fans singing along, waving light sticks, and cheering passionately for their favorite idols. This fan account tirelessly posted updates, information, and engaging content leading up to the concert, ensuring that local fans were well-informed and enthusiastic.
Notably, the fan community ateez.morocco played a pivotal role in organizing the fan-chant for the concert, sharing detailed guides and practice videos to help fans perfect their chants. Their efforts paid off as the unified voices of Moroccan ATINYs resonated powerfully throughout the venue, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that underscored the collective passion and commitment of ATEEZ's Moroccan fan community.
Banner of Ateez fans at MAWAZINE, Photo by FADWA BETTACHE
ATEEZ made history as the first K-pop headliner at the MAWAZINE festival in Morocco. Their captivating performance and exceptional stage presence enthralled the audience, demonstrating their status as rising global superstars.
With their incredible talent and unwavering dedication to their fans, ATEEZ will undoubtedly continue to write new chapters in the annals of K-pop.
A fan of Ateez at MAWAZINE, Photo by FADWA BETTACHE
With more than 100k attendees , the concert was more than just a musical event; it was an unforgettable experience that highlighted the joy of discovering new cultures and the excitement of seeing beloved artists live.
Ateez FULL Performance at Mawazine Festival - REACTION!
Large-Member K-Pop Groups
K-pop has captivated audiences worldwide with its electrifying performances, addictive music, and innovative group concepts. One of the most fascinating trends in K-pop is the formation of large-member groups. While many groups range from four to seven members, some take it to the next level with 10 or more.
K-pop’s history has seen an evolution in group sizes, from small, tight-knit units to expansive teams with complex dynamics. However, large groups also come with challenges, including line distribution issues, coordination in performances, and managing busy schedules.
Here are some examples of large K-Pop groups:
- NCT (Neo Culture Technology): Debuted in 2016 under SM Entertainment with an unlimited number of members divided into various subunits. As of now, NCT consists of 26 members spread across subunits like NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT U.
- TripleS: Managed by Modhaus, features a unique concept where fans participate in member selections and subunit formations.
- Super Junior: Debuted in 2005 under SM Entertainment with 12 members, later expanding to 13 with the addition of Kyuhyun. Two additional members, Henry and Zhou Mi, were added to the subunit Super Junior-M, bringing the total to 15.
- Cosmic Girls (WJSN): Debuted in 2016 under Starship Entertainment with 13 members.
- Seventeen: Debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment with 13 members divided into three units: Hip-Hop, Vocal, and Performance. Seventeen is recognized as a self-producing idol group, with members heavily involved in songwriting and choreography.
- EXO: Made waves in 2012 under SM Entertainment with 12 members, split into two teams: EXO-K (for Korean promotions) and EXO-M (for Mandarin promotions).
- TREASURE: YG Entertainment’s boy group TREASURE debuted in 2020 with 12 members.
- LOONA: Debuted in 2018 under Blockberry Creative with a unique pre-debut project where each member was introduced individually with solo songs.
- IZ*ONE: A former project girl group formed through Produce 48, IZ*ONE debuted in 2018 with 12 members.
- Wanna One: Formed through Produce 101 Season 2, Wanna One debuted in 2017 under Swing Entertainment with 11 members.
- The Boyz: Originally debuting with 12 members in 2017 under Cre.ker Entertainment, The Boyz now consists of 11 members.
- I.O.I: Was a project girl group formed through Produce 101 Season 1.
- PENTAGON: Debuted in 2016 under Cube Entertainment with 10 members.
- Xikers: Debuted in 2023 under KQ Entertainment with 10 members.
Large-member K-pop groups continue to shape the industry, offering fans an array of diverse talents and creative group dynamics. What do you think of large K-pop groups? Do you have a favorite?
Other K-Pop Idols
- He was a member of boy group LedApple under Starkim Entertainment. He joined the group in 2010, and left in 2014.
- He debuted as member of Nega Network’s boy group LUNAFLY in 2012.
- He is currently active as a singer-songwriter and music producer.
- He debuted with rock band About U in 2018, but was forced to leave in 2020.
- She debuted as a member of short-lived duo Tashannie, under World Music Entertainment, in 1999.
- She debuted as a member of girl group Circle, under Chosun Music and Soma Office, in 1998.
- He debuted as a member of Korea’s Global K Center’s boy group VARSITY in 2017. The group would later move to Jungle Entertainment.
- She debuted as a member of girl group The Gloss, under MGMC Korea Limited, in 2013.
- She debuted under SM Entertainment, as a member of R&B duo Isak N Jiyeon in 2002.
- He debuted as a member of BG Entertainment’s boy group 14U in 2017, but the group would go their separate ways in 2019.
- He is currently a soloist under AiMERS Entertainment.
- She debuted as a member of Acoustic Company and Frientree Entertainment’s girl group O My Jewel in 2017.
- She debuted as a member of girl group S.E.S, under SM Entertainment, in 1997.
- She is a soloist.
- He debuted as a member of NH Media’s boy group U-KISS in 2008. He would leave the group in 2011.
- He is currently active as an actor.
- He partook in the survival show Boys24, and finished in a high ranking position, thus allowing him to debut in boy group IN2IT in 2017.
- She debuted as a member of girl group BBde Girl, under Big Star Entertainment, in 2012.
- She debuted as a member of girl group I.O.I, under YMC Entertainment and CJ ENM, in 2016. The group would disband in 2017.
- She debuted as a member of S2 Entertainment’s girl group HOT ISSUE in 2021.
- She debuted as a member of FNC China and Houxiu TV’s girl group O21 in 2016.
- She debuted as a member of girl group SKarf, under Alpha Entertainment Korea, in 2012.
- She debuted as member of girl group PRISMA, under UnionWave, in 2020. It is presumed that the group has disbanded as there has been no activity since 2021.
- She debuted as a member of SM Entertainment’s girl group f(x) in 2009. In 2019, her contract would expire, and she would decide not to renew.
- She debuted as a member of DR Music’s girl group Baby V.O.X in 1997.
- She is currently active as an indie singer under the stage name Lola Fair.
- She is possibly still an artist under One Cool Jacso Entertainment.
- He debuted as a member of boy group EXP Edition in 2017. The group would be the first all non-Korean group to debut. They had their start in the industry as a result of joining the ‘I’m Making A Boy Band’ project.
- She was added as a member of dance group HoneyBees, under LA Entertainment, in July 2022.
- She was announced as a contestant of Find Rookie, a survival show to find members for GKM NEO’s girl group PBT (presently known as Muutive).
- She is active on her Instagram.
- `He debuted as a member of music and dance co-ed group First Bite in 2018.
- She was originally set to debut in LPA Entertainment’s new multinational girl group, AngelRus, in November of 2022.
- He debuted as a member of boy group EXP Edition in 2017. The group would be the first all non-Korean group to debut. They had their start in the industry as a result of joining the ‘I’m Making A Boy Band’ project.
- He is currently active as an actor and a realtor.
- She took part in the survival show CAP-TEEN.
- She debuted as a member of London-based K-POP girl group KAACHI, under FRONTROW RECORDS, in April 2020.
- She is also active as a dancer.
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tags: #Moroccan
