The Rise of Rora: Exploring Her Journey in BABYMONSTER

From child actress to rising K-pop star, Rora has carved a unique path in the entertainment industry. Her journey represents a remarkable transformation that caught the attention of both acting and music enthusiasts alike.

As the newest member of BABYMONSTER, Rora brings years of performance experience to the group. Her transition from acting to becoming a YG Entertainment trainee, and finally debuting as a BABYMONSTER member, showcases her versatility and determination in the competitive K-pop industry.

From Child Star to K-pop Trainee

Lee Da-in, professionally known as Rora, began her entertainment journey as a multifaceted young performer in South Korea. Her early career showcased remarkable versatility across different aspects of entertainment.

Early acting career and achievements

In 2018, Rora established herself as a promising child model and actor, appearing in notable Korean dramas including "A Korean Odyssey" and "Secret Mother". Her natural talent and screen presence helped her build a solid foundation in the entertainment industry at a young age.

Experience in U.SSO Girl

Rora's musical journey began on February 17, 2017, when she debuted under the stage name U.ha as a member of U.SSO Girl, a kids' idol group managed by Kids Planet. During her time with the group, she participated in their debut digital single "Go Go Sing", gaining valuable experience in performing and group dynamics.

Transition to YG Entertainment

A pivotal moment in Rora's career came in 2018 when YG Entertainment discovered her through an unexpected channel - a direct message to her parents. At just 11 years old, she successfully passed the audition, marking the beginning of her journey with one of South Korea's premier entertainment companies. This transition led to an intensive six-year training period that would shape her into the artist she is today.

The move to YG Entertainment represented a significant shift in Rora's career trajectory, setting the stage for her future as a member of BABYMONSTER. Her early experiences in both acting and music provided a strong foundation for the rigorous training that lay ahead.

The Rigorous Training Period

The journey to becoming a K-pop idol demanded extraordinary dedication from Rora, who embarked on her training journey at YG Entertainment in July 2018. At just nine years old, she began what would become a transformative five to six-year training period that would shape her into a well-rounded performer.

Daily life as a YG trainee

Life as a YG trainee followed a structured routine that began early each morning. Trainees surrendered their phones to improve focus during practice sessions. A typical day included:

Balancing school and training

Managing education alongside intensive training presented unique challenges. YG Entertainment worked with trainees to ensure they could maintain their studies while pursuing their dreams. The company provided resources including flexible scheduling and support systems to help trainees like Rora balance their academic responsibilities with their rigorous training commitments.

Key learning experiences

The training period was marked by monthly evaluations that tested both individual and group performances. These assessments helped track progress and identify areas for improvement. For Rora, this intensive period was crucial in developing her skills across multiple disciplines, preparing her for the demands of being a BABYMONSTER member.

Debut Journey with BABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER's path to debut began with the highly anticipated reality show "Last Evaluation" in March 2023. The series showcased seven talented trainees, including Rora, competing for spots in the final lineup under the guidance of industry veterans like BLACKPINK's Jennie and Lisa.

Last Evaluation performance

The show featured intense monthly evaluations where trainees demonstrated their skills through solo and team performances. Despite initial plans for a smaller group, overwhelming public support led to the decision to debut all seven members together.

Pre-debut activities and preparations

Before their official launch, BABYMONSTER engaged in several pre-debut activities:

Official debut impact

The group's official seven-member debut came with their first EP "BABYMONS7ER" on April 1, 2024. The release garnered impressive pre-orders exceeding 460,000 copies and debuted at number three on the Circle Album Chart. Their debut single "Sheesh" gained momentum through live performances, eventually reaching number ten on the Circle Digital Chart. The group's impact was further demonstrated through their first fan meeting tour across six Asian regions, selling out venues including 26,000 tickets in Tokyo alone.

Musical Evolution and Artistry

Throughout her journey in BABYMONSTER, Rora has established herself as one of the group's strongest vocalists, demonstrating remarkable growth in her artistic capabilities.

Vocal development journey

As the second-most technically skilled vocalist in BABYMONSTER, Rora has shown impressive vocal evolution from 2018 to 2024. Her natural talent, combined with rigorous training, has helped her develop a distinctive voice that stands out in the group's performances.

Performance style growth

Rora's approach to performance has been shaped by valuable guidance from YG Entertainment's senior artists. She learned to customize songs to fit her unique style, making each performance authentically her own. Her stage presence reflects key aspects:

Musical influences and inspiration

Her artistic development has been significantly influenced by YG Entertainment's legacy artists. During her trainee years, she received memorable advice from BLACKPINK's Lisa, who emphasized that "focusing on yourself well can make you shine anytime and anywhere". Rora particularly admires G-Dragon's performances, studying his live stages daily during her training period to understand how an artist's genuine enjoyment of performing can create tremendous stage presence.