Who is Sangah? The Ultimate LIGHTSUM Member Guide (2024 Update)

At just 21 years old, Sangah stands as the charismatic leader of LIGHTSUM, one of K-pop's emerging girl groups. Since their debut in 2021, she has notably showcased her talents as both a skilled rapper and accomplished dancer within the group.

Furthermore, beyond her on-stage presence, Sangah has proven herself as a dedicated leader who guides LIGHTSUM through their musical journey.

From Trainee to LIGHTSUM Leader

Initially inspired by BoA's commanding stage presence, Sangah's journey in K-pop began at the young age of 11. Her path to stardom started uniquely through figure skating, where her academy teacher recognized her potential and recommended she audition for K-pop agencies.

Her natural talent became evident as she passed first-round auditions for an impressive array of entertainment companies:

MLD Entertainment

During her early training years, Sangah developed a strong foundation in both dance and performance skills. She particularly focused on overcoming personal challenges, noting that her training period helped her build confidence and independence. Moreover, she attended prestigious dance academies, including PinkM Dance Academy and A-Root Dance Academy, to refine her skills.

After an extensive period of training, Sangah found her home at Cube Entertainment. In April 2021, she emerged as part of Cube Tree, a pre-debut team alongside fellow trainees Chowon and Juhyeon. Subsequently, she was officially revealed as the first member of LIGHTSUM on April 19, 2021.

Throughout her pre-debut activities, Sangah demonstrated remarkable dedication to her craft. She participated in various training evaluations and consistently worked on improving her rap and dance abilities. Additionally, she developed a deeper understanding of self-production and composition, expressing her ambition to create her own music in the future.

Her perseverance through the challenging training period shaped her perspective, leading her to embrace the motto: "The one who endures is the one who wins". This mindset, coupled with her extensive experience, naturally positioned her for her future role as LIGHTSUM's leader.

Debut Journey with LIGHTSUM

In spring 2021, Cube Entertainment announced their first new girl group project after (G)I-DLE, marking the beginning of LIGHTSUM's journey. The group's formation process unfolded through a strategic member reveal sequence from April 19-22, with Sangah being unveiled as the first official member.

Group formation and position

The original lineup consisted of eight members, revealed in the following order:

Sangah & Juhyeon

Accordingly, Sangah took on the positions of main rapper and lead dancer, establishing herself as a versatile performer within the group's dynamic.

Debut with 'Vanilla'

On June 10, 2021, LIGHTSUM made their highly anticipated debut with the single 'Vanilla'. The song, characterized by its teen-pop dance style, incorporated fairytale and fantasy elements. The music video resonated strongly with audiences, accumulating over two million views within 24 hours of release.

Role as group leader

As LIGHTSUM's leader, Sangah embraced the responsibility of being the group's spokesperson and advocate. Nevertheless, she approached leadership with a unique vision, aiming to create a more approachable and relatable image for the group. Therefore, under her guidance, LIGHTSUM positioned themselves as a friendlier alternative to previous Cube Entertainment groups.

The group's debut strategy focused on establishing a distinct identity, with Sangah emphasizing their goal to be "more like our listeners' friends". Besides their musical achievements, they worked on creating an intimate connection with their audience, setting themselves apart through their accessible and warm approach to K-pop stardom.

Rising Star: Queendom Puzzle Journey

In June 2023, Sangah embarked on a new challenge by joining Queendom Puzzle, Mnet's innovative survival show. Although her journey began with determination, she faced both triumphs and challenges throughout the competition.

Show participation highlights

The competition showcased Sangah's versatility through several notable performances. Her journey began with a powerful combination stage of "BLACK DRESS" and "TOMBOY". Certainly, her dedication shone through as she received 11 Up votes from fellow contestants.

Performance achievements

Throughout her time on the show, Sangah demonstrated her capabilities in various team battles:

SNAP Team Performance: Participated as part of PICK-CAT team

Growth and learning experiences

Despite facing elimination in episode 6, ranking 22nd overall, Sangah's journey on Queendom Puzzle proved transformative. In her farewell speech, she reflected, "I was really scared coming into Queendom Puzzle, however, as I performed and practiced with my colleagues, I felt a really warm relationship with them".

The experience helped shape her artistic perspective, specifically in areas of performance and teamwork. Through each stage, she demonstrated growth not only as a performer but also in building meaningful connections with fellow contestants. Her journey, although shorter than anticipated, provided valuable lessons that would undoubtedly influence her future endeavors with LIGHTSUM.

Musical Evolution and Artistry

Sangah's artistic journey reflects a remarkable evolution from her early training days to her current position as a multifaceted performer. Indeed, her distinctive rap style emerged through dedicated training, starting just five months after joining Cube Entertainment.

Rap and dance style

As one of LIGHTSUM's lead dancers, Sangah has developed a unique rap delivery characterized by powerful mid-low tones, creating an interesting contrast with her outward appearance. Her dance abilities shine through precise movements and remarkable synchronization with fellow members.

Songwriting contributions

Notably, Sangah has expanded her artistic repertoire by venturing into songwriting. She participated in composing and writing lyrics for the group's track 'Skyline', demonstrating her growing involvement in the creative process. Similarly, she contributed to the writing of LIGHTSUM's 2024 digital single 'Pose!'.

Performance characteristics

Her stage presence encompasses several distinctive elements:

Power and precision in dance execution

Meanwhile, her experience on Queendom Puzzle has significantly influenced her artistic development. After participating in the show, she channeled newfound energy and insights into LIGHTSUM's performances. Consequently, her approach to stage presence has evolved, focusing more on authentic self-expression rather than merely executing choreography.

Looking ahead, Sangah continues to refine her artistic identity. "Since all of us are ambitious, we have a strong desire for stage performances," she notes, emphasizing her commitment to showcasing LIGHTSUM's capabilities.

Personal Life and Interests

Behind the stage presence and leadership role, Sangah's personal life reveals a multifaceted individual with diverse interests and accomplishments.

Educational background

Sangah completed her formal education at Inseong Girls' High School. Primarily focused on performing arts, she enhanced her skills through specialized training at both PinkM Dance Academy and A-Root Dance Academy. These institutions played a crucial role in shaping her artistic foundation.

Hobbies and talents

Away from the spotlight, Sangah maintains an active lifestyle filled with varied interests. Her hobbies include:

Shopping and nail art

Essentially, her athletic background extends beyond T-Ball, as she participated in various sports during elementary school, notably including gymnastics and jump rope. One of her unique talents lies in her exceptional ability to remember people's faces.

Personality traits

As an ENFP personality type (The Campaigner), Sangah exhibits natural leadership qualities combined with genuine warmth. Fundamentally, she strives to maintain a balance between being a charismatic performer on stage and a comfortable, approachable friend off-stage.

In LIGHTSUM, she has earned recognition as the "king of socializing", demonstrating her natural ability to connect with others. Presently, she embraces a fashion style that reflects her personality, showing preference for oversized clothes and white T-shirts.

Her personal motto, "Don't get discouraged and keep your shoulders straight!", reflects her resilient spirit. Notably, she looks up to role models Bae Suzy and CL, drawing inspiration from their successful careers while forging her own unique path in the industry.