While cheerleading originated in the United States, it’s been gaining traction in South Korea and around the world in recent years. Before they debuted as idols, these female and male K-Pop stars were all cheerleaders themselves.

1. Rosé (BLACKPINK)

Alongside participating in her local choir as a teen, BLACKPINK’s Rosé was also a cheerleader in her hometown of Melbourne, Australia.

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2. Yiren (EVERGLOW)

EVERGLOW’s Yiren grew up in Zhejiang, China where she attended an arts academy. There, she was also part of a cheerleading squad.

3. E:U (EVERGLOW)

And Yiren wasn’t EVERGLOW’s only cheerleader. E:U was part of a competitive cheerleading squad in her youth, joining her team in several championships across the country.

4. Yeosang (ATEEZ)

Despite its reputation, cheerleading definitely isn’t just a sport for girls. ATEEZ’s Yeosang is one of the few male idols who was also on a cheerleading squad before debuting.

#ATEEZ #에이티즈 #YEOSANG #여상 @ATEEZofficial pic.twitter.com/ni8dcfMdy9

— yeosang pics+ (@yeosang_twt) December 6, 2018

5. Doyeon (Weki Meki)

Before transferring to the renowned School of Performing Arts Seoul (more commonly known as SOPA), Doyeon was the captain of her high school cheerleading team.

6. Bomi (Apink)

Another cheerleading captain who went on to become a K-Pop star is Apink’s Bomi, who puts her former skills to good use as a main dancer.

7. Yein (Lovelyz)

A few years ago, Lovelyz’s Yein revealed she was a cheerleader as a child too. She even got to meet TV personality Seo Jang Hoon as a cheerleader back when he was still active as a basketball player.

8. Tiffany (Girls’ Generation)

Growing up in the home of cheerleading, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany moved to South Korea at the age of just 15. When she enrolled at Korea Kent Foreign School, she joined their cheer squad.

9. Hyejeong (AOA)

AOA’s Hyejeong was originally very shy as a child. However, after becoming a cheerleader and promotional model in high school, she gained a ton of confidence.

10. Chanyoung (100%)

100%’s Chanyoung may never have become an idol if he wasn’t a cheerleader. He lost his ambition to become a celebrity as he grew into a teen, but then he was scouted during a middle school cheerleading performance at an amusement park.