Moka

Moka was born on October 8, 2004, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, making her a Libra and the third-oldest member of ILLIT. She also has a younger sister born in 2006. Source: ILLIT Wiki Fandom

Her full birth name is Sakai Moka (さかい もか), though she also promotes under the Korean name Kim Moka (김모카). Her representative emoji is ☕, and fellow members affectionately nicknamed her "Kim Mokhwa" (Kim Cotton). Source: Kpop Profiles / Kpop Singers

Moka's introduction to K-pop came through her mother, who was a devoted BIGBANG fan. Growing up, she became a fan of the legendary group herself, and her favorite karaoke song remains BIGBANG's Let Me Hear Your Voice. Source: Kpop Profiles / Famous Birthdays

Before entering the trainee system, Moka trained at Dance School BRIDGE in Fukuoka. The experience helped develop the clean dance technique and precision that fans now associate with her performances. Source: KBizoom / Kpop Singers

She joined HYBE Labels Japan in September 2020 and trained for approximately three and a half years before appearing on R U Next?. Her lengthy training period made her one of the more experienced contestants on the show. Source: Kpop Wiki Fandom

For her R U Next? audition, Moka performed IU's emotional ballad Through the Night, showcasing a softer and more delicate side of her artistry. Source: Kpop Profiles

Moka finished fifth in the R U Next? finale and was selected as a producer pick for ILLIT's final lineup. Alongside Yunah, she was one of only two members chosen directly by the producers. Source: Kpop Singers / ILLIT Wiki Fandom

Members frequently describe Moka as ILLIT's "mother figure" because she naturally takes care of the group and pays close attention to how everyone is feeling. Source: Starvia / KiwiPop Media

In August 2024, she made her first major solo hosting appearance as a Special MC on SBS's Inkigayo, introducing her to a wider television audience. Source: Byeol Korea

In early 2026, Moka joined LE SSERAFIM's Sakura and Kazuha, fellow ILLIT member Iroha, and others as a panelist on World Scout: The Final Piece, a HYBE–Geffen survival show aired on ABEMA. Source: Kpop Wiki Fandom / Allkpop

While appearing on World Scout, Moka admitted that she normally avoids watching survival programs because they are emotionally overwhelming for her. However, she said the contestants ultimately inspired and encouraged her. Source: Allkpop

On April 20, 2026, BELIFT LAB announced that Moka would temporarily halt activities due to health concerns. The agency later confirmed she had received medical clearance and resumed activities within a manageable scope. Source: Kpop Wiki Fandom / Soompi

Moka loves cats and often says her personality resembles one. Fans have also compared her visuals to a cat, rabbit, and hamster over the years. Source: Kpopping / Kpop Profiles

Her favorite dessert is a French almond financier cake, while her favorite season is summer because she enjoys both the sunshine and the atmosphere of warm summer nights. Source: Famous Birthdays / KiwiPop Media

One of her favorite films is the 2018 thriller A Quiet Place, which she has recommended to fans who enjoy suspense and horror movies. Source: Famous Birthdays / KiwiPop Media

Moka has openly admitted that making friends can be difficult because she is naturally shy. She says she hopes to get close to everyone she meets, but usually needs the other person to start the conversation first. Source: Kpop Profiles

She sets around five alarms every morning but somehow manages to turn them all off and fall back asleep. Even Moka admits it's a habit she has yet to fix. Source: Kpop Profiles / KiwiPop Media