From SM Kid Model to K-pop Star: Leeseo's Early Life

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee Hyun Seo (이현서) began her journey to stardom long before becoming known as Leeseo of IVE. The talented performer entered the world on February 21, 2007, and grew up alongside her younger sister, who was born in 2011.

Her path to fame started remarkably early when she participated in the SM Kids Model Contest in 2016. Specifically, at just ten years old, Leeseo demonstrated her exceptional potential by securing a spot as one of SM Entertainment's first-generation kid models. Her selection was particularly noteworthy as she was chosen from among 400 candidates, showcasing these impressive achievements:

Became part of SM Kids Model 1st Generation
Participated in various modeling activities
Developed early stage presence and confidence

Subsequently, fate intervened in 2019 when a Starship Entertainment director spotted Leeseo at a Shinsaegae department store in Seoul. This chance encounter proved life-changing, as she immediately began her journey as a trainee. Additionally, her dedication became evident through her rigorous training schedule, which included:

Intensive Practice Schedule:

Training up to six days weekly
Sessions from morning until midnight
Surrendering electronic devices during training

Throughout her approximately two-and-a-half-year training period, Leeseo showed remarkable determination. She developed unique practice techniques, such as practicing facial expressions while washing in the bathroom and eating sour foods to perfect her winking. This dedication would ultimately prepare her for her groundbreaking debut with IVE.

Breaking Records: IVE's Youngest Member at Age 14

On December 1, 2021, the K-pop industry witnessed a remarkable milestone as Leeseo stepped into the spotlight at just 14 years, 9 months, and 10 days old. As the sixth and final member to be revealed for IVE, her debut marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey in the mainstream K-pop scene.

Debut Journey with IVE

After being announced as IVE's maknae (youngest member), Leeseo quickly established herself as a vital part of the group's dynamic. Her role encompassed multiple positions including:

Lead Dancer
Sub-Vocalist
Visual

Challenges of Early Debut

Nevertheless, entering the spotlight at such a young age presented unique challenges. According to psychology professor Lim Myung-ho, young idols often face significant hurdles:

"The isolation and lack of peer interaction are bound to affect a child's psychological development and coping mechanisms later as an adult". Moreover, these young artists typically follow rigorous training schedules lasting around 18 hours.

Setting Industry Records

Despite these challenges, Leeseo achieved several notable milestones. On December 3, 2021, she became the youngest female idol to appear on a music show. Although this record was later surpassed, it demonstrated her capability to perform at the highest level despite her age.

Pop culture critic Ha Jae-keun offers a balanced perspective: "The positive is that young talents are able to spread their wings and do what they love from a young age". Accordingly, Leeseo has proven this point by receiving praise for being equally talented and skilled as older members.

Overall, experts emphasize the importance of proper support systems for young artists. "If we can't do anything about that, the second best thing management agencies must do is prepare a support system for their young artists' socialization and mental health". Fortunately, Leeseo has shown remarkable resilience and continues to grow both as an artist and individual, setting new standards for Generation Z idols in the process.

The Making of a Star: Leeseo's Training Period

Following her discovery at Shinsegae Department Store, Leeseo embarked on an intensive training journey at Starship Entertainment that would span approximately two and a half years.

Pre-debut preparation

The training curriculum at Starship Entertainment was notably comprehensive, encompassing various aspects of idol development. Their unique approach included:

Selfie lessons with daily feedback
Short-form content creation training
TikTok video production skills
Monthly performance evaluations

Vocal and dance development

Throughout her training period, Leeseo demonstrated remarkable progress in multiple performance areas. Her natural abilities shone through with her delicate and clean vocal tone, which became particularly effective in mid to high-range parts. Furthermore, she developed into one of the more versatile members of IVE's vocal line, mastering both singing and rap components.

Mental preparation for idol life

Indeed, the psychological aspects of idol training presented unique challenges. Consequently, Leeseo developed personal strategies for maintaining her mental well-being, primarily through:

Getting adequate sleep became her primary method for managing stress. Similarly, her naturally positive disposition, characterized by her frequent laughter and bright personality, helped her navigate the demanding training environment.

Notably, psychology experts emphasize the importance of proper support systems for young trainees. "The isolation and lack of peer interaction are bound to affect a child's psychological development," states Professor Lim Myung-ho. To address these concerns, management agencies must implement comprehensive support systems for their young artists' socialization and mental health.

Throughout her training period, Leeseo maintained her characteristic enthusiasm, often using the phrase "I like it". This positive attitude, combined with her dedication to improvement, helped her overcome the rigorous demands of pre-debut preparation.

Leeseo's Artistic Evolution in IVE

Since her debut with IVE, Leeseo has consistently demonstrated remarkable artistic growth, earning recognition for her distinctive performance style and technical prowess.

Growth as a performer

Initially gaining attention for her viral Inkigayo stage cam during "ELEVEN," where she maintained unwavering eye contact with the camera, Leeseo has evolved into one of IVE's standout performers. Her dedication to improvement is evident in her unique practice methods, including perfecting facial expressions in front of mirrors and developing signature moves.

Signature stage presence

Presently, Leeseo's stage presence sets her apart through:

Powerful and energetic dance moves complemented by signature hair flips
Captivating facial expressions that helped establish the "Close-Up Face Cam" trend in K-pop
Natural ability to maintain composure during extreme close-up shots

Vocal and dance achievements

Throughout her journey with IVE, Leeseo has proven herself as a versatile performer. Her vocal capabilities shine through her:

Notably, when main rapper Rei was absent during "Kitsch" and "I AM" promotions, Leeseo stepped up to cover the rap sections in live performances. Her adaptability extended to her first solo venture with the OST track "MAY LILY" for the webtoon series "I'm the Queen in This Life".

Currently, Leeseo continues to push boundaries in her artistic journey. Her recent performance at the 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon exemplified this growth, where she opened the show with "Eleven," instantly captivating the audience with her youthful energy and refined dance skills. Her commitment to artistic growth is reflected in her statement about wanting to showcase a different image on stage: "Instead of the image people already know, I want each performance to be engraved with an image that breaks the mold".

Balancing School and Stardom

At Hanlim Multi Arts School, a prestigious institution known for nurturing K-pop talents, Leeseo embarks on a unique educational journey. In March 2023, she officially began her high school life in the Broadcasting and Entertainment department, marking another milestone in her already impressive career.

Life at Hanlim Arts School

The young idol's entrance to Hanlim brought both excitement and challenges. On her first day, she gracefully addressed her classmates: "I am so happy to start school at Hanlim in 2023. I look forward to my exciting and fun high school life". Nonetheless, her hectic schedule as part of one of Korea's most popular girl groups often limits her classroom attendance.

Managing academic responsibilities

Balancing stardom with studies requires exceptional time management skills. Here are some of the key challenges Leeseo faces:

Missing group activities for academic commitments, as evidenced by her absence from parts of 1,2,3 IVE due to midterm exams
Relying on classmates for notes and study materials during missed classes
Managing minimal sleep while juggling training, studying, and homework

Support system and mentorship

The entertainment industry recognizes the importance of protecting young artists like Leeseo. A comprehensive support framework includes:

Notably, experts emphasize the significance of proper support systems for young artists in the industry. "The second best thing management agencies must do is prepare a support system for their young artists' socialization and mental health". Therefore, Starship Entertainment maintains a careful balance between Leeseo's professional commitments and educational needs.

In the midst of these challenges, Leeseo maintains her characteristic positivity. As a result, she continues to excel both as a student and an idol, setting an inspiring example for other young performers in the industry.

Rising to New Heights: Leeseo as Inkigayo MC

In April 2024, Starship Entertainment announced a significant milestone in Leeseo's career as she joined SBS's 'Inkigayo' as their newest MC. This appointment marked a fresh chapter in her journey as an entertainer, expanding beyond her role as IVE's youngest member.

Selection as youngest MC

Notably, Leeseo's selection as an MC created buzz in the entertainment industry when Starship Entertainment revealed her upcoming role on April 23. Starting from April 28, she would co-host alongside actor Moon Sung-hyun and ZEROBASEONE's Han Yu-jin, forming what would become known as the 'Maknae MCs' team.

Impact on broadcasting career

Primarily, this role demonstrates Leeseo's versatility as an entertainer. Upon receiving the position, she expressed her gratitude: "It's an immense honor to take on the role of MC for 'Inkigayo'. I'm thrilled for this precious opportunity". Her selection coincided with IVE's comeback announcement for their second EP album 'IVE SWITCH,' creating a dual milestone in her career.

Growth in public speaking

Certainly, Leeseo's journey to becoming an MC required mastering several essential skills:

Maintaining consistent energy levels throughout live broadcasts
Developing improvisational abilities for unexpected situations
Mastering script delivery while maintaining natural expression
Building chemistry with co-hosts

Her previous experience in various YouTube entertainment shows and personal content creation has markedly contributed to her speaking abilities. As an MC, she must demonstrate emotional intelligence and adapt to different situations, making split-second decisions without disrupting the show's flow.

The role demands more than just public speaking prowess; it requires the ability to:

Set the appropriate tone for each segment
Engage effectively with both guests and viewers
Provide relevant information clearly and concisely
Transform average moments into memorable experiences

Through this new venture, Leeseo continues to prove her adaptability, managing these broadcasting responsibilities alongside her existing commitments as an idol and student. Her determination to "deliver bright energy every week to both DIVE and all the viewers" exemplifies her professional approach to this significant career advancement.

Behind the Spotlight: Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the glittering stage lights and packed schedules, Leeseo maintains a vibrant personal life filled with diverse interests and meaningful relationships.

Hobbies and passions

Primarily, Leeseo's athletic pursuits showcase her active lifestyle. She excels in swimming, mastering both backstroke and butterfly techniques. Her commitment to fitness extends to regular Pilates sessions, which help maintain her performance stamina.

In her leisure time, Leeseo enjoys:

Capturing memories through selfies
Watching K-dramas like "Twenty Five Twenty One" and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo"
Visiting amusement parks
Playing kickball and baseball

Relationship with members

Notably, Leeseo shares special bonds with her fellow IVE members. Her relationship with Rei stands out as particularly close, with Rei being the keeper of many of Leeseo's secrets. Their connection is evident in several ways:

Essentially, her friendship with Wonyoung reveals a sweet dynamic, as demonstrated through their late-night food adventures and shared viewing of cartoons. Their text messages often showcase their close bond, planning cream pasta dinners and discussing their favorite shows.

Off-stage personality

Generally, Leeseo embodies the role of IVE's mood maker, bringing energy and positivity to the group. Her natural disposition includes several distinctive traits:

Often uses the phrase "I like it!" enthusiastically
Becomes easily startled despite not being naturally fearful
Displays disappointment uniquely by closing her eyes and opening her mouth
Shows a particular fondness for sweet foods

Straightaway noticeable is her close relationship with her family, especially her younger sister, who was born in 2011. In a heartwarming moment, they shared the experience of unboxing IVE's Season's Greetings together, demonstrating how Leeseo maintains strong family connections despite her busy schedule.

Setting New Standards for Gen Z Idols

First of all, as K-pop continues evolving, Leeseo emerges as a pioneering figure for Generation Z idols. Her journey exemplifies how young talents can thrive responsibly in the entertainment industry.

Influence on younger fans

Primarily, Leeseo's impact resonates deeply with her peer demographic. As teenage idols ranging from 14 to 18 years old connect naturally with their audience, they create a unique bond of relatability. This connection manifests through:

Shared experiences and challenges
Age-appropriate content creation
Authentic representation of youth culture

Role model status

Notably, Leeseo's approach to industry challenges sets her apart. In a significant stance against inappropriate behavior, she recently addressed concerns about autograph-related harassment, sparking crucial conversations about young artists' rights and protection.

Her influence extends beyond performance, as demonstrated by these key aspects:

Essentially, her success story challenges traditional industry norms. Unlike previous generations, where young idols often struggled with limited support, Leeseo benefits from comprehensive systems designed to protect and nurture young talents.

Future aspirations

Looking ahead, Leeseo's trajectory suggests promising developments. IVE's remarkable achievements, including becoming million-sellers twice, position her for continued growth. Her professional development encompasses:

Expanding artistic capabilities
Building a global presence
Contributing to positive industry changes

Ultimately, her journey represents a shift in K-pop culture, where success doesn't compromise personal development. As experts note, "Part of nurturing kids is to challenge them and help them meet their full potential". This philosophy guides Leeseo's path forward, inspiring a new generation of performers who can pursue their dreams responsibly.

FAQS

Primarily focused on answering the most common questions about IVE's youngest member, this comprehensive FAQ section provides clarity on key aspects of Leeseo's career and personal life.

What is Leeseo's real name and background? Her birth name is Lee Hyun Seo (이현서), and she was born in Seoul, South Korea. She has a younger sister born in 2011.

What are Leeseo's vital statistics?

What positions does Leeseo hold in IVE? Her official positions include:

Vocalist
Visual
Maknae (youngest member)

What is unique about Leeseo's debut? First of all, she debuted as IVE's sixth and final member on December 1, 2021. Notably, she was the youngest member to debut in a major K-pop group that year.

How does Leeseo manage her education? Essentially, she attends Hanlim Arts School. Meanwhile, she balances her academic responsibilities with her idol career, occasionally missing group activities for important academic commitments.

What are some interesting facts about Leeseo?

She has exceptional contact lens insertion skills, not requiring a mirror
The phrase she uses most often is "I like it!"
She saves Wonyoung's contact as "Forever Unnie" in her phone

Who is Leeseo closest to in IVE? Undoubtedly, she shares special bonds with all members, but notably rides in the same car with Yujin and Gaeul. Otherwise, Yujin has mentioned that Leeseo can be challenging to manage when around friends.

What is IVE's fandom name? The official fandom name is DIVE, which reflects IVE's greeting, "DIVE into IVE".

What languages does Leeseo speak? Hence her versatility, she demonstrates proficiency in Korean and has been studying Japanese, impressing even native speaker Rei with her progress.

What are Leeseo's future aspirations? Likewise reflecting her artistic growth, she has expressed interest in exploring "high teen" concepts alongside fellow member Rei. Ultimately, she continues to develop her skills as both a performer and MC on Inkigayo.