Lee Chae-yeon commands attention with precision. Born in January 2000 in South Korea, she built a reputation as one of the industry’s most technically skilled dancers. Her journey started young, a path defined by resilience and raw talent.
She first entered the spotlight at thirteen on a competitive singing show. Judges immediately noted her powerful dance ability. This early exposure led to years of rigorous training under various entertainment companies.
Her breakthrough came in 2018. She earned the twelfth and final spot in the project group IZ*ONE. This role brought her widespread recognition and commercial success over a three-year tenure.
That experience set the stage for her next chapter. Lee Chae-yeon launched her solo career in October 2022 with the mini-album “Hush Rush.” Her artistry extends beyond performance into lyric writing and choreography design.
Fans know her as “mitbochae,” an idol you can’t skip. Her story is one of rebuilding from setbacks, a testament to her unwavering determination in a demanding industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Born in January 2000, the young girl’s talent emerged alongside sibling rivalry and support. Her story begins in South Korea, where family dynamics shaped her artistic path from the start.
Birthplace and Early Years
Yongin, Gyeonggi-do served as her childhood home. The city’s Seocheon-dong neighborhood witnessed her first dance steps.
At twelve years old, she auditioned for Fantagio Music’s i-Teen program. She passed five rounds, becoming their youngest trainee. This early start launched six years of rigorous training across multiple companies.
Family Ties and Sibling Influence
She grew up with two younger sisters in a household filled with dance. Her middle sister Chaeryeong would later debut with ITZY. The youngest sister, Chae-min, completed their artistic family.
Their bond mixed support with typical sibling conflicts. They argued over borrowed clothes but cheered each other’s successes. Watching her younger sister debut first fueled her own determination.
| Career Aspect | Older Sister | Younger Sister (Chaeryeong) |
|---|---|---|
| First Major Audition | Fantagio i-Teen (2012) | JYP Entertainment |
| Debut Group | IZ*ONE (2018) | ITZY (2019) |
| Solo Career Start | 2022 with “Hush Rush” | Group-focused activities |
| Specialty | Technical dance precision | Expressive performance style |
This family background provided both inspiration and healthy competition. The sisters’ parallel journeys created a unique narrative in K-pop history.
Rise Through K-Pop Star and Trainee Years
The bright lights of a national television stage first found her in late 2013. This period defined her early struggle, moving from one audition to the next.
Experience on K-Pop Star 3
On November 24, 2013, a thirteen-year-old Lee Chae-yeon became a contestant on K-pop Star 3. She performed alongside her sister, captivating the judges with technical skill far beyond her years. They were called “born dancers.”
Though eliminated, their talent secured them spots as trainees at JYP Entertainment. This was a major step for any aspiring pop star.
Transition from JYP to WM Entertainment
Her time at JYP Entertainment included a place on the survival show SIXTEEN. Elimination in the third episode was a profound setback. It marked her second public failure.
She then made a brave choice. She left JYP Entertainment and her sister behind to start anew. In 2016, she joined WM Entertainment as a trainee.
This transition tested her resolve. She trained for over four years before her debut, a testament to sheer perseverance.
Breakthrough with Produce 48 and Iz*One Debut
After years of training and previous setbacks, a new opportunity emerged on a groundbreaking survival program. This competition would finally launch her into the spotlight she had worked toward for so long.
Memorable Moments on Produce 48
She entered the competition as a contestant representing WM Entertainment. The survival show blended Korean trainees with Japanese idol group members.
Her personal motto reflected years of perseverance. “Whatever it is, unless you’re crazy, you can achieve it” became her driving force. She also coined the energetic catchphrase “Survival, let’s go! It’s Chae Yeon Time!”
Throughout the program, she delivered technically precise performances. Her ranking steadily climbed as viewers recognized her skill. The live finale brought tense moments as votes were counted.
Debut and Achievements with Iz*One
She secured the twelfth and final spot in the new girl group. IZ*ONE officially debuted in October 2018 with their EP Color*IZ.
The lead single “La Vie en Rose” became an instant hit. It established the group as a powerful rookie act in the industry. Awards followed quickly, including New Artist honors at major ceremonies.
| Produce 48 Journey | IZ*ONE Achievements |
|---|---|
| Contestant representing WM Entertainment | Debut with EP Color*IZ and “La Vie en Rose” |
| Finished in 12th place (final member) | New Artist awards at Golden Disc and Seoul Music Awards |
| Memorable performances showcasing technical skill | Multiple Korean and Japanese album releases |
| Personal motto driving determination | Songwriting contributions to group tracks |
Over two and a half years, the group built an international fanbase. She contributed lyrics, showing growth beyond performance. When contracts expired in 2021, IZ*ONE disbanded, closing a successful chapter.
Chae-yeon Lee’s Solo Endeavors
The transition from group member to solo artist required a complete artistic reinvention. After over a year of preparation following IZ*ONE’s disbandment, Lee Chae-yeon built a distinct identity.
Her focus shifted to shaping every aspect of her music and performance.
Launching the Solo Career with Hush Rush
WM Entertainment announced the solo debut in September 2022. The first mini album, Hush Rush, arrived that October.
This release introduced her “MZ Vampire” concept. She served as performance director for the title track’s choreography.
The EP peaked at number 10 on the Circle Chart. It sold over 36,000 copies, proving her standalone appeal.
Subsequent Releases: EPs and Single Albums
Her creative output remained consistent. The second mini album, Over the Moon, featured the lead single “Knock.”
She contributed lyrics for the track “Like a Star,” showing growing artistry.
The Move: Street, her first single album, followed in September 2023. The energetic “Let’s Dance” was its focus.
Her third EP, Showdown, arrived in July 2024. The artist received songwriting credits on most tracks, including the single “Don’t.”
| Release | Type | Lead Single | Chart Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hush Rush | Mini Album | Hush Rush | #10 (Circle Chart) |
| Over the Moon | Mini Album | Knock | #26 (Digital Chart) |
| The Move: Street | Single Album | Let’s Dance | #33 (Download Chart) |
| Showdown | Mini Album | Don’t | #26 (Circle Chart) |
Television, Web Series, and Dance Competitions
The dance floor became her proving ground on national television, testing skills against professionals. This period showcased her adaptability across various broadcast formats.
Impact of Street Woman Fighter and Reality Shows
Months after IZ*ONE disbanded, she joined Mnet’s Street Woman Fighter. The intense dance competition pitted professional crews against each other in high-stakes battles.
She competed with the WANT crew, holding her own against industry veterans. Elimination came in the sixth episode, but the woman fighter format reinforced her technical reputation.
Another survival opportunity emerged with Queendom Puzzle in 2023. She was announced as a contestant but withdrew for personal reasons before filming.
Notable Web Series Appearances and Hosting Roles
Her television presence expanded beyond competition shows. She reunited with former group members for Adola Travel Agency: Cheat-ing Trip, a web series showcasing their chemistry.
Hosting duties included Get It Beauty K-BOX, demonstrating comfort in unscripted formats. A promotional video for Busan Tourism further diversified her screen portfolio.
The drama Let’s Dance marked her scripted acting debut in 2025. This role complemented web drama appearances, building a balanced entertainment career.
Artistic Contributions and Discography Highlights
Behind every polished performance lies a creative mind shaping the music, movement, and visual storytelling. Lee Chae-yeon’s artistic evolution shows increasing involvement across songwriting, choreography, and concept development.
Group vs. Solo Discography Milestones
Her creative journey began within the group framework. She contributed Korean lyric adaptations for IZ*ONE’s “Gokigen Sayonara” and wrote original lyrics for “With*One.”
The solo era brought greater creative control. She penned multiple tracks for her Showdown EP, including the title song “Don’t.” Her KOMCA registration under ID 10031101 documents this growing authorship.
| Creative Area | Group Contributions | Solo Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Songwriting | “With*One” lyrics (2020) | 5 tracks on Showdown EP (2024) |
| Lyric Adaptation | “Gokigen Sayonara” Korean version | Drama OST compositions |
| Choreography Direction | Group performance contributions | “Hush Rush” performance director |
| Music Video Evolution | Appearance in “Only You” (2015) | Director collaborations for solo videos |
Songwriting and Choreography Achievements
As a choreographer, she designed movements that highlighted technical precision. Her debut track “Hush Rush” featured her performance direction.
The music video portfolio spans nearly a decade. It evolved from trainee appearances to sophisticated solo projects with noted directors. Each video reflects her artistic vision.
Drama soundtrack contributions like “Dumb” for Where’s My Hero? demonstrate versatility beyond album work. This expansion into different media formats shows creative range.
Personal Interests and Fun Facts
Beyond the choreography and stage lights, her personal life is defined by simple pleasures and strong bonds. This balance keeps her grounded amidst a demanding career.
Favorite Hobbies and Unique Traits
Lee Chae-yeon unwinds by watching dramas. She also creates original choreography as a creative outlet.
Her dance specialty is girls hip-hop and waacking. This style uses fast arm movements and sharp poses.
She stands 165.2 cm tall and maintains a weight of 47 kg. Her blood type is A. Barley tea is her constant companion. She prefers it over water and carries it daily.
The artist coined the nickname “mitbochae.” It means an idol you can’t skip, reflecting her performance goals.
Quirks, Trivia, and Behind-the-Scenes Moments
For fitness and fun, her favorite sport is badminton. She has a typical sister relationship with Chaeryeong.
They’ve had arguments over borrowed clothes. Despite this, she names her sister as a favorite celebrity.
She maintains a close friendship with PURPLE KISS’s Chaein. This bond dates back to their time on K-Pop Star 3.
Lee Chae-yeon has expressed a wish to collaborate with (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon. She admires Soyeon’s creative control.
Before her debut, she trained for four years and one month. This long period built her strong technical foundation.
Reflecting on Lee Chaeyeon’s Remarkable Journey
The mutual termination of her WM Entertainment contract in 2025 marked not an ending, but the latest chapter in an evolving artistic identity. This departure after nine years positions the singer for independent creative decisions.
Her 2023 MAMA Awards recognition validated years of growth. Nominations included Best Dance Performance and Best Female Artist for “Knock.” These honors proved she could compete at the industry’s highest level as a solo act.
The CHAERISH fan club name, announced in 2023, captures the reciprocal bond with supporters. It represents those who cherish the artist and those she cherishes in return.
Contributions to the Fresh Romance OST demonstrated versatility beyond typical idol music. This expansion into soundtrack work complemented her songwriting and choreography achievements.
Looking forward, Lee Chae-yeon stands at a pivotal moment. Free from group obligations and agency limitations, she can define her artistry entirely on her own terms. Her legacy of technical precision and emotional authenticity continues to drive her work.
