1. Fiestar’s Cao Lu

Cao Lu (OSEN)

Cao Lu made name for herself on MBC “Radio Star” last month, in which she did pretty much everything she could as a lesser-known celebrity -- reciting Korean alphabets backward, admitting that she had plastic surgery and calling comedian Kim Gura an ugly idiot, when no one saw it coming.

It was no surprise that the next day she made headlines on major portal websites and people “begged” on local broadcasters’ websites to cast Lu as a guest.

Despite this explosive response, for some reason she did not make many appearances on TV. Her agency LOEN Entertainment said it was difficult for the singer to do any TV or newspaper interviews because she was not promoting albums.

This year may be different, however, with Fiester’s album hitting stores in March. The group will reportedly start some last-minute work on their album and practice when Yezi finishes her solo single promotion.

2. Rainbow’s Jaekyung

Jaekyung (OSEN)

For many years, Rainbow’s leader Jaekyung has shown us what a perfect human being she is. She is known to have all the talents people can have, to an extent that it is easier to count things she’s bad at. She is gorgeous, has a perfect body and is known as an expert in nail-art, drawing, cooking, flower arrangements, and designing and producing clothes, even hanbok (traditional Korean dress).

Except there’s one big problem: she has never become popular, that it almost makes us feel bad.

In 2013, she said on a KBS TV program that “Rainbow isn’t as popular as other idol groups because we didn’t have any big issues, like a scandal or trouble between team members.”

A PR spokesperson from her agency, DSP Media, had told the Kpop Herald that “Jaekyung is too talented in everything and it’s such a shame that she is not receiving enough spotlight.”

Rainbow is releasing its fourth mini album on Feb. 15, and hopefully 2016 will be a better year for the idol stars.

3. Girl’s Day Sojin

Sojin (OSEN)

Born in 1986, Sojin is one of the oldest idol stars in K-pop. She is known to have gone through a rough patch in life before becoming a singer, making money by working at a website customer service center, website and socks factory. Not only that, she was once scammed by a man who requested money in return for making her a star. After all these barriers in life, she made her debut in 2010.

But while other members, Hyeri, Minah and Yura, made names for themselves in acting or variety shows, Sojin has failed to make a significant impression on the public. It’s assumable that the 30-year old singer feels like time is running out for her as an idol star, and feels pressured by Hyeri becoming a top actress overnight through “Reply 1988.”

Last week, Hyeri hinted at the group’s comeback. We keep our fingers crossed for “unni” to gain more attention this time.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)