Kim Chaewon: The Untold Story of LE SSERAFIM's Leader

Kim Chaewon transformed from an 11-month trainee to a successful K-pop idol, showcasing remarkable determination in the competitive music industry. Born on August 1, 2000, in Seoul's Gangnam-gu, she quickly proved her talents by securing the 10th position among 96 contestants in the survival show Produce 48 in 2018.

Before joining LE SSERAFIM, Kim Chae-won was a member of the project girl group IZ*ONE, where she debuted with 238,192 votes as a lead vocalist and lead dancer. Currently, at 24 years old, Chaewon LE SSERAFIM's journey took a significant turn when she and former groupmate Sakura signed with Source Music in March 2022. On May 2, 2022, she officially debuted as the leader of LE SSERAFIM with their first mini album "FEARLESS".

Throughout her career, the daughter of theater actress Lee Ran Hee has earned recognition not only for her clear vocal tone but also for her versatility in dance. Additionally, she received the title of Korean ambassador for "MAKE UP FOR EVER" in 2023.

Early life and family background

Born in the affluent district of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on August 1, 2000, Kim Chaewon's upbringing laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry. Her roots and family connections have played a crucial role in shaping her personality and career trajectory as one of K-pop's rising stars.

Growing up in Gangnam, Seoul

Chaewon spent her formative years in Po-dong, a neighborhood within Seoul's prestigious Gangnam district. During her childhood, she attended Seoul Poi Elementary School followed by Guryong Middle School, receiving her early education in one of South Korea's most developed urban areas. Despite growing up in the bustling metropolis of Seoul, Chaewon maintains strong connections to her ancestral roots in Jeolla Province, where her grandparents originally come from.

Throughout her early years, her grandmother played a significant role in her upbringing, taking care of her while her parents worked. This close relationship with her grandmother instilled strong family values in Chaewon from a young age. The influence of her early environment in Gangnam, combined with traditional values from her extended family, created a unique foundation for her future career.

Influence of her mother, Lee Ran-hee

Perhaps the most profound influence on Chaewon's artistic development comes from her mother, Lee Ran-hee, a veteran theater actress with over thirty years of experience in the industry. This maternal connection to the performing arts world likely sparked Chaewon's interest in entertainment from an early age. The mother-daughter duo shares not only a passion for performing but moreover a striking visual resemblance that hasn't gone unnoticed by fans.

During Chaewon's appearance on the survival show Produce 48, her mother briefly appeared on screen and immediately went viral for her beauty. Viewers were stunned to discover that Lee Ran-hee was actually a professional actress, explaining where Chaewon inherited her stunning visuals. Beyond physical attributes, Lee Ran-hee has provided invaluable guidance regarding performance techniques and vocal training.

As a seasoned performer herself, Lee Ran-hee has been instrumental in developing Chaewon's strong vocal foundation and nurturing her love for performing. Their professional discussions about the craft of performance have given Chaewon insights that many young idols lack, contributing to her polished stage presence and confidence.

Supportive family environment

Despite initially being surprised by Chaewon's decision to pursue a career in entertainment rather than a conventional path, her family quickly became her strongest support system. In interviews, Chaewon has explicitly credited her family for helping her develop resilience and a positive outlook, stating: "Ever since I was little, they have always supported me to think positively in any situation, and I think that thanks to them I have become a strong person with confidence".

Chaewon's family unit includes:

Her father who works in a corporate role
An older sister who is six years her senior and works in an office job
Her mother, the theater actress Lee Ran-hee

The LE SSERAFIM leader has mentioned that her sister could "boast about her more often" to coworkers, yet emphasizes their close bond and her sister's behind-the-scenes support. Family gatherings remain important to Chaewon, with holidays and special occasions filled with laughter and shared memories, especially with her grandparents.

Her family consistently provides emotional strength during challenging career moments and regularly attends her concerts. This unwavering support led Chaewon to refer to her family members as "the only heroes who will always be by my side no matter who I am". This strong foundation of love and encouragement has undoubtedly contributed to Chaewon's confidence and determination as she navigated the competitive K-pop industry.

Discovering music and first performances

Long before becoming a K-pop sensation, Kim Chaewon contemplated an entirely different career path. Her journey to stardom began with simple childhood interests that eventually blossomed into the foundations of her future as LE SSERAFIM's leader.

From flight attendant dreams to music

Unlike many idols who report dreaming of stardom from an early age, Kim Chaewon originally had her sights set on the skies. During a television appearance alongside fellow LE SSERAFIM member, Chaewon revealed to host Yoo Jae Suk that she had seriously considered becoming a flight attendant. Though she hadn't developed specific skills for this occupation, the thought had lingered in her mind as a potential career path.

Beyond her interest in aviation, Chaewon briefly explored athletics as well. She mentioned having an interest in basketball prior to her debut. However, this sporting adventure proved short-lived as she candidly admitted that "the ball was too heavy compared to [her] weight," steering her away from pursuing it further.

These early career considerations gradually gave way as her natural talents and interests in performing arts began to surface. The shift from flight attendant aspirations to music represented a significant turning point in her life trajectory, ultimately leading her toward the path that would define her future.

KBS Children's Song Contest appearance

Contrary to popular belief that Kim Chaewon made her television debut through 'Produce 48,' her first broadcast appearance actually occurred much earlier. On November 3, 2012, while still attending Seoul Poi Elementary School, Chaewon participated in a choir competition that was broadcast on KBS.

As a sixth-grader, she joined the "Poi Elementary Choir" for the 2012 KBS Creative Children's Song Contest. In this performance, Chaewon and her classmates performed the song "말의 향기" (The Scent of Words). Video footage that later resurfaced online showed a young Chaewon with her black hair pulled into a high ponytail, her distinctive large, round eyes already recognizable as the same features she would become known for years later.

This early television appearance foreshadowed her future in entertainment, though at the time, it was simply a school activity rather than a career-focused endeavor. Nevertheless, it represented her first taste of performing before an audience and cameras – an experience that would become central to her life in the years ahead.

Early passion for singing and dancing

Throughout her childhood and early teen years, Chaewon cultivated her artistic abilities by practicing singing and dancing at home. This informal training laid the groundwork for the skills that would later become her professional specialty. However, it wasn't until high school that she began seriously considering a career as an idol.

Chaewon's musical interests were evident in her hobbies and personal pastimes. She developed a particular fondness for watching choreography videos, suggesting an early interest in dance performance. Furthermore, she enjoyed listening to ballads, developing her ear for vocal techniques and emotional expression through music.

As a young music enthusiast, Chaewon became a fan of prominent Korean artists including IU and the group KARA, frequently singing their songs as a child. This practice not only brought her joy but inadvertently provided valuable vocal training. Her passion for singing continued into her trainee days and beyond, as she frequently practiced at her dorm, sometimes even harmonizing with her group members.

These early expressions of musical interest ultimately coalesced into focused aspirations. After developing her singing and dancing skills throughout her youth, Chaewon would eventually commit to an 11-month training period before appearing on 'Produce 48' – the competition that would launch her career. The transition from a child with casual musical interests to a dedicated trainee illustrated the evolution of her passion into professional ambition, setting the stage for her future achievements with IZ*ONE and later as LE SSERAFIM's leader.

School years and training journey

As Kim Chaewon's passion for music grew stronger throughout her teenage years, her educational journey took a significant turn toward the arts. This pivot in her academic path ultimately aligned with her emerging career aspirations in the entertainment industry.

Transition to Hanlim Multi Art School

After attending Seoul Poi Elementary School and Guryong Middle School, Chaewon initially enrolled at Gaepo High School. Yet, as her interest in performing arts intensified, she made a pivotal decision to transfer to Hanlim Multi Art School. This specialized institution, renowned for nurturing entertainment talents, allowed her to focus on her artistic development as a student in the Broadcasting & Entertainment Department.

The structured curriculum at Hanlim provided valuable industry exposure alongside academic requirements. On February 12, 2019, Chaewon graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School, marking an important milestone in her journey. During her time at Hanlim, she balanced rigorous training with academic responsibilities, even taking college entrance exams during the first season of IZ*ONE Chu.

Auditions and joining Woollim Entertainment

Although Chaewon had been singing and dancing at home throughout elementary and middle school, it wasn't until high school that she seriously considered pursuing a career as an idol. Following this realization, she courageously auditioned for multiple entertainment agencies.

After several attempts, Woollim Entertainment recognized her potential and accepted her as a trainee. This achievement represented a crucial turning point in her career trajectory. Even as a trainee, Chaewon gained early industry experience through a brief appearance in the music video for Golden Child's debut single "LET ME". Although her screen time was limited, this opportunity gave her firsthand exposure to professional production environments.

Woollim Entertainment documented her participation in this project, posting behind-the-scenes photos on their official blog. This experience, alongside her participation in various talent shows during her school years, helped cultivate her performance skills before her official debut.

Training for Produce 48

At Woollim Entertainment, Chaewon underwent an intensive training period that lasted precisely 11 months. Throughout this time, she developed her singing and dancing abilities alongside fellow trainees, including her future IZ*ONE groupmate Kwon Eunbi, who had trained at Woollim for significantly longer—5 years and 6 months.

In 2018, she represented Woollim Entertainment on the survival show Produce 48 alongside Kwon Eun-bi and two other labelmates who would eventually debut in Rocket Punch. Given her relatively brief training period, Chaewon later acknowledged feeling inadequately prepared during her time with IZ*ONE.

After IZ*ONE's disbandment in 2021, Chaewon temporarily returned to Woollim Entertainment as a trainee. In this second training period, she focused intensely on strengthening her foundational skills. She committed herself to mastering new dance styles, filming weekly choreography videos for feedback, and exploring diverse vocal techniques beyond her comfort zone. This dedication to improvement ultimately prepared her for her next career chapter as LE SSERAFIM's leader.

Produce 48: The turning point

Produce 48 emerged as the decisive watershed moment in Kim Chaewon's career path, transforming her from an obscure trainee to a recognized idol. The survival show's grueling competition and televised format provided the perfect stage for her quiet talents to shine.

Initial performance and dorm life

In April 2018, Chaewon joined 95 other hopefuls as contestants began moving into dedicated dormitories specifically arranged for Produce 48 filming. This marked her first experience with communal living alongside competitors from both Korean entertainment companies and Japanese idol groups. The contestants spent approximately one week in these accommodations during the initial filming phase.

Dorm life proved challenging yet formative for Chaewon, as she later revealed in interviews about sneaking out with fellow trainees. "We had a penalty system with fines for unauthorized exits, so we had to be extremely careful," she explained about their rare escapes from the monitored environment.

The first filming consisted of audition performances organized by entertainment company, following the established format from previous Produce 101 seasons. Despite her limited 11-month training period, Chaewon managed to secure the 21st position in the first episode's rankings.

Key stages and fan recognition

Throughout the program, Chaewon maintained a consistent presence without ever breaking into the coveted top spots that guaranteed extensive screen time. Her rankings fluctuated between positions 21 and 30, neither high enough to establish her as a frontrunner nor low enough to face immediate elimination.

In essence, Chaewon's journey through Produce 48 exemplified steady determination over flashy popularity. Even without headline-grabbing moments, she steadily built a reputation for reliable performances, particularly showcasing her vocal abilities. As the competition progressed, viewers gradually recognized her potential as "arguably the second best vocalist after Yuri".

Final ranking and debut in IZ*ONE

The climactic finale on August 31, 2018, proved nail-biting for Chaewon's supporters. Host Lee Seung-gi dramatically revealed the contenders for the crucial 12th position, naming Takeuchi Miyu, Kim Chaewon, Han Cho-won, and Honda Hitomi as possibilities. The tension mounted as rankings were announced from 11th place upward.

Accordingly, when Kim Chaewon secured the 10th place with precisely 238,192 votes, the achievement represented a remarkable victory. This final ranking allowed her to debut alongside her Woollim Entertainment labelmate Kwon Eun-bi in the project group IZ*ONE.

The group's formation was officially announced during the finale, with all twelve winners, including Chaewon, earning the opportunity to promote together for two years and six months. This milestone officially launched Chaewon into the spotlight, beginning her transformation from a trainee with minimal recognition to a member of one of K-pop's most anticipated new groups.

Life and growth in IZ*ONE

After earning her place in IZ*ONE through Produce 48, Kim Chaewon quickly established herself as an essential member of the group, evolving from a relatively unknown trainee into a recognized idol with distinctive talents and contributions.

Debut with 'Color*IZ'

Kim Chaewon officially debuted as an IZONE member on October 29, 2018, with the release of their first mini-album "COLORIZ" and its lead single "La Vie en Rose". The debut proved remarkably successful, as COLORIZ achieved the highest first-day sales for a debut album in Korea, breaking the record previously set by BLACKPINK. Consequently, IZONE joined the ranks of Girls' Generation, TWICE, and BLACKPINK as the only Korean girl groups to reach 100,000 sales on the Hanteo charts.

In this debut, Chaewon immediately caught attention as IZ*ONE's core lead vocalist, taking on chorus parts alongside main vocalist Cho Yuri thanks to her attractive tone and consistently stable vocal skills. Her contributions to b-side tracks like "Beautiful Colors" received particularly positive responses, with fans noting how her bright melody and clear tone complemented the song perfectly.

Vocal development and stage presence

Throughout her time in IZONE, Chaewon steadily enhanced her vocal abilities and stage presence. In the group's second mini-album HEARTIZ, she took charge of the first part of the chorus in "Up to the Sky" plus handled ad-libbing during climax sections. Subsequently, for their first studio album BLOOM*IZ, she received the second most parts in the title track "FIESTA," second only to main vocalist Yuri.

Music critics often noted that Chaewon's true value emerged in songs requiring particularly high notes. Her distinctive characteristics included:

Clear, clean high notes that balanced against Yuri's richer vocals
Consistent assignment to chorus and bridge parts
Taking on the most high-pitched sections after Cho Yuri

Following BLOOMIZ's release, Chaewon's fancams became the most popular among all IZONE members. Fans dubbed her a "hidden gem" and "pro idol," praising her versatility in executing both cute and sexy concepts with equal proficiency. One admirer noted, "She's the star of this comeback if we're being honest".

Songwriting and composition credits

Besides her vocal contributions, Chaewon began developing as a songwriter during her IZONE years. In 2020, she received her first music composition credit on the group's third mini-album "Oneiric Diary" for the track "WithOne".

Later that same year, Chaewon expanded her creative involvement by contributing both lyrics and composition for "Slow Journey," featured on IZ*ONE's final EP "One-reeler / Act IV" released on December 7, 2020. These songwriting efforts demonstrated her artistic growth beyond performing, hinting at the creative potential she would continue to develop in her future career with LE SSERAFIM.

Reinvention with LE SSERAFIM

Following IZ*ONE's disbandment in April 2021, Kim Chaewon faced a crucial career crossroads that would ultimately lead to her reinvention as one of K-pop's most compelling performers.

Leaving Woollim and joining Source Music

Upon returning to Woollim Entertainment after IZONE, Chaewon experienced profound uncertainty about her future direction. "I wrapped up my time with IZONE last year but then I became worried and uncertain about what I should do going forward. Two and a half years isn't very long to be in a group, after all," she revealed in a Weverse Magazine interview.

At this pivotal moment, Source Music (under HYBE Labels) approached her with an offer to join their new girl group. Chaewon explained, "That's when SOURCE MUSIC told me they were making a new group and made me an offer, and the people at my previous label supported me and respected my decision, and that's how I ended up making a fresh start somewhere new".

Contrary to rumors that Woollim "sold" her contract due to financial difficulties, Chaewon clarified that the decision was mutual and respectful. She emphasized, "It's not easy changing labels, being a trainee again, and having to start everything over from the beginning. But I thought I would have regretted it if I didn't do it".

Re-debut preparation and image shift

Chaewon's transformation from her IZ*ONE image to LE SSERAFIM's concept became a hot topic among fans. In October 2022, netizens created online discussions titled "Isn't it so cool how much Kim Chaewon's image changed?".

Whereas in IZ*ONE she had portrayed a brighter, cuter image with colorful styling, her LE SSERAFIM persona emerged as more mature and "hip". Fans commented: "She got so hip," and "Both are pretty, but her current style is more eye-catching and makes her seem more like a celebrity".

Throughout her trainee period at Source Music, Chaewon focused intently on rebuilding her skills. "I thought I should use this opportunity to properly experience all the parts of trainee life that I couldn't before and work on my skills from the ground up," she shared. This included re-learning dance basics, exploring freestyle, and completing weekly choreography recordings for detailed feedback.

Bond with Sakura and new group dynamics

In a surprising twist of fate, Chaewon reunited with former IZ*ONE bandmate Sakura at Source Music. "I never could have imagined I would be working with her again. Life throws you curveballs," Chaewon remarked.

Remarkably, despite promoting together in IZ*ONE for 2.5 years, they weren't particularly close initially. "There were a lot of members, plus we didn't have a lot of time together. It was amazing the way I got to know Kkura better only after coming here," Chaewon explained. Their relationship evolved dramatically, with Chaewon noting, "We're so close now that I can't understand why we were never close back then".

Their shared experience of re-starting as trainees created a unique bond. "I would have felt very anxious if I had been in this unfamiliar place by myself, but thanks to Kkura being there, I felt reassured," Chaewon admitted. This partnership provided emotional support through the challenges of rebuilding their careers together.

Becoming the leader of LE SSERAFIM

Unlike many K-pop groups where the eldest member typically assumes leadership, Kim Chaewon's appointment as LE SSERAFIM's leader came through a more unexpected path. The 24-year-old's journey to leadership demonstrates how her natural abilities emerged even as she initially questioned her own readiness for such responsibility.

How she was chosen as leader

The decision to appoint Chaewon as leader occurred during a pivotal company-organized workshop. Afterward, the members met with executives from HYBE and Source Music for an important announcement. The planning team had unanimously decided on Chaewon based on her quick thinking and clever responses during group activities. Kim Hyung Eun, Lead Artist Management, explained, "Chaewon responded faster than we expected so we decided it'll be Chaewon".

Indeed, contrary to industry norms where the oldest member assumes leadership, Sakura (the eldest) declined the position, feeling unsuited for the role. This unusual selection process highlighted the company's focus on natural aptitude over traditional seniority.

Leadership style and daily responsibilities

Upon receiving this title, Chaewon immediately established her approach: "Nothing changes just because I'm the leader. I prefer that we all speak our opinions and work as a team together like usual. Treat me like you always have". Her leadership philosophy centers on creating emotional stability within the group.

In practice, her responsibilities include:

Explaining technical aspects like microphone setup before performances
Guiding newer members through performance procedures
Representing LE SSERAFIM in public settings and interviews
Providing emotional support to members facing challenges

In interviews, Chaewon characterized her leadership role as being "a rock" who "makes everything smooth" when problems arise. She remarked, "I think a group needs to have someone stable like that".

Balancing friendship and authority

Fundamentally, Chaewon initially hesitated to accept the leadership position, revealing: "I had to build up a lot of courage to agree to be the leader when the label made the suggestion but now I have no idea what I was so worried about". This hesitation stemmed partly from her family background—being the youngest among all her relatives meant she lacked experience leading others.

Meanwhile, she maintains a delicate balance between leadership and friendship. When facing her own concerns, she typically confides in Sakura, noting: "I also want to depend on the other members too, but I'm worried that I might discourage the team's morale by sharing my worries to the other members who are younger than me". This careful consideration demonstrates her thoughtfulness about how her emotions might impact the group.

In essence, Chaewon's leadership journey reflects remarkable growth from someone who "did whatever other people told me to do" to someone who guides others with confidence. As she expressed, "Being a leader has made me more responsible and more mature".

Achievements, challenges, and public image

Chaewon's post-debut achievements with LE SSERAFIM highlight her expanding influence in the global music scene, balancing major successes with honest acknowledgment of growth areas.

Performing at Coachella 2024

First and foremost, April 2024 marked a historic milestone when LE SSERAFIM became the fastest-invited K-pop group to perform at Coachella, appearing at the prestigious festival before their two-year debut anniversary. The group delivered an electrifying 40-minute set featuring ten songs, including hits like "ANTIFRAGILE," "FEARLESS," and "UNFORGIVEN". Their performance even included a surprise appearance by Nile Rodgers.

Yet, this breakthrough moment wasn't without challenges. Amid criticism regarding live vocals during their Coachella appearance, Chaewon directly addressed the issue months later at an August 2024 press conference: "There were many regrettable aspects about the Coachella stage... we unknowingly became excited and lost control of our pace, which led to many shortcomings".

Endorsements and brand deals

Notably, August 2024 brought another career milestone when Swarovski announced Chaewon as their South Korean ambassador, marking her first solo partnership with a luxury fashion brand.

Viral fan moments and FAQs

Overall, Chaewon's sincerity continues winning fans' hearts, exemplified during the Manila concert where she emotionally responded to audience support: "Honestly, I think it's been the best city so far... I feel like crying after reading that". These authentic moments consistently strengthen her connection with supporters worldwide.