Who is Chaekyung? The Untold Story of APRIL's Former Star

Chaekyung stands out as one of K-pop's most resilient performers, having debuted with three different groups before finding her true calling. From her initial debut with PURETTY in 2012 to her final stint with APRIL until 2022, she has demonstrated remarkable persistence in the entertainment industry.

After participating in multiple survival shows, including Produce 101 where she ranked 16th, and the KARA Project where she placed 5th, she continued to evolve in the industry. However, her journey didn't end with APRIL's disbandment in January 2022. Instead, she transformed her career path by signing with Management A.M.9 and venturing into acting, most notably appearing in the KBS historical drama "Korea-Khitan War" as Queen Wonhwa in 2023.

Early Life and First Steps in K-pop

Born on July 7, 1996, Yoon Chaekyung entered the world in Incheon, South Korea. Though her journey began in this metropolitan city, her childhood unfolded primarily in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, where she was raised. Her educational path led her to Hanlim Multi Art School, a prestigious institution known for nurturing entertainment talents.

Growing up in Incheon and Siheung

Chaekyung's early life laid the foundation for her future in entertainment. Growing up in Siheung, she developed the skills and determination that would later define her career trajectory. Her training period extended four years, during which she honed her vocals, dance abilities, and stage presence under DSP Media's guidance—the same company that managed successful acts like KARA and Rainbow.

Debut with PURETTY in Japan

Chaekyung's initial foray into the K-pop world came through an unexpected avenue. In January 2012, DSP Media announced plans to debut a new girl group, temporarily called "DSP Girls". This group would eventually become PURETTY, a name cleverly combining "pure" and "pretty".

On September 5, 2012, PURETTY officially debuted in Japan, but with an innovative twist. Rather than following the traditional K-pop debut pattern, the group first gained exposure through the anime series "Pretty Rhythm: Dear My Future". Fictionalized versions of the members appeared as secondary characters, while their songs "Check it Love" and "Shuwa Shuwa Baby" served as ending themes for the series.

The group made their first live performance at the 2012 Tokyo Toy Show, subsequently appearing at the prestigious A-Nation festival in August 2012. Despite plans for a Korean debut, PURETTY disbanded in January 2014 without ever promoting in their home country.

Experience on KARA Project

Following PURETTY's disbandment, Chaekyung participated in "KARA Project" in mid-2014—a reality show designed to find new members for the established girl group KARA after Nicole and Jiyoung's departure. The competition featured seven DSP Media trainees, each vying for the opportunity to join the popular group.

Throughout the program, which aired on MBC M from May 27 to July 1, 2014, Chaekyung demonstrated her skills alongside fellow former PURETTY members Cho Shi-yoon and Jeon So-min. Despite her efforts, she ultimately ranked 5th in the finale, while Heo Young-ji emerged as the winner and new KARA member.

Chaekyung’s Rise Through Survival Shows

After her KARA Project experience, Chaekyung continued pursuing her K-pop dreams through another major platform. Her persistence would soon pay off as she gained nationwide recognition through subsequent survival shows.

Joining Produce 101 and ranking 16th

In early 2016, Chaekyung participated in Mnet's groundbreaking survival show "Produce 101," representing DSP Media alongside 100 other female trainees. Throughout the competition, she demonstrated remarkable vocal abilities and stage presence, gradually winning over viewers with her determination. Despite facing stiff competition, Chaekyung secured the 16th position in the final ranking—just narrowly missing the cutoff for the winning project group I.O.I, which selected only the top 11 contestants.

Forming C.I.V.A and I.B.I

Following Produce 101, Chaekyung's popularity enabled her to participate in two project groups. First, she joined C.I.V.A (Capable Idols Vocal Assembly), a five-member unit formed specifically for the web drama "God of Music 2." The group released the catchy single "Why" in April 2016, showcasing Chaekyung's vocal capabilities.

Additionally, she became part of I.B.I (Ideal of Idol By Idol), a seven-member project group consisting of Produce 101 contestants who didn't make the I.O.I lineup. In August 2016, I.B.I released their emotional single "Molae Molae" (Secret), which resonated with fans who had supported these trainees throughout their Produce 101 journey.

Releasing 'Clock' with Chaewon

Prior to officially joining APRIL, Chaekyung collaborated with the group's member Chaewon on a special duet. In August 2016, they released the single "Clock" under the project name "Chae&Chae's," showcasing their vocal harmony and chemistry. This collaboration served as a clever introduction to Chaekyung's future role in APRIL, effectively bridging her survival show era with her upcoming girl group career.

Furthermore, this strategic duet allowed fans to acclimate to Chaekyung as a potential APRIL member, smoothing the transition after Hyunjoo's departure from the group.

APRIL Era: Fame, Challenges, and Growth

In November 2016, Chaekyung's career took a significant turn as DSP Media announced her addition to APRIL following Hyunjoo's departure. This wasn't entirely unexpected, as she had already temporarily filled in for Hyunjoo during the group's August concert when Hyunjoo was absent due to health issues.

Joining APRIL after Hyunjoo's departure

The official announcement came on November 11, 2016, when DSP Media introduced Chaekyung alongside Rachel as new members after Hyunjoo left the group at the end of October. At the time, APRIL had already experienced lineup changes with their original leader Somin departing earlier that year. Chaekyung and Rachel made their official debut as APRIL members on January 4, 2017, with the group's third mini album "Prelude".

Her role as leader and vocalist

Upon joining APRIL, Chaekyung assumed the crucial position of leader, filling the leadership void left by Somin's departure. In addition to these responsibilities, she served as a lead vocalist, contributing significantly to the group's musical direction. The restructured APRIL now consisted of five members: Jinsol, Chaewon, Yena, Naeun, and Chaekyung (with Rachel completing the six-member lineup).

Group disbandment and public response

Unfortunately, APRIL's journey came to an abrupt halt in early 2021 when serious allegations emerged. Someone claiming to be Hyunjoo's brother posted online that Hyunjoo had left the group not to pursue acting, as previously stated, but because she experienced severe bullying from other members.

Although Chaekyung joined after Hyunjoo's departure and wasn't implicated in these allegations, the entire group faced intense backlash. DSP Media denied the claims and announced legal action, but after a year of inactivity, officially announced APRIL's disbandment on January 28, 2022.

Following the disbandment, Chaekyung terminated her contract with DSP Media on April 20, 2022, becoming the third member to leave the agency after Chaewon and Yena. Throughout this challenging period, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, despite having joined APRIL after the alleged incidents occurred.

New Beginnings: Acting and Life After APRIL

Following APRIL's disbandment in January 2022, Chaekyung embarked on a new chapter in her entertainment career, pivoting from idol to actress. This transition marked a significant professional evolution for the former K-pop star.

Signing with Management A.M.9

After mutually deciding to end her contract with DSP Media on April 20, 2022, Chaekyung wasted no time securing her future path. Just five days later, on April 25, she signed an exclusive contract with Management A.M.9, officially changing her career focus from singing to acting. This swift transition demonstrated her determination to continue in the entertainment industry, albeit in a different capacity.

In her handwritten letter to fans after APRIL's disbandment, Chaekyung acknowledged the challenges ahead: "It feels both frightening and unfamiliar to go from 'APRIL's Chaekyung' to 'Yoon Chae Kyung' and do things on my own, but please support all of us APRIL members, who will work hard on our own paths".

Acting roles in dramas and web series

Chaekyung made her acting debut in the MBC web drama "1:11, the Time I Go to You", where she portrayed Song Yeo Wool, "a quirky and bubbly girl who sets out on a wild chase to find her older sister a boyfriend in order to adopt a stray cat". About this first acting experience, she shared: "Because this is my first drama, I was really excited, but also really nervous".

Thereafter, in February 2022, she secured a role in the web drama "Calming Signal," playing the character Cha Do-hee. Her most prominent role came in November 2023, when she starred in the KBS historical drama "Korea-Khitan War" as Queen Wonhwa, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

How fans supported her transition

Throughout this career shift, Chaekyung's dedicated fanbase remained loyal. Indeed, many fans eagerly anticipated seeing her talents showcased in a different medium. Their continued support provided crucial encouragement as she navigated the challenges of establishing herself in a competitive acting industry.