Must-Know Lee Sol Facts From Before KiiiKiii's Debut

Lee Sol made her official debut as the oldest member of KiiiKiii on March 24, 2025. Born on September 18, 2005, she brings a fascinating pre-debut story that sets her apart in the K-pop industry. Before taking the stage with KiiiKiii under Starship Entertainment, she navigated a unique path that included training at SM Entertainment and surprising career aspirations beyond music. From her childhood dreams to the BLACKPINK audition that changed everything, these facts reveal the journey that shaped her into the artist fans see today.

From SM Entertainment Trainee to Starship's Rising Star

Leesol's Training Journey at SM Entertainment

Before joining Starship Entertainment, Lee Sol spent time training under SM Entertainment, one of K-pop's most prestigious agencies. She was a trainee under SM Entertainment before joining Starship Entertainment in 2022. The SM training system, known for producing groups like Red Velvet, aespa, and NCT, provided her with foundational skills that would later influence her career path. During this period, she wasn't alone in her journey. Leesol and Sui are former SM Entertainment trainees, creating a bond between the two members that predated their eventual debut together in KiiiKiii.

The SM training experience shaped her understanding of the idol industry's demands and standards. Training under such a major entertainment company exposed her to rigorous vocal, dance, and performance training protocols. This background became particularly significant when considering her eventual role as KiiiKiii's main rapper and oldest member.

The Big Move to Starship Entertainment in 2022

The year 2022 marked a turning point when Lee Sol made the decision to leave SM Entertainment and join Starship Entertainment. She was a trainee under SM Entertainment before joining Starship Entertainment in 2022. This transition required adapting to a new company culture, different training methods, and establishing herself within Starship's trainee system.

Starship Entertainment, home to groups like MONSTA X, IVE, and WJSN, offered her a fresh start and new opportunities. The move reunited her with fellow former SM trainee Sui, allowing them to continue their journey together under different management. This shared history between the two members created a unique dynamic within KiiiKiii, as they both understood the challenges of transitioning between major entertainment companies.

The decision to switch agencies demonstrated her determination to pursue her idol dreams through different avenues. Rather than viewing the move as a setback, she embraced the opportunity to grow under Starship's guidance and eventually secure her position in their new girl group.

How Her SM Background Shaped Her KiiiKiii Debut

Her SM Entertainment training proved valuable when she finally debuted with KiiiKiii under Starship. The experience at SM provided her with a solid foundation that complemented Starship's own training approach. This combination of influences from two major K-pop companies contributed to her polished performance abilities.

Her debut activities reflected the confidence gained from years of training across both agencies. She was featured as a special mc two times on Music Core, on March 29th, just 4 days after her debut alongside IZNA's Bang Jeemin & KickFlip's Minje & on April 12th, alongside group member Sui & Hearts2Hearts Ana. These early MC opportunities, appearing on a major music show within days of debuting, showcased the trust Starship and broadcasting networks placed in her professionalism and stage presence.

The fact that she appeared alongside Sui for one of these MC stints highlighted their continued partnership, rooted in their shared SM trainee background. Her ability to handle such responsibilities immediately after debut suggested that her extensive training period, spanning multiple agencies, equipped her with the skills needed to excel beyond just performing. The SM training legacy, combined with Starship's final preparation, ultimately produced an artist ready to take on multiple roles within the K-pop industry from day one.

Her Childhood Dream of Becoming a Doctor

Why Young Leesol Wanted to Be a Doctor

Long before stepping onto the K-pop stage, Lee Sol harbored a completely different career ambition. She dreamt of becoming a doctor when she was young. This childhood aspiration reflected a common career path many Korean parents encourage, valuing the stability and prestige associated with the medical profession. Her initial career vision placed her on track for years of medical study rather than the entertainment industry.

The medical field's appeal to young Lee Sol represented more than just a career choice. In Korean society, becoming a doctor carries significant respect and represents academic achievement at the highest level. Her childhood dream aligned with traditional expectations, showing that she possessed the academic mindset and dedication typically required for such a demanding profession. The discipline and work ethic needed to pursue medicine would later prove valuable, albeit in an entirely different field.

The Shift from Medicine to Music

The trajectory from aspiring doctor to K-pop idol marked a dramatic shift in Lee Sol's life plans. She initially wanted to be a doctor as a child before discovering K-pop. This discovery opened an entirely new world of possibilities, one that spoke to different passions and talents she possessed. The transition from medical aspirations to musical performance represented a fundamental change in how she envisioned her future.

K-pop's influence proved powerful enough to redirect her career path completely. The genre's appeal, with its combination of music, dance, and performance, offered a creative outlet that medicine could not provide. Her exposure to K-pop groups and their artistry sparked something that academic pursuits hadn't. This realization led her to pursue training at SM Entertainment, exchanging textbooks for choreography and vocal lessons.

The decision to abandon medical school dreams in favor of idol training required courage. Walking away from the security of a medical career meant embracing uncertainty in the highly competitive entertainment industry. Yet her commitment to this new path proved strong enough to carry her through years of training, company transitions, and the challenges that preceded her KiiiKiii debut.

How Her Academic Background Influences Her Today

While Lee Sol ultimately chose music over medicine, her early academic orientation still influences her approach to being an idol. The same dedication required for medical studies translates into her training regimen and performance preparation. Students who aspire to medical school develop strong study habits, time management skills, and the ability to master complex material, all attributes that benefit idol training.

Her academic mindset contributes to how she approaches learning choreography, improving vocal techniques, and understanding the business aspects of the K-pop industry. The analytical thinking fostered by science-oriented studies helps idols break down complex performances into manageable components. Similarly, the memorization skills essential for medical terminology apply equally well to learning lyrics in multiple languages and mastering intricate dance routines.

Her journey from doctor-in-training to KiiiKiii's oldest member demonstrates that childhood dreams can evolve without diminishing the value of earlier ambitions. The discipline she developed while considering medicine continues to serve her well on stage, proving that seemingly divergent paths can share common foundations in dedication and excellence.

The BLACKPINK Audition That Changed Everything

Why She Chose 'Stay' for Her Audition

A single song can determine an aspiring idol's future, and for Lee Sol, that song was BLACKPINK's "STAY". Her selection of this particular track for her Starship Entertainment audition reveals insight into her musical sensibilities and strategic thinking as a trainee. "STAY" stands as one of BLACKPINK's more vocally demanding B-side tracks, showcasing a different side of the group compared to their high-energy title songs.

The song's acoustic foundation and emphasis on vocal delivery made it an ideal choice for demonstrating raw talent. Unlike BLACKPINK's more dance-focused hits, "STAY" strips away heavy production to highlight the performers' voices. This characteristic allows auditionees to prove their vocal capabilities without relying on powerful choreography or stage effects. Lee Sol's choice suggested confidence in her vocal abilities and understanding of what entertainment companies seek during evaluations.

"STAY" requires control across different vocal registers and emotional expression, two qualities essential for K-pop idols. The track features melodic verses that transition into a more intense chorus, testing a singer's versatility within a single performance. By selecting this song, she positioned herself to display multiple facets of her musicality in approximately three minutes.

The Performance That Impressed Starship Entertainment

Her audition with "STAY" ultimately secured her position at Starship Entertainment. The company recognized potential in her delivery of BLACKPINK's emotional track, seeing qualities that would later define her role in KiiiKiii. Starship's decision to accept her following this audition marked the beginning of her journey toward debut, connecting her training period to her eventual group placement.

Auditions at major K-pop entertainment companies involve intense competition, with thousands of hopefuls auditioning for limited trainee positions. Starship Entertainment, known for producing successful acts, maintains high standards for accepting new trainees. Her successful audition indicated she met or exceeded these criteria, demonstrating the skills and potential the company valued.

The audition process served as her gateway into Starship's training system, where she would prepare for years before debuting. This performance represented more than just song delivery. It demonstrated her readiness to commit to the demanding trainee lifestyle and her potential to contribute to a future group's success.

Leesol's Connection to BLACKPINK's Music Style

Choosing a BLACKPINK song for her audition reflected her connection to the group's artistry. BLACKPINK's influence on contemporary K-pop extends beyond their commercial success, shaping how fourth and fifth-generation groups approach music and performance. Her selection of their material suggested familiarity with and appreciation for their discography.

The decision to perform "STAY" specifically, rather than one of BLACKPINK's more famous title tracks like "DDU-DU DDU-DU" or "How You Like That," demonstrated musical depth. This choice showed she explored beyond the group's chart-toppers to find a song that suited her vocal style and audition strategy. The acoustic-driven track allowed her to showcase different strengths compared to what heavy production might conceal.

Her affinity for BLACKPINK's music may have influenced her development as an artist within KiiiKiii. While she debuted as the group's main rapper, her audition with a vocally focused track indicated versatility. This multi-dimensional approach to musicality, inspired partly by groups like BLACKPINK who excel across various concepts, contributed to her preparedness for the diverse requirements of being a K-pop idol.

Growing Up as an Only Child in Mok-Dong, Seoul

Leesol's Family Background and Upbringing

Family structure played a defining role in shaping Lee Sol's early years. She is a single child, her family consists of her and her parents. This only-child dynamic meant she received undivided attention from both parents, creating an environment where her ambitions and interests took center stage. Born and raised in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, South Korea, her upbringing reflected the concentrated investment many Korean parents make in their children's development.

Her childhood demonstrated exceptional academic focus. She attended English kindergarten and participated in gifted classes, experiences that positioned her among Seoul's academically driven students. The rigorous educational environment shaped her work ethic and discipline, qualities that would later transfer to her idol training. She even introduced herself as "Mokdong Kids", a self-identification that reflected pride in her neighborhood roots and the student culture associated with the area.

Life in Yangcheon-gu's Mok-Dong Neighborhood

Mok-dong in Yangcheon-gu represents one of Seoul's well-established residential districts, known for its concentration of families prioritizing education. Growing up in this environment exposed Lee Sol to the competitive academic culture prevalent in the area. The neighborhood's character influenced her daily routine, which revolved around schools and academies, with studying and homework extending late into the morning.

The demanding schedule typical of Mok-dong students left limited time for personal pursuits. Her days followed a repetitive pattern of educational commitments, making music her primary escape from the structured academic grind. This neighborhood context explains partly why her eventual shift toward idol training represented such a dramatic departure from expected paths. Whereas many Mok-dong students proceed directly to university, she chose performance arts.

The Close Bond with Her Parents

The relationship between Lee Sol and her parents extends beyond typical family connections. She has a close relationship with her mother, a bond strengthened by the concentrated time together as an only child. Without siblings to divide parental attention, she developed particularly strong ties with both parents. This closeness provided emotional support throughout her transition from student life to trainee years.

Her parents witnessed her evolution from academically focused child to aspiring idol, supporting her through the uncertainty that career change entailed. The trust and communication built during her Mok-dong childhood years likely facilitated her ability to pursue such an unconventional path for someone with her academic background.

Her Matching Cinnamoroll Keyring with Mom

A small detail reveals the depth of her maternal bond. She has a matching Cinnamoroll keyring with her mom. Cinnamoroll, Cafe Cinnamon's official mascot, represents a shared interest between mother and daughter that transcends typical parent-child dynamics. The matching keyrings symbolize their connection, serving as physical reminders of their relationship even as Lee Sol's career takes her away from home.

This accessory choice demonstrates how their bond manifests in everyday items. The matching keyrings suggest ongoing communication and shared aesthetic preferences, indicating a relationship where mother and daughter function as confidantes. For an idol whose schedule now involves intense training, performances, and promotional activities, maintaining such tangible connections to family becomes increasingly meaningful.

Her Educational Path Through Seoul's Schools

Seoul Mogun Elementary School Days

Lee Sol attended Seoul Mogun Elementary School, marking the beginning of her formal education in the Mok-dong neighborhood where she grew up. This elementary school provided her foundational years during a period when her academic focus remained strong and her future career path seemed directed toward medicine rather than entertainment. The school environment reinforced the educational priorities her family emphasized, with her participation in gifted classes continuing through these early years.

Elementary school represents the period when young students begin discovering interests beyond academics. For Lee Sol, these years established routines and friendships while she maintained the disciplined approach her English kindergarten experience had cultivated. The proximity of Seoul Mogun Elementary School to her home in Yangcheon-gu allowed her to remain rooted in familiar surroundings while progressing through her studies.

Middle School Years at Mogun Middle School

Subsequently, she attended Mogun Middle School, continuing her education within the same neighborhood system. Mogun Middle School distinguished itself as one of Korea's first institutions to implement advanced educational technologies, particularly in 3D printing instruction. The school participated in South Korea's broader initiative to develop technological fluency among students, aligning with the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning's goals.

During this period, the school operated with approximately 1,417 students, creating a substantial educational community. The middle school years proved formative, as her interest in becoming a K-pop idol was sparked by watching performances of artists during school breaks. These moments of watching K-pop performances between classes planted seeds that would eventually overtake her medical ambitions, though she continued her studies diligently.

High School Life at Jinmyeong Girls' High School

Her secondary education concluded at Jinmyeong Girls' High School, a private girls' institution located in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. The school carries significant historical weight, having been established in 1906 with financial support from Princess Consort Eom (Princess Sunheon) as part of King Gojong's national salvation movement through education. Originally called an "imperial school," Jinmyeong Girls' High School provided modern, westernized education for girls during a transformative period in Korean history.

She graduated from Jinmyeong Girls' High School, completing her formal education at an institution known for its legacy and pride in being "The first & the best". The school operated 45 classes with 1,258 students as of 2023, maintaining its position as a prominent educational institution in Seoul.

When She Joined the Company During School

Her transition into idol training occurred while she was still navigating her academic responsibilities. She trained in rapping, singing, and dancing for approximately three years before debuting with kiiikiii in March 2025. This timeline indicates she joined Starship Entertainment in 2022, meaning her final high school year overlapped with her trainee period. Balancing rigorous idol training with completing her education at Jinmyeong Girls' High School required the same discipline that characterized her earlier academic pursuits, though now applied toward an entirely different goal than her childhood medical aspirations.

The Personality Traits That Defined Pre-Debut Leesol

Known as the Emotional Member Who Cried Often

Emotional vulnerability marked Lee Sol's trainee years. She tends to cry easily and often cried with Sui during their time as trainees. This tendency to express emotions openly distinguished her from trainees who maintained more reserved demeanors under the pressures of training. Her emotional nature manifested particularly during challenging moments, when the rigorous demands of vocal lessons, dance practice, and monthly evaluations took their toll.

The frequency of her tears earned her a memorable nickname from fellow trainee Sui. According to Sui, she cried often during the trainee period, resembling a water dumpling, which inspired the nickname "water dumpling". Lee Sol herself expressed particular affection for this nickname, noting it as her favorite among the various names members gave her. The moniker captured both her emotional expressiveness and the endearing quality of her personality that resonated with fellow trainees.

Her Gentle Caring Nature Before Debut

Beyond her emotional sensitivity, Lee Sol demonstrated a gentle personality that naturally gravitated toward caring for others. This nurturing tendency emerged early in her trainee days, establishing patterns that would define her role within KiiiKiii. She took care of members well, showing attentiveness to their needs and concerns even before official debut preparations began.

Her caring nature manifested in specific behaviors. She looked lovingly at members and often took care of food-related matters. This attention to ensuring fellow trainees were fed properly reflected traditional Korean values of showing care through meals. In particular, her gentle approach created a supportive environment during the stressful trainee period, when competition and pressure could strain relationships.

Training Days with Fellow Member Sui

Her bond with Sui extended beyond their shared SM Entertainment background. The two trainees supported each other through difficult moments, with Sui later describing Lee Sol as her soulmate. Their relationship provided mutual emotional support during the uncertain trainee years.

A memorable episode illustrates the supportive environment they encountered. Lee Sol and Sui met Shownu during their trainee days, and despite being trainees, they felt touched by how kindly he greeted them. Shownu's consideration extended beyond initial pleasantries. After their debut, he bought bubble tea for them during KiiiKiii's concert in Taiwan, demonstrating the lasting senior-junior relationship that began during their trainee period.

Developing Her 'Mom-Unnie' Character

Her caring tendencies naturally evolved into the "mom-unnie" role. As KiiiKiii's oldest member, this character aligned with her pre-existing personality traits rather than representing a constructed image. Her friendly personality as the eldest sister in the group manifested through protective behaviors and attentive care.

The "mom-unnie" designation reflected how her gentle nature and caring habits positioned her within the group dynamic. Her tendency to look after food, show loving concern for members, and provide emotional support established her maternal presence before KiiiKiii's official formation.

Early Signs of Her Unique Husky Voice and Rap Style

Discovering Her Signature Vocal Color

Vocal distinctiveness separated Lee Sol from other trainees during her pre-debut years. Her husky voice became recognized as her unique charm, a quality that caught attention in practice rooms and monthly evaluations. This particular vocal texture, characterized by a slightly raspy yet controlled quality, emerged as her defining attribute. The husky yet heavy vocal tone she possessed gave her performances a weighted presence that contrasted with the clearer, brighter tones common among female trainees.

Her voice carried additional technical advantages beyond its distinctive color. The strength proved sufficient to pierce through AR backing tracks, demonstrating projection capabilities essential for live performances. Her vocal volume registered as very loud, allowing her to command attention in group settings without straining. These attributes combined to create a vocalist whose sound naturally stood out in ensemble performances.

Pre-Debut Vocal Training and Development

Training refined the raw vocal qualities she brought to Starship Entertainment. She developed very good diction and vocal skills through rigorous practice sessions that targeted precision in pronunciation and breath control. Her role as sub-vocal within KiiiKiii's structure indicated the company recognized her vocal capabilities alongside her rap strengths. In particular, she shared responsibility for the bass range with fellow member Kiya, positioning her as one of the group's lower-register anchors.

How Her Mid-Range Rap Voice Emerged

Her transition into rapping revealed another dimension of her vocal appeal. The mid-range voice when rapping became recognized as one of her charm points, offering a comfortable listening experience that avoided both high-pitched sharpness and overly deep aggression. The low-pitched voice heard during rap delivery established itself as her signature element, distinguishing her approach from typical female rapper styles.

The Charm That Would Define KiiiKiii's Sound

Her vocal characteristics shaped perceptions of the entire group. The attractive mid-low voice captivated listeners from debut, leaving strong impressions. Her deep and unique tone earned her a "killing part" reputation, with specific sections of songs designed to highlight her distinctive sound. She proved her live vocal strength at music shows and university festivals, earning recognition as a powerhouse rookie vocalist. KiiiKiii became known for signature husky tones, a group identity that Lee Sol's voice helped establish from their first release.