Chowon's Journey from 'Produce 48' to LIGHTSUM: Inspiring Moments

The entertainment industry rarely witnesses transformations as remarkable as Chowon's journey from a young trainee to a recognized K-pop idol. Her story embodies persistence, talent, and unwavering determination in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Han Chowon first caught public attention during her memorable stint on Produce 48, where she showcased exceptional vocal abilities and stage presence. Despite facing setbacks, including the show's voting manipulation scandal, she emerged stronger and continued her path to success, eventually debuting as a main vocalist in LIGHTSUM. Her evolution from a Produce 48 contestant to a full-fledged idol serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists worldwide.

Early Dreams and Musical Beginnings

Born in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, Han Chowon's musical journey began long before her idol debut. Her early years were marked by remarkable achievements that hinted at her future success in the entertainment industry.

Childhood passion for performing

From her elementary school days, Chowon showed exceptional talent in performing arts. Her dedication to music bore fruit as she won the gold medal in children's song contests five consecutive times, with an additional silver medal in fifth grade. Beyond singing, she displayed academic excellence, earning a bronze medal in South Korea's National Math Competition.

Initial training as an actress

Chowon's path in entertainment initially led her toward acting. Her early aspirations were diverse, including dreams of becoming:

She made her acting debut in 2020 with roles in "Bully Bad Guys" and "The Dominator 3: Junior Bullies", demonstrating her versatility as a performer.

Decision to pursue singing

A pivotal moment came when Chowon's singing and dancing lessons revealed her exceptional vocal potential. Her teachers recognized her natural talent, prompting her to redirect her focus from acting to becoming an idol. This decision led to her joining Cube Entertainment, where she trained for 1 year and 10 months before participating in Produce 48.

During her training period, Chowon developed multiple talents that would later define her as an artist. She became proficient in composing songs, singing, acting, and playing instruments. Her dedication to mastering these skills showcased the determination that would become her trademark in the industry.

This period of growth and development laid the foundation for her future endeavors, setting the stage for her participation in Produce 48 and eventually, her debut with LIGHTSUM. Her journey from a multi-talented child performer to a focused trainee demonstrated the evolution of her artistic vision and commitment to her craft.

The Life-Changing Produce 48 Experience

Stepping onto the Produce 48 stage marked a defining chapter in Chowon's career journey. The survival show, which brought together 96 contestants from South Korea and Japan, would test her resilience and showcase her remarkable growth.

Initial audition process

Chowon's journey on Produce 48 began with significant challenges. She started at a modest rank of 64th in the first episode, dropping further to 88th place by episode three. However, this initial setback would soon transform into one of the show's most inspiring turnarounds.

Memorable performances

Her breakthrough came through several standout performances that earned her the nickname "Reversal Queen". Key performance highlights included:

By episode eight, Chowon had dramatically improved her standing, climbing to 8th place. Her performances consistently displayed growth, earning her recognition from both mentors and viewers.

Building friendships with contestants

During her time on the show, Chowon formed lasting bonds with fellow contestants, particularly with Nayoung and Yujeong, who would later become her groupmates in LIGHTSUM. The trio never had the opportunity to perform together during the show, but their shared experience created a strong foundation for their future collaboration.

The show's conclusion brought unexpected developments when Chowon was initially announced as ranking 13th, narrowly missing the debut lineup. However, subsequent investigations revealed that she had actually achieved 6th place, making her a victim of the show's voting manipulation scandal. Despite the disappointment, Chowon later reflected on this experience with remarkable maturity, stating, "It would be a lie if I said I didn't feel any disappointment or sense of defeat".

This period, though challenging, proved instrumental in shaping Chowon's resilience and determination. Her journey on Produce 48 not only showcased her artistic growth but also demonstrated her ability to overcome adversity with grace.

Overcoming the Voting Manipulation Scandal

The revelation of widespread vote manipulation in Produce 48 marked a turning point in Han Chowon's career journey. What initially appeared as a near-miss would later unfold as one of the most significant controversies in Korean entertainment history.

Initial impact of elimination

When the final results were announced, Chowon found herself in 13th place, just shy of making the debut lineup. The initial shock of elimination left her grappling with complex emotions. "If I said I didn't feel any sense of loss or dejection back then, I would be lying," she later revealed, adding that she "felt confused and wronged at the time".

Truth behind the controversy

The truth emerged through court investigations, revealing a shocking manipulation of votes. Key findings showed:

The Seoul High Court's investigation confirmed that the final rankings of the top 20 trainees had been predetermined before the final performances were even broadcast. This revelation sent shockwaves through the industry and vindicated Chowon's supporters who had questioned the results.

Mental strength during uncertainty

Despite the devastating revelation, Chowon demonstrated remarkable resilience. During the nearly three-year period following the show's finale, she maintained her focus on improvement while unable to showcase her performance skills publicly. Rather than letting the setback define her journey, she channeled her energy into preparing for future opportunities.

Her positive mindset became evident when she later reflected on the experience, stating, "Now, I'm happy and excited that I got to debut with my LIGHTSUM members". This attitude exemplified her ability to overcome adversity and focus on future possibilities rather than past injustices.

The controversy, while challenging, ultimately revealed Chowon's extraordinary mental fortitude. The court's decision to maintain sentences for the show's producers provided a measure of justice, though it couldn't restore the opportunities lost during those crucial years of her career.

Training Period at Cube Entertainment

Life at CUBE Entertainment presented Chowon with a structured environment that would shape her future as an artist. After signing an exclusive contract with the company in late 2019, she embarked on an intensive training regimen that would test her dedication and refine her skills.

Daily practice routine

The training schedule at CUBE Entertainment demanded unwavering commitment. Trainees arrived at the practice studios by 9 AM and concluded their day around 10 PM. Each day followed a strict protocol:

Skill development journey

CUBE Entertainment's comprehensive training program focused on developing well-rounded artists. Chowon participated in multiple specialized training sessions, including:

The company provided psychological counseling services to support trainees through their challenging journey. This holistic approach helped Chowon maintain her mental strength while pursuing her dreams.

Preparing for debut

As debut preparations intensified, Chowon's training schedule became increasingly demanding. Living with her future groupmates in a shared apartment, she dedicated countless hours to perfecting their debut song "Vanilla". The preparation phase included:

Intensive Practice Sessions:

During this period, Chowon reflected on her journey, sharing, "I had long years of training and there were times where my debut was in front of me... I felt anxious about it, but I had friends and other trainees around me so I was able to overcome those struggles".

The accelerated debut preparations culminated in April 2021, when CUBE Entertainment announced LIGHTSUM's formation. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Chowon's career, transforming years of dedicated training into the foundation for her professional journey.

The Birth of LIGHTSUM

In April 2021, CUBE Entertainment made a significant announcement that would mark their first girl group debut since (G)I-DLE in 2018. The formation of LIGHTSUM began taking shape as the company revealed its members in pairs over four consecutive days, with Chowon being unveiled as the third member on April 20, 2021.

Group formation process

The group's formation happened at an accelerated pace, with the final lineup being decided around December 2020. LIGHTSUM's name carried a meaningful message: combining "LIGHT" and "SUM" to represent their mission of spreading positive energy and hope across the globe. The group's formation was unique, as they had less than a year of practicing together before their debut.

Role as main vocalist

As LIGHTSUM's main vocalist, Chowon brought exceptional vocal prowess to the group. Her role involved:

Her versatility as a performer became evident as she showcased both powerful high notes and emotional depth in ballads, establishing herself as a cornerstone of LIGHTSUM's musical identity.

Debut preparation challenges

The path to debut was intense, with the members moving into a shared apartment just two months before their first release. The preparation period brought unique challenges:

Despite the compressed timeline, LIGHTSUM successfully debuted on June 10, 2021, with their first single "Vanilla". The song, according to the group's leader, was designed to share "positive energy and power" with their audience, hoping to showcase each member's unique charms through their performances.

The debut marked a new chapter not just for Chowon but for all members, as they worked to establish their presence in the competitive K-pop industry. Their first broadcast appearance on Mnet's "M Countdown" represented the culmination of their intensive preparation period and the beginning of their journey as LIGHTSUM.

Evolution as a Performer

Throughout her artistic journey, Chowon's dedication to perfecting her craft has yielded remarkable results. Her recent achievement as a finalist on King of Masked Singer, becoming only the second 4th generation idol to reach this milestone, showcases her exceptional vocal growth.

Vocal development journey

Chowon's approach to vocal development has been marked by careful attention to technique and emotional expression. During LIGHTSUM's extended break after their "Honey or Spice" album, she invested significant time in discovering her authentic voice. Her unique ability to immerse herself completely in performances has enhanced her recording sessions, allowing her to channel emotions directly into her vocals.

Stage presence growth

The evolution of Chowon's stage presence reflects a journey of self-discovery. Rather than focusing solely on creating a specific image, she has embraced a more natural approach to performing. As she explained, "With previous albums, I thought more about how to look cool on stage or what image I should present. But this time, I focused a lot on what it means to be myself and to perform naturally on stage".

Performance style changes

Her performance style has undergone a thoughtful transformation, characterized by:

The group's commitment to showcasing both individual and collective strengths has been evident in their recent performances. "We wanted to show each member's individual charm while still presenting a unified image as a group on stage," Chowon noted. This balance has become a hallmark of their performances, particularly during live shows where LIGHTSUM takes pride in their vocal abilities.

Looking ahead, Chowon continues to expand her artistic horizons. She has expressed interest in self-production and composition, viewing these skills as essential to her growth as an artist. Her versatility shines through in her ability to seamlessly transition between music and acting, noting that both art forms allow her to fully immerse herself in the moment.

This evolution as a performer aligns with her long-term vision of becoming an artist who can showcase various charms over time, rather than revealing everything at once. Through consistent practice and dedication, Chowon has developed a performance style that authentically represents her artistic identity while contributing to LIGHTSUM's collective success.

Balancing Multiple Talents

Mastering multiple artistic disciplines requires exceptional dedication, and Han Chowon exemplifies this through her diverse portfolio in the entertainment industry. As a member of LIGHTSUM and an established actress, she demonstrates remarkable versatility in managing various creative pursuits.

Acting projects management

Chowon's acting career gained momentum with her roles in two notable films in 2020: "Bully Bad Guys" and "The Dominator 3: Junior Bullies". Her acting journey began before her idol debut, stemming from her initial training as an actress. This foundation has enabled her to maintain parallel careers in both music and drama.

Musical versatility

Her artistic range extends beyond singing and acting, encompassing several musical talents:

This versatility shines through in LIGHTSUM's performances, where Chowon demonstrates her ability to execute demanding vocal sections while maintaining precise dance movements. Her capability to handle high notes stably without wavering during intense choreography sets her apart as a performer.

Time management skills

Balancing multiple talents requires exceptional time management, which Chowon has mastered through years of experience. Her typical schedule demonstrates her commitment to both group and individual activities:

Daily Schedule Management:

When asked about managing multiple roles, Chowon explained, "I think I will be able to use all the things I've learned from acting as a singer as well. I think those learnings will help me in the future, too". This perspective showcases her ability to find synergies between different artistic expressions.

Her approach to balancing these responsibilities reflects a mature understanding of artistic growth. Rather than viewing her various pursuits as separate challenges, she sees them as complementary aspects of her artistic journey. This mindset has enabled her to maintain high standards across all her endeavors while continuing to grow as both an idol and actress.

Impact on Future Aspirations

Looking toward the future, Han Chowon sets her sights on ambitious goals that reflect both her artistic maturity and professional growth. During LIGHTSUM's extended break after their "Honey or Spice" album, she devoted time to refining her vision for the future.

Goals in entertainment industry

With LIGHTSUM, Chowon shares specific objectives that demonstrate her commitment to group success. The group's immediate goals include:

Her individual aspirations extend beyond performing, as she expresses interest in composition and self-production. "I do have experience in composing, so the thing I want to do next is to compose songs for our group," she shares, highlighting her desire to contribute more directly to LIGHTSUM's musical direction.

Personal growth objectives

During their recent hiatus, Chowon focused intensively on personal development. "We spent a lot of time getting to know ourselves better to be comfortable in sharing our true selves," she reflects. This period of self-discovery led to a significant shift in her approach to performance, moving away from manufactured images toward authentic self-expression.

Her commitment to growth extends beyond artistic development. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining practice routines, stating, "Since we had quite a long hiatus, all members worked hard not to lose our edge by practicing every day". This dedication showcases her understanding that sustained success requires consistent effort.

Message to aspiring artists

Drawing from her experiences, particularly the challenges faced during Produce 48 and her subsequent journey with LIGHTSUM, Chowon offers valuable insights to aspiring artists. She emphasizes the importance of endurance, noting that "The one who endures is the one who wins". This perspective comes from her own journey through industry challenges and setbacks.

She advocates for authenticity in artistic expression, sharing how she learned to "perform naturally on stage" rather than focusing solely on presenting a specific image. This evolution in her approach demonstrates her growth from a trainee focused on technical perfection to an artist who values genuine connection with audiences.

For future endeavors, Chowon envisions LIGHTSUM as more than just performers: "I want LIGHTSUM to be the artists who can share their feelings with all the people around the world and that each of the members shine bright". This aspiration reflects her desire to create meaningful connections through their music while maintaining individual artistry within the group dynamic.