Lea Navvab Huening (born January 5, 2000),[1][unreliable source?][2] also known by her Korean name Jung Lea (Korean: 정리아), is a South Korean and American singer, model, MC, actress, and influencer. She is a member of the girl group I.MET.U, formed in 2024 through the survival reality show Time Turner, in which she reached the fifth and final place in the ranking.[3] Previously, she debuted in the South Korean girl group VIVA in October 2017[4], but the group unofficially disbanded in 2019. She is under PI Corporation.
Early life and education
Lea Navvab Huening was born on January 5, 2000, in Texas, U.S.,[2] to a South Korean mother and an American father.[5] Her siblings are Huening Kai from Tomorrow X Together and her younger sister, Huening Bahiyyih from Kep1er.[6]
Career
2017–2019: VIVA
In 2017, Jung became a member of the girl group VIVA under Shine E&M. The girl group debuted on October 13, 2017 with the release of their self-titled single "VIVA".
2020–2023: YouTuber beginnings, PIETA, Seoul Fashion Week, Korea Multicultural Festa Awards
On January 9, 2020, Jung became a YouTuber after opening her own channel.[7][better source needed]
On July 19, 2021, it was announced that Jung signed with Model Directors as a model.[8][better source needed]
On December 9, 2022, Jung was announced as a member of Pi House, a collaborative content creation house.[9][better source needed]
On March 19, 2023, Jung debuted as a runway model on 23F/W Seoul Fashion Week for the Kwak Hyun-joo Collection.[10] On September 8, 2023, Jung appeared at Seoul Fashion Week to walk for Kwak Hyun-joo's fashion showcase.[11]
2024: Return to Seoul Fashion Week, Departure from Model Directors, PI Corporation
On February 4, 2024, Jung appeared on the runway for Kwak Hyun-joo 24F/W collection.[12] On April 12, 2024, Jung signed an exclusive contract with PI Corporation.[13]
Time Turner, I.MET.U
On October 24, 2024, Lea was officially announced as a contestant on the survival show Time Turner, produced by Makestar and PI Corporation, created to make a 5-member girl group.[14] The show's first episode aired on November 8, 2024. It spanned for two weeks with 6 episodes and 7 livestreams in total.[15]
The final episode aired on November 22, 2024 where the final top 5 contestants were announced. Lea was ranked 5th place, making her the final member of the debut lineup.[16] The name of the group was later revealed to be I.MET.U.[17]
Other ventures
Endorsements
The clothing brand, Commadonna, has had Jung as their model since 2016.[18][better source needed] On March 27, 2023, Celltweet, a skincare brand, revealed that they picked J'LEA as their new model.[19][better source needed] After reviewing the mascara of Glambux Korea on the All Review Show, the beauty company reached out to her to be the model of the product.[20][better source needed]
