Who is Yujeong? The Untold Story of LIGHTSUM's Rising Star

Yujeong has emerged as one of the most promising talents in South Korea's competitive K-pop industry. Since her debut with LIGHTSUM, she has captured attention through her exceptional vocal abilities and magnetic stage presence.

Throughout her journey from trainee to idol, Yujeong (also known as Lee Yujeong) has demonstrated remarkable growth and versatility as a performer. Her story encompasses everything from her early training days to her current position as a key member of LIGHTSUM, showcasing her dedication to mastering both singing and dancing while building genuine connections with fans worldwide.

Early Life and Family Background

Born in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, Lee Yujeong entered the world on June 14, 2004, into a supportive family consisting of her parents and a younger sister.

Childhood in Seoul

Initially shy and reserved, Yujeong's early years in Seoul marked the beginning of her journey toward performing arts. Her parents made a decision that would significantly shape her future - enrolling her in cheerleading during her third grade. This choice proved instrumental in helping her overcome her natural timidity.

Family influence on her career

Notably, her parents' intuitive understanding of their daughter's potential led them to encourage activities that would build her confidence. The decision to pursue cheerleading, which she continued for five years, demonstrated their commitment to nurturing their daughter's personal growth. "Cheerleading helped me to overcome my shyness because if I hadn't done that I feel I wouldn't have been able to perform in front of people," Yujeong has reflected.

Early interest in performing arts

Furthermore, her educational journey reflected her growing passion for performing arts. Her academic path included:

Throughout her academic years, Yujeong developed particular interests that would later benefit her idol career. She honed her skills in playing piano and K-pop dance, consequently building a strong foundation for her future endeavors. Her specialization in musicals during her school years particularly showcased her early commitment to performing arts.

The combination of her family's support, educational choices, and personal determination created a solid foundation for her future in the entertainment industry. Her transition from a shy child to a confident performer exemplifies the crucial role that early experiences and family support play in shaping an artist's journey.

Journey to K-pop Stardom

The path to K-pop stardom began for Yujeong through a series of strategic moves across different entertainment agencies. Her determination to succeed in the industry became evident through her persistent efforts and adaptability.

Training period across agencies

Yujeong's professional journey unfolded through multiple agencies, each contributing to her growth as an artist. Her training timeline showcases her dedication:

Produce 48 experience

In 2018, Yujeong took a bold step by participating in Mnet's survival show Produce 48, representing CNC School. Although she ranked 51st place and was eliminated in episode 8, this experience proved invaluable for her future career. The show, which brought together 96 contestants from both Korean and Japanese entertainment industries, provided her with extensive exposure to professional training and performance opportunities.

Lessons learned from survival show

Moreover, the survival show experience transformed Yujeong's perspective on her career aspirations. "When I was just a trainee, I just did what I had to do. But after being a part of a survival programme, my dream was to become a winner and I became more ambitious about my dream".

Subsequently, her participation in Produce 48 alongside future LIGHTSUM members Chowon and Nayoung created an unexpected bond that would later strengthen their group dynamics. Notably, this shared experience helped them develop both professionally and personally. "I had no idea when I first came to the company that I would be debuting with the unnies, so I'm so happy. I'm even happier because it seems like our fans additionally love seeing us together again".

The competition accordingly helped Yujeong gain valuable industry exposure and build confidence in social situations. "Through doing the programme and talking with a lot of adults, I was able to experience a bigger society and that's why these days whenever I meet new people I get less nervous".

Debut with LIGHTSUM

In December 2019, a new chapter began as Yujeong signed with Cube Entertainment, marking the start of her journey toward becoming a K-pop idol. After extensive preparation, the agency made a significant announcement on April 15, 2021, revealing their plans to debut their first girl group after (G)I-DLE.

Joining Cube Entertainment

After joining Cube Entertainment, Yujeong dedicated herself to rigorous training. The company recognized her potential, therefore including her in their plans for a new girl group. Notably, she became part of a carefully selected team that would represent the next generation of K-pop talent.

Group formation process

The unveiling of LIGHTSUM members occurred through an innovative approach, with pairs of members being revealed from April 19 to 22, 2021. Yujeong, alongside Hina, was introduced as part of the final pair. The group's name carried special significance, representing how "bright LIGHTs will come together as one SUM in order to reach everyone across the world".

Official debut moment

The group's debut proved to be a carefully orchestrated event. Here are the key milestones:

The debut song 'Vanilla' showcased the group's versatility through its pop-dance style. In fact, the track was crafted by renowned hitmaker Steven Lee, known for creating successful songs for other K-pop groups. The music video highlighted their synchronized choreography in a colorful setting, establishing their unique identity in the competitive K-pop landscape.

After all, their debut proved successful as 'Vanilla' topped real-time charts on Japanese music sites and ranked in 10 countries worldwide on iTunes. The group's entrance into the K-pop scene demonstrated their potential to become influential representatives of the 4th generation idols, in line with their aspirations.

Evolution as a Performer

Throughout her journey with LIGHTSUM, Yujeong has demonstrated remarkable growth across multiple performance aspects. Her evolution as an artist reflects both her natural talent and dedicated training.

Vocal development

Evidently, Yujeong's vocal abilities have expanded beyond her initial role as a sub-vocalist. Her commitment to improvement became apparent through consistent live performances, as noted by her group's dedication to avoiding AR (Audio Recorded) stages. Notably, her participation in various vocal training sessions has enhanced her ability to maintain stability even during complex choreography.

Dance progression

As a former cheerleader with eight years of experience, Yujeong brings a unique perspective to LIGHTSUM's performances. "The difference between cheerleading and K-Pop dancing is that in cheerleading, you need to be in sync with everybody in the team; as for K-Pop dancing, we also have to be in sync with the members in the group, but you also have to express your feelings and show your facial expressions while doing so".

Her dance capabilities are showcased through:

Stage presence growth

Certainly, Yujeong's stage presence has evolved significantly through various performances. As a naturally reserved person, she has developed effective strategies to connect with audiences. "I'm focusing on using social media and different areas where I can communicate with my fans more".

The group's extensive practice sessions have contributed to their collective growth. "During the 1-year-and-5-month break since our last comeback, we have practiced a lot, as a result, I believe we have grown in terms of skills". This dedication to improvement is reflected in their performances, where Yujeong consistently demonstrates enhanced confidence and expressiveness.

Her performance style now incorporates both technical precision and emotional connection with audiences. Through careful attention to facial expressions and stage movement, she has developed a distinctive presence that complements LIGHTSUM's dynamic performances. The combination of her cheerleading background and idol training has created a unique performing style that sets her apart in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Behind the Spotlight

Behind the stage lights and choreographed performances, Yujeong leads a life filled with dedication to her craft and personal growth. Notably, her daily schedule revolves around maintaining the perfect balance between idol responsibilities and personal development.

Daily life as an idol

Beyond the spotlight, Yujeong maintains a structured routine that reflects her commitment to improvement. She has recently taken up pilates to focus on body conditioning and shape. Besides her regular practice sessions, she spends time watching YouTube and creating dance covers. Her dedication to perfection has earned her the nickname 'lazy perfectionist' within the group.

Relationship with members

The bond between LIGHTSUM members has grown stronger through open communication and mutual support. Rather than rushing into friendships, the group took a thoughtful approach to building relationships. "We were busy practicing for our debut, so we didn't have much time to get closer to each other. Through conversations and supporting each other, we became close".

Personal hobbies and interests

Away from her idol duties, Yujeong nurtures diverse interests that showcase her artistic side:

Musical talents:

Specifically, her love for performing arts extends to her role models, who include BTOB's Sungjae, Taeyeon, and IU. Generally, she identifies with candyfloss ice cream, explaining that it represents her joyful, vibrant personality and embodies the taste of youth.

Her entertainment preferences reflect her desire for continuous growth in the industry. She hopes to appear on popular shows like Knowing Bros, ON & OFF, and Amazing Saturday. Through these aspirations, she demonstrates her commitment to expanding her presence in the entertainment world.

The combination of her professional dedication and personal interests creates a well-rounded artist who continues to evolve. Her ability to balance the demands of idol life with personal growth has become a defining characteristic of her journey in the K-pop industry.

Impact and Future Aspirations

As LIGHTSUM celebrates its third anniversary milestone, Yujeong's impact on the K-pop industry continues to grow alongside her ambitious vision for the future. Notably, the group's journey has been marked by determination despite the challenges of debuting during the pandemic.

Connection with fans

Through digital platforms, Yujeong has established a meaningful connection with SUMIT (LIGHTSUM's fandom). Undoubtedly, her approach to fan engagement reflects her genuine desire to create lasting bonds. "I'm focusing on using social media and different areas where I can communicate with my fans more," she explains.

Career goals

Looking ahead, Yujeong has outlined clear objectives for LIGHTSUM's future success:

"I've always hoped that more people will recognize our songs," she shares, highlighting her dedication to broadening the group's influence.

Personal dreams

Straightaway from her early days as a trainee, Yujeong's aspirations have evolved to encompass both artistic growth and performance excellence. Her commitment to live performances sets her apart, analogous to her dedication during practice sessions. "We always try to practice a lot and show the best of ourselves because we have a lot of fans who are so supportive of us".

The group's collective ambition resonates through their performances, with each member, including Yujeong, striving to showcase their unique talents. Their focus remains steadfast on delivering powerful stage presence and connecting with audiences worldwide. Despite the limitations of pandemic-era promotions, LIGHTSUM maintains its determination to meet fans personally and create meaningful experiences.

Through consistent effort and dedication, Yujeong continues to work toward these aspirations, understanding that each performance brings new opportunities for growth and connection with fans. Her journey exemplifies the perfect balance between personal development and group success, as she remains focused on bringing positive energy to audiences through LIGHTSUM's performances.

FAQS

Here are some frequently asked questions about LIGHTSUM's Yujeong and her journey in K-pop:

Q: When did Yujeong debut with LIGHTSUM? Notably, LIGHTSUM made their official debut on June 10, 2021, with their single 'Vanilla'. The group presently consists of six members: Sangah, Chowon, Nayoung, Hina, Juhyeon, and Yujeong.

Q: How can fans connect with Yujeong and LIGHTSUM? LIGHTSUM maintains an active presence across various social media platforms:

Q: What makes Yujeong's dance style unique? Indeed, her background in cheerleading sets her apart. "The difference between cheerleading and K-Pop dancing is that in cheerleading, you need to be in sync with everybody in the team; as for K-Pop dancing, we also have to be in sync with the members in the group, but you also have to express your feelings and show your facial expressions while doing so".

Q: How has Yujeong evolved since her debut? Overall, she has shown significant growth through consistent practice and dedication. She primarily focuses on personal training and has recently started practicing pilates to improve her body control and shape.

Q: What changes occurred in LIGHTSUM's lineup? The group underwent a restructuring on October 25, 2022, when members Huiyeon and Jian departed. Meanwhile, the remaining six members have continued to strengthen their bond and showcase their talents.

Q: How does LIGHTSUM prepare for their comebacks? The members are known for their quick learning abilities and synchronized performances. "The members are usually fast in memorizing, learning, and getting in sync with the choreography". Their preparation involves intensive practice sessions and careful attention to recording details.

Q: What is LIGHTSUM's official fandom name? The group's dedicated fanbase is officially known as "SUMIT". Through this connection, Yujeong and her fellow members maintain regular interaction with their supporters through various platforms and activities.