Kim Chaewon: From 19-Year-Old Trainee to LE SSERAFIM's Powerful Leader

From an 11-month trainee to a successful K-pop idol, Kim Chaewon's journey showcases remarkable determination in the competitive music industry. Born on August 1, 2000, in Seoul's Gangnam-gu, she quickly proved her talents by securing the 10th position in the survival show Produce 48.

Currently leading LE SSERAFIM since their debut in May 2022, Chaewon brings valuable experience from her previous role in IZ*ONE. Standing at 164 cm tall, she has earned recognition not only for her clear vocal tone but also for her versatility in dance. Her achievements include ranking 7th among 96 contestants in the "Best Visuals" category during Produce 48 and becoming the Korean ambassador for "MAKE UP FOR EVER" in 2023.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born into a family with strong artistic roots, Kim Chaewon inherited her creative talents from her mother, Lee Ran-hee, a respected theater actress. Growing up as the youngest daughter with an older sister born in 1994, Chaewon's early exposure to performing arts through her mother's profession shaped her artistic sensibilities.

Family background and influences

The artistic environment at home played a crucial role in nurturing Chaewon's talents. Her mother's theater background provided a natural foundation for understanding performance arts. Furthermore, the supportive family structure allowed her to explore her creative interests freely.

First steps into music

Initially dreaming of becoming a flight attendant, Chaewon's musical journey began to take shape during her elementary school years. A significant milestone came in 2012 when she participated in the KBS Korea Children's Song Contest as part of the Poi Elementary Choir. Meanwhile, she continued practicing singing and dancing at home throughout her elementary and middle school years.

School life and early training

Chaewon's educational journey includes:

Seoul Poi Elementary School
Guryong Middle School
Gaepo High School (initial enrollment)
Hanlim Multi Art School (transfer)

Her transition to Hanlim Multi Art School marked a turning point in her career path. As a student in the Broadcasting & Entertainment Department, she graduated on February 12, 2019. Additionally, her determination led her to participate in multiple auditions during high school, ultimately securing a position at Woollim Entertainment. Before her appearance on Produce 48, she trained for 11 months, demonstrating remarkable progress in a relatively short period. At her Woollim Entertainment audition, she impressed the judges with her rendition of BoA's 'Atlantis Princess'.

The Produce 48 Journey

In 2018, Kim Chaewon entered Produce 48 after training at Woollim Entertainment for 11 months. The survival show brought together 96 contestants from South Korea and Japan, creating an unprecedented platform for aspiring K-pop idols.

Audition preparation

Chaewon moved into the show's special dorms on April 11, spending a week preparing for her audition performances. Subsequently, she represented Woollim Entertainment alongside three other trainees, including future IZ*ONE member Kwon Eun-bi.

Key performances

Throughout the competition, Chaewon showcased her versatility through several memorable stages:

"Into The New World" performance with Yunjin and Nako, highlighting her all-rounder capabilities
"To Reach You" stage demonstrating vocal prowess
"You're in Love, Right?" performance enhancing her visibility

Final ranking and debut confirmation

Chaewon's journey on Produce 48 culminated in a remarkable achievement. Despite never placing in the top 12 before the finale - a first in the show's history - she secured the 10th position with 238,192 votes. This accomplishment earned her a coveted spot in the final lineup of IZ*ONE.

The finale, broadcast live on August 31, 2018, marked a significant milestone as Lee Seung-gi announced the formation of IZONE. Specifically, Chaewon's consistent growth throughout the show impressed viewers, with her performances receiving praise for their emotional depth and technical skill. Her dedication paid off when she officially debuted as an IZONE member on October 29, 2018, with their first extended play "Color*Iz".

Life as an IZ*ONE Member

October 29, 2018, marked the beginning of Chaewon's professional career as she debuted with IZONE through their first extended play, "ColorIZ" and its lead single "La Vie en Rose".

Debut experience

The group's debut extended play achieved remarkable commercial success, establishing IZ*ONE as a formidable presence in the K-pop industry. Throughout her time with the group, Chaewon evolved from being recognized for her cutesy image to showcasing remarkable versatility in both vocal delivery and stage presence.

Notable achievements

Particularly noteworthy was Chaewon's growth as a vocalist, as she emerged as one of the group's main vocalists. Her clear tone and stable vocal skills earned her significant parts in the group's discography, notably taking charge of choruses alongside main vocalist Yuri. Moreover, she demonstrated exceptional skill in handling high-pitched sections, becoming the second most prominent member for challenging vocal parts.

The year 2020 marked a significant milestone in Chaewon's artistic development as she ventured into music composition. She received her first composition credit for the track "WithOne" on the "Oneiric Diary" album and contributed lyrics to "Slow Journey" featured on IZONE's final EP, "One-reeler / Act IV".

Her musical contributions include:

Leading vocal parts in signature songs like "Violeta," "Fiesta," and "Panorama"
Performing challenging high notes in tracks such as "Rococo" and "Sequence"
Delivering powerful performances in unit versions of songs, particularly in the 4-member rendition of "FIESTA"

The group concluded their journey with a final concert, "One, The Story," held on March 13 and 14, 2021, before their contract officially expired on April 29, 2021. Throughout her two-and-a-half-year tenure with IZ*ONE, Chaewon consistently captivated audiences with her talent and charisma, earning a loyal following through her dedication to her craft.

Transition to LE SSERAFIM

After IZ*ONE's disbandment in April 2021, Chaewon faced uncertainty about her future direction. Rather than taking the conventional path, she made a bold decision to switch from Woollim Entertainment to Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE Labels.

Agency change process

The transition wasn't a straightforward choice. Nonetheless, Chaewon's previous agency supported her decision, recognizing her desire to explore new opportunities. "It's not easy changing labels, being a trainee again, and having to start everything over from the beginning," she reflected on her choice to join Source Music.

Re-debut preparation

The preparation phase brought significant changes for Chaewon:

Intensive training under HYBE's strict regime
Vocal and dance skill refinement
Image transformation from her previous cute concept
Building chemistry with new members

Altogether, these experiences helped shape her new identity as an artist. Certainly, the transformation was evident in her appearance, as she adopted a bold new look with a signature bob haircut, marking a departure from her previous image.

New group dynamics

The relationship between Chaewon and fellow former IZ*ONE member Sakura evolved significantly in LE SSERAFIM. "We never really used to tell each other about the difficulties we were facing, however now we're so comfortable that we can talk more about any concerns," Sakura noted about their strengthened bond.

As the oldest members of LE SSERAFIM, both Chaewon and Sakura stepped into mentorship roles. Consequently, Source Music recognized Chaewon's natural leadership abilities and offered her the position of group leader. Despite initial hesitation, she embraced the role, stating, "I had to build up a lot of courage to agree to be the leader when the label made the suggestion, however now I have no idea what I was so worried about".

The group's debut in May 2022 marked the successful culmination of Chaewon's transition, with their first single "FEARLESS" receiving widespread recognition. Through this journey, she demonstrated that taking risks and embracing change could lead to remarkable growth and success.

Leading LE SSERAFIM

Selected through a company-organized workshop, Kim Chaewon emerged as LE SSERAFIM's leader due to her quick thinking and clever responses. Although she initially hesitated to accept the position, her natural ability to guide others ultimately proved decisive in the selection process.

Leadership style

Primarily focusing on creating a comfortable environment, Chaewon emphasizes maintaining friendship-level relationships with members while providing guidance. In fact, she strives to be a leader whom members can approach with any concern, establishing an open-door policy for communication.

Daily responsibilities

As the group's spokesperson and guide, Chaewon's duties include:

Representing LE SSERAFIM in public appearances
Providing technical guidance for live performances
Coordinating with management
Mentoring younger members about stage procedures

Group harmony management

While managing team dynamics, Chaewon relies on Sakura as her closest confidante for advice. Essentially, she maintains a delicate balance between being a strong support system for younger members and addressing her own concerns. Her approach has fostered a coordinated dynamic within the group, enabling members to speak more freely in public settings.

The pressure of leadership occasionally weighs on Chaewon, yet she views it as a catalyst for personal growth. "Being a leader has made me more responsible and more mature," she reflects. Through experience, the group has developed a collaborative approach where members actively participate in decision-making, creating what Chaewon describes as a forward-moving harmony.

Under her leadership, LE SSERAFIM has achieved significant milestones, including their recent performance at Coachella with Nile Rodgers in April 2024. Through her guidance, the group maintains a balance between professionalism and authenticity, making a virtue of their imperfections in an industry often focused on perfection.

FAQS

Fans often ask questions about LE SSERAFIM's charismatic leader. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Kim Chaewon:

Q: What motivates Chaewon as LE SSERAFIM's leader? Primarily, she draws strength from the group members and fans. Indeed, Chaewon mentions that even when tired, conversations with members energize her, and fan support provides continuous motivation.

Q: How does Chaewon handle criticism? According to her interviews, she views criticism as an opportunity for growth. Obviously, while negative comments affect her pride, she appreciates constructive feedback that helps her improve.

Q: What's a memorable fan moment for Chaewon? Undoubtedly, one of the most notable incidents occurred during IShowSpeed's Cambodia livestream, where fans waved a USA flag featuring Chaewon's image, leading to a viral moment where she was mistakenly identified as "the President of America".

Q: How has Chaewon's leadership style evolved? Presently, she maintains a balance between being responsible and allowing members to express themselves. Generally, while she initially felt pressure representing the group, the members' increased participation has helped distribute responsibilities.

Q: What's unique about Chaewon's approach to personal growth? Accordingly, she believes in living in the moment and accepting situations as they come. Hence, she focuses on self-trust and confidence, stating, "I have to trust myself first in order for others to rely on me".

Q: How does Chaewon handle personal struggles? As a leader, she tends to keep personal difficulties private, feeling responsible for maintaining a strong front. Nevertheless, she finds comfort in small moments with members and draws energy from fan interactions.