Early Life and Education

Where was Lee Sae-rom born?

Behind the idol we know today lies a childhood story that began in Chuncheon, a scenic city in South Korea's Gangwon Province. Lee Sae-rom was born on January 7, 1997, though her connection to Chuncheon proved brief. Shortly after her birth, her family relocated to Yongin City when she was just four years old. This early move marked the beginning of several geographical shifts that would shape her formative years.

While initially born in Chuncheon, Sae-rom predominantly grew up in the Gyeonggi Province area. She spent most of her school days in Suwon, which many came to associate as her hometown. This connection to multiple Korean cities provided her with diverse cultural experiences during her childhood, perhaps contributing to her adaptability - a trait that would later serve her well as a K-pop idol.

Lee Sae-rom's age and school background

Currently 28 years old as of 2025, Lee Sae-rom's educational journey reflects her early commitment to the performing arts. Her formal education included enrollment at the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art High School, where she focused on applied music. This specialized school has produced numerous K-pop idols and entertainment professionals, providing students with both academic education and practical arts training.

Sae-rom graduated from Hanlim in 2015 with an Applied Music Department Badge, demonstrating her dedication to musical studies even before her official debut. Furthermore, she continued her educational pursuits by enrolling at Dongduk Women's University, where she majored in Broadcasting and Entertainment.

However, as her career with fromis_9 gained momentum, her academic journey took a different turn. She reportedly took a leave of absence from university to focus entirely on her responsibilities with the group. This decision highlights the commitment required to succeed in South Korea's competitive entertainment industry, where aspiring idols often must choose between academic pursuits and career advancement.

Her early interest in performing arts

Prior to her K-pop debut, Sae-rom had already begun exploring various facets of the entertainment industry. Her natural affinity for performing arts manifested in early appearances on several television programs. She participated as a contestant on Mnet's "Dancing9," showcasing her dance abilities before her formal debut.

Moreover, she gained valuable acting experience by appearing in KBS's "Ad Genius Lee Taebaek," where she portrayed a younger version of the character Han Chaeyoung. This role was particularly fitting as observers noted her resemblance to the actress, suggesting her visual appeal was recognized even before her idol career.

These early ventures into dancing and acting indicated Sae-rom's multifaceted talents and her determination to enter the entertainment industry. Although these were relatively small roles, they provided crucial experience and exposure, serving as stepping stones toward her eventual path to becoming fromis_9's leader.

The foundation laid during these early years - her education at arts-focused institutions and preliminary entertainment industry experiences - ultimately prepared her for the rigorous training period of 4 years and 7 months that would precede her official debut with fromis_9.

Pre-Debut Journey and Idol School

Modeling and part-time work before debut

Long before her K-pop debut, Lee Sae-rom explored various avenues in the entertainment industry. In June 2014, she appeared as a contestant on the second season of Mnet's Dancing9, where she showcased her exceptional dancing abilities. This early television exposure represented just one facet of her pre-idol career.

After experiencing a failed debut opportunity, Sae-rom found herself at a crossroads. "After my debut fell through, I was going through a difficult time and started working as a fitting model to help a friend who was running a shopping mall," she revealed. This part-time modeling work became more than just a temporary job—she even considered making it a permanent career path, studying related books to potentially launch her own shopping mall business.

Sae-rom's visual appeal led to several opportunities, including appearing in a promotional video for Korea Customs Service. Her early entertainment portfolio expanded with an appearance in BEAST & APINK's "5! My Baby" music video, providing her valuable on-camera experience that would serve her well in her future career.

Joining Idol School and ranking 3rd

In July 2017, Sae-rom's path took a decisive turn when she joined Mnet's reality competition "Idol School". The program aimed to form a 9-member girl group from 41 female participants over an 11-week period. Initially, she wasn't among the top contenders, failing to debut in the top 10 rankings during the pilot episode.

Nevertheless, as the competition progressed, viewers began noticing her unique charms and talents. By the end of the show's second episode, she had secured a place in the top 10. During episode 3, she even earned the coveted "killing part" for her group's cover of BLACKPINK's "Whistle," further cementing her position as a serious contender.

Throughout the competition, Sae-rom's standings fluctuated—at one point reaching as high as second place. Her perseverance paid off when she ultimately finished the competition in third place with an impressive 71,037 votes, securing her position in what would become fromis_9.

Training period and challenges faced

Behind Sae-rom's success lay years of dedication and perseverance. Prior to her Idol School appearance, she had undergone a rigorous training period of 4 years and 7 months, including time at Nextar Entertainment. At Nextar, she was originally slated to debut in a drama in 2013, but the plan unfortunately fell through.

This failed debut opportunity represented just one of many challenges Sae-rom faced on her path to stardom. She candidly shared her struggles: "I was going through a difficult time". Like fellow group member Lee Seo-yeon, she "overcame difficulties and made it to the finish line".

The transition from trainee to leader also presented its own set of challenges. "At home and during my trainee days, I was the youngest wherever I went, so at first I felt burdened by the thought that I had to lead the team as the eldest," she confessed. Consequently, she worked hard to conceal her vulnerabilities, particularly when delivering constructive criticism to younger members.

Despite these obstacles, Sae-rom's resilience and determination ultimately led to her debut with fromis_9, where she was chosen as the group's captain due to her age and prior industry experience.

Debut with fromis_9 and Rise to Fame

Debut with 'To. Heart' in 2018

After months of anticipation following Idol School's conclusion, fromis_9's official debut finally materialized on January 24, 2018, with the release of their first extended play (EP) titled "To. Heart". The physical album came in two distinct versions—Green and Blue—offering fans multiple collecting options. This debut EP featured six tracks, including the self-titled lead single "To. Heart" and fan-favorite "Miracle," both of which received promotion on music shows.

The group's debut proved commercially promising as the EP debuted at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart issued on January 27, 2018. Notably, Lee Sae-rom contributed to the album beyond her performing duties by participating in songwriting for "The Way to Me," the introductory track.

Initial public reception and group dynamics

The initial journey of fromis_9 presented unique challenges as the group temporarily operated with only eight members. Shortly after their debut, member Jang Gyuri participated in another survival show, prompting fromis_9 to continue as an eight-member ensemble for their second EP, "To. Day," released on June 5, 2018.

A significant shift occurred on September 21, 2018, when fromis_9 came under new management with Off The Record Entertainment, an agency exclusively established for fromis_9 and IZ*ONE. This change preceded an important milestone—the group's first release with all nine members reunited after Jang Gyuri's return.

On October 10, 2018, fromis_9 released a special single album titled "From.9" featuring what would become their breakout hit, "Love Bomb". This release marked a turning point in their recognition and popularity. Subsequently, the group made their acting debut in a web series called "Welcome to Heal Inn," which premiered on October 30, 2018, on their official VLive page. Interestingly, this series was filmed during Jang's absence, with a second season later announced on February 8, 2019, this time including Jang Gyuri as a "new traveller".

Her role in shaping fromis_9's image

As the oldest member and designated "captain" of fromis_9, Lee Sae-rom played a crucial role in establishing the group's identity. According to fellow members, her leadership style wasn't characterized by commanding charisma, but rather by warmth and attentiveness. She was described as someone who "carefully observes her surroundings and takes care of things that others tend to miss".

One remarkable example of her leadership came when Jang Gyuri returned to the group after her temporary absence. To prevent any feelings of alienation, Sae-rom gathered the members together before Gyuri's return and made a thoughtful decision: they would refrain from discussing "all the rules or stories" created during the four-month separation, effectively welcoming Gyuri back as if she had never left.

Beyond her administrative leadership, Sae-rom contributed to expanding the group's artistic image. In 2019, during the group's eight-month hiatus between "From.9" and their next release "FUN FACTORY," she participated in a Flaylist performance alongside fellow member Seoyeon. The duo performed choreography to Lee Gi-kwang's "Dream," showcasing Sae-rom's dancing abilities and revealing a more mature performance style that contrasted with fromis_9's usual bright concept.

Her commitment to the group's success was perhaps best expressed in her own words: "When we debuted as 9 members and went out on stage, I wanted to show that I had practiced a lot and grown a lot... That's why I think I have to work even harder". This dedication undoubtedly contributed to fromis_9's growing popularity as they continued to release successful singles throughout their career.

The Role of a Captain: Leadership in fromis_9

Why 'Captain' instead of 'Leader'?

In contrast to most K-pop groups, fromis_9 opted for a distinctive title for their leadership position. The group uniquely uses the term Captain instead of the standard "Leader" designation. This subtle yet meaningful distinction helped establish fromis_9's individual identity within the competitive K-pop landscape.

Following the conclusion of Idol School and confirmation of the debut lineup, it seemed natural that Lee Sae-rom, as the eldest member, would assume the leadership role. This expectation became reality when she was officially announced as the group's leader through their social media channels after debut. Her selection as captain stemmed primarily from her age advantage and accumulated industry experience, giving her the perspective needed to guide her younger groupmates.

How Saerom led the group through transitions

Throughout fromis_9's journey, Lee Sae-rom navigated numerous challenges with remarkable poise. One defining moment of her leadership came when member Jang Gyuri temporarily left the group for approximately four months to participate in Produce 48. In order to prevent any sense of alienation upon Gyuri's return, Sae-rom proactively gathered the members and made a strategic decision: they would not discuss any rules or stories developed during Gyuri's absence, essentially welcoming her back as if she had never left.

In essence, Sae-rom's leadership evolved over time. She candidly admitted, "At home and during my trainee days, I was the youngest wherever I went, so at first I felt burdened by the thought that I had to lead the team as the eldest". This transition from being the youngest to the oldest member responsible for the group's direction required significant personal growth.

Interestingly, Sae-rom revealed that her MBTI personality type actually changed while serving as captain, shifting from INFP to INTP—a transformation she confirmed after taking the test multiple times. She attributed this change directly to her leadership responsibilities, noting that she developed a more rational approach to problem-solving.

Her leadership style and member relationships

Sae-rom's leadership approach wasn't characterized by commanding charisma but rather by a warm attentiveness. She became known for "carefully observing her surroundings and taking care of things that others tend to miss". Generally avoiding confrontation, she felt uncomfortable delivering criticism, preferring gentle encouragement: "Just try a little harder... I'm asking you...".

Evidently, Sae-rom tailored her communication style to each member's needs. "There are small differences in how I talk to the members," she explained. "Jisun, Seoyeon and Nagyung quickly get on board if I tell them the facts... with Hayoung and Jiheon things work out best with empathy and encouragement".

The pressure of leadership eventually took its toll. "I pushed myself to the point of burnout," she revealed. "Around our fifth year, I sought counseling and discovered that my stress was largely due to my overwhelming sense of responsibility". Henceforth, she wondered if her perfectionism had inadvertently made things difficult for her fellow members.

Despite these challenges, Sae-rom's dedication to her role remained unwavering. She prioritized the group's unity, firmly believing that fromis_9 was "truly complete only when all eight members stood together"—a testament to her inclusive leadership philosophy that helped shape the group's cohesive image and sound.

Creative Contributions and Music Credits

Songs written by Lee Sae-rom

Beyond her duties as captain, Lee Sae-rom significantly shaped fromis_9's musical identity through her songwriting contributions. Throughout her career with the group, she accumulated an impressive catalog of writing credits across multiple albums. Her earliest writing credit appeared on fromis_9's debut EP "To. Heart" (2018), where she contributed to the introductory track "The Way to Me". This early involvement in the creative process demonstrated her artistic ambitions beyond performing.

As the group evolved, hence did Lee Sae-rom's songwriting portfolio. She contributed writing for "Close To Me" on their second EP "To. Day" (2018). Throughout 2020, her creative output expanded with writing credits for two tracks on the "My Little Society" EP – namely "Somebody to Love" and "Fish". Her songwriting journey continued through 2023 with "Eye Contact" from the "Unlock My World" album.

Most recently, Lee Sae-rom secured writing credits for multiple tracks on fromis_9's 2024 releases, including "Beat the Heat," "Supersonic," "Take a Chance," "From," and "from". This consistent growth as a songwriter throughout her career showcased her ongoing dedication to developing her artistic capabilities alongside her leadership responsibilities.

Her influence on fromis_9's sound

Lee Sae-rom's artistic vision directly influenced fromis_9's musical direction, specifically regarding the conceptual framework of their releases. For the "Memento Box" album, she articulated its meaning as "collecting precious memories of the summer days in a treasure chest". Regarding the lead single "Stay This Way," she explained the song "tells the story of an impromptu trip, breaking away from the dull and exhausting days".

Uniquely, she recognized the qualities that made their music connect with audiences. Regarding the reception of "Stay This Way," she observed: "I think the album and 'Stay This Way' are receiving a great response because of the funky, groovy mood that best suits the hot summer. It simultaneously depicts an uplifting ambiance giving out energy to our listeners". This insight reflected her understanding of how musical elements resonated with their audience.

Collaborations and lyrical themes

Within fromis_9, the creative process involved close collaboration among members. Alongside other members like Roh Ji Sun, Lee Sae-rom participated in the collective decision-making regarding their musical direction. For their hit "Stay This Way," she noted it was "a song that both our label and our members simultaneously agreed on for the lead single".

The group's approach to recording certainly reflected their collaborative spirit and commitment to authenticity. According to fellow member Lee Seo Yeon, they "try to get the recording done in less than an hour because we believe a song is best recorded when it captures the initial feelings". This focus on preserving emotional authenticity likely influenced the lyrical themes in Lee Sae-rom's writing as well.

Thematically, her songwriting tended toward positivity and energy. As observed by member Lee Chae Young: "We always try our best to bring out the positive energy by encouraging each other before the recording or going on stage". This collective approach to creating an uplifting atmosphere undoubtedly shaped the lyrical content of their releases, including tracks co-written by Lee Sae-rom.

Personality, Habits, and Lifestyle

Her MBTI and personality traits

Beneath the polished idol image, Lee Sae-rom possesses a thoughtful and analytical mind. Officially tested as an INTP in 2022, her personality type evolved from her previous INFP classification. This shift possibly reflects her growth through years of leadership responsibilities. Those who know her describe her personality as caring, optimistic, and playful, qualities that endeared her to both groupmates and fans alike.

Interestingly, Sae-rom displays remarkable duality in her behavior. She often appears cute and affectionate toward her members off-camera yet can immediately switch to her more serious captain persona when duty calls. Fellow fromis_9 members have affectionately pointed out this contrast, highlighting how she balances warmth with responsibility.

Food preferences and daily routines

Regarding her culinary preferences, Sae-rom gravitates toward nutritious options. She particularly enjoys tuna, jazz music, healthy home-cooked meals, and miso soup. Her father's homemade potato ongsimi (a Korean soup) remains among her favorite dishes. Unlike many idols, she actively avoids chocolate and tends to order healthier beverages like omija tea when visiting cafes.

Throughout her time as an idol, Sae-rom maintained strict personal habits. She never sleeps without properly washing up and changing into pajamas, plus frequently cleans her bed. After leaving fromis_9, she mentioned, "I've built a routine, I visit cafés in the morning or go to the library", contrasting with her previous schedule-driven lifestyle.

Her motto and emotional side

Lee Sae-rom lives by a powerful personal philosophy: "Happiness is a habit. Carry it with your body". This motto perfectly encapsulates her approach to life—embracing joy as an intentional practice rather than a fleeting emotional state.

Despite her composed exterior, Sae-rom possesses a deeply sensitive nature. Alongside Hayoung and Gyuri, she formed the "Unnies line" known for crying easily. In a moment of vulnerability, she admitted: "If I could go back, I'd tell myself, 'It's okay to ease up a little.' I never realized how much pressure I put on myself until I became a leader".