Training Years Before Debut

Long before capturing hearts as a fromis_9 member, Lee Chaeyoung embarked on an arduous training journey that shaped her into the multifaceted performer fans adore today.

Time at JYP Entertainment

Lee Chaeyoung's professional journey began in 2013 alongside her sister Chaeryeong when both appeared as contestants on the third season of K-pop Star. Their impressive dancing skills earned significant praise from industry professionals, consequently securing them coveted trainee positions at JYP Entertainment—one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies.

In 2015, Chaeyoung's career took a significant turn as she participated in Mnet's survival show Sixteen, the competition that ultimately formed the globally successful girl group TWICE. Although she showcased her talents admirably, her journey on the program ended prematurely with elimination in the third episode. This setback prompted her departure from JYP Entertainment.

Interestingly, Lee Chaeyoung wasn't alone in her JYP training experience. She spent her trainee days alongside Park Jiwon, who would later become her fromis_9 groupmate—a connection that undoubtedly strengthened their professional relationship once reunited.

Transition to Idol School

After leaving JYP, Chaeyoung continued nurturing her talents at the Five Music & Dance Academy in Jung-gu. At this specialized institution, she honed her singing and dancing abilities while diligently preparing for future audition opportunities. According to local sources, even during her middle school years in Pohang, she gained recognition as an exceptionally dedicated trainee.

Her perseverance paid off in July 2017 when she secured a spot as a contestant on Mnet's Idol School. This 11-week program differentiated itself from typical survival shows by structuring the experience similarly to an actual school. Participants received comprehensive education not only in singing and dancing but also in K-pop history, mental fortitude training, and public appearance skills.

Throughout the show, Chaeyoung quickly earned the affectionate nickname "Meme Queen" for her expressive personality. Her hard work and natural talents ultimately earned her fourth place with an impressive 65,318 votes, securing her position in the newly formed fromis_9.

Skills developed during training

Throughout her various training experiences, Chaeyoung developed a remarkable skill set that would serve as her foundation as an idol:

Vocal versatility: Initially self-conscious about her naturally husky voice, Chaeyoung intentionally altered her vocal delivery. However, with encouragement from supportive fans who appreciated her authentic tone, she gradually embraced her distinctive sound. Over time, she evolved into a vocalist capable of handling both high and low vocal ranges with impressive control.
Dance proficiency: Her dance training yielded exceptional results, as evidenced by her ranking fourth in dance basic skills assessment during Idol School. Her performance abilities received further validation when she perfectly executed TWICE's "OOH-AHH" stage with the na band, earning first place for her team.
Performance adaptability: Through specialized classes at Idol School, she mastered essential camera awareness—learning to identify operating cameras and position herself strategically for optimal screen time. This skill proved invaluable for her future career.

Throughout this formative period, Chaeyoung transformed from a promising talent into a polished performer ready to make her mark in the competitive K-pop industry. Her journey illustrates the determination and resilience required to succeed, attributes that would become hallmarks of her professional identity with fromis_9.

Idol School and Rise to Fame

In March 2017, Mnet announced the launch of a groundbreaking reality survival show that would forever change Lee Chaeyoung's life trajectory.

Format of the show

Idol School differentiated itself from other survival programs through its educational structure and comprehensive approach. Running from July 13 to September 29, 2017, the show assembled 41 female participants for an intensive 11-week program. Unlike traditional competitions, Idol School mirrored an actual academic environment where contestants received instruction beyond performance skills. Students attended classes covering singing, dancing, K-pop history, and essential idol skills like mental fortitude training and public appearance techniques.

The program's democratic approach allowed viewers to directly influence outcomes through live voting that completely determined students' "grades". This viewer-driven format created a genuine connection between contestants and their potential future fans. Interestingly, even the decision to form a 9-member group came from pre-show audience voting, where options ranged from 5 to 13 members. Furthermore, each 100 won phone vote contributed to charitable causes through CJ Donors Camp.

Chaeyoung's performance and ranking

Throughout the competition, Lee Chaeyoung demonstrated remarkable consistency and versatility. In early episodes, she maintained an impressive position within the top three contestants for the first two weeks. Nonetheless, her ranking fluctuated throughout the show, dropping as low as 12th place in the sixth episode.

Chaeyoung's performances showcased her adaptability across different concepts. She participated in the "Cheer Up" team where she delivered a strong showing. In another standout moment, she joined the "Like Ooh-Ahh" group comprising former JYP trainees, where she successfully tackled a rap section originally performed by TWICE's Dahyun. This performance proved particularly meaningful as she received guidance from TWICE members Momo and Mina.

Her expressive personality earned her the affectionate nickname "Meme Queen" among viewers. Ultimately, Lee Chaeyoung secured fourth place in the final rankings with 65,318 votes, cementing her position in the newly-formed group.

Formation of fromis_9

On September 29, 2017, the top nine contestants—Roh Ji-sun, Song Ha-young, Lee Sae-rom, Lee Chae-young, Lee Na-gyung, Park Ji-won, Lee Seo-yeon, Baek Ji-heon, and Jang Gyu-ri—officially formed the final lineup of the group initially called "Fromis". The name, later adjusted to "fromis_9," cleverly combined "From Idol School" with the Korean pronunciation resembling "promise".

Under Pledis Entertainment's management, the newly-formed group continued their journey through a dedicated reality program titled "Fromis' Room," which premiered on October 19. This show followed an innovative simulcast format, combining pre-recorded content with replays of Facebook Live broadcasts from their dormitory.

The group's first public performance took place at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan on November 29, where they presented their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes". This track was released digitally the following day, giving fans their first official taste of fromis_9's musical identity. Finally, Lee Chaeyoung and her groupmates made their official debut on January 24, 2018, with their first EP "To. Heart", launching what would become a successful career in the competitive K-pop industry.

Debut and Initial Success with fromis_9

With fromis_9 officially formed through Idol School, Lee Chaeyoung and her groupmates began their journey toward stardom with a strategic pre-debut release.

Pre-debut single 'Glass Shoes'

Shortly after the group's formation, fromis_9 prepared for their first public appearance. On November 29, 2017, Lee Chaeyoung stood alongside her eight groupmates at the prestigious 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Japan, where they performed their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" (유리구두). The digital single was officially released the very next day on November 30, marking their first musical offering. This strategic introduction to the K-pop world came after the group had been documenting their journey through their reality program "Fromis' Room," which had begun airing on October 19.

Official debut with 'To. Heart'

Within weeks of their pre-debut activities, on January 8, 2018, the entertainment industry received the announcement that fromis_9 would officially debut with their first extended play titled "To. Heart". Lee Chaeyoung and fromis_9 held a special showcase on January 24, 2018, to present their title track, broadcasting live on Naver's V Live app. The following day, they performed their debut stage on Mnet's popular music program "M Countdown".

The mini-album was released in two distinct physical versions—"Green" and "Blue"—each containing the same six tracks:

"The Way to Me (나에게로 오는 길)" (Intro) - 2:11
"To Heart" (title track) - 3:08
"Miracle (환상속의 그대)" - 3:42
"Pinocchio (피노키오)" - 3:20
"Be With You" - 3:50
"Glass Shoes (유리구두)" (MAMA version) - 3:34

Essentially, the EP incorporated their pre-debut single as the final track, yet featured a recorded version from their MAMA performance rather than the original.

Public and critical reception

"To. Heart" made an impressive entrance into the industry, debuting at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart issued on January 27, 2018. In terms of monthly performance, the EP peaked at number 24 on the same chart. This achievement was particularly noteworthy for a rookie group from a survival show.

Indeed, according to Hanteo Chart data, the album sold approximately 5,000 copies during its initial chodong (first-week sales), which was considered respectable for a new girl group debut. However, Gaon Chart numbers suggested even stronger performance, with reports of over 13,400 copies sold—an unusual accomplishment for a rookie act to exceed 10,000 copies.

For Lee Chaeyoung personally, this debut period represented the culmination of her training journey and the beginning of her professional career as an established K-pop idol. The reception validated her persistence through multiple training programs and survival shows before finally debuting with fromis_9.

Roles and Talents in fromis_9

Within fromis_9, Lee Chaeyoung stands as a versatile performer whose talents extend across multiple disciplines, contributing significantly to the group's artistic identity.

Main dancer and choreography strengths

As one of fromis_9's main dancers, Lee Chaeyoung brings powerful movements and technical precision to the group's choreography. Her exceptional dance abilities were evident from the beginning, ranking fourth in dance basic skills during Idol School. Her tall frame (168 cm) creates striking dance lines that enhance visual impact during performances. Following the group's reorganization to five members, Chaeyoung emerged as the second lead dancer after Song Ha-young.

Her choreography skills shine most prominently through her powerful dance execution and remarkable stage adaptability. Even when faced with potential broadcast accidents—dropping microphones or costume malfunctions—Chaeyoung demonstrates professional composure, smoothly managing unexpected situations without disrupting performances. This adaptability earned her recognition in 2022 when she received both the Best Performance Award and the K-Global Best Performance Award.

Lead rapper and vocal evolution

At debut, Chaeyoung primarily handled rap sections and lower-register vocal parts. Over time, her role expanded as she overcame initial insecurities about her naturally husky voice—a characteristic she once deliberately modified. Through fan encouragement praising her authentic tone, she gradually embraced her distinctive vocal color.

Her versatility became increasingly apparent as fromis_9's discography evolved. From "Glass Shoes" through "Fun!" she primarily handled rap sections, yet by "Feel Good" she was entrusted with chorus parts. "We Go" marked a turning point as she performed triple-chorus sections, demonstrating significant vocal growth. In "DM," her verse 2 vocal part following verse 1 chorus became recognized as a killing part that elevated the song's overall atmosphere.

Stage presence and performance style

First, Chaeyoung's performance style fuses technical precision with natural charisma. Her stage presence reflects both careful preparation and spontaneous expressiveness. Throughout fromis_9's fifth mini-album "from our Memento Box," she shifted toward more vocal-focused contributions, especially in the title track "Stay This Way," where her unfiltered tone and vocal capacity were fully showcased.

The group's first full-length album "Unlock My World" further highlighted her evolved skills, featuring her in introductory parts across multiple songs. Tracks like "Wishlist" (performed with Park Ji-won) and "Prom Night" (with Lee Sae-rom, Song Ha-young, and Baek Ji-heon) demonstrated vocal abilities at lead vocalist level.

Currently, fans and critics alike recognize Chaeyoung as fromis_9's ace—a performer whose combination of dance prowess, vocal versatility, and stage presence makes her an essential component of the group's success.

Personality, Hobbies, and Unique Traits

Beyond her impressive stage presence, Lee Chaeyoung possesses a multi-faceted personality that endears her to both groupmates and fans alike.

Friendly and observant nature

Despite appearing extroverted when performing with fromis_9, Chaeyoung identifies as an INFJ personality type, emphasizing the "I" for introversion. This duality allows her to connect deeply with others yet maintain her introspective qualities. As the most observant member in the group, she exhibits an uncanny ability to imitate fellow members and even predict their actions. Her caring nature manifests in thoughtful gestures, such as waking Lee Saerom each morning to say "I love you".

Underneath her sometimes reserved exterior lies a playful side—she enjoys teasing Lee Saerom because "she remembers everything and gets sour about it". This combination of warmth and wit earned Chaeyoung the nickname "Meme Queen" during her Idol School days. Interestingly, Chaeyoung maintains friendships outside her group, including a close relationship with Dreamnote's Miso, with whom she trained during middle school.

Love for sports and cosmetics

Throughout elementary school, Chaeyoung developed a passion for physical activities, excelling in long-distance running alongside football and baseball. This athletic background likely contributed to her exceptional dancing abilities with fromis_9.

Besides her sporting interests, she cultivates several distinctive hobbies:

Collecting cosmetics with a particular fondness for lipsticks
Listening to ballad songs as a form of relaxation
Playing League of Legends: Wild Rift, where she has achieved platinum rank primarily using support champions

In contrast to her cheerful demeanor, Chaeyoung surprisingly dislikes summer due to sweating easily. She gravitates toward action, hero, and thriller films yet often falls asleep during romance movies.

Physical quirks and fun facts

Among fromis_9 members, Chaeyoung carries the affectionate title "Shikshin" (God of Eating) due to her hearty appetite. In a curious contradiction, her favorite fruits—apples, cherries, and peaches—all trigger allergic reactions, yet she often endures the discomfort to enjoy them anyway.

Chaeyoung possesses surprising physical strength, capable of splitting apples with her bare hands. She considers her left side profile her best physical feature. As an inadvertent truth-teller, her ears visibly redden whenever she attempts to lie. Additional talents include expertly flipping Korean pancakes and performing impressive hula hoop tricks while moving and turning 360 degrees.

Fan Engagement and Public Image

Lee Chaeyoung maintains a vibrant connection with her fanbase through multiple channels, creating an engaging dynamic that extends far beyond her stage performances.

Social media habits

Lee Chae Young demonstrates a refreshingly authentic approach to social media engagement. In December 2022, she courageously shared a deeply personal post describing that year as "the worst in my 36-year life where luck didn't follow me even 0.01%". Through this candid revelation, she mentioned experiencing types of pain and hospital visits that left "lifelong scars" on her body.

Her openness extends to everyday interactions as well. On one occasion, she enthusiastically encouraged fans to approach her when spotted in public, specifically mentioning "I also came to the meat restaurant in Sinsa-dong today," showcasing her approachable demeanor. This genuine connection with followers separates her from more carefully curated idol images.

Fan meetings and CHAERISH concept

On January 11, Lee Chaeyoung unveiled her fan club name "CHAERISH" through multiple platforms including her fan cafe, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. The cleverly constructed name combines her first name with "cherish," embodying a three-fold meaning: those who cherish Lee Chaeyoung, those most cherished by her, and those she will cherish deep in her heart.

Her first fan meeting, titled "UNI-CHAERISH," took place at Sungshin Women's University on January 13, 2024. The creative concept positioned the event as an orientation for "CHAERISH UNIVERSITY," a playful academic setting exclusively for her fan club. Following its success, she expanded internationally with her first overseas fan meeting in Hong Kong on May 1, where she transformed into a "wannabe senior" to spend quality time with global supporters.

Variety show appearances

Chaeyoung's television appearances have significantly shaped her public image. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous variety programs, including "Im Won Hee's Gourmet Show," "Inssadong Sulzzi," and "2023 SBS Gayo Daejeon: Switch On".

Her role in "E-DUKHOO" provided unique opportunities for fan engagement. While interviewing HLE players, she discovered many fromis_9 supporters among attendees. She warmly recalled, "They talked about their experiences attending our concerts or about our group dynamics, which was really exciting to hear". This natural intersection between her professional assignments and personal fan interactions demonstrates her genuine appreciation for supporters, noting "I appreciated that so much".