Leeseo, Dancer Star, South Korea (born 21-Feb-2007)

Lee Hyun-seo, known professionally as Leeseo, entered the world on February 21, 2007. Her birthplace was Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, in Seoul, South Korea. She now commands attention as a singer, model, and dancer under Starship Entertainment.

At just 18 years old, she holds a central role in the girl group IVE. Leeseo is the group’s youngest member, the maknae. Her official positions are Lead Dancer, Sub Vocalist, and Visual.

Her full name translates to a stage presence that blends technical skill with vibrant energy. This combination defines her contribution to the six-member pop group. She stands 165 cm tall, with a blood type of O.

Her assigned color is a bright yellow. It mirrors the optimism she brings to every performance. Fans also know her by the nickname “Baby Tiger,” reflecting a fierce yet approachable personality.

This is the foundation of a young artist building a legacy. It is a story of discipline and talent, grounded in verifiable facts from her agency and public profile.

Introduction to Leeseo’s Journey

November 8, 2021 marked the public’s first glimpse of the final piece in IVE’s lineup. Leeseo joined as the sixth member, creating immediate excitement for the new girl group. Her official debut followed on December 1 with the single album “Eleven.”

The artist trained for approximately two years with Starship Entertainment. This focused preparation period showcased her natural ability to master performance skills quickly. She absorbed choreography and vocal technique with remarkable speed.

Starship Entertainment carefully timed Leeseo’s introduction to build maximum anticipation. The short training period highlighted her raw talent and work ethic. Her journey from trainee to performer demonstrates how preparation meets opportunity in the competitive K-pop industry.

Early Life and Education Background

The foundations of her stage presence were laid not in a studio, but in the classrooms and neighborhoods of Seoul’s Seocho-gu district. This early environment shaped the artist who would later captivate audiences.

Childhood in Seoul and Family Life

Growing up in Banpo-dong provided a stable family atmosphere. As the eldest of two children, she developed leadership qualities early. Her younger sister, born in 2011, became part of this supportive dynamic.

Family life in South Korea’s capital city offered both cultural resources and educational opportunities. This background helped build the confidence visible in her current performances.

Academic Achievements & Artistic Beginnings

Her formal education began at Seoul Jamwon Elementary School. She later attended Bangbae Middle School, balancing academics with early artistic interests.

Even as a baby tiger of the entertainment world, her talent showed early. During second grade elementary school, she joined SM Entertainment’s Kids Model program. This 2016 opportunity gave her first taste of professional performance.

The balance between school life and early career experiences prepared her for idol training. This foundation supported her rapid development as a performer.

Leeseo

The name ‘Leeseo’ acts as a professional bridge. It connects her Korean identity to a global audience. This streamlined version of Lee Hyun-seo offers simplicity and memorability.

Under Starship Entertainment, she embodies a multi-hyphenate talent. Her roles extend beyond singer to include model, dancer, and MC. This versatility meets the industry’s high demand for skilled performers.

As the maknae of the six-member group IVE, she holds a unique position. It blends youthful energy with the expectation of professional maturity. Fans often show particular affection for the youngest member.

The fluid stylization of her name, from Leeseo to LeeSeo, reflects strategic branding. Capitalization shifts based on the platform or promotional cycle. This careful presentation defines her public identity.

Her English name, Sofia Lee, aids global engagement. It creates a point of connection for fans outside Korea. This choice demonstrates thoughtful planning for international markets.

Career Beginnings and Pre-Debut Experiences

A chance meeting at a department store marked the turning point in her entertainment journey. The young artist’s path from early modeling to idol training reveals how preparation meets opportunity.

SM Entertainment Kids Model Experience

During second grade elementary school in 2016, she joined SM Entertainment’s Kids Model program. This first generation initiative introduced young talent to professional modeling.

The experience provided foundational skills in posture and facial expressions. These qualities would later translate seamlessly to the K-pop stage.

Discovery by Starship Entertainment

In 2019, while shopping with her parents at Shinsaegae Department Store’s Gangnam branch, a Starship Entertainment scout noticed her. The agency representative specifically remembered her sparkling eyes.

At her audition, Leeseo performed Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” and OH MY GIRL’s “Remember Me.” She passed the tryout and entered the trainee program.

The artist trained for approximately two years before debut. This relatively short period demonstrated both her readiness and the agency’s confidence in her potential.

Debut with IVE: Making Waves in K-pop

December 2021 brought a seismic shift to K-pop as IVE made their official entrance. The group’s formation culminated with Leeseo joining as the final piece.

A strategic week-long rollout introduced each member individually. This approach built genuine connection with fans before the music even dropped.

Debut Single “Eleven” and Group Formation

The single album “Eleven” arrived on December 1, 2021. Its title cleverly played with numbers while exploring themes of connection.

Chart success came quickly. The track dominated Korean music platforms, establishing IVE as serious contenders.

Leeseo’s role showcased her sharp dance skills and youthful energy. Her presence completed the group’s visual and performance dynamic.

The debut days established IVE’s confident sound. Their music blended fresh concepts with polished execution.

This beginning marked years of preparation becoming public achievement. For the artist, it was the moment training met opportunity.

Collaborative Projects and Notable Releases

Summer 2022 brought a unique musical crossover when Starship Entertainment orchestrated a special collaboration. The project united artists from three different groups under the agency’s umbrella.

This inter-group effort showcased the versatility of Starship’s talent pool. It demonstrated how individual members could shine in new configurations.

“Blue & Black” Collaboration Insights

The digital single “Blue & Black” arrived on June 28, 2022. Leeseo joined members from OH MY GIRL and CRAVITY for this Pepsi-sponsored release.

Her selection highlighted growing confidence in her performance abilities. Working alongside experienced idols tested her adaptability in real time.

The song’s bright, summery concept departed from IVE’s established sound. This temporary project allowed artistic experimentation beyond her primary girl group.

Digital Single Impact and Strategy

Collaborations like “Blue & Black” serve multiple purposes in the K-pop industry. They create buzz while strengthening brand partnerships.

For Leeseo, the project provided exposure beyond IVE’s usual album cycles. Fans appreciated seeing her dynamic with artists from different groups.

These strategic releases complement primary group activities. They offer valuable experience while expanding an artist’s creative range.

Recent Solo Projects and OST Ventures

A significant step in an artist’s journey often arrives with their first solo project. For the youngest member of IVE, this moment came in early 2024, marking a new chapter in her career.

The announcement on February 16th revealed she would lend her voice to the original soundtrack for the popular Naver Webtoon, “I’m the Queen in This Life.” This venture was a crucial step since her debut with the group.

“May Lily” for Webtoon Series

The song, titled “May Lily,” was officially released on February 22nd. The timing was symbolic, arriving just one day after her birthday. It positioned the release as a personal milestone within days of her celebration.

“May Lily” showcased a softer, more emotive side of her vocal abilities. It contrasted with IVE’s high-energy tracks, proving her voice could carry a show with emotional depth.

This solo music project demonstrated Starship Entertainment’s confidence in her individual artistry. It was a strategic move, making her name known to a wider audience beyond K-pop fans. The webtoon tie-in connected her talent directly with readers of the hit series.

This OST work was more than just a song; it was a statement of readiness for future individual endeavors.

Leeseo as a Multi-Talented Entertainer

Musical training often begins with a single instrument, but for this IVE member, mastering four became a foundation for pop performance. Her skill with piano, violin, guitar, and cello reflects years of dedication. This technical knowledge gives her a deeper feel for a song’s emotional layers.

Her talents extend beyond music. As a model, she has worked with brands like The North Face, leveraging her visual appeal across different concepts. In 2024, she took on the role of MC for SBS’s “Inkigayo,” a live TV job requiring quick thinking and charm.

Her energetic personality is key. The artist is known as the mood-maker within the group. Her MBTI personality type is ESTP, which aligns with her adaptable and action-oriented nature.

This shift from a previously recorded ENFP type may reflect her professional growth. It paints a portrait of an entertainer built on skill, personality, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

Leeseo’s Role as a Model and MC

The television studio became her second stage when the announcement arrived in April 2024. This IVE member stepped into a new arena beyond music performances.

Emergence as a Television Host and MC on Inkigayo

On April 11, 2024, Starship Entertainment confirmed Leeseo as the new MC for SBS’s “Inkigayo.” Her first live broadcast occurred on April 28th. The role placed her at the center of Korea’s music industry each Sunday.

Hosting this prestigious show requires sharp communication skills and live television adaptability. The position historically goes to idols who demonstrate professional maturity. Her selection reflected industry confidence in her abilities.

In 2023, she appeared on KBS2’s “Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant.” Across episodes 170-172, she showcased cooking skills and natural personality. This variety appearance offered fans a different perspective.

These television roles build career longevity beyond group activities. They create networking opportunities with industry professionals. The path shows strategic planning for a multifaceted entertainment career.

Personal Touches: Hobbies, Fashion, and Favorites

Behind the bright stage lights and polished performances exists a person with distinct tastes and everyday skills. These details create a fuller picture of the artist beyond her group activities.

North Face Endorsement and Fashion Sense

Since 2023, she has represented The North Face as an endorsement model. This partnership aligns her youthful energy with the brand’s outdoor aesthetic. The collaboration showcases her style versatility beyond stage costumes.

Her personal interests reveal a thoughtful nature. She plays piano, watches dramas, and collects perfumes. Each hobby reflects different aspects of her personality.

Even practical skills become notable. She handles contact lenses with unusual ease. This small talent endears her to fans who appreciate behind-the-scenes realities.

At eighteen years old, Leeseo balances professional demands with personal passions. These touches remind us that idols develop their artistry while navigating ordinary life.

The Unique Personality Behind the Spotlight

Behind the confident maknae label lies a philosophy of steady progress: “I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.” This mindset shapes the artist known for lifting spirits during long rehearsals.

Energetic, Aegyo Moments and Memorable Traits

Her ESTP personality type captures a spontaneous, action-oriented nature. This contrasts with her previous ENFP result, showing professional growth. IVE members consistently describe her as the group’s essential mood-maker.

The artist displays abundant aegyo, especially around other members. Her frequent laughter creates warm, authentic moments that fans cherish. Appearances on shows like Weekly Idol reveal this playful side.

Behind the scenes, her dedication shows in unusual practice methods. She honed facial expressions in bathroom mirrors and used sour foods to perfect her winking. These efforts paid off in sharp stage presence.

• Quirky habits include touching Liz’s left dimple and talking in her sleep
• Specialties: quick winking, selfie skills, and swimming ability
• Limited perfect pitch only works for white piano keys
• Bright eyes and positive energy define her baby-like charm

This blend of discipline and playfulness makes her both relatable and memorable. The confident maknae balances professional demands with genuine personality.

Leeseo’s Impact on the Global K-pop Scene

From Seoul to sold-out arenas worldwide, the youngest member’s presence became a defining element of IVE’s international appeal. The group’s 1st World Tour, “SHOW WHAT I HAVE,” transformed regional success into global recognition.

Fans across Asia and North America witnessed her sharp dance breaks and vibrant energy live. The tour’s concert film later brought that experience to audiences everywhere. It captured the production quality that defines this girl group’s performances.

IVE’s discography showcases remarkable versatility. Hits like “Love Dive,” “After Like,” and “Kitsch” each reveal different facets of their sound. Leeseo adapts seamlessly from elegant to edgy concepts.

Her impact extends beyond album sales and chart positions. Social media trends and fan art demonstrate genuine cultural influence. Young fans see her balancing ambition with authenticity.

Starship Entertainment’s global profile rose with IVE’s success. The artist’s youth and talent position her as a long-term asset. Her individual contributions drive the group’s commercial reach.

This impact combines immediate sold-out shows with potential for decades of career growth. In an industry of fleeting trends, she builds something lasting.

Behind the Scenes: Training, Discipline, and Growth

The path to becoming a K-pop idol is paved with relentless practice and personal sacrifice. For the youngest member of IVE, this meant balancing a standard education with an extraordinary training schedule. Her journey through Seoul Jamwon Elementary School and Bangbae Middle School provided a foundation of normalcy.

In November 2022, a major academic step was announced. She gained acceptance into the prestigious Hanlim Arts School. This specialized institution is known for shaping Korea’s top entertainers.

Rigorous Training and Performance Rituals

Enrolling in 2023, she became a student in the Broadcasting and Entertainment Department. This choice signaled a commitment to mastering skills beyond performance, like media communication. Her two-year training period under Starship Entertainment was intense.

She absorbed complex choreography and vocal techniques at a remarkable pace. Behind the scenes, her dedication was meticulous. She turned everyday moments into practice sessions.

While washing her face, she would study her reflection to perfect her facial expressions. To master a sharp, clean wink, she used a unique method involving sour foods. This forced control over precise muscle movements.

Appearances on shows like Weekly Idol gave fans a glimpse into this disciplined world. She shared insights about her personality and the hard work behind her polished stage presence. Even handling contact lenses with ease became a small testament to her focus.

This behind-the-scenes look reveals that her growth was no accident. It was built on structured education, intense training, and a willingness to use every moment for improvement.

Reflecting on a Rising Legacy

The phrase “I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards” captures a career built on steady progress. For this IVE member, it’s a guiding principle visible across multiple albums and a successful world tour.

Her journey from a kids model to a key member of the girl group showcases remarkable versatility. Hits like “Love Dive” and appearances on shows like “1,2,3 IVE” reveal her growing confidence.

At eighteen years old, Leeseo balances life as a student in Hanlim Arts School’s Broadcasting and Entertainment Department with her idol career. Endorsements like The North Face and solo projects add layers to her profile.

This young artist’s legacy is one of forward motion. Each chapter, from the “IVE SWITCH” EP to the 1st World Tour, builds upon the last without erasing what came before. Her story emphasizes discipline and a clear-eyed focus on the horizon.