Birth place: Heunghae-eup, Buk-gu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Occupation

Rapper, singer, dancer

Group debut

January 24, 2018

Years active

2017–present

Agency

Pledis Entertainment (2021–present)

Off The Record Entertainment (2018–2021)

Stone Music Entertainment (2017–2018)

CJ E&M Music (2017)

JYP Entertainment (2012-2015)

Lee Chae-young was born on May 14, 2000, in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. She grew up in a family consisting of her mother and two older sisters. This close-knit family structure likely played a significant role in shaping her early years and fostering her aspirations.

Lee's educational journey began in her hometown. She attended Mirim Girls' High School during her youth. Later, she enrolled at Hanlim Multi Art High School, an institution known for nurturing young talents in the entertainment industry. This choice of school suggests Lee's early inclination towards pursuing a career in the arts. After completing her high school education, Lee continued her academic pursuits at Dankook University.

From a young age, Lee Chae-young showed a diverse range of interests. Her hobbies included swimming and judo , indicating an active lifestyle and a penchant for physical activities. These early interests likely contributed to her physical fitness and discipline, qualities that would prove beneficial in her future career as an idol.

Lee Chae-young's journey to becoming an idol began with her time as a trainee at JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies. This experience provided her with a solid foundation in singing, dancing, and performance skills, which would prove invaluable in her future career.

In 2018, Lee Chae-young left JYP Entertainment and joined Idol School, a reality show aimed at forming a new girl group. The program featured 41 female participants who underwent intensive training in singing, dancing, and other idol-related subjects over an 11-week period. The show's unique format allowed viewers to vote live during each episode, with the participants' grades determined entirely by these votes.

Lee Chae-young's hard work and talent shone through during the competition. She impressed both the audience and the judges, which included experienced professionals like singer Bada and choreographer Park Jun-hee. As a result of her performances and the viewers' support, Lee Chae-young secured the fourth place in the final rankings. This achievement earned her a coveted spot in the newly formed 9-member girl group, which was later named fromis_9.

Lee Chae-young's journey with fromis_9 began through the survival show "Idol School" on Mnet. The program, which premiered on July 13, 2017, featured 41 female participants competing for a spot in the new girl group. After 11 weeks of intense training and live voting, Lee Chae-young secured the fourth place, earning her position in the final nine-member lineup.

Following the show's conclusion, fromis_9 released their pre-debut single "Glass Shoes" on November 30, 2017. The group made their first appearance on a music program with this song on December 15, 2017, on "Music Bank". Their official debut came on January 24, 2018, with the release of their first mini-album "To. Heart".

fromis_9's debut was met with significant success. Their lead single "To Heart" and the mini-album received considerable praise from fans and critics alike. The EP debuted impressively at number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart, showcasing the group's immediate popularity and potential in the K-pop industry.

Lee Chae-young holds multiple positions within fromis_9, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She serves as the main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist of the group. Her diverse skill set has allowed her to contribute significantly to fromis_9's performances and musical offerings.

As the main dancer, Lee Chae-young brings powerful and impressive dance moves to the group's choreographies. Her tall stature and Western-like proportions contribute to her cool appearance on stage. Her dancing abilities were evident from the beginning, as she ranked 4th in the basic dance skill evaluation during Idol School.

Initially, Lee Chae-young took on low parts or rap sections in the group's early releases, from "Glass Shoes" to "Fun!". Her role as a lead rapper has allowed her to showcase her versatility in different musical styles.

Lee Chae-young's vocal abilities have shown remarkable growth over time. She has transitioned from primarily rapping to taking on more vocal parts, particularly from the song "Feel Good" onwards. Her unique falsetto technique, which differs from classic vocalization methods, has garnered praise. In recent releases, such as "Stay This Way" and the group's first full-length album "Unlock My World," Lee Chae-young's vocal skills have been further highlighted, cementing her position as an essential vocalist in the team.

Lee Chae-young and fromis_9 achieved a significant milestone on September 7, 2021, when they secured their first-ever music show win on SBS MTV's "The Show" with their song "Talk & Talk". This victory marked a turning point in their career, validating their growing popularity and musical prowess.

The group showcased their talents at various events, including the ISAC 2019 (Idol Star Athletics Championships). These performances helped solidify their reputation as skilled performers and increased their visibility in the competitive K-pop industry.

fromis_9's discography expanded significantly over the years:They released their first single album "Fun Factory" on June 4, 2019, featuring the title track "Fun!".

Their third EP "My Little Society" dropped on September 16, 2020, with the title track "Feel Good (Secret Code)".

The fourth EP "Midnight Guest" was released on January 17, 2022, featuring "DM" as the title track.

Their fifth EP "From Our Memento Box" came out on June 27, 2022, with "Stay This Way" as the lead single.

The group's first full-length album "Unlock My World" was released on June 5, 2023.

Their fifth single album "Supersonic" was unveiled on August 12, 2024.

Lee Chae-young stands out as the tallest member of fromis_9, measuring 169 cm (5'7"). Her distinctive features include her left side profile, which she considers her best asset. Chae-young has undergone monolid surgery, though she expressed some dissatisfaction with the results. Her physical strength is notable, as she can split an apple with her bare hands.

Chae-young is known for her friendly and talkative nature. She's highly observant, often imitating and predicting her fellow members' actions. Her honesty is evident, as her ears turn red when she attempts to lie. Chae-young is also studious and aspires to be a director, having studied Performance Arts in high school.

Chae-young's interests are diverse. She enjoys variety shows, napping, and listening to ballad songs. Her love for action and hero films contrasts with her dislike for romance movies. Sports play a significant role in her life, with football, running, and baseball being her favorites. Chae-young also has a passion for cosmetics, particularly lipsticks.

Lee Chae-young, like many K-pop idols, has a unique approach to social media. She admits to being somewhat timid when it comes to online interactions, often spending considerable time contemplating what to post. Her social media activity is characterized by minimalism, typically using only one emoticon in her posts. This reserved approach reflects her thoughtful nature and desire to connect authentically with fans.

Lee Chae-young actively engages with her fans through organized events. In January 2023, she held her first fan meeting, "UNI-CHAERISH," in Seoul. Following its success, she announced her first overseas fan meeting, "UNI-CHAERISH IN HONG KONG," to be held at the MacPherson Stadium Arena. These events adopt the concept of an orientation at "Chaerish University," a fictional institution exclusively for her fandom, CHAERISH. During these meetings, Lee performs popular singles like "KNOCK," providing fans with memorable experiences.

Lee Chae-young has made numerous appearances on Korean variety shows, showcasing her personality beyond her musical performances. In 2022, she was a regular member on shows like "HIT Village: fromis_9" and "Idol Workshop: Fromis_9". She has also been a guest on various programs, including "The WillBen Show" and "Seulgi.Zip" in 2021. These appearances have helped to solidify her public image and strengthen her connection with fans.

Lee Chae-young's journey from a small-town girl to a prominent member of fromis_9 showcases her dedication and talent in the competitive world of K-pop. Her versatility as a main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist has contributed significantly to the group's success. Chae-young's unique characteristics, including her tall stature and distinctive left side profile, set her apart in the industry. Her growth as an artist, from her early training days to her current role in fromis_9, reflects her commitment to her craft. As fromis_9 continues to gain popularity, Lee Chae-young's contributions to the group's performances and musical offerings remain integral to their success. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring K-pop idols and demonstrates the power of perseverance and hard work in achieving one's dreams in the entertainment industry.