Lee Chae-yeon entered the world in January 2000. Her birthplace was Yongin, South Korea. This city is a well-known hub for aspiring K-pop artists.
Her path to the stage was not a short one. It involved years of training and multiple televised competitions. This long journey built her remarkable resilience and sharpened her performance skills.
She gained widespread recognition as a member of the project group IZ*ONE. That experience gave her a global platform and a taste of intense fame. After the group’s activities concluded, a new chapter began.
In 2022, she stepped out on her own. Her solo debut allowed her to explore her unique artistic voice. She took control of her choreography, defining a distinct musical identity.
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Long before the stage lights, Chaeyeon’s life revolved around family, school, and a deep-seated passion for movement. Her childhood home in Yongin was a creative hub. It was shared with her parents, two younger sisters, and the family dog.
This environment nurtured her artistic instincts from a very young age.
Family Background and Early Influences
Her bond with her younger sister, Chaeryeong, proved especially significant. They shared a dream of performing. This created a foundation of both support and friendly competition.
Their relationship included all the hallmarks of sisterhood. This included disputes over borrowed clothes without asking. Yet, their mutual admiration was a constant force.
Chaeyeon would later name her sister as one of her favorite celebrities.
Initial Training and Aspirations
She balanced academics within Yongin’s Seocheon school system. Her focus, however, was increasingly drawn to dance. This discipline demanded technical precision and relentless practice.
Each year of training solidified her commitment. Her upbringing in Yongin offered practical advantages. It placed her close to Seoul’s entertainment industry.
This made auditions and specialized training sessions more accessible. These early years built a core of discipline and ambition. It was a foundation that would support her future career.
Pre-Debut Journey: K-Pop Star 3 and SIXTEEN Experience
Auditioning for K-pop Star 3 marked a pivotal moment in her career trajectory. This national competition put her talents before a massive audience for the first time.
Sibling Dynamics and Early Competition
She appeared on the show alongside her sister Chaeryeong in late 2013. Their synchronized dancing impressed the judges immediately. The sisters demonstrated natural chemistry that stood out among other contestants.
Though both were eliminated from the competition, their performances caught industry attention. JYP Entertainment scouts offered them trainee contracts shortly after. This began their formal training at one of Korea’s top agencies.
Transition from JYP Entertainment to WM Entertainment
After a year of training, she was selected for SIXTEEN in 2015. This reality show aimed to form the new girl group TWICE. Elimination came in the third episode, a public setback that forced reflection.
Rather than remain in limbo at JYP Entertainment, she sought a fresh start. WM Entertainment offered an opportunity for creative growth. The smaller agency allowed her to develop at her own pace.
This transition taught resilience that would serve her well later. The early competitions shaped her approach to future challenges. Each setback became a stepping stone toward eventual debut success.
The Road to Produce 48 and Formation of IZ*ONE
The third time proved the charm for the determined contestant on the high-stakes survival show, Produce 48. Lee Chae-yeon entered the competition on June 15, 2018, representing WM Entertainment. This was her third attempt in five years to secure a debut through a public audition program.
The format was unique. It merged Korean trainees with members of Japan’s AKB48 family. This created a dynamic, cross-cultural challenge for every participant.
Participating as a Contestant
Her skills were quickly recognized. She was placed into the SummerWish performance team. There, she collaborated with Miyazaki Miho, Shitao Miu, Kim Minju, and Goto Moe.
This team showcased her ability to work across language barriers. It highlighted her adaptability and strong dance presence. The experience solidified her reputation as a skilled and versatile performer.
The Impact of Finishing 12th Place
The finale on August 30, 2018, brought a tense conclusion. Chaeyeon finished in 12th place with 221,273 votes. She secured the final spot in the twelve-member lineup by the narrowest margin.
That 12th-place finish carried immense symbolic weight. It underscored her determination and the public’s divided opinions. Her selection meant she would debut as part of the new project group, IZ*ONE.
Finishing last among the chosen twelve became a defining narrative. It was a constant reminder that proximity to failure can sharpen focus. This experience prepared her for the intense spotlight that followed.
IZ*One Experience and Group Achievements
The release of “La Vie en Rose” introduced a fresh sound to the K-pop landscape in late 2018. This marked the beginning of IZ*ONE’s journey as a project group formed through Produce 48.
Debut Highlights with COLOR*IZ and “La Vie en Rose”
October 29, 2018, saw the official debut with the mini album COLOR*IZ. The lead single blended French elegance with energetic K-pop choreography.
Chae yeon’s precise dancing became a focal point of their performances. The music video showcased the girl group’s synchronized movements and visual appeal.
Awards and Recognition on International Stages
The project group quickly earned critical acclaim. They swept New Artist of the Year awards at major ceremonies.
Their success validated the unique format that created this temporary ensemble. The group built a devoted international fanbase during their active years.
| Award | Ceremony | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Artist of the Year | Golden Disc Awards | 2019 | Major industry recognition |
| New Artist Award | Seoul Music Awards | 2019 | Prestigious national honor |
| Best New Female Artist | Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2018 | International platform acknowledgment |
IZ*ONE released multiple albums in Korean and Japanese before disbanding in April 2021. This period established Lee Chae yeon as a recognized performer.
Transition to a Solo Career
WM Entertainment’s September 2022 announcement signaled a major career shift. The agency confirmed Lee Chae Yeon would embark on her solo debut. This marked her first independent release since IZ*ONE’s activities concluded.
The transition represented a natural evolution. It allowed her to establish a distinct artistic identity. She embraced creative control from the beginning.
Debut Mini Album “Hush Rush” and Subsequent Releases
October 12, 2022, brought the official release of her first mini album. “Hush Rush” introduced a unique concept. The artist referred to herself as ‘MZ Vampire’ during promotions.
This persona blended millennial and Gen Z aesthetics. It emphasized confidence, transparency, and authenticity. The accompanying music video showcased darker, conceptual visuals.
She served as performance director for the title track’s choreography. This hands-on approach demonstrated her desire for creative autonomy. The album achieved notable commercial success.
| Album Detail | Chart Performance | Sales Figure | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hush Rush Mini Album | Peaked at #10 Circle Chart | 36,000+ copies | Solid solo debut foundation |
| Title Track | Music video release | MZ Vampire concept | Established unique identity |
| Choreography Direction | Artist-led performance | Precise dance style | Creative control demonstrated |
Evolution of Artistic Style and Independence
The solo debut allowed her to step away from group dynamics. She developed a performance-focused artistic identity. Critics noted her sharp, precise dance style.
This initial release laid groundwork for future projects. It proved she could carry projects independently. The artist attracted a dedicated solo fanbase.
Her evolution showcased growing confidence. Each release reflected deeper creative involvement. Lee Chae Yeon established herself as a versatile solo artist.
Discography Highlights and Musical Style
Her discography reveals an artist unafraid to explore different genres while maintaining her signature dance-focused approach. Each release builds a clearer picture of her artistic identity.
Mini Albums, Single Albums, and Track Breakdowns
Following her 2022 debut, Lee Chae Yeon released “Over the Moon” in April 2023. The lead single “Knock” became her most successful track, peaking at number 26 on the Circle Digital Chart.
The album sold over 31,000 copies. It featured introspective tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Know” and “Like a Star.”
September 2023 brought “The Move: Street,” her first single album. It emphasized urban dance influences with tracks like “Let’s Dance” and “Cave.”
Her third mini album “Showdown” arrived in July 2024. The lead single “Don’t” showcased emotional vulnerability. The tracklist included “Summer Heat” and “Dreaming,” exploring themes of independence.
Signature Choreography and Directing Contributions
Choreography remains central to her music. Each title track features intricate, self-directed dance routines that highlight her technical precision.
She contributed songwriting to tracks like “Like a Star” and “Don’t.” This shows growing involvement in her music’s conceptual aspects. The evolution from debut to “Showdown” reflects a maturing artist.
TV, Reality Shows, and Web Series Appearances
Television appearances offered new platforms for creative expression outside traditional music releases. These projects revealed different aspects of her artistic personality.
Reality Competitions such as Street Woman Fighter
In July 2021, she joined the groundbreaking reality show Street Woman Fighter. She became part of the WANT dance crew competing against Korea’s top professional dancers.
The WANT crew faced elimination in the sixth episode after ranking seventh overall. This experience highlighted her willingness to compete beyond the idol framework.
Another survival show opportunity emerged with Queendom Puzzle in 2023. However, she withdrew before filming began for personal reasons.
| Show Title | Role | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Woman Fighter | WANT Dance Crew Member | 2021 | Eliminated Episode 6 |
| Queendom Puzzle | Planned Contestant | 2023 | Withdrew Pre-Production |
Web Series and Music Video Projects
September 2021 brought a lighter project with the web series Adola Travel Agency: Cheat-ing Trip. She co-hosted alongside former IZ*ONE members Jo Yu-ri and Kang Hye-won.
This travel series showcased her natural personality away from high-pressure competitions. It demonstrated her versatility across different entertainment formats.
These television projects expanded her reach during transitional career phases. Each appearance built connections with diverse audience segments.
Lee Chaeyeon: Impact, Collaborations, and Future Aspirations
Collaboration aspirations with Soyeon reveal her admiration for bold artistic autonomy. This desire connects to her broader career evolution beyond group dynamics.
Notable Collaborations and Guest Appearances
Her television debut came in April 2025 with the one-act drama Let’s Dance. This role represented a deliberate expansion into acting. It signaled interest in building a multifaceted entertainment career.
As STUDIO CHOOM’s first “Artist of the Month,” she released a cover of Stefflon Don’s “16 Shots.” The performance showcased her ability to reinterpret international hip-hop through dance. This music video demonstrated technical precision and creative vision.
Industry Influence and Personal Brand Insights
September 2025 brought significant change when entertainment announced her contract termination. The mutual agreement with WM Entertainment marked the end of a seven-year relationship. This move opened possibilities for independent creative direction.
She coined the nickname “mitbochae,” blending her name with “no channel skip idol.” This reflects her ambition to create work that commands attention. Her personal brand balances technical precision with quiet confidence.
| Career Milestone | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Television Drama Debut | April 2025 | First acting role in Let’s Dance |
| Contract Termination | September 2025 | Mutual agreement with WM Entertainment |
| STUDIO CHOOM Feature | 2025 | First “Artist of the Month” cover release |
| Desired Collaboration | Future | Expressed interest in working with Soyeon |
Reflections on an Inspirational Journey
The path from survival show contestant to self-directed artist reveals a career built on resilience and creative growth. Lee Chae Yeon’s journey spans over a decade, beginning with her first televised competition in 2013. She faced multiple eliminations before finding success.
Her time as a former member of the project group IZ*ONE provided global exposure. The solo debut in 2022 with Hush Rush marked a significant pivot toward independence. This release showcased her desire for creative control through choreography and performance direction.
The artist navigated industry challenges with quiet professionalism. Her bond with her sister and personal interests humanized her public image. This career serves as a case study in persistence within the evolving K-pop landscape.
