Elkie/ Chong Ding-yan (ex CLC)

Elkie, a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actress, began her career as a child actress and later became a prominent figure in the K-pop industry as a member of CLC. Her journey in the entertainment industry is marked by her versatility and resilience, navigating through various roles from a child star in Hong Kong to a celebrated K-pop idol and eventually a solo artist. Elkie's early exposure to the entertainment scene was significantly shaped by her roles in almost 20 TV dramas under TVB, setting the stage for her later accomplishments in Korea.

Her official entry into the K-pop world was announced on February 23, 2016, when Cube Entertainment introduced her as a new member of CLC. This transition was highlighted by her debut with the group's third mini-album, Refresh, on February 29, 2016, marking a new chapter in her career. Elkie's artistic journey took a bold turn when she made her solo debut on November 23, 2018, with the digital single "I Dream," showcasing her ability to craft a unique musical identity apart from the group.

The challenges Elkie faced were not minor; she requested the termination of her contract with Cube Entertainment in December 2020, citing neglect and lack of support, which culminated in her departure from both the agency and CLC on February 3, 2021. Following this, she took significant steps to establish her independence in the music industry by setting up her own studio in mainland China and engaging with her fans through platforms like YouTube and Douyin.

Elkie's journey is characterized by her adaptability and commitment to her craft, as she continues to evolve as an artist, embracing new challenges and opportunities to connect with her audience across different cultures and platforms.

Stage Name: Elkie (엘키)

Birth Name: Chong Ting Yan (莊錠欣)

English Name: Elkie Chong

Korean Name: Jang Jung Heun (장정흔)

Birthday: November 2, 1998

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Height: 163 cm (5’4″)

Weight: 46 kg (101 lbs)

Blood Type: O

Nationality: Hongkonger

Instagram: @chongtingyanelkie

Weibo: 庄锭欣_ELKIE

Youtube: ELKIE Official

Agency:

Cube Entertainment (2015–2021)

Elkie was born on November 2, 1998, in Hong Kong and attended Carmel Pak U Secondary School. Her early life in Hong Kong was marked by her involvement in the entertainment industry as a young child, where she was a popular teenage star. She was also a part of the Hong Kong project girl-group Honey Bees.

Elkie's acting career began at a young age when she joined TVB, a major television company in Hong Kong. Here, she honed her acting skills by participating in almost 20 dramas, establishing herself as a child actress in the local entertainment scene. This early exposure to the performing arts played a crucial role in shaping her future career in music and acting.

Elkie's transformative journey into the K-pop scene began when she joined Cube Entertainment as a trainee. She faced a rigorous selection process, performing for the camera and staff members and showcasing her talents in singing, dancing, or modeling for about a minute. If successful, she would engage in further interviews and talent displays. Once accepted, trainee life for Elkie was demanding, with daily classes from 1 pm to 10 pm, except Sundays. Trainees were responsible for their own preparation, managing their figures, and scheduling additional practice time. Her dedication and adaptability paid off when she was officially announced as a new member of CLC on February 23, 2016, alongside Eunbin, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Elkie debuted with CLC on February 29, 2016, with the release of their third mini-album, Refresh. Her first public performance with the group was on the 463rd episode of Mnet's M Countdown, where she performed "High Heels". During her time with CLC, Elkie was not only recognized for her vocal and dance performances but also for her creative contributions. She initially wrote the track "Speed Up" for CLC, although it was ultimately turned down by Cube Entertainment. Despite these challenges, she continued to strive for artistic input and growth within the group.

Elkie made a significant mark with her solo debut on November 23, 2018, with the digital single "I Dream". This ballad, characterized by its soothing instrumentation of piano and soft violins, showcased her vocal capabilities distinctively from her previous work with CLC. The song's memorable chorus and the overall calming effect marked a successful transition to her solo career. Accompanying the release, the music video beautifully captured Elkie's journey of self-discovery, resonating well with the lyrical theme of the song.

Following her departure from Cube Entertainment, Elkie established her own studio in Mainland China, adopting her Mandarin name Zhuang Ding Xin. She actively engaged with her audience by launching a YouTube channel and a Douyin account, where she regularly shared content ranging from music videos to personal vlogs. In 2019, Elkie expanded her artistic portfolio by securing a recurring role in the Chinese drama A Little Thing Called First Love, portraying Yang Man Ling, a character in charge of a radio station. This period was also marked by her collaboration with T.U.B.S' Ji Li on the single "Gave My Heart Away," released on June 25, 2021, further showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Elkie submitted a formal request to Cube Entertainment for the termination of her exclusive contract, citing several breaches by the agency. She highlighted that despite fulfilling her obligations, Cube failed to provide income statements or adequately compensate her for her acting activities as stipulated in the contract signed in February 2016. Furthermore, with the internal changes at Cube, she was informed that there would be no further developmental support for CLC, contradicting previous commitments and hindering her career growth.

The culmination of unresolved contractual disputes led to Elkie's departure from Cube Entertainment. In her statement, she expressed disappointment over Cube's management, which significantly affected her professional and personal well-being. She also noted the lack of opportunities and resources provided to CLC, which left her with no viable path to continue with the agency. Following her formal notification to Cube, her contract was officially terminated, allowing her to pursue independent projects and further her career outside the confines of the former management.

Following her departure from Cube Entertainment, Elkie established her own studio in Mainland China, adopting her Mandarin name, Zhuang Ding Xin. She has actively engaged with her audience through modern digital platforms, launching a YouTube channel and a Douyin account where she regularly uploads a variety of content for her fans.

Elkie's independent career has been marked by notable collaborations and the release of new music. On June 25, 2021, she collaborated with T.U.B.S member Ji Li on the single "Gave My Heart Away," which showcased her versatility and ability to blend different musical styles. Further expanding her musical repertoire, Elkie announced a new digital single titled "Speed Up" on August 3, 2023, which was subsequently released on August 11, capturing the essence of her dynamic solo career. Additionally, Elkie has ventured into reality TV, being revealed as a contestant on the Taiwanese show "Show up girls" in October 2023, further broadening her exposure and audience engagement. Looking ahead, Elkie has announced her first mini album "#EK," scheduled for release on June 27, 2024, promising a compilation of tracks that continue to define her artistic identity.

Recent Single and Reality Show Appearance in 2023

In 2023, Elkie showcased her talent and engaged with fans through a recent single and a reality show appearance. Her participation in these projects highlights her ongoing commitment to connecting with her audience and exploring new artistic avenues.

Looking ahead to 2024, Elkie is set to release a mini album that promises to feature new music and a fresh creative direction. Fans are eagerly anticipating this release, as it is expected to showcase her growth and evolution as a musician. The mini album, titled "#EK," is scheduled for release on June 27, 2024, and is anticipated to be a significant step in her solo career, marking her continued presence in the music industry.

Elkie, formerly of CLC, has developed a network of friendships within the K-pop industry that transcends group boundaries. Notably, she shares a close bond with Yeeun, also from CLC, as both were born in 1998 and are part of the '98 birth line, which has fostered a special closeness between them. Additionally, Elkie has formed relationships with idols from other groups, such as (G)I-dle's Minnie, who is also from Thailand. This connection is further enriched by their shared experiences as foreign idols in Korea, navigating their careers together.

Elkie's personal interests provide insight into her multifaceted personality. She originally wrote the track "Speed Up" for CLC, showcasing her creative flair, although it was unfortunately turned down by Cube Entertainment. This incident highlights her proactive approach to her music career, even when faced with setbacks. Her ability to connect with fans through her YouTube channel and Douyin account, where she actively shares content, reflects her dedication to maintaining a strong personal connection with her audience.