Hidden Facts About Kim Chaewon: From IZ*ONE to LE SSERAFIM Leader (Age, Career & More)

Kim Chaewon, currently born August 1, 2000, has undergone one of K-pop's most remarkable transformations - from a "cutesy girl" image to a powerful group leader.

After gaining recognition through Produce 48 and securing her debut in IZONE with 238,192 votes, Chaewon's journey took an unexpected turn. Following IZONE's disbandment in April 2021, she emerged as the leader of LE SSERAFIM, making history as part of HYBE Labels' first-ever girl group. Her evolution from a trainee who spent just 11 months at Woollim Entertainment to leading one of K-pop's most promising groups showcases her exceptional growth in the industry.

Birth and Early Years

Born in Seoul's Gangnam district, specifically in Poi Dong, Kim Chaewon comes from a family with strong artistic roots.

Family Background

Notably, Chaewon's mother, Lee Ran-hee, established herself as a theater actress. Additionally, she has an older sister born in 1994, making her six years Chaewon's senior. The artistic influence extends further through her family tree, as she shares a familial connection with musician Kim Woo-tak, who gained recognition through his participation in JTBC's Super Band.

Childhood Dreams

During her early years, Chaewon's aspirations differed from her current path. Before embracing the idol life, she harbored dreams of becoming a flight attendant. Her journey toward performing arts began to take shape gradually, as she spent countless hours practicing dance and singing alone at home throughout her elementary and middle school years.

Early Interest in Performance

Her first notable public performance came in 2012 when she participated in the KBS Creative Children's Song Contest. As a sixth-grade student at Seoul Poi Elementary School, she performed with the Poi Elementary Choir, showcasing her musical talent through the song "The Scent of Horses". This television appearance, broadcast on November 3, 2012, marked her first step into the entertainment world. Even then, her distinctive features - particularly her large, round eyes - remained unchanged, foreshadowing her future in the spotlight.

Academic Journey

Chaewon's educational path reflects her gradual transition toward performing arts.

School Life

Initially enrolled at Seoul Poi Elementary School, Chaewon subsequently moved to Guryong Middle School. Her academic journey continued at Gaepo High School, where she began shaping her artistic aspirations.

Performance Arts Education

Making a pivotal decision in her academic career, Chaewon transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School. At Hanlim, she specialized in the Broadcasting & Entertainment Department, aligning her studies with her growing interest in performance. This strategic move provided structured training in entertainment while maintaining academic excellence.

Notable School Achievements

The culmination of Chaewon's formal education arrived on February 12, 2019, as she graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School. Her time in the Broadcasting & Entertainment Department equipped her with essential skills for her future career. Throughout her academic years, she maintained a balance between regular studies and artistic development, establishing a foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.

Discovery of Passion

Long before stepping into the spotlight as a K-pop idol, Kim Chaewon's first taste of entertainment came through a unique opportunity. In 2012, she participated in the KBS Korea Children's Song Contest, marking her television debut. As part of the Seoul Poi Elementary School choir, she performed "The Scent of Horses" on November 3, 2012, showcasing her early musical inclinations.

First Entertainment Experience

The young performer stood out even in her first broadcast appearance. Her distinctive features, especially her large, round eyes, remained unchanged from these early days. Moreover, this initial exposure to performing arts sparked a deeper interest in entertainment.

Inspiration to Become Idol

After her choir experience, Chaewon's path toward becoming an idol began taking shape. Eventually, at age 16, she made a decisive move by joining Woollim Entertainment. This decision marked a significant shift from her earlier aspirations, setting her on course for a professional entertainment career.

Initial Steps

Since joining Woollim Entertainment, Chaewon underwent intensive training for 11 months. Throughout this period, she developed her vocal abilities and performance skills, preparing for future opportunities. Afterward, this preparation led to her participation in Produce 48, where she would ultimately secure her place in the entertainment industry. Her determination during training reflected an early glimpse of the leadership qualities that would later define her role in LE SSERAFIM.

Training Days at Woollim

At Woollim Entertainment, Kim Chaewon's journey as a trainee lasted for 11 months, shaping her foundation in the entertainment industry. This period proved crucial in developing her skills and resilience.

Daily Schedule

The rigorous training schedule encompassed vocal lessons, dance practice, and performance training. After returning from IZ*ONE, Chaewon dedicated herself to mastering the basics again. "I started to learn the basics again once I became a trainee. I danced in styles I never got to try before, tried freestyle, and had a lot of choreography cover assignments".

Training Challenges

Chaewon faced significant hurdles in perfecting her craft. "Every week I would record my choreography, receive feedback, do supplementary practice, record again—like I was taking a test". Nevertheless, these challenges revealed areas for improvement, leading her to acknowledge, "That was when I realized what level my dancing was actually at".

Memorable Moments

One of the most significant aspects of her training period was her transformation from a passive trainee to an active learner. "I used to be the kind of person who did whatever other people told me to do and just took things as they came to me". Consequently, this experience helped shape her future leadership qualities.

The training period altogether proved transformative, as she discovered new aspects of her abilities. "For a long time I was in front of cameras, working in a bustling environment, and then suddenly I was only ever in the practice studio". Furthermore, this phase strengthened her resolve to improve, leading her to watch her old performances frequently to identify areas for growth.

Produce 48 Experience

In 2018, Produce 48 brought together 96 trainees from South Korea and Japan, creating an unprecedented platform for aspiring K-pop idols.

Audition Process

Representing Woollim Entertainment, Kim Chaewon impressed the judges with her exceptional handling of high-pitched parts. The initial evaluation sorted contestants into grades from A to F, determining their positions and line distribution in the theme song "Nekkoya (Pick Me)".

Weekly Challenges

Throughout the competition, Chaewon demonstrated remarkable versatility in various challenges:

Group Battle: Secured second highest field votes after Goto Moe
Position Evaluation: Claimed first place in vocal performance, outperforming main vocalist Huh Yoon-jin
Concept Evaluation: Selected as primary center for "To Reach You"

Learning Experiences

The journey proved transformative for Chaewon's artistic growth. In the recording studio, she mastered rap segments effortlessly while tackling challenging high notes. Her performance received praise from both trainers and composers, who highlighted her natural ability to excel without unnecessary modifications. The pre-released center evaluation video garnered positive responses on Naver, particularly for her stable live singing abilities.

Ultimately, Chaewon's dedication throughout the program resulted in securing 10th place with 238,192 votes, earning her position in the final lineup. This achievement marked the beginning of her professional career, leading to her debut with IZ*ONE on October 29, 2018.

IZ*ONE Debut Journey

After securing their positions through Produce 48, IZONE officially launched on October 29, 2018, with their first extended play "ColorIz".

Group Formation

The debut proved remarkably successful, with the EP selling over 225,000 units and reaching second place on the Gaon Album Chart. The group's formation included members from diverse backgrounds, including three Japanese artists who took hiatuses from their respective groups to join IZ*ONE.

Initial Challenges

Communication emerged as a significant hurdle for the newly-formed group. "At first, we had concerns about teamwork because we couldn't communicate verbally," revealed fellow member Yena. Yet, this obstacle ultimately strengthened their bond. The members worked harder to understand each other, resulting in better-than-expected outcomes despite their brief preparation period.

First Impressions

The group's debut showcase, Color*Iz Show-Con, held at Olympic Hall in Seoul, demonstrated their immediate popularity as tickets sold out within one minute. Their impact continued to grow as they:

Set a record for fastest girl group to win on a music program, achieving victory on M Countdown just ten days after debut
Recorded over 34,000 album sales on day one, establishing a new benchmark for girl group debut releases
Garnered 4.5 million views for "La Vie en Rose" music video within 24 hours

Indeed, Kim Chaewon reflected on this period stating, "Two and a half years isn't very long to be in a group. I still had many dreams of things I wanted to achieve". This determination shaped her approach to group activities and future aspirations in the industry.

Growth in IZ*ONE

Throughout her time in IZ*ONE, Kim Chaewon underwent significant artistic growth, transforming from a promising talent into a polished performer. As a Lead Vocalist and Lead Dancer, she quickly established herself as one of the group's key performers.

Position Evolution

Her distinctive voice became a defining characteristic of IZ*ONE's music, significantly contributing to hits like "Violeta," "Fiesta," and "Panorama". In her role, she demonstrated remarkable versatility, handling both powerful dance routines and heartfelt ballads with equal proficiency.

Performance Development

Chaewon's journey in IZONE revealed her dedication to improvement. "I felt I had certain shortcomings performing with IZONE, and we were so busy that I didn't have time to improve my skills". The group's choreography primarily focused on creating formations and scenes with all members, which provided a foundation for her future growth.

Fan Recognition

Her stage presence gradually captured attention, reaching its peak during the "Panorama" era. Fans noticed her increasing confidence and refined performance style. Her ability to convey deep emotions through singing became one of her trademark characteristics. The dynamic stage presence and graceful dance moves earned her a dedicated following, with many recognizing her as a standout performer who consistently delivered captivating performances.

Significantly, her time in IZ*ONE shaped her future aspirations. "I wanted to be in a group again because I still had a lot of dreams of things I wanted to achieve as part of a group". This determination ultimately led to her continued growth in the industry.

Post-IZ*ONE Phase

Following IZ*ONE's disbandment in April 2021, Kim Chaewon faced a period of uncertainty about her future direction. Although she returned to Woollim Entertainment, her desire to continue as a group idol remained strong, albeit with new aspirations.

Career Decisions

Rather than taking the conventional path, Chaewon made a bold choice when Source Music approached her with an offer to join their new group. Accordingly, with support from Woollim Entertainment, she embarked on a fresh journey at Source Music. This decision marked a significant shift, as she willingly chose to restart as a trainee.

Personal Development

During this transitional phase, Chaewon primarily focused on addressing her perceived shortcomings. "Since I was only a trainee for a short time before, I felt I had certain shortcomings performing with IZ*ONE," she reflected. This period allowed her to work on fundamentals and explore new aspects of performance.

Future Planning

Contrarily to expectations, Chaewon approached her new beginning with remarkable determination. She participated actively in creating LE SSERAFIM's debut album, contributing to songwriting and concept development. Her involvement extended to sharing personal thoughts through interviews, which shaped the group's overall message. Markedly, this phase revealed her deep passion for music and dance, leading to a more confident approach to her artistic expression.

Source Music Journey

March 2022 marked a pivotal moment as Source Music announced Kim Chaewon's exclusive contract signing. This decision stemmed from mutual trust between the artist and agency, ultimately leading to her role in HYBE's first girl group collaboration with Source Music.

New Beginning

The transition to Source Music presented unique opportunities. Primarily joining alongside former IZ*ONE teammate Miyawaki Sakura, Chaewon embraced the challenge of starting fresh. "It's not easy changing labels, being a trainee again and having to start everything over from the beginning," she reflected.

Training Experience

At Source Music, Chaewon dedicated herself to mastering fundamentals. "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". Her training focused on:

Vocal technique refinement
Dance style diversification
Performance skill enhancement

Preparation Phase

The preparation for LE SSERAFIM's debut intensified as May 2022 approached. Chaewon's determination strengthened through challenges, as she noted, "My will gets stronger when I suffer a setback or someone criticizes me". Presently, her role extends beyond performance, essentially encompassing group leadership responsibilities. "I had to build up a lot of courage to agree to be the leader when the label made the suggestion," she shared, "but now I have no idea what I was so worried about".

LE SSERAFIM Formation

The formation of LE SSERAFIM marked a groundbreaking milestone as HYBE Labels' first girl group. Simultaneously, the group's creation generated significant buzz, with reports about potential lineups surfacing frequently in early 2022.

Group Dynamic

The initial team building occurred through a company-organized workshop at a seaside town, where members developed their interpersonal bonds. Coupled with diverse backgrounds, including former IZ*ONE members and a professional ballerina, the group demonstrated remarkable synergy. "Each LE SSERAFIM member has so much to offer on her own, but they shine the brightest when they're together".

Leadership Role

In light of the workshop observations, the planning team unanimously selected Kim Chaewon as the group's leader, impressed by her quick thinking and clever responses. Given these points, Chaewon approached leadership with a unique perspective: "I want the other members to feel comfortable around me like friends and be able to talk to me about anything".

Debut Preparation

The pre-debut phase proved intense, with members dedicating unprecedented effort and energy. Their preparation yielded impressive results:

Secured spots on Billboard charts
Earned million-seller certifications
Developed strong local and international fanbase

The group's formation phase faced challenges, yet Chaewon's leadership philosophy remained clear: "Nothing changes just because I'm the leader. I prefer that we all speak our opinions and work as a team together like usual". Their debut with "Fearless" on May 2, 2022, established them as a formidable force in K-pop.

Leadership Responsibilities

As LE SSERAFIM's leader, Kim Chaewon earned her position through exceptional performance at a company-organized workshop. Her quick thinking and clever responses convinced the planning team of her leadership potential.

Daily Tasks

Primarily focusing on group cohesion, Chaewon guides members through performance preparations and technical aspects. She assists newer members with microphone placement and stage procedures. Her approach emphasizes maintaining smooth operations, hence earning her description as "a rock" who resolves problems efficiently.

Member Management

Chaewon's leadership philosophy centers on creating an environment where members feel comfortable sharing concerns. Therefore, she maintains regular communication with the team, ensuring each member receives proper support. However, she carefully manages her own vulnerabilities, sharing personal concerns primarily with co-member Sakura to maintain team morale.

Decision Making

Despite growing up as the youngest in her family, Chaewon developed a natural inclination to guide those younger than herself. Her leadership style emphasizes collective decision-making, as she believes in treating all members as equals regardless of her leadership title. Ultimately, her goal extends beyond immediate team management - she aims to create an atmosphere where no team member harbors worries or concerns.

The leadership role initially presented challenges, as Chaewon needed time to adapt to situations requiring proactive initiative. As a result, she developed a unique leadership approach, focusing on being "a sturdy core of the group" while maintaining the group's stability. Her commitment to the team's success reflects in her observation that "all five of us are so committed to what we do and put this much thought into it".

Musical Evolution

Kim Chaewon's artistic journey showcases a remarkable shift in musical capabilities, primarily evident through her evolving performance style.

Vocal Development

Undoubtedly, Chaewon's vocal evolution stands out through her transition from a sweet, clear tone to a more powerful vocal style. Her determination to develop a stronger voice led her to explore diverse genres, analogous to her commitment to growth. "I wanted to develop a more powerful voice, and I focused on trying out a new vocal style since I was a trainee again," she revealed. Likewise, her exploration of English pop songs and R&B helped shape her distinctive sound.

Dance Progress

The transition to LE SSERAFIM brought significant changes in Chaewon's dance abilities. "I danced in styles I never got to try before, tried freestyle, and had a lot of choreography cover assignments," she shared. Her dedication to mastering new techniques manifested through weekly recordings and continuous feedback sessions. Similarly, her focus on subtle movements and hip control enhanced her overall performance quality.

Performance Style

Comparatively, Chaewon's stage presence underwent the most noticeable transformation. Her connection with audiences deepened through small gestures like strategic winks and waves. The shift from IZ*ONE's formation-based choreography to LE SSERAFIM's more intricate routines showcased her adaptability. Her performance philosophy now emphasizes power and precision, reflecting in hits like "Perfect Night". This evolution culminated in her becoming one of the most captivating performers of her generation.

Stage Presence

On stage, Kim Chaewon's presence captivates audiences through a combination of technical precision and emotional depth.

Performance Philosophy

Fundamentally, Chaewon's approach centers on meticulous preparation until the moment she steps on stage. Her philosophy emphasizes spontaneity during live performances, occasionally switching up elements if the moment feels right. "Thinking too much keeps me from enjoying it," she notes, highlighting her balance between preparation and natural flow.

Charisma Development

The evolution of Chaewon's stage presence marks one of K-pop's most striking transformations. Her vocal prowess and ability to convey deep emotions became defining characteristics. Primarily, her confidence skyrocketed through LE SSERAFIM's performances, evidenced by her viral success in tracks like "Smarter". Her position as center for dance routines showcases her infectious stage presence.

Stage Techniques

Her technical approach involves several key elements:

Understanding lyrics fully before developing facial expressions
Working extensively on choreography that highlights expressions
Maintaining emotional connection with audiences

Generally, Chaewon's performances demonstrate her quick adaptability. "It doesn't do any good debating over something you have to get done anyway, so I just do it," she explains. Her dedication shows through intricate details, such as the "Hero Step" choreography in "EASY," which became one of the group's representative killer parts. Ultimately, fan support strengthens her confidence, as she notes, "Seeing how much our fans love our performances fills me with more and more confidence".

Off-stage Personality

Behind the spotlight, Kim Chaewon reveals a personality that differs from her powerful stage presence.

Real Character

Primarily a listener among friends, Chaewon often finds herself more comfortable observing than leading conversations. Her natural tendency to keep thoughts private gradually evolved through group interactions. "I'm not the kind of person who gets big laughs on variety shows," she admits, choosing authenticity over forced humor.

Interactions with Members

The bond between LE SSERAFIM members strengthens through their candid conversations. Fundamentally, the group maintains open communication, discussing personal struggles and sharing concerns. A touching example emerged when members noticed Chaewon's hesitation to share her thoughts, gently encouraging her with, "CHAEWON, we know you've got worries too. Just tell us".

Daily Behavior

Off-camera, Chaewon maintains close friendships with former groupmates, evidenced by her heartwarming interaction with IVE's Wonyoung at the 37th Golden Disc Awards. Her playful side surfaces in unexpected moments, like cheerfully announcing "I'm Chaewon!" from a car window to surprised fans.

Her daily routine reflects dedication to health and wellness. She particularly enjoys sharing moments with members, often gathering for pat-bingsu (shaved ice dessert) after schedules. This balance of professional commitment and personal connections showcases her growth from a reserved trainee to a confident leader who values genuine relationships.

Creative Input

Throughout her career, Kim Chaewon's creative contributions span multiple aspects of music production and performance artistry. Her involvement in shaping LE SSERAFIM's identity extends beyond her role as leader.

Song Production

Evidently, Chaewon's songwriting journey began during her IZONE days with contributions to tracks like "WithOne" and "Slow Journey". Her songwriting portfolio expanded with LE SSERAFIM, primarily through tracks including:

"Blue Flame" (Writing, Composing)
"FEARNOT (Between you, me and the lamppost)" (Writing, Composing)
"Crazy (Vogue Remix)" (Writing, Composing)
"Star Signs" (Writing, Composing)

Choreography Input

Fundamentally, Chaewon approaches choreography with meticulous attention to detail. "First I try to understand the lyrics fully and then look for facial expressions that are fitting," she explains. Her dedication shows in practice sessions, namely through innovative methods like practicing expressions in front of bathroom mirrors before bed.

Artistic Vision

The group's artistic direction benefits from Chaewon's thoughtful input during album creation. "The reason our debut album is meaningful to me is because things like the entire concept and overall message were all based on interviews with us," she reflects. Her vision extends to vocal interpretation, as she notes, "When faced with an unfamiliar genre, now I think, 'How can I bring my own style into this?'". This approach has shaped LE SSERAFIM's distinctive sound and performance style.

Physical Transformation

Kim Chaewon's physical transformation stands as a testament to her artistic evolution, primarily marked by her shift from IZ*ONE's fairy-like presence to LE SSERAFIM's powerful performer.

Style Evolution

The journey began with Chaewon's IZ*ONE era, where she embraced brighter colors and a softer aesthetic. Her fashion choices fundamentally shifted toward trendier, more sophisticated looks upon joining LE SSERAFIM. Concurrently, she drew inspiration from Japanese actress and model Komatsu Nana, often studying her casual fashion choices for style cues.

Image Change

A dramatic transformation occurred through her signature hairstyle change. The decision to adopt a blunt bob garnered significant attention, with fans noting, "This is not the Kim Chaewon that I know of". Her new look proved impactful, straightaway establishing a more mature, fashion-forward presence. The transformation extended beyond mere aesthetics - her entire stage demeanor evolved from charming to charismatic.

Health Routine

Ultimately, this transformation reflected a holistic approach to personal development. Her commitment to maintaining peak performance condition showed through consistent practice and preparation. The physical changes aligned with her growing confidence, as evidenced by her powerful stage presence and enhanced charisma. This dedication to personal growth ultimately contributed to her emergence as one of K-pop's most striking visual transformations.

Mental Strength

Fundamentally, Kim Chaewon's approach to mental wellness reflects her mature understanding of emotional balance. "Feeling sad or down is needed for a person," she explains, acknowledging the importance of experiencing all emotions.

Stress Management

Her unique method of handling pressure involves embracing both positive and negative feelings. Instead of suppressing difficult emotions, she listens to sad music and allows herself to feel them fully. Meanwhile, she maintains efficiency by quickly transitioning to positive activities, such as meeting friends or enjoying entertainment, ensuring emotions don't interfere with work responsibilities.

Confidence Building

The pressure of leadership initially caused hesitation, yet Chaewon's resilience shone through. "Nothing gets resolved and nothing improves if you stay still," she emphasizes, highlighting her practical approach to challenges. Henceforth, she focuses on taking initiative and speaking up, demonstrating growth from her previously reserved nature.

Personal Growth

Primarily, Chaewon's development stems from embracing criticism constructively. "I'm really motivated by the people who care about me, but the same goes for people who give me the hard truth," she reflects. Her leadership style evolved through this mindset, creating an environment where members feel comfortable sharing concerns. Ultimately, this balanced approach to emotional management strengthens both her personal resilience and leadership capabilities, making her an effective guide for her team members.

Hidden Skills

Beyond her musical talents, Kim Chaewon possesses an array of unique abilities that showcase her versatility as an entertainer.

Unknown Talents

Primarily known for her vocal prowess, Chaewon demonstrates remarkable voice imitation skills. Her repertoire includes accurate portrayals of beloved anime characters:

Shinnosuke "Shin-chan" Nohara from Crayon Shin-chan

Special Abilities

Firstly, Chaewon's exceptional dexterity shines through her ability to peel three tangerines in just 30 seconds. Furthermore, she exhibits an impressive tolerance for spicy foods, often surprising fellow members with her capacity to handle intense flavors. These unique skills reflect her quick adaptability and precision, traits that complement her role as LE SSERAFIM's leader.

Surprising Facts

Her personal preferences offer glimpses into her distinctive character. Mint chocolate stands as her favorite ice cream flavor, inspiring her signature "mint choco choco dan" aegyo. Prior to her idol journey, Chaewon harbored dreams of becoming a flight attendant, illustrating the diverse career paths she once considered. Ultimately, these hidden aspects of her personality contribute to her charm, as others consistently describe her as a loveable person.

Member Relationships

The interpersonal dynamics within LE SSERAFIM reflect a unique blend of professional respect and genuine friendship.

Group Dynamic

The members established two fundamental ground rules that shape their interactions: accepting situations without judgment and expressing feelings openly. Primarily, this approach helped bridge their diverse backgrounds, creating a harmonious environment where former IZ*ONE members, a professional ballerina, and newcomers collaborate seamlessly. Their living arrangements, with Sakura and Kazuha on the first floor and Chaewon, Eunchae, and Yunjin on the second floor, foster natural bonding opportunities.

Individual Bonds

In terms of personal connections, Chaewon shares a special bond with Sakura, often seeking her counsel during challenging moments. Their relationship extends beyond professional boundaries, as they transitioned together from IZ*ONE to LE SSERAFIM. The group's witty interactions and natural chemistry shine through their variety show appearances, where Chaewon's dry humor complements Sakura's entertainment skills.

Team Leadership

As the group's appointed leader, Chaewon cultivates an environment where age and experience differences dissolve into mutual respect. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes treating everyone as equals, encouraging open dialogue regardless of seniority. This approach proves effective, as members feel comfortable sharing concerns and participating in decision-making processes. "We practice together all day, every day, and go through this and that together," Chaewon reflects, highlighting how shared experiences strengthen their bond.

Fan Connection

Kim Chaewon's connection with fans reveals her distinctive personality through practical, straightforward interactions.

Communication Style

In episode 290 of MMTG, Chaewon's unique approach to fan communication surfaced through her Weverse posts. Her practical responses stand out, offering realistic advice rather than emotional platitudes. For instance, when a fan expressed worry about upcoming exams, she responded with straightforward encouragement, emphasizing "there's still time". In fact, her candid communication style earned her the nickname "warm iced americano" among fans.

Special Moments

Memorable interactions highlight Chaewon's authentic personality. On Weverse, she famously replied to a fan's dream request with characteristic practicality: "Don't dream, it'll disturb your deep sleep". This response, though seemingly direct, demonstrates her genuine concern for fans' well-being. Furthermore, she approaches fan concerns with realistic solutions, sharing personal experiences of overcoming challenges.

Fan Appreciation

FEARNOT, as LE SSERAFIM's fans are known, play a crucial role in Chaewon's motivation. "My fans are what keep me going and motivate me to try my hardest," she acknowledges. Her appreciation manifests through consistent engagement, even responding thoughtfully to fans expressing personal struggles. Ultimately, she views this relationship as mutually beneficial, noting how fan comments help her understand herself better while providing confidence.

Personal Interests

Away from the spotlight, Kim Chaewon's personal interests paint a picture of someone who cherishes simple pleasures.

Hobbies Outside Music

Beyond her musical pursuits, Chaewon finds joy in watching mukbang videos and choreography tutorials. Primarily spending time alone at home, she values moments of solitude. Yet, on rare days off, she prioritizes outdoor activities with friends. Her interest in vlogging content stems from curiosity about content creators' perspectives, often watching various vlogs for entertainment.

Fashion Preferences

Japanese actress and model Komatsu Nana serves as Chaewon's fashion inspiration. She regularly studies Nana's casual fashion choices, demonstrating dedication to developing her style sense. Her fashion evolution became particularly noticeable during LE SSERAFIM's "EASY" era, where she confidently pulled off various looks from formal attire to minimal fashion.

Entertainment Choices

Movies rank high among Chaewon's entertainment preferences. Additionally, she enjoys watching Korean dramas, with a particular interest in thriller genres. Her unique taste extends to food-related content, as she frequently watches mukbang videos while enjoying her favorite treats like bubble tea and mandarins. Notably, she maintains specific preferences, such as avoiding mushrooms and coffee, yet demonstrates an impressive tolerance for spicy foods.

Career Highlights

From trainee to global star, Kim Chaewon's career trajectory showcases remarkable achievements across multiple domains.

Notable Performances

Throughout 2023, LE SSERAFIM's 'FLAME RISES' tour marked a significant milestone. The group's first solo concert at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium drew 10,500 spectators over two days. Fans from 72 countries streamed the performance live. The tour expanded internationally, covering:

Nagoya (August 23-24)
Osaka (August 30-31)
Hong Kong (September 30-October 1)
Indonesia (October 3)
Thailand (October 7-8)

Achievement Milestones

Currently, Chaewon's musical journey includes significant contributions to songwriting. Her first composition credit appeared on IZONE's "WithOne". Subsequently, she contributed lyrics for "Slow Journey" on IZ*ONE's final EP. In 2024, she expanded her artistic reach through a collaboration with Tori Kelly, featuring on the track "Spruce".

Special Recognition

Finally, August 2024 brought a prestigious opportunity as Swarovski appointed Chaewon as their South Korean ambassador. This appointment marked her first solo ambassadorship with a luxury fashion brand. Additionally, she earned recognition as a special MC for SBS Inkigayo in June 2024. Her performance alongside Nile Rodgers for "UNFORGIVEN" stands as a personal highlight, demonstrating her growing influence in the global music scene.

Behind the Scenes

Life as a K-pop idol involves rigorous schedules, ordinarily starting at dawn. Throughout promotions, LE SSERAFIM members head to salons around 1 AM, arrive at broadcasting stations by 5 AM, and wrap up their days near 10 PM.

Practice Life

The group's practice sessions demand intense dedication. Members consistently spend hours perfecting choreographies and maintaining fitness levels. For challenging moves requiring precise coordination, the team adopts a collective approach. "There's a lot of moves that are impossible to do alone, so we kept saying, 'We can't do this if anyone's sick or missing'".

Daily Schedule

A typical promotion period involves:

Early morning salon visits (1-4 AM)
Broadcasting station arrivals (5-6 AM)
Performance recordings
Multiple schedule commitments
Evening wrap-up (10 PM)

Even meals adapt to their packed schedule, with members often eating in moving vehicles. During "FEARLESS" promotions, some members consumed the same meal up to 25 times in five weeks.

Living Arrangements

The group's living space spans two floors, creating distinct dynamics. Sakura and Kazuha share the first floor, regularly conversing in both Japanese and Korean. Meanwhile, Chaewon, Yunjin, and Eunchae occupy the second floor, forming the "Minchodanz" unit. Typically, Chaewon spends most of her time in her private room, equipped with its own restroom, making her appearances in common areas noteworthy events.

FAQS

Addressing common queries about LE SSERAFIM's leader reveals fascinating insights into her journey and personality.

Q: What motivated Chaewon to accept the leadership role? Initially hesitant about leading HYBE's first girl group, Chaewon found strength through the company's confidence in her quick thinking and clever responses during their seaside workshop. Ultimately, her natural inclination to guide younger members emerged even before official appointment.

Q: How does Chaewon handle pressure as a leader? Notwithstanding the challenges, she embraces both positive and negative emotions as essential parts of growth. Furthermore, she maintains group stability by sharing personal concerns primarily with co-member Sakura while remaining a steady support for others.

Q: What drives Chaewon's continuous improvement? Her motivation stems from both praise and criticism. "I'm really motivated by people who care about me, yet the same goes for those who give me the hard truth," she explains. This balanced perspective fuels her growth as both an artist and leader.

Q: How does Chaewon connect with fans? Beyond typical idol-fan interactions, she offers practical advice and genuine responses on Weverse. Her straightforward communication style earned her the nickname "warm iced americano" among fans. Thus, she views fan support as crucial to her motivation, stating, "My fans keep me going and motivate me to try my hardest".

Q: What distinguishes Chaewon's leadership style? Her approach emphasizes collective decision-making and equal treatment of all members. She encourages open dialogue regardless of seniority, creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns and participating in group decisions.