Sakai Moka ILLIT has quickly captured the hearts of K-pop fans worldwide with her charm, talent, and passion for music. As a Japanese singer under Belift Lab and a proud member of ILLIT, Moka has shown both determination and creativity that make her stand out in the industry. From her early beginnings as a trainee to her debut and current role, Moka’s story is both inspiring and impressive.
Complete Profile of Sakai Moka ILLIT
Before diving into the details of her achievements and journey, it is important to understand her complete profile. This section highlights her stage identity, background information, and the essential details that make up her unique presence in the world of K-pop.
- Stage Name: Moka (모카)
- Birth Name: Sakai Moka (境 萌花 / さかい もか)
- Korean Name: Kim Moka (김모카)
- Birthday: October 8, 2004
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Birthplace: Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Height: 162 cm (5’4”)
- Blood Type: B
- MBTI: ISFP
- Agency: Belift Lab (HYBE Labels)
- Years Active: 2023–present
- Group: ILLIT
- Debut: March 25, 2024 with mini album Super Real Me
- Representative Emoji: ☕
- Fandom Color: Purple
Sakai Moka ILLIT’s Age and Background
Born on October 8, 2004, Sakai Moka ILLIT is 20 years old as of 2024. She grew up in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, alongside her younger sister born in 2006. Her mother, a devoted fan of BIGBANG, introduced her to K-pop, inspiring her to pursue a career in the industry. With strong family support and early exposure to K-pop, Moka’s passion for music and dance began to flourish from a young age.
Interesting Facts About Sakai Moka ILLIT
Aside from her career achievements, Sakai Moka ILLIT is known for her quirky habits, preferences, and charming personality. These fun facts reveal more about her everyday life and what makes her relatable and adored by fans.
- Her favorite dessert is a financier, and she loves salt bread thanks to her grandfather’s bakery.
- She is an avid fan of BIGBANG, with “Let Me Hear Your Voice” being her go-to karaoke song.
- Her role model is BLACKPINK’s Jennie, from whom she draws inspiration for style and performance.
- She trained for three years and six months before debuting, beginning her journey with HYBE Japan in 2020.
- Despite her stage confidence, she describes herself as timid and has difficulty waking up in the mornings, often needing multiple alarms.
- She treasures her digital camera and an old mirror gifted by her mother, showing her sentimental side.
- Her hobbies include eating, watching movies, especially horror films and spending time with her family.
Career Journey and Early Beginnings
Moka’s career path began when she joined Big Hit Japan in September 2020. With prior experience at Dance School BRIDGE, she quickly built a strong foundation in dance and performance. She officially entered the public spotlight on June 16, 2023, as a contestant on Belift Lab’s survival show R U Next?. Her talent and perseverance allowed her to secure the 5th place spot in the finale, earning her a position in ILLIT.
On March 25, 2024, Sakai Moka ILLIT debuted with the group’s first mini album Super Real Me. Since then, she has showcased her charm not only as a performer but also as a public figure, taking on roles such as a special MC on Inkigayo in August 2024.
Role and Contributions in ILLIT
Though ILLIT does not officially assign fixed positions, Sakai Moka ILLIT is often seen as the “mother” figure among the members, providing warmth and comfort to the group. Her specialty lies in dancing, and she contributes to the team’s overall performance with her expressive stage presence. Moka’s ISFP personality type also shines through, making her a supportive and empathetic group member. Her natural charisma and relatability play an essential role in connecting ILLIT with fans across the globe.
Achievements and Notable Highlights
- Ranked 5th on R U Next?, securing her debut with ILLIT.
- Debuted with Super Real Me on March 25, 2024.
- Served as a special MC for Inkigayo on August 18, 2024.
- Selected as a judge for World Scout: The Final Piece (2026), showing her growing influence in the industry.
- Gained recognition for her charming personality, strong dance skills, and connection with fans worldwide.
Sakai Moka ILLIT has already achieved significant milestones in her young career, and her journey is only just beginning.
Moka’s rise from trainee to K-pop idol reflects not only her hard work but also her undeniable talent. As a beloved member of ILLIT, she continues to inspire fans with her dedication, humility, and charm. With many more opportunities ahead, Sakai Moka ILLIT is set to leave an even greater mark on the K-pop industry in the years to come.
