Who Is Nancy MOMOLAND? The Real Story Behind K-pop's Rising Star (2025)

Nancy MOMOLAND, born Nancy Jewel McDonie on April 13, 2000, has emerged as one of K-pop's most recognizable faces with a career that spans both group success and solo endeavors. Initially gaining prominence after winning first place in the survival show "Finding Momoland," she subsequently debuted as the youngest member of the girl group on November 10, 2016.

Her multicultural background—having a Korean mother and an American father of Irish and Scottish ancestry—has undoubtedly contributed to her global appeal. Furthermore, Nancy trained rigorously for six years before her debut, showcasing the dedication that helped MOMOLAND achieve commercial success with viral hits like "Bboom Bboom," which reached number two on the Gaon Digital Chart. After the group's disbandment on February 14, 2023, she began carving out her solo path under ATOC.

Beyond her singing career, Nancy is fluent in both English and Korean, graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School's Musical Department, and has participated in various television programs. Notably, her entertainment journey started even earlier—at just 11 years old, she appeared on "Korea's Got Talent" with a hip-hop group called "Cutie Pies," demonstrating that her star quality was evident from a young age.

Early Life and Cultural Roots

Birthplace and family background

The story of Nancy Jewel McDonie begins in Nam District, Daegu, South Korea, where she was born on April 13, 2000. Her unique heritage stems from her parents' international love story—her father, Richard Jowel McDonie, a retired American Colonel from Columbus, Ohio, met her mother, Lee Myeong-ju (also known as Brenda Lee McDonie), while stationed in Korea.

This cross-cultural union blessed Nancy with a rich heritage that combines both Eastern and Western influences. As a child of mixed ancestry, she inherited her father's American citizenship alongside her Korean one, making her one of the few K-pop idols with dual nationality. Her paternal lineage traces back to Irish and Scottish roots, adding another layer to her diverse background.

Growing up between Korea and the U.S.

Shortly after Nancy's birth, her family relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 2001, her father's hometown. It was in this American city that she spent her formative years, attending school and absorbing Western culture while maintaining connections to her Korean heritage. This multicultural upbringing would later become instrumental in shaping her personality and career.

"I have always been told by my parents that there are two cultures that I am in contact with ever since I was a child," Nancy has shared in interviews, acknowledging the significant impact of her bicultural environment. This unique perspective has undoubtedly contributed to her adaptability and global appeal as an entertainer.

According to some sources, the young Nancy also briefly lived in the United Kingdom and Ireland—her father's ancestral homeland—when she was just three years old, before the family settled in the United States. This international exposure early in life helped build the foundation for her future in the global entertainment industry.

In 2009, Nancy returned to South Korea to pursue her dream of becoming an actress. This move would eventually lead her toward the path of becoming a K-pop idol, though her journey had several interesting stops along the way.

Changing her Korean name to Lee Geu-roo

In an intriguing development that captured media attention, Nancy officially changed her Korean legal name on March 20, 2019. Previously known in Korean as Lee Seung-ri, she adopted the new name Lee Geu-roo.

The meaning behind this name change carries significant personal symbolism. In the Korean language, "geuroo" is a counter word used specifically when counting trees. Nancy chose this name because she aspires to "become a big tree as she grows up"—a beautiful metaphor for her hopes of developing strong roots and branches that reach toward the sky.

Although some speculated the name change might have been related to the controversy surrounding another Korean celebrity with the same name (Seungri from BIGBANG) who was involved in a scandal around that time, no official confirmation of this theory exists. Regardless of the motivation, the new name represents Nancy's personal growth and her vision for her future development as an artist.

Education and Artistic Training

Hanlim Multi Art School graduation

In her pursuit of artistic excellence, Nancy Jewel McDonie continued to build a strong foundation through formal education alongside her rigorous training. Her academic journey culminated with her graduation from Hanlim Multi Art School on February 9, 2018. This educational milestone marked an important chapter in her development as a performer.

Hanlim Multi Art School stands as one of South Korea's most prestigious institutions for aspiring entertainers. The school is renowned for nurturing talent across various artistic disciplines, providing specialized education that balances academic requirements with professional development. Many notable K-pop idols have walked its halls, with Nancy joining this distinguished roster of alumni.

During her time at Hanlim, Nancy maintained a demanding schedule that required exceptional time management skills. Unlike typical students, she balanced her academic responsibilities with intensive training and, eventually, her professional duties as a member of MOMOLAND. This period of her life demonstrated her remarkable dedication and work ethic.

Her graduation ceremony represented more than just an academic achievement—it symbolized her successful navigation of the challenging dual path of education and entertainment training. Moreover, the timing of her graduation coincided with a pivotal moment in her career, as MOMOLAND had recently experienced their breakthrough with "Bboom Bboom."

Musical department and early interests

At Hanlim Multi Art School, Nancy specialized as a student in the Musical Department, a choice that reflected her artistic inclinations and career aspirations. This department focuses on developing comprehensive performance skills including vocal techniques, stage presence, and theatrical expression—all essential elements for a K-pop idol's toolkit.

The curriculum in the Musical Department typically encompasses vocal training, dance, acting, and stage performance. Through this specialized education, Nancy honed the versatile skills that would later define her as a performer. The theatrical training she received likely contributed to her expressive performance style and camera presence that fans have come to recognize.

Behind Nancy's enrollment in the Musical Department lay a strategic decision that aligned with her long-term career goals. In fact, her choice of specialization provided complementary training to her idol preparation, creating a synergy between her formal education and professional development.

According to reliable sources, Nancy underwent an extensive training period of approximately six years before her debut with MOMOLAND. During this time, she diligently worked to perfect her singing, dancing, and performance abilities—essential skills for any aspiring K-pop idol. The training regimen for K-pop trainees is notoriously demanding, often involving daily practice sessions lasting many hours.

The combination of her formal education at Hanlim and her years as a trainee created a solid foundation for her career. This dual pathway of development—academic specialization coupled with practical training—prepared Nancy for the multifaceted demands of life as an idol in the competitive K-pop industry.

Pre-Debut Journey in Entertainment

Long before capturing global attention with MOMOLAND, Nancy Jewel McDonie was already making waves in the entertainment industry as a child performer, demonstrating remarkable talent at an early age.

Korea's Got Talent and Cutie Pies

Nancy's first significant step into the entertainment world came in 2011 when she auditioned for Korea's Got Talent as part of a hip-hop dance group called "Cutie Pies". Despite being just 11 years old at the time, she displayed impressive performance abilities that helped her group advance all the way to the semi-finals of the competition. This early achievement hinted at her natural talent and stage presence that would later become her trademark.

The experience with Cutie Pies provided Nancy with valuable exposure to the entertainment industry and helped her develop crucial performance skills. Additionally, this early taste of the spotlight likely solidified her ambition to pursue a career in entertainment, setting her on the path that would ultimately lead to her K-pop debut.

Child acting and modeling roles

Parallel to her dancing endeavors, Nancy began building a portfolio as a child actress and model. Her bilingual abilities and natural camera presence made her particularly marketable in Korea's competitive entertainment landscape.

Throughout her pre-teen and early teenage years, she appeared in various projects that helped establish her name in the industry. Consequently, these early roles contributed significantly to her professional development, allowing her to become comfortable performing in different contexts.

Nancy's versatility as a young performer was evident in her work across different media formats. Yet, what truly distinguished her from other child performers was her ability to connect with audiences through her expressive performances—a quality that would later become central to her appeal as a K-pop idol.

Tooniverse and early TV appearances

Nancy's television career began in earnest in 2010 with her appearance on Hangul Train Chipo, a children's educational program on EBS. Nevertheless, her most notable pre-debut television work came through her long-running role on Tooniverse's Mak Irae Show series from 2011 to 2014.

One of her most memorable experiences during this period occurred in 2012 when she participated in Mak Irae Rae Show: Just Do It Expedition. Throughout this program, Nancy traveled to international destinations including the Philippines and Saipan alongside South Korean actress Kim Yoo-jung. This international exposure at such a young age likely contributed to her comfort with global audiences later in her career.

By 2014, Nancy had secured a position as a main cast member on Tooniverse's Nangam School Season 2, further cementing her status as a recognizable young television personality. Hence, by the time she began training seriously for her K-pop debut, she already possessed significant on-camera experience.

The cumulative effect of these various entertainment endeavors—from competitive dance to television appearances—created a solid foundation for Nancy's future career. Therefore, when she eventually participated in the reality show "Finding Momoland" in 2016, she brought with her not only talent but also years of performance experience that gave her a distinct advantage in the competitive world of K-pop idol formation.

Debut with MOMOLAND and Rise to Fame

Winning Finding Momoland

The formal launch of Nancy's professional K-pop career began through Mnet's survival reality show "Finding Momoland," which aired from July 22 to September 16, 2016. Throughout the competition, ten trainees from Duble Kick Entertainment (later renamed MLD Entertainment) competed fiercely for spots in the new girl group. The show spanned ten episodes, challenging contestants to showcase their dancing, singing abilities, charisma, and overall star quality.

Against tough competition, Nancy ultimately secured her place in the final lineup by winning first place in the survival show—a testament to her exceptional talents and years of preparation. The final seven members selected through the program were Hyebin, Yeonwoo, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy, who together would form the original MOMOLAND lineup.

Debut with 'Welcome to Momoland'

Following their formation, the group's debut was temporarily delayed as their final mission couldn't collect the target of 3,000 spectators, falling short with approximately 2,300 attendees. Yet this setback proved only temporary. On October 26, 2016, MOMOLAND was appointed as ambassadors for the International Relief Development NGO Plan Korea, marking their first official activity as a group.

Finally, on November 9, 2016, MOMOLAND held their much-anticipated debut showcase. The following day, November 10, they officially debuted with the release of their first mini-album "Welcome to Momoland." The album contained six tracks, including the title song "JJan! Koong! Kwang!" which was composed by Double Sidekick. Their debut performance took place on the popular music program M! Countdown, introducing the new group to the K-pop world.

Interestingly, the physical album was made possible through crowdfunding efforts to cover production costs—showing both the determination of the group and early support from fans. The whimsical music video for "JJan! Koong! Kwang!" featured the members welcoming viewers to MOMOLAND, a fantastical world complete with Alice in Wonderland-inspired visual elements.

Breakthrough with 'Bboom Bboom'

While their debut established their presence in the industry, MOMOLAND's true breakthrough came nearly two years later. On January 3, 2018, the group released their third EP titled "Great!" featuring the title track "Bboom Bboom." This upbeat, catchy single would utterly transform their career trajectory.

"Bboom Bboom" became an immediate sensation, climbing music charts rapidly. The song reached an impressive No. 4 position on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, becoming the third-best-selling K-pop song in America in the last week of January 2018. Even more remarkably, on August 9, 2018, MOMOLAND made history by becoming the first girl group and second act overall to earn a Platinum certification on Gaon Music Chart for the streams of "Bboom Bboom."

The success wasn't without controversy, nonetheless. Russian girl group Serebro accused MOMOLAND of plagiarizing their song "Mi Mi Mi" with "Bboom Bboom." However, the composer of the song, Shinsadong Tiger, firmly denied these allegations, explaining that "the bass line is commonly heard in retro house or electro swing genres, as well as the 4-stanza chord."

For Nancy, who had trained for approximately six years before debut, this breakthrough represented the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. From winning a survival show to achieving international recognition, her journey with MOMOLAND had finally reached the heights that matched her remarkable talents.

Life After MOMOLAND: New Beginnings

The year 2023 marked a pivotal turning point in Nancy Jewel McDonie's career as she embarked on a solo journey separate from the group that had defined her public image for over six years.

Departure from MLD Entertainment

After lengthy discussions between MOMOLAND members and their agency, all six members—Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy—chose not to renew their contracts with MLD Entertainment when they expired on January 27, 2023. This collective decision reflected the group's desire to explore new opportunities after seven years with the company.

Merely weeks later, on February 14, 2023, MOMOLAND officially announced their disbandment. Nancy addressed her fans directly through a heartfelt handwritten letter posted on Instagram, writing: "After a long, deep discussion, the six of us members have decided to support each other to have a great new beginning going forward... Even though we have decided to take our own paths towards our dreams, Us MOMOLAND will always be a team".

Throughout this transition, Nancy emphasized the strong bonds she maintained with her former groupmates. Indeed, she openly acknowledged the emotional weight of this change, expressing how comforting the group dynamics had been and the challenges she faced while performing alone.

Signing with ATOC and Sparkle

Following her departure from MLD Entertainment, Nancy's career path took several turns as she established herself as a solo artist:

March 4, 2023: Signed with Aria Diamond, a new talent agency affiliated with Aria Group
September 17, 2023: Announced via Instagram she was no longer with Aria Group
September 21, 2023: Confirmed signing an exclusive contract with ATOC
April 1, 2024: Joined GMA Network's talent agency Sparkle

Her signing with Sparkle was officially announced through the agency's Instagram account, stating: "Sparkle proudly welcomes its new international star, Nancy McDonie, to its diverse and stellar roster of talents". At first, she launched new social media accounts to signal the beginning of her solo career.

Musical theater and solo ventures

As Nancy charted her independent path, she began exploring artistic expressions beyond the K-pop idol framework. A significant milestone in this new chapter came in September 2023, when she made her musical theater debut in "The Show! ShillaHada".

In this culture-based creative production, she demonstrated her versatility by portraying dual characters: Princess Seungman from the ancient Silla period and Lee Chae-rin, a character set in present time. This challenging role showcased her acting abilities alongside her established performance skills.

Amid these professional developments, Nancy has been refreshingly candid about the difficulties of transitioning from group member to solo artist. She shared her struggles with this shift, noting how she missed the comfort of performing with her groupmates and discussing the emotional challenges of standing on stage alone.

Still, she continues to carve out her unique place in the entertainment industry, building upon the foundation established during her MOMOLAND years yet creating something distinctly her own. Her journey represents the evolution many K-pop idols face as they mature beyond their initial group identities toward more diverse artistic expressions.

Acting, Hosting, and Other Ventures

Beyond her singing career, Nancy McDonie has built an impressive portfolio across multiple entertainment sectors, simultaneously developing her talents in acting, hosting, and brand representation.

Web dramas and TV shows

Nancy's acting journey gained momentum in 2017 when she landed the lead role in "Some Light," Korea's first web music drama. Produced by the Korea Transportation Safety Authority and Korea Economy TV, this seven-episode series paired her with former ZE:A member Ha Min-woo. Alongside acting, Nancy also collaborated with Ha Min-woo on the drama's theme song, showcasing her musical versatility.

In October 2019, Nancy secured what would have been her international acting breakthrough—the lead role in ABS-CBN's Philippine television series "The Soulmate Project," opposite Filipino star James Reid. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic halted production, ultimately resulting in the project being shelved after the closure of ABS-CBN.

Throughout her career, Nancy has made numerous television appearances, including a guest role in episode 11 of MBC's "Dae Jang Geum Is Watching" in 2018, where she appeared alongside MOMOLAND members JooE, Hyebin, and Daisy as idol trainees. Her acting credits additionally include appearances in "The Liar and His Lover" (2017) and "Ohlala School Season 2" (2014).

Hosting music shows and events

Nancy's communication skills shine especially bright in her hosting work. From March 2017 to June 2018, she served as one of the main hosts of "Pops in Seoul," a popular Korean music program that showcases the latest K-pop releases and artists. This role allowed her to demonstrate her bilingual abilities, often conducting interviews in both Korean and English.

In January 2018, she was selected to host "The Power of K" alongside U-Kwon and Shownu, expanding her presence as a music show presenter. Her natural camera presence, developed since childhood, makes her particularly effective in these hosting roles.

Endorsements and brand deals

Nancy's striking visuals have made her highly sought-after in the advertising world. In January 2020, she became the new endorsement model for popular skincare brand Some By Mi, marking her entry into the beauty sector. More notably, she serves as a high-profile model for luxury brand Estée Lauder, demonstrating her appeal to upscale markets.

Her exceptional beauty has earned her consistent recognition on TC Candler's prestigious "Most Beautiful Faces" list, ranking 18th in 2018 and climbing to 10th position by 2020. These accolades have undoubtedly enhanced her marketability for endorsements and modeling opportunities.

Public Image, Challenges, and Resilience

Throughout her career, Nancy has faced both admiration and adversity, navigating the complex realities of K-pop stardom with remarkable grace.

Media attention and controversies

In January 2021, Nancy became the victim of a serious privacy violation that drew international attention. During the 2019 Asia Artist Awards in Vietnam, where she served as an MC, a staff member secretly filmed her changing backstage. These images later surfaced online, some manipulated, causing widespread concern among fans. MLD Entertainment quickly addressed the situation, stating: "Nancy is a victim of having photos being inappropriately taken and manipulated."

The incident highlighted the troubling "molka" problem in South Korea—the illegal filming of women in intimate scenarios for voyeuristic purposes. Both Nancy's agency and the Asia Artist Awards organizing committee vowed strict legal action against the perpetrators, filing criminal charges for violations of South Korea's Special Act on Sexual Violence and the Information and Communication Network Act.

Handling fame and personal growth

The hidden camera scandal took a significant emotional toll on the young star. MLD Entertainment reported that "Nancy is currently undergoing severe emotional turmoil" following the incident. Despite this distress, she maintained her professional commitments while her agency worked diligently to monitor online activities and protect her from additional harm.

Nancy's quiet strength amid these challenges was evident in her Instagram post shortly after the news broke—a pensive black-and-white photo without caption that prompted an outpouring of supportive messages from fans worldwide. Notably, Vietnamese fans sent heartfelt apologies, expressing their regret over the incident that occurred in their country.

Nancy's response to online rumors

Beyond privacy violations, Nancy has openly addressed another persistent challenge: body-shaming comments. In an interview with bnt, she expressed frustration about the fixation on her appearance: "From a certain point, all the online comments about me started being about my body... I don't think how much weight I lost or gained is important."

Rather than allowing negative commentary to dictate her self-image, Nancy adopts a balanced approach to health. "These days, I make sure to eat two meals a day, and I find that it's important not to starve to diet. I make sure to eat a plentiful portion of healthy food made of salad or brown rice," she shared, demonstrating her practical wisdom regarding nutrition and self-care.