Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

Who is Lee Kaeun? The Untold Story of After School's Hidden Gem (2025)

Lee Kaeun stands out as one of the most versatile talents in K-pop, notably recognized as the best vocal performer among all Pledis Entertainment trainees. Her journey in the entertainment industry began with her debut in After School on June 20, 2012, where she showcased not only her singing abilities but also her fluency in Japanese, which proved invaluable during the group's promotions in Japan.

After an impressive eight-year tenure with Pledis Entertainment, her career took a significant turn when she participated in the survival show Produce 48 in 2018, highlighting her determination with the motto "This is my last chance. I have nothing to fear." Subsequently, she ventured into new territories, releasing her heartfelt digital single "Remember You" in 2019 and expanding her repertoire to include acting, with appearances in notable dramas like High Class (2021).

Stage Name: Gaeun (가은)
Birth Name: Lee Ka Eun (이가은)
Birthday: August 20, 1994
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Height: 168 cm (5’6″)
Weight: 48 kg (106 lbs)
Blood Type: AB
Specialty: Japanese, Vocals
Instagram: @by.gaeun

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

The Early Journey of Lee Gaeun

The story of Lee Kaeun's journey to stardom began with a significant chapter in Japan. Initially, after completing elementary school, she moved to Wakayama Prefecture in the Kansai region with her parents. This period proved instrumental in shaping her career, as she became fluent in Japanese and mastered the distinctive Kansai Ben dialect.

Childhood and Japanese education

Her time in Japan extended through middle school, providing her with a strong foundation in Japanese language and culture. This multicultural background would later become a valuable asset, specifically during her group activities in the Japanese market.

Training period at Pledis Entertainment

Furthermore, her path to becoming an idol took shape after PLEDIS Entertainment discovered her through a dance performance video. Above all, her dedication during the training period was evident, as she spent nearly 7 years honing her skills.

Debut preparation and challenges

The transition from trainee to idol came with its own set of hurdles. Important to realize, Lee faced several initial challenges:

Limited visibility in her debut song "Flashback," sharing only one part with fellow member Lizzy

The pressure of filling the position left by Kahi's graduation

Nevertheless, her fundamental abilities as a performer were remarkable. She possessed:

Solid vocal foundations, including proper breathing and pitch control
Stable live performance skills while dancing
A unique vocal tone that set her apart

Although her initial presence on stage was modest, Lee gradually established herself through determination and consistent improvement. Her breakthrough came in the performance of "First Love," where she secured more substantial parts and began showcasing her distinctive style.

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

Rising Star in After School

In April 2012, Pledis Entertainment made a significant announcement about adding a final member to After School. Lee Kaeun made her first public appearance at After School's Japanese concert, where she impressed audiences with her performance of "Bang!" and showcased her drumming skills in "Let's Do It".

Joining as the group's final member

On June 20, 2012, Lee Kaeun officially stepped into the spotlight with After School's release of "Flashback". The group's first Japanese album, "Playgirlz," had already achieved remarkable success, debuting at number six on the Oricon Daily Album Chart with approximately 11,000 sales on its first day.

Notable performances and achievements

After School's accomplishments during this period included:

Successful fan meetings in Thailand drawing over 3,000 attendees
A charitable fan meeting in Taiwan that supported children in need
Notable performances of "Let's Step Up" featuring tap-dance routines

Building her identity within the group

Despite her initial success, Lee Kaeun faced unexpected challenges. After 2013, the group entered an extended period of inactivity. Throughout this time, she maintained a positive outlook, though she later admitted, "I was cheerful while taking a break for a long time, and I thought that it was okay. But then at some point, I realized it wasn't okay at all".

Particularly noteworthy was her role as a vocalist, occasionally stepping in as a rapper when member Nana was absent. Her fluency in Japanese, developed during her earlier years, proved invaluable for the group's Japanese promotions. Even as activities slowed, Lee Kaeun remained committed to After School, consistently expressing hope for the group's future activities.

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

The Produce 48 Chapter

Following a five-year hiatus with After School, Lee Kaeun made a bold decision to join Mnet's survival show Produce 48 in 2018. Notably, she entered the competition with a powerful motto: "This is my last chance. I have nothing to fear".

Decision to join the show

In a heartfelt moment during the show's premiere, Lee Kaeun revealed her motivation stemmed from watching fellow Pledis Entertainment artists compete in previous seasons. "I thought, 'I definitely debuted, so why am I at home watching this, unable to do anything?' It was frustrating," she expressed.

Memorable performances and rankings

Throughout the competition, Lee Kaeun demonstrated remarkable consistency in her rankings:

Secured the #1 position for three consecutive weeks
Maintained positions within top 12 throughout most episodes
Achieved 5th place in the third round

Her stellar performances and unwavering dedication earned her significant support from viewers, simultaneously establishing her as a frontrunner in the competition.

Impact of elimination on career

Consequently, the finale brought unexpected results as Lee Kaeun was eliminated after ranking 14th. Moreover, subsequent investigations revealed a shocking truth - her actual ranking should have been 5th place, qualifying her for the final lineup.

Years after the incident, Lee Kaeun shared her candid feelings about the manipulation revelation: "I'm able to share now but I didn't like that (the victim's list) was revealed. It was something I wished to be forgotten". Ultimately, this experience led to her departure from Pledis Entertainment in July 2019.

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

Transformation and Solo Journey

July 2019 marked a pivotal moment in Lee Kaeun's career as she concluded her eight-year journey with Pledis Entertainment. Indeed, the decision came after thoughtful discussions regarding contract renewal, with both parties ultimately choosing to part ways amicably.

Departure from Pledis Entertainment

Notably, Pledis Entertainment demonstrated considerable support during this transition, committing to provide management assistance until Lee could secure a new agency. The company's statement reflected mutual respect, acknowledging her dedicated service and contributions over the years.

Release of 'Remember You'

Before her departure, Lee Kaeun gifted her fans with a heartfelt single titled "Remember You" on July 5, 2019. The song served as more than just a farewell - it was her genuine expression of gratitude toward supporters who had stood by her throughout her journey. The music video, released on July 12, captured the emotional essence of her message.

Transition to acting career

Accordingly, Lee's career took an exciting turn as she signed with High Entertainment and began exploring new horizons. Her acting debut came through the romantic comedy web drama "Another Peaceful Day in Secondhand Nation," where she secured the lead role of Lee Ri Ah - a popular beauty who maintains a unique perspective on dating.

Her venture into acting fulfilled a longtime aspiration. "Ever since I was little, I grew up watching many dramas and movies, and I received a lot of comfort from them," she shared, adding that acting had always been a dream she hoped to pursue. Undoubtedly, this new chapter allowed her to showcase different facets of her artistry while maintaining her connection with fans through various entertainment mediums.

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

Lee Kaeun in 2025

Presently, Lee Kaeun continues to expand her artistic horizons through diverse projects and performances. The former After School member has joined PROJECT10, an innovative album project featuring nine musicians. This venture allows artists to explore new musical territories and challenge conventional boundaries.

Current projects and activities

Currently, Lee Kaeun is making significant strides in her acting career. She has secured a role in the drama "Pale Moon", marking her latest venture in the entertainment industry. Additionally, she's exploring content creation through her YouTube channel, where she aims to showcase various aspects of her artistry.

Evolution as an artist

The transformation from idol to multi-faceted performer highlights Lee Kaeun's versatility. Her participation in PROJECT10 demonstrates her continued passion for music, with the project creator noting, "Lee Kaeun loves music, and she captured the public with her deep sincerity". In fact, she's set to present her unique interpretation of legendary songs, showcasing her charismatic vocals.

Connection with fans

Notably, Lee Kaeun maintains a strong bond with her supporters through various channels:

Regular social media updates keeping fans informed about her activities
Plans for future fan meetings, previously postponed but eagerly anticipated
Special performances designed specifically for her dedicated followers

"Thank you to my fans who have supported me for a long time and waited for my music," she expressed gratefully, adding, "I hope that everyone will be able to gain strength by watching me try out and accomplish new things". Her commitment to fan engagement remains unwavering as she continues to explore new artistic territories.

Lee Ga Eun (AFTER SCHOOL)

FAQS

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Lee Kaeun's career and journey:

What really happened with Lee Kaeun's Produce 48 elimination? Certainly, the truth emerged through investigations that revealed Lee Kaeun actually secured 5th place in the competition. Rather than joining IZ*ONE as deserved, she faced elimination due to vote manipulation, which significantly impacted her career trajectory.

How did the Produce 48 controversy affect her career? The impact extended beyond just losing a spot in IZ*ONE. The manipulation resulted in missed opportunities for exposure and potential endorsements. Nonetheless, Lee Kaeun chose to handle the situation gracefully, focusing on moving forward rather than pursuing legal action.

Why did Lee Kaeun stop promoting with After School after 2013? As revealed in her own words, "My last album promotions were in 2013. Five years passed by, and I did think, 'Will it be difficult to do a comeback?'". Throughout this period, she remained hopeful for group activities while watching other labelmates achieve success through survival shows.

Was After School officially disbanded during Lee Kaeun's time? In response to this question during Produce 48, Lee Kaeun stated, "No, we haven't disbanded." However, she added, "Since they told me that I could come on the show, I'm wondering if it might be like that". This uncertainty marked a turning point in her career decisions.

What motivated Lee Kaeun to join Produce 48? The decision came after watching friends and fellow trainees from her company participate in previous seasons. "I wondered whether I would have done well if I'd gone on season one if I hadn't debuted," she reflected. This contemplation, coupled with her extended hiatus, prompted her participation in the show.


Close