Photo Credits: Photo Credits: 女友BELLA China. SM Entertainment

In the ever-evolving universe of K-pop, where dazzling visuals and relentless energy meet the demands of a global audience, few stories are as compelling—or as relatable—as that of Giselle, main rapper and sub-vocalist of aespa. For K-pop fans and older music lovers alike, Giselle’s journey is a modern odyssey: a tale of multicultural roots, artistic grit, and the kind of self-discovery that transcends genre and generation.

“Music had always been a source of inspiration in my life,” later reflected, “and it helped me through tough times. I wanted to be that for someone else”.

Early Life: A Foot in Two Worlds

Born Uchinaga Aeri on October 30, 2000, in Seoul, South Korea, Giselle’s life began at the intersection of two cultures. With a Japanese father and a Korean mother, she spent her formative years in Tokyo, absorbing the rhythms of both Japanese and Korean life. Her upbringing was a blend of East Asian tradition and cosmopolitan influence—a mix that would later define her artistry.

Giselle attended Tokyo International School, where she became fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean, and even picked up some French. Music was a constant companion; she spent four years as an alto in the St. Mary choir, developing both her voice and her love for harmony. Her musical diet was eclectic: from R&B and rock icons like Stevie Wonder and Blink-182 to the soaring pop of Ariana Grande. “Music had always been a source of inspiration in my life,” she later reflected, “and it helped me through tough times. I wanted to be that for someone else”.

Magazine] [25-08-27] (女友) Bella+ (China) 2025.06 B Type (Cover : aespa : GISELLE) Purchase the magazine from KTown4u.com

The Leap: From Choir Girl to K-pop Trainee


Unlike many idols scouted on the street or through global auditions, Giselle’s path to stardom was paved with persistence. After graduating high school in Japan, she moved to Korea and auditioned for SM Entertainment—four times—before finally being accepted. Her audition song? NCT 127’s “Cherry Bomb,” a choice that showcased her boldness and affinity for rap.
In December 2019, at age 19, Giselle began her training at SM. Her journey was unusually swift: just 11 months later, she was selected for aespa’s debut lineup, making hers one of the shortest trainee periods in SM’s history. For context, many idols train for years before debuting. This rapid ascent is a testament to her raw talent and adaptability.

Debut and Meteoric Rise

On November 17, 2020, aespa debuted with the single “Black Mamba,” and Giselle was thrust into the spotlight as the group’s main rapper. Her unique vocal tone and multilingual rapping skills—delivering verses in Korean, Japanese, and English—quickly set her apart. Songs like “Next Level” and “Savage” showcased her sharp diction and confident delivery, earning her praise from fans and critics alike.
But Giselle’s journey wasn’t without its challenges.

As the first Japanese member in an SM girl group, she faced the pressures of representation and the scrutiny of both Korean and Japanese media. Yet, she handled it with poise, often emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support. “Throughout the promotional activities, I could feel that not only myself and the members but also everyone at the company were working hard together with one mind. Everyone was fully motivated and achieved good results together,” she told Elle Korea after aespa’s first full-length album.

Magazine] [25-08-27] (女友) Bella+ (China) 2025.06 B Type (Cover : aespa : GISELLE) Purchase the magazine from KTown4u.com

The Good, the Bad, and the Empowering

Giselle’s rapid rise came with its share of hurdles. From adapting to the grueling K-pop training regimen—especially as someone with little prior dance experience—to navigating the intense scrutiny of social media, she’s had to grow up fast. Yet, her honesty and humor have endeared her to fans. In interviews, she’s candid about her struggles: “I realized K-pop really does have a lot of impact around the world and it gives a lot of good energy. It also helped me through the tough times. I wanted to be that for someone else”.

Her iconic on-stage lines—“I’ll spit some bars instead”, “Simple is the best, less is more”—reflect her straightforward, no-nonsense attitude. Giselle’s willingness to be herself, even in the high-pressure world of K-pop, is empowering for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

Beyond the Stage: Multicultural Identity and Artistic Growth

Giselle’s multicultural background isn’t just a footnote—it’s central to her identity as an artist. Fluent in three languages and comfortable in diverse cultural settings, she brings a global perspective to aespa’s music and message. Her story resonates with a generation of fans who see themselves reflected in her journey.

She’s also a vocal advocate for artistic exploration. Whether collaborating with NCT members on “ZOO” or experimenting with different genres, Giselle is constantly pushing boundaries. Her fans—known as MYs—often cite her authenticity and versatility as inspirations.

For Aspiring Idols and Music Dreamers

What can aspiring K-pop stars and music lovers of all ages learn from Giselle’s story? First, that persistence pays off. Four auditions, a move across countries, and a crash course in dance and performance—her journey is proof that talent, when paired with determination, can defy the odds.
Second, authenticity matters. Giselle’s best moments come when she’s unapologetically herself, whether rapping in three languages or sharing her struggles. “I wanted to be that source of good energy for someone else,” she says—a reminder that music’s power lies in connection and honesty.
And finally, teamwork is everything. “Everyone was fully motivated and achieved good results together,” she says of aespa’s success. In an industry built on collaboration, Giselle’s humility and gratitude are as important as her talent.

With aespa embarking on their second world tour and continuing to break records, Giselle’s future looks bright. She remains focused on growth, both as an artist and as a person. “Tell me what you see when you look at me. Cause I’m a 10 out of 10,” she raps—an anthem not just for herself, but for everyone daring to chase their dreams. For K-pop fans and seasoned music aficionados alike, Giselle’s story is a reminder that the best music comes from those who dare to be different, who bridge worlds, and who never stop growing. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her, Giselle’s journey is one worth following—beat by beat, bar by bar.

Magazine] [25-08-27] (女友) Bella+ (China) 2025.06 B Type (Cover : aespa : GISELLE) Purchase the magazine from KTown4u.com

“Simple is the best, less is more” — Giselle

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