Lee Chae-young, a rising star in the K-pop industry, has made a name for herself as a member of the popular girl group fromis_9. Born in Pohang, South Korea, she has captivated fans worldwide with her impressive vocals and dance skills. Her journey from a small-town girl to a Korean idol showcases her dedication and talent in the competitive world of K-pop. As a vocalist in fromis_9, Lee Chae-young has played a crucial role in the group's success since their debut. Her time at Hanlim Multi Art School and training under Pledis Entertainment and HYBE Labels has shaped her into a well-rounded performer. This article explores Lee Chae-young's biography, career highlights, and personal characteristics, shedding light on her growth as an artist and her impact on the K-pop scene.

Lee Chae-young was born on May 14, 2000, in Pohang, South Korea. Her mother recalls that Chae-young was exceptionally active in the womb, kicking frequently, leading her to believe she might be carrying a future soccer player. This early energy continued after birth, with Chae-young singing every day as an infant.

Chae-young grew up in a family consisting of her mother and two older sisters. As a child, she was so thin that she could eat five meals a day without gaining weight. Her active nature was evident from an early age, with one of her sisters nicknaming her "Squirrel" due to her impressive tree-climbing abilities.

From a young age, Chae-young showed a strong inclination towards physical activities. She participated in track and field events during elementary school, specializing in long-distance running. This early athletic pursuit contributed to her maintaining strong leg muscles. As she grew older, her interests expanded to include soccer and baseball. Chae-young's physical development was notable, with a significant growth spurt occurring around the fourth grade of elementary school.

Initial Interest in Performing

Lee Chae-young's journey to becoming an idol began at a young age. She developed an interest in performing arts early on, even modeling for a children's magazine. Her passion for singing led her to take dance lessons for over a year before auditioning for entertainment companies.

At the age of 13, Lee Chae-young successfully passed auditions and joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee. During her time with the company, she gained valuable experience, appearing in music videos for Got7's "Stop Stop It" and Miss A's "Only You" in 2014 and 2015.

After leaving JYP Entertainment, Lee Chae-young made the decision to participate in Mnet's "Idol School" in 2017. The show aimed to form a 9-member girl group out of 41 female participants, providing training in singing and dancing over 11 weeks. This program offered Lee Chae-young a new opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming an idol.

Fromis_9, a South Korean girl group formed through Mnet's reality show "Idol School," officially debuted in 2018. The group's name, pronounced "Promise" in Korean, symbolizes their commitment to excellence. Initially composed of nine members, including Lee Chae-young, the group showcased their talents through pre-debut activities.

On January 24, 2018, fromis_9 released their debut mini-album "To. Heart". The title track, "To Heart," featured a cute and playful tune characteristic of girl groups. The album included six songs, with "Miracle" standing out as a fan favorite. The group's debut showcased their vocal abilities and dance skills, setting the stage for their future success.

The debut of fromis_9 was met with positive reception. Their first mini-album debuted at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart. The group's music videos, particularly for "To Heart," garnered attention for their endearing concepts and the members' natural chemistry. Fans appreciated the group's vocal talents and energetic performances, establishing a solid foundation for their career in the competitive K-pop industry.

Lee Chae-young's dance skills have been impressive from the start. She ranked 4th in the basic dance skill evaluation during Idol School. Her fans nicknamed her "feather" due to her exceptional dancing abilities. Lee Chae-young demonstrated her prowess by performing to Camila Cabello and Grey's "Crown," impressing the cast of "Ask Us Anything".

Initially, Lee Chae-young took on low parts or rap sections in fromis_9's early releases, from "Glass Shoes" to "Fun!". However, her role evolved as the group's music style changed.

Lee Chae-young's vocal abilities have shown remarkable growth. She transitioned from primarily rapping to taking on more vocal parts, particularly from "Feel Good" onwards. Her unique falsetto technique, which differs from classic vocalization methods, has garnered praise. In recent releases, such as "Stay This Way" and the group's first full-length album "Unlock My World," Lee Chae-young's vocal skills have been further highlighted, cementing her position as an essential vocalist in the team.

Lee Chae-young's exceptional dance skills have been evident since her Idol School days, where she ranked 4th in both basic vocal and dance skill evaluations. Her fans nicknamed her "feather" due to her graceful movements. Lee's vocal abilities have also shown remarkable growth, transitioning from rap sections to taking on more vocal parts in fromis_9's releases. Her unique falsetto technique has garnered praise, particularly in songs like "Stay This Way" and the group's first full-length album "Unlock My World".

While specific award nominations for Lee Chae-young are not mentioned in the provided information, her contributions to fromis_9's success have been significant. The group's debut mini-album "To. Heart" reached number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart, showcasing their immediate popularity in the K-pop industry.

A major milestone for Lee Chae-young and fromis_9 was achieving their first music show win on September 7, 2021, on SBS MTV's "The Show" with their song "Talk & Talk". This victory marked a turning point in their career, validating their growing popularity and musical prowess.