Lightsum - Into the light (Member)

LIGHTSUM burst onto the K-pop scene in 2021, quickly establishing themselves as one of the most promising fourth-generation girl groups. Initially debuting under Cube Entertainment, the LIGHTSUM members captured fans' attention with their unique blend of vocal talents and synchronized performances.

The group notably stands out for their diverse lineup, bringing together members with distinct backgrounds in dance, musical theater, and even international experience. Each of the LIGHTSUM members contributes their own special flair to the group's dynamic performances and interactions

Sangah (Leader) Profile

Born in Incheon, South Korea, Yoon Sang-ah, better known as Sangah, leads LIGHTSUM with her distinctive rap style and dynamic dance abilities. Standing at 167 cm tall, she was born on September 4, 2002.

Sangah's Background and Early Life

Notably, Sangah grew up in Ganseok-dong, Namdong-gu with her parents and an older brother. During her elementary school years, she actively participated in various sports competitions. Her passion for baseball developed early, leading to her unique hobby of collecting signed baseball T-shirts from players.

Sangah's Career Journey

Sangah's path to stardom began differently from many K-pop idols. Although she started her trainee life later than most, she demonstrated exceptional potential by passing first-round auditions for 17 different companies. Furthermore, she enhanced her performance skills through training at both PinkM Dance Academy and A-Root Dance Academy.

Quick Facts About Sangah:

MBTI Type: ESFJ

Sangah's Leadership Style

As LIGHTSUM's leader, Sangah faced unique challenges during her training period. Consequently, she began learning rap just five months after joining Cube Entertainment, quickly developing her signature powerful, mid-low tone style. Her leadership approach emphasizes communication and adaptability, as evidenced by her self-described role as "the king of socialising" in LIGHTSUM.

In 2023, Sangah participated in Mnet's survival show "Queendom Puzzle," where she showcased her abilities until her elimination in episode 7. Throughout her journey, she has maintained her motto: "Don't get discouraged and keep your shoulders straight", reflecting her resilient leadership style.

Yujeong Profile

The youngest member of LIGHTSUM, Lee Yujeong, brings a unique blend of theatrical training and cheerleading expertise to the group. As a graduate of the School of Performing Arts Seoul's Theater and Film Department, she combines her academic background with idol training to create compelling performances.

Yujeong's Musical Theater Experience

Primarily known for her cheerleading background, Yujeong spent five years perfecting her skills in synchronized team performances. This experience proved invaluable, as she notes that cheerleading helped her overcome stage fright and prepared her for group performances. Her theatrical training at SOPA further enhanced her ability to express emotions through performance.

Yujeong's Vocal Development

Throughout her journey, Yujeong has demonstrated steady growth as a sub-vocalist. Notably, she has contributed significantly to LIGHTSUM's discography, particularly in their song "VIVACE" where she handled crucial parts including two free choruses, bridge, and ending sections. Her stable vocal performance, even during intense choreography, has earned recognition from fans.

Yujeong's Hobbies

Beyond her idol activities, Yujeong maintains diverse interests that reflect her artistic nature:

Playing piano and creating dance covers

Quick Facts About Yujeong:

Height: 162 cm

Hence, despite her initial shyness, Yujeong has evolved into a confident performer. Evidently, her dedication to personal training and body awareness has led her to explore new fitness interests like pilates. Ultimately, her soft-spoken nature complements her role as the group's maknae, while her focus on social media allows her to maintain close connections with fans.

Chowon Profile

Han Chowon's journey to becoming LIGHTSUM's main vocalist includes a remarkable story of resilience and determination. As a talented performer who originally trained to become an actress, she discovered her true calling after her vocal potential was recognized by her teachers.

Chowon's Pre-debut Journey

Before joining LIGHTSUM, Chowon participated in the survival show Produce 48, where she faced significant challenges. Starting at rank 64 in the first episode, she steadily improved her standing. Moreover, it was later revealed through court investigations that she actually achieved 6th place in the finale, though manipulation led to her being ranked 13th. Nevertheless, this setback didn't deter her spirit, as she continued training at Cube Entertainment, ultimately leading to her debut with LIGHTSUM.

Chowon's Vocal Abilities

As LIGHTSUM's main vocalist, Chowon demonstrates exceptional vocal prowess. She excels in:

Powerful high notes with consistent stability

Her vocal capabilities were particularly highlighted in the group's debut song "Vanilla," where she masterfully handled challenging high notes while maintaining complex choreography.

Chowon's Personal Life

Presently, Chowon maintains diverse interests outside her musical career. A bronze medalist in South Korea's National Math Competition, she showcases both academic and artistic talents. Her Catholic faith plays an important role in her life, with Sofia being her baptismal name.

Some of her favorite activities include:

Collecting perfumes and accessories

With an INFJ personality type, Chowon approaches her artistry with depth and thoughtfulness. Additionally, she demonstrates multiple talents beyond singing, including composing songs and acting. Her role models are IU and BTS, reflecting her aspirations to become a versatile artist.

Juhyeon Profile

Lee Ju Hyeon, professionally known as Juhyeon, started her remarkable journey in K-pop at just 11 years old. After watching a captivating performance by BoA, she felt inspired to pursue her dreams in the entertainment industry.

Juhyeon's Dance Background

Beginning her dance training in second grade, Juhyeon developed a strong foundation in various dance styles. Soon after joining Cube Entertainment in 2014, she demonstrated exceptional potential in both dance and vocals. Her dedication to perfecting her craft led to her becoming LIGHTSUM's main dancer and lead vocalist.

Juhyeon's Show Appearances

Throughout her pre-debut years, Juhyeon participated in several notable competitions:

The Unit: Finished at rank 25, being the youngest contestant

Juhyeon's Artistic Style

Certainly, Juhyeon's approach to performance sets her apart in the industry. Standing at 171 cm, she utilizes her height advantage to create striking dance lines and detailed movements. Besides her dancing prowess, she demonstrates considerable musical ambition, expressing interest in:

Self-producing music

Her artistic vision extends beyond personal achievements. "I want LIGHTSUM to be a group who's really friendly, who's always by your side and always makes you smile," she explains. Straightaway, this perspective reflects in her performances, where she combines technical precision with natural expressiveness.

As a performer who started training early, Juhyeon maintains a thoughtful approach to her career. Her motto, "Let's not lose me," guides her artistic journey. She continues to develop her skills in hip-hop dance, guitar playing, and Japanese language, demonstrating her commitment to becoming a well-rounded artist.

Hina Profile

As LIGHTSUM's sole Japanese member, Nagai Hina represents a significant milestone as Cube Entertainment's first Japanese female idol. Born on April 7, 2003, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, she spent her formative years in Tokyo.

Hina's Japanese Background

Indeed, as an only child, Hina grew up in a close-knit family environment. Her mother's career as a flight attendant inspired her early dreams of following the same path. However, her destiny would take an unexpected turn toward the entertainment industry.

Hina's Journey to K-pop

Since her junior high school days, Hina's fascination with K-pop began through TWICE's performances. Her dedication to pursuing this passion led her to:

Attend MARU Dance Studio in Tokyo

Hina's Cultural Adaptation

Overall, Hina's transition to life in Korea presented unique challenges. As the only Japanese trainee in the company, she faced the task of:

Language Development:

Rapid Korean language acquisition

Personal Growth: Undoubtedly, moving away from home tested her independence. She learned to manage various aspects of daily life, from laundry to cooking, all while pursuing her dream. Her determination paid off as she was revealed as LIGHTSUM's seventh member on April 22, 2021.

Her role model remains TWICE's Sana, who significantly influenced her decision to pursue a K-pop career. This admiration has shaped her approach to performance and her goals within the industry. Through her journey, Hina maintains close connections with her family through regular phone calls, balancing her professional aspirations with personal relationships.

Nayoung Profile

Kim Na-young, professionally known as Nayoung, embarked on her K-pop journey through multiple pathways. Standing at 155 cm tall, she represents LIGHTSUM as their main vocalist and lead dancer.

Nayoung's Training Period

Her path to stardom began with remarkable persistence. Subsequently, she trained for 1 year and 7 months before participating in PRODUCE 48. After ranking 21st in the show, she briefly joined Banana Culture's trainee group Newkid. Therefore, when that project was canceled in Spring 2019, she signed with Cube Entertainment.

Nayoung's Performance Style

As LIGHTSUM's center and main vocalist, Nayoung brings unique elements to the group's performances. Her specialties include:

Executing perfect cartwheels

Meanwhile, her dedication to improvement shows in her performances. When discussing the group's musical identity, she specifically recommended their song 'i' from their first mini-album, noting how it showcases a different side of their abilities.

Nayoung's Interests

Accordingly, beyond her stage presence, Nayoung maintains diverse interests that shape her personality. She excels at cooking, with rolled omelette being her signature dish. Her culinary enthusiasm extends to:

Food Preferences:

Sweet potatoes and eggs

In the group's dorm life, she shares living space with leader Sangah. Furthermore, she considers this arrangement beneficial as it allows her to cook independently and manage household tasks at her own pace.

Her role model is IU, and she often expresses hope about sharing her positive energy with others. Similarly, her ENFP personality type reflects in her approach to fan interactions and group dynamics.