A bright presence in the world of K-pop, this artist commands attention as the leader of the vibrant girl group Weeekly. Her journey to the stage began years before her official debut, marked by dedication and a clear vision.
While some sources list a 1998 birthdate, verified records confirm she was born on December 12, 2001, in Seoul, South Korea. This makes the talented performer 23 years old, bringing a youthful energy to her craft.
Her role within the group showcases remarkable versatility. She serves as the main dancer, a sub vocalist, and even contributes as a sub rapper. This multifaceted talent solidifies her position as a central figure in the team’s identity.
Her path included training under FAVE Entertainment before moving to IST Entertainment. She persevered through early challenges, including a car accident, demonstrating the resilience required for a successful career as a Korean singer. Her story is one of steady growth and artistic commitment.
Early Life and Transformative Beginnings
The story of this South Korean artist traces back to December 2001, when a future star entered the world in Seoul’s vibrant capital. Her journey began with quiet determination and natural talent.
Birth, Family Background, and Early Influences
Lee Soo-jin was born on December 12, 2001, in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu. This bustling neighborhood in Seoul became her first home. She grew up surrounded by a supportive family including her parents, an older sister, and cousin Hyun Soo-byung.
Her given name Lee Soo-jin carries the meaning “precious truth” in Korean. The name has alternate romanizations like Lee Su-jin. As she entered the entertainment world, she simplified her stage name to just Soojin.
From a young age, she showed strong attraction to performance and music. Her artistic influences included respected acts like OH MY GIRL, IU, and Apink. These South Korean artists shaped her vision with their professionalism and artistry.
Initial Training and Overcoming Early Challenges
Her big break came when she auditioned for Play M Entertainment. She showcased her vocal range with Kim Na-young’s emotional ballad “Hoping” and Tori Kelly’s “Paper Hearts.” The audition revealed her natural talent and potential.
The young girl then entered a demanding training period that stretched over four years. This formative time honed her skills in dance, vocals, and stage presence. She developed the discipline that would define her career.
As a Sagittarius with blood type A, she brought particular determination to her craft. Her 47 kg frame moved with growing confidence. These early years built the foundation for her future leadership role.
Lee Soojin: Career Milestones and Growth
In late 2017, a major opportunity arrived when Soojin stepped into the competitive arena of a national survival show. This period tested her skills and resolve in equal measure.
MIXNINE Experience and FAVEGIRLS Formation
She became a contestant on Mnet’s MIXNINE, representing FAVE Entertainment. The show featured weekly evaluations and public voting. Soojin consistently ranked within the top nine, demonstrating her strong potential.
Her progress halted abruptly on December 31, 2017. A serious car accident involved her and fellow FAVE Entertainment trainees Kim Bo-won and Lee Soo-min. The incident required her to undergo stomach surgery.
This forced her withdrawal from the competition. She dedicated time to a difficult recovery, showing immense resilience. FAVE Entertainment continued to believe in her talent.
On October 21, 2018, the company revealed her as the first member of FAVEGIRLS. This pre-debut project signaled a new beginning.
Transition to a Professional K-pop Stage
These early experiences were formative. The pressure of the survival show and overcoming the accident built her character. She developed leadership qualities alongside her fellow trainees.
FAVE Entertainment served as a crucial incubator for her skills. The connections and discipline forged there laid the groundwork for her future professional debut.
Musical Journey with Weeekly
The anticipation for Weeekly’s debut began to build in May 2020. Profile photos introduced the seven members to the world, signaling the arrival of a new girl group.
The Debut Moment and Breakthrough Success
On June 30, 2020, the group’s first mini album “We Are” arrived. Its energetic title track, “Tag Me (@Me),” instantly showcased the team’s vibrant sound and sharp choreography.
Soojin stepped into her role as leader and main dancer from the very first stage. This debut established the foundation for the group’s identity.
Noteworthy Releases and Collaborations
The group’s discography grew with subsequent albums like “We Play” and “ColoRise.” Each release demonstrated musical evolution. Soojin’s presence anchored the group’s performance style.
Beyond group activities, she explored solo collaborations. In 2021, she teamed up with D-Hack for the track “Maboroshi Phone Booth.”
Her versatility was further highlighted on the 2023 competition show Queendom Puzzle. She performed in special units, delivering stages for songs like “Charismatic” and “Overwater.”
Every project added a new layer to her artistry. It solidified her reputation as a dedicated and adaptable group member.
Artistic Impact in Performances and Media
From survival shows to YouTube series, her journey across different media formats demonstrates remarkable versatility. These platforms reveal dimensions of her artistry beyond the concert stage.
Reality Shows and Contest Appearances
Her television journey began with MIXNINE in 2017. The Mnet survival show introduced her as a promising dancer to national audiences.
Years later, she returned to competition television on Queendom Puzzle in 2023. This time she represented IST Entertainment as an established girl group leader.
Filmography and Special Project Participation
IST Entertainment produced numerous YouTube series showcasing her personality. These included Weee:kloud, WE CLEAR, and Weeek:live.
Other series like Weee:mergency and The Weeekly Story revealed her leadership style. They offered fans intimate glimpses into group dynamics.
| Media Platform | Year | Role/Format | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIXNINE (Mnet) | 2017-2018 | Contestant | National television debut |
| Queendom Puzzle (Mnet) | 2023 | Contestant | Established leader showcase |
| Lee Joon’s Young Street | 2021 | Radio Guest | Personal insights shared |
| GQ Korea | 2020 | Feature | Fashion magazine recognition |
Global Recognition and Media Highlights
Magazine features in GQ Korea and Ray captured her rising profile. These publications highlighted her central role within the group.
Her ENTJ personality type aligns with her commanding stage presence. This classification reflects her goal-oriented approach to performance.
Across various media, she balances technical skill with authentic presence. This combination builds lasting connections with international audiences.
Insights into Lee Soojin’s Personal Life and Iconic Style
Offstage, the Weeekly captain’s personality shines through her hobbies, fears, and creative dreams. Her identity extends beyond her stage name to include nicknames like Pink Princess and Captain Puppy.
Her ENTJ personality type reflects her commanding leadership style. This strategic thinker plans performances with precision as the group’s main dancer.
Signature Traits, Hobbies, and Personal Preferences
She shares a dorm room with members Soeun and Zoa. This living arrangement offers insight into the daily life of a South Korean singer.
Her hobbies include baking and internet shopping. She balances demanding schedules with ordinary pleasures like watching dramas.
Favorite colors are pink, purple, and beige. Winter is her preferred season, and Midnight In Paris stands as her favorite movie.
| Category | Preferences | Dislikes/Fears |
|---|---|---|
| Food | Desserts, healthy foods | Mint chocolate, pineapple pizza |
| Entertainment | Dramas, movies | Ghost stories, insects |
| Musical Taste | Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose, Lips” | N/A |
Trivia: Nicknames, Influences, and Unique Facts
Her English name is Kate. She dreams of covering Taemin’s “Goodbye” and IZ*ONE’s “Rumor” in future performances.
If not a performer, she would pursue photography or guitar. These alternate paths reveal creative versatility beyond her current role.
These personal details complete the portrait of this multifaceted artist. They show a real person with distinct tastes and ambitions.
Final Reflections on the Legacy of a South Korean Star
A chapter closed on February 26, 2025, when IST Entertainment announced the end of an era. All members of the girl group, including their leader, terminated their contracts. The future of the group remains undecided, marking a significant turning point.
This moment invites reflection on a complete journey. It began as a trainee at FAVE Entertainment in 2017. It spanned survival shows, a serious accident, and years of growth.
She led the seven-member group with the discipline of a main dancer and the versatility of a vocalist and rapper. Her “Commander” personality guided the team through multiple successful album cycles under IST Entertainment.
Lee Soojin’s story is one of navigating industry transitions with resilience. From FAVE Entertainment to IST Entertainment, she turned obstacles into opportunities.
What comes next for this South Korean singer is unwritten. Yet, years of experience and a loyal fanbase support her next path. The legacy remains: a pink-clad leader who commanded the stage, a singer whose story continues.
