Who Is Hong Eunchae? Meet LE SSERAFIM's Talented Maknae

Mastering complex choreography in just two hours is impressive for any dancer, but Hong Eunchae accomplished this feat with LE SSERAFIM's debut song "FEARLESS" at merely 15 years old. Despite her young age, she quickly proved herself as an essential member of the group after being introduced as the third member on April 6, 2022.

Following a training period of just over one year at Source Music, Eunchae officially debuted with LE SSERAFIM on May 2, 2022. As the vocalist, lead dancer, and maknae of the group, she has earned affectionate nicknames like "Smile Potato" and "Happy Virus" due to her infectious positivity. Notably, the group achieved remarkable success quickly, earning their first win just 8 days after debut. Furthermore, Eunchae's talents extended beyond performing when she was announced as the newest MC for the popular South Korean music show Music Bank on February 3, 2023.

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Born on November 10, 2006, in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Hong Eunchae's journey to becoming the beloved maknae of LE SSERAFIM began in a typical South Korean household. Shortly after her birth, her family relocated to Namhyeon-dong in the Gwanak-gu district, where she would spend most of her formative years.

Childhood in Seoul and family background

As the youngest of two children, Eunchae grew up with an older brother born in 2003. Throughout her childhood, she developed a reputation for being exceptionally energetic and lively. According to former classmates, young Eunchae could hardly sit still, displaying what many described as a "tomboy" personality.

Her natural athleticism became apparent early on as she enjoyed playing soccer and baseball with boys in her neighborhood and cited physical education as her favorite class. Standing at 170 cm tall with blood type A, Eunchae's physical attributes complemented her active lifestyle.

Beyond sports, Eunchae demonstrated leadership qualities from an early age. During her time at Seoul Sadang Elementary School, she served as the student council president and participated actively in the media club. Subsequently, while attending Inhun Middle School, she continued her involvement in student government and joined the athletics club during her first year because she admired the older students.

"I joined the athletics club in my first year of middle school because the older girls looked so cool playing sports, and I was even in a netball tournament," Eunchae once shared in an interview.

Discovering dance through after-school programs

Eunchae's passion for dance emerged naturally through her social environment. During her elementary school days, K-pop was extremely popular among her friend group. This cultural influence sparked her initial interest in music and movement.

"I always had to enter the talent show whenever we had one," Eunchae recalled. These school performances became her first stage, where she practiced dancing and singing with friends.

The pivotal moment in her dance journey came when she enrolled in broadcast dance classes as an after-school activity. After experiencing the joy of learning K-pop choreography, her interest intensified. Seeking guidance, she approached her teacher about pursuing dance more seriously.

"I love dancing. What should I do to learn more?" she asked her instructor, who recommended attending a proper dance academy.

Gathering her courage, Eunchae sent her mother a lengthy message via KakaoTalk, explaining her passion for dance and expressing her dream of becoming an idol. Her parents proved supportive of her aspirations, allowing her to take the next step in her journey.

The year 2018 marked a significant turning point for Eunchae. After watching a performance by the K-pop group Seventeen, she firmly decided to pursue a career as an idol.

Joining DEF Dance Skool at age 12

In February 2019, at just 12 years old, Eunchae enrolled in DEF Dance Skool, a prestigious dance academy in South Korea known for training aspiring singers, dancers, and idols.

Throughout her approximately two years at the academy, Eunchae's relationship with dance evolved from casual interest to dedicated study. She received formal training in various dance techniques and participated in creating K-pop dance covers for the school's YouTube channel.

Interestingly, during her time at DEF Dance Skool, Eunchae trained alongside other future K-pop stars, including Huening Bahiyyih who would later debut with Kep1er.

Her hard work and natural talent caught attention at the right moment. In January 2021, Source Music conducted auditions at DEF Dance Skool, where they recruited Eunchae. This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional journey toward becoming an idol.

After joining Source Music, she underwent intensive training for exactly 1 year and 4 months before eventually being introduced as the youngest member of LE SSERAFIM.

Training Journey and Joining Source Music

Hong Eunchae's path to becoming an idol wasn't straightforward, requiring multiple auditions and significant perseverance as she navigated the challenging K-pop training system.

Auditioning for JYP and Pledis

Eunchae's first audition experience came through her dance academy in February 2020, where she passed initial rounds for both JYP Entertainment and Pledis Entertainment. Her motivation for auditioning at JYP was particularly meaningful - she was inspired by TWICE. "Back then, after seeing TWICE, I really wanted to go to JYP," Eunchae once revealed.

At the JYP audition, Eunchae demonstrated exceptional potential, advancing to the final round alongside just one other candidate after outperforming hundreds of applicants. However, the pressure of the moment proved overwhelming. Facing her competitor, whom she perceived as "very pretty and tall," Eunchae experienced a sudden wave of self-doubt. This momentary lack of confidence led her to make a critical error - changing her prepared audition song at the last minute, which ultimately resulted in her not being selected.

Nevertheless, this setback didn't diminish her determination. After her unsuccessful attempts at JYP and Pledis Entertainment, Eunchae continued pursuing her dream, gathering valuable experience with each audition.

Becoming a trainee at Source Music in 2021

In January 2021, Eunchae's perseverance paid off as she officially joined Source Music as a trainee. Interestingly, her path to Source Music had an unexpected connection to her previous auditions. The casting manager who had initially seen Eunchae at her earlier JYP audition had moved to Source Music and specifically sought her out at her dance academy.

"I am so grateful to her even now," Eunchae has said about this casting manager who recognized her talent and gave her another opportunity. This fortunate connection became a pivotal turning point in her career trajectory.

Upon joining Source Music, Eunchae had modest expectations about her debut timeline. "I was thinking I would be able to debut around 2024 or so," she admitted. Therefore, she was completely stunned when, after only about six months as a trainee, she received news that she would debut much sooner. "I honestly thought I was dreaming," she recalled of that moment.

Overcoming early struggles and self-doubt

The initial training period proved exceptionally challenging for Eunchae. She frequently called her parents expressing her difficulties and contemplating quitting. "I cried on the way home when I first became a trainee and I said to my mom, 'I'm quitting,'" she confessed.

Additionally, Eunchae struggled with intense self-criticism. "When I get deep into my thoughts, I really get in deep, so when I feel a little upset because I'm not doing as well in practice as I want to, I can't stop thinking about it," she explained about her tendency to overthink.

The pressure intensified further after she learned she would debut with LE SSERAFIM. "I actually cried on the first or second day right after I joined. There was so much to catch up on, and so much that I had to do, and I really wanted to do it well, but I felt like I wasn't good enough," Eunchae shared. This vulnerable moment actually became a bonding experience with her future group members as they cried together, ultimately strengthening their connection.

Through this rigorous process, Eunchae developed resilience and perspective. "I thought it was a process I just had to go through with because I knew how hard and stressful it would be and still chose to do it. Now I think about how I really, really would have regretted it if I gave up and that it's a good thing I didn't," she reflected. These hardships gradually shaped her personality, making her more introspective and determined.

Debut with LE SSERAFIM

After six months as a trainee, Eunchae received life-changing news that left her in disbelief - she would debut with LE SSERAFIM much sooner than expected. "I honestly thought I was dreaming," she recalled about that surprising moment. This announcement marked the beginning of an intense journey toward her debut in one of HYBE's most anticipated girl groups.

Being the last member to join

On April 6, 2022, Hong Eunchae was officially introduced as the third member of LE SSERAFIM. As the final addition to the lineup, she faced unique challenges compared to her bandmates. "The others already knew all the choreography and movements when I joined the group, so I felt a lot of pressure to succeed," Eunchae explained.

This pressure proved overwhelming at first. "I actually cried on the first or second day right after I joined. There was so much to catch up on, and so much that I had to do," she admitted. Considering her position as the maknae and newest member, Eunchae worried about becoming a burden to the more experienced members who had been preparing longer.

Learning 'FEARLESS' choreography in 2 hours

Amid the pressure to perform, Eunchae accomplished something remarkable that surprised even her fellow members. Upon receiving the choreography video for their debut song "FEARLESS," she immediately began practicing in front of a mirror. What followed was astonishing - she mastered the entire routine in just two hours.

"The other members were surprised and asked me how I could possibly have done it," Eunchae shared. This feat was especially impressive given the complexity of the choreography and her previous experiences as a trainee. "When I was a trainee and had lots of choreography assignments, it took a few days for me to pick them up," she explained.

Her motivation stemmed from determination not to hold the group back: "More than anything, I just didn't want to be a burden on the other members. I guess I could do it because I thought I really had to do it". This dedication illustrated her commitment to the group's success in spite of her late addition.

Debut date and initial public reception

LE SSERAFIM officially debuted on May 2, 2022, with their first mini-album titled "FEARLESS". The group held their debut showcase at Jangchung Municipal Stadium, where Eunchae "was as energetic as ever and showered people with her infectious personality".

The title track "FEARLESS," described as a "funk and alternative pop genre" song, "exudes a confidence to be unapologetically themselves". This message aligned perfectly with Eunchae's aspiration: "I want people to see me as a confident and courageous person, just like the album concept".

Their debut proved immensely successful. In fact, LE SSERAFIM achieved their first music show win on May 10, 2022, merely eight days after debut. This made them the second-fastest girl group to secure a music show trophy, outpacing even ITZY who had achieved this milestone nine days after their debut.

Throughout this period, the group navigated significant challenges, including the controversy surrounding member Kim Garam. After initially debuting as a six-member group, Garam took a hiatus on May 20 and ultimately departed from LE SSERAFIM on July 20, 2022, with the group continuing as five members.

Balancing School and Idol Life

Like many young K-pop idols, Hong Eunchae's educational journey continued alongside her burgeoning music career, creating unique challenges as she navigated both worlds simultaneously.

Attending Seoul Moonyoung Girls' High School

After graduating from Inhun Middle School, Eunchae enrolled at Seoul Moonyoung Girls' High School. Unlike her elementary and middle school experiences where she fully participated in various activities, her high school journey took a different path. As her commitments with LE SSERAFIM intensified, Eunchae ultimately made the difficult decision to discontinue her formal education, with reliable sources confirming she eventually dropped out of high school to focus on her career.

This decision mirrors the path taken by numerous K-pop idols who face the nearly impossible task of maintaining rigorous academic schedules alongside demanding entertainment careers. For younger idols, this often means choosing between traditional education or pursuing a General Educational Development (GED) test equivalent later.

Managing studies and training schedules

Prior to dropping out, Eunchae made considerable efforts to balance both worlds. "I had to start leaving school early to practice once I became a trainee, so I couldn't spend that much time at school, but I had fun until that happened," she once shared in an interview.

This balancing act is common among K-pop trainees and idols. In South Korea, entertainment agencies typically provide private tutors to support young performers' education. Moreover, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has established regulations limiting work hours for underage entertainers—those aged 12 to 15 can work up to 35 hours weekly or 7 hours daily.

Despite these supports, the reality remains challenging. As one industry observer noted, "For those who do balance university and their idol life, their time management skills must be superhuman to balance two heavy workloads at once".

Dealing with fame at school

Upon returning to school after her debut, Eunchae experienced an immediate transformation in how her classmates perceived her. "When I first went to school after the debut, people suddenly gathered around me," she revealed.

What began as normal school attendance quickly evolved into an impromptu fan event. "There was a line in the hallway," Eunchae recalled, describing how the situation "turned into an autograph event" requiring teacher intervention to disperse the crowd. Surprisingly, even her teacher requested an autograph.

In August 2024, Eunchae publicly addressed a controversy regarding comments she made about student life. During a livestream in March 2023, she had remarked, "You all go to school for a long time. It must be hard," which some school-aged viewers interpreted as dismissive. At LE SSERAFIM's showcase for their mini album "Crazy," she apologized: "I should have known that the closer we are, the more careful I should be... I will show a more responsible image with a careful heart in the future".

Growing Up in the Spotlight

At just 17 years old, Hong Eunchae navigates the complex world of K-pop stardom as one of the industry's youngest active performers. Being in the spotlight since age 15 has presented unique challenges and growth opportunities for LE SSERAFIM's maknae.

Handling public attention at a young age

Eunchae faces scrutiny that most teenagers never experience. In September 2024, she confronted backlash after placing promotional stickers on staff members' belongings during activities for the group's mini-album "Crazy". Though staff members seemed amused by her actions, sharing photos with captions like "My laptop was taken over while I wasn't looking. Eunchae, are you happy?", some critics claimed she had "crossed the line".

Similarly, in August 2024, Eunchae publicly apologized for comments she made about student life during livestreams. "I should have known that the closer we are, the more careful I should be," she acknowledged at a showcase event. These incidents illustrate the intense scrutiny young idols face as they mature under public observation.

Consequently, Eunchae recognizes the responsibility that comes with her position. "I'm busy trying to figure myself out 365 days a year," she once revealed, expressing how she's still discovering her identity amid fame. This self-awareness showcases her maturity beyond her years.

Support from older members

The age gap between Eunchae and her groupmates, particularly Sakura who brings 11 years of idol experience, creates a nurturing dynamic within LE SSERAFIM. After their "FEARLESS" promotions, Sakura wrote Eunchae a heartfelt letter promising, "I'll do all the difficult things for you, so don't worry, just smile," and encouraging her to "Stay as you are. I love you and I'm proud of you".

Eunchae affectionately describes Sakura as "sort of a kind robot" who "always quietly comes over and looks after me". Indeed, this sisterly bond provides crucial emotional support, allowing her to navigate fame while still enjoying aspects of youth.

"I have always been surrounded by love, both at home and within the team," Eunchae explains. "That's why I want to share the happiness that comes from being loved".

Building confidence and stage presence

Although still evolving as an artist, Eunchae demonstrates remarkable growth in her performance skills. "When we were filming the debut trailer, I kept worrying whether I was doing a good job," she recalls. However, an instructor's encouragement to "Show me the cool, indescribable side of you that only comes out when you're dancing" helped her discover new dimensions of her talent.

Despite singing "I'm ANTIFRAGILE" in their hit song, Eunchae admits, "I'm honestly not that strong a person, so the lyrics really felt like my own story". This vulnerability contrasts with her growing confidence on stage, where she's increasingly recognized for her fluid and precise movements.

"I want to be someone who's bright and can give strength to other people," Eunchae shares about her aspirations. "I want to be a really energetic and cheerful artist for the fans". This positive outlook continues to shape her development as she balances growing up with the demands of stardom.

Group Dynamics and Her Role as Maknae

As the youngest of the quintet, Hong Eunchae brings a unique energy to LE SSERAFIM that shapes their group dynamic in meaningful ways.

Relationship with each LE SSERAFIM member

The bond between Eunchae and her unnies (older sisters) runs deep. Upon first meeting, Sakura thought Eunchae "felt like she just needed to go home. She was such a baby". Yet this impression evolved, with Sakura now viewing Eunchae as "more grown-up". Naturally, Eunchae initially expected Sakura to be "colder" yet discovered her to be "very warm".

This warmth extends throughout the group. Eunchae reveals, "I have always been surrounded by love, both at home and within the team". This nurturing environment flourishes even during overseas schedules, where members established a routine of sitting together after performances to share feedback, strengthening their bonds.

How her age affects group chemistry

Despite joining last, Eunchae's youth brings refreshing dynamics to the group. Her teammates know her so well they can predict her habits—like taking "a second bite when eating" if she enjoys the food. Such awareness prompted fans to comment that "despite being a new group, LE SSERAFIM already knows each other well".

Eunchae's position as maknae creates a distinctive atmosphere wherein she's both cared for yet caring. "I want to always be there for my teammates, in sadness and joy". She actively reciprocates the affection, explaining: "Our team is known for how much the youngest member is beloved by the others... I receive so much more from them, so it feels natural to me".

Nicknames like 'Manchae' and 'Happy Virus'

Eunchae carries several endearing nicknames within the fandom. "Manchae" originated when Sakura accidentally combined "maknae" with "Eunchae". Likewise, she's called "Happy Virus" for her contagious positivity, "Smile Potato" for her cheerful demeanor, plus "kitten" and "Squirtle" among others.

Her self-described "playful" personality and ability "to make others laugh" perfectly complement these nicknames, alongside her tendency "to hop and spin when excited"—small behaviors that endear her to both members and fans alike.

Career Highlights and Achievements

Beyond her role as LE SSERAFIM's maknae, Hong Eunchae has built an impressive portfolio of professional achievements, establishing herself as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.

Hosting Music Bank for 1.7 years

In February 2023, Eunchae was selected as an MC for KBS2's popular music show "Music Bank," marking a significant milestone in her young career. Throughout her 1.7-year tenure, she demonstrated remarkable poise and professionalism while interviewing fellow artists and presenting weekly performances. On September 27, 2024, she concluded this chapter with an emotional final broadcast.

"Today, I say my final goodbye. I thank MC Moon SangMin, the viewers, and Piena (LE SSERAFIM's official fandom) who have brightened every Friday with me," Eunchae expressed during her farewell, visibly moved by the experience. All LE SSERAFIM members attended her final recording, showcasing their support. After the broadcast, she shared through Source Music: "I wanted to remember today as a happy and joyful day, not a sad one, so I held back my tears and tried to proceed more energetically".

Brand endorsements and fashion campaigns

Alongside her group members, Eunchae was appointed as a Louis Vuitton House Ambassador in October 2023. This prestigious partnership emerged after LE SSERAFIM performed at the Louis Vuitton afterparty following the brand's fashion show on Jamsugyo Bridge in Seoul. The group subsequently fronted a campaign for a special capsule collection featuring 16 bags exclusive to the South Korean market, plus eight bags released globally.

"They each have such a unique style that together feels very cool and authentic," remarked Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton's Artistic Director of Women's Collections. Additionally, in August 2025, Eunchae was named brand ambassador for the fragrance brand "Vasilisa," further expanding her individual endorsement portfolio.

Contributions to LE SSERAFIM's music

Though primarily recognized for her dancing abilities, Eunchae has also ventured into songwriting. For LE SSERAFIM's debut full-length album "Unforgiven," she contributed lyrics to the gentle acoustic ballad "FEARNOT (Between you, me and the lamppost)". This collaborative track featured lyrical input from all members as a special gift for their fans.

"We all participated in lyric-writing for the first time," Eunchae noted about this creative process, adding, "I think we all were influenced in a positive way by seeing how Yunjin works on her own original songs". For their 2025 single "Spaghetti" featuring BTS's J-Hope, Eunchae explained the concept: "We wanted the visuals to capture the feeling of being stuck in one's brain, like spaghetti stuck in one's teeth," demonstrating her growing involvement in the group's creative direction.

FAQS

Fans often ask numerous questions about LE SSERAFIM's youngest member. Hence, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Hong Eunchae:

What is Eunchae's MBTI personality type? Eunchae has an ISFP personality type.

How tall is Eunchae? She stands at 170 cm tall.

What would Eunchae be if not an idol? Eunchae once mentioned she would like to be either a teacher or a paramedic.

What are Eunchae's hobbies? She enjoys watching performance stage videos and mukbangs.

Does Eunchae have any siblings? Yes, she has an older brother born in 2003.

Who is Eunchae's role model? Jeon Somi is her role model.

What's Eunchae's motto in LE SSERAFIM? Her personal motto is "Fearless of the Attention".

Which songs are Eunchae's favorites from LE SSERAFIM's albums? From the "FEARLESS" album, her favorite song is "Blue Flame," whereas from the "ANTIFRAGILE" album, she prefers "No Celestial".

Has Eunchae ever been ill during promotions? On October 3, 2022, she tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing cold symptoms. Additionally, on February 1, 2024, she sat out from a Music Bank broadcast due to fever symptoms.

If Eunchae could be an animal, what would she choose? She has stated she would be a black cat.