Chantal “Chanty” Videla’s transition from a promising Philippine-based actress to a member of the South Korean K-pop girl group Lapillus is a compelling story of determination, cultural adaptation, and the intense realities of the K-pop industry.
As a Filipina-Argentinian artist who dared to dream beyond borders, Chanty’s experience sheds light on the demanding life of a K-pop idol trainee and the unique challenges faced by foreign talents in the fiercely competitive Korean music scene.
From Manila to Seoul: Early life and career beginnings
Born Maria Chantal Videla on December 15, 2002, in Manila, Philippines, Chanty is of mixed Filipino and Argentine descent. Raised partly in Argentina and then back in the Philippines, she began her career as an actress and model. She was introduced as a new Star Magic talent in 2018 and landed roles in television dramas such as Spirits: Reawaken, Hiwaga ng Kambat, and Starla, as well as the film Familia Blondina.
Chanty’s deep interest in K-pop and Korean dramas kindled a life-changing opportunity when her father’s Korean friend recruited her to audition for a Korean entertainment company. Eager to embrace the challenge, she moved to Seoul to train as a K-pop idol under MLD Entertainment, the agency behind groups like Momoland and later Lapillus.
The grueling K-Pop path: Training and debut with Lapillus
Unlike the extended training periods many K-pop hopefuls endure — some training for years — Chanty trained for about eight months before debuting.
Her co-members had longer training periods: some trained for up to two years. Nonetheless, those eight months were packed with rigorous vocal and dance lessons, language acquisition (Korean being essential), image and media training, and continuous performance improvement.
The competition is fierce, with dozens auditioning globally for limited spots. Chanty stood out with her positive mindset, adaptability, and her ability to leverage her multicultural background. She debuted with Lapillus on June 20, 2022, with the digital single “Hit Ya!” The group comprises six members from diverse backgrounds including Korea, Japan, the Philippines, China, and the United States — perfectly blending languages and cultures to capture a global audience.
Culture shock and navigating being a foreigner in K-Pop
Chanty openly shares the cultural adjustments she faced moving from the Philippines to South Korea. Language barriers, unfamiliar social customs, and the pressure to assimilate while retaining her identity were daily hurdles. Being a foreigner in the Korean entertainment ecosystem is especially challenging due to high expectations for perfection, strict schedules, and intense scrutiny from fans and media.
Despite this, Chanty credits her Filipino traits — resilience, positivity, and cultural adaptability — as assets that helped her thrive during training and promotions. She views her multicultural identity as a strength, enabling her to connect with diverse fans while proudly representing Filipino charm on the global stage.
Balancing personal and professional pressures
The expectations placed on Chanty are multifaceted — not only does she aim to succeed as a K-pop idol, but also to be a source of pride for Filipino fans craving representation in global pop culture. The emotional weight of meeting family and fans’ hopes while battling physical and mental demands manifests strongly in her journey.
In fact, in 2024, Chanty announced an indefinite hiatus from Lapillus due to developing ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), reminding fans of the toll the K-pop trainee and idol lifestyle can take on health. She continues to be involved in acting projects in the Philippines, demonstrating her resilience and versatility as an artist.
Impact and inspiration for Filipino artists
Chanty Videla stands as an inspiring figure for Filipino creatives aspiring to break into the international entertainment industry. Her story reflects the rising presence and influence of Southeast Asian talents in K-pop and highlights how Filipino artists can adapt and succeed globally.
More than just about stardom, Chanty’s journey underscores the importance of cultural exchange, hard work, and self-acceptance amidst the pressures of fame. For Filipino fans and aspiring idols, her story offers hope and motivation to aim high while staying true to their roots.
The reality behind the glamour
Chantal “Chanty” Videla’s story is a window into the demanding, exhilarating, and transformative life of a K-pop idol — especially as a foreigner navigating a vastly different culture and industry. It is a testament to her grit, the evolving face of the K-pop industry embracing global talent, and the growing impact Filipino artists can make internationally.
As the K-pop wave continues to swell worldwide, stories like Chanty’s illuminate the real sacrifices behind the charm, reminding everyone that beyond the sparkling lights and catchy music lies an inspiring journey of persistence, identity, and dreams realized.
