Kim Chaewon

Biography

Kim Chaewon is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer. She is best known as the leader of the South Korean girl group LE SSERAFIM, formed by Source Music under HYBE Corporation. Prior to her activities with LE SSERAFIM, she was a member of the Korean–Japanese project girl group IZ*ONE, formed through the reality competition series Produce 48.

Early Life and Education

Kim Chaewon was born on August 1, 2000, in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea, into a family that includes her parents and an older sister. Her mother, Lee Ran-hee, is a theatre actress. Chaewon showed artistic inclinations from a young age and participated in creative activities during her childhood.

She attended Seoul Poi Elementary School, Guryong Middle School, and Gaepo High School before transferring to Hanlim Multi Art School, a specialized performing arts high school, from which she graduated in 2019.

Career

Pre-Debut and IZ*ONE (2018–2021)

Chaewon’s professional career began when she became a trainee under Woollim Entertainment. In 2018, she participated in the reality competition series Produce 48, which combined trainees and idols from South Korea and Japan. Through the show, she finished in 10th place, securing her position in the final lineup of IZ*ONE.

She debuted with IZONE on October 29, 2018, with the group’s first mini-album COLORIZ, actively promoting until the group’s contract ended and the project disbanded on April 29, 2021. During her time with IZ*ONE, Chaewon was recognized for her vocal and performance contributions, helping the group achieve both commercial success and international recognition.

Re-Debut with LE SSERAFIM (2022–Present)

Following the disbandment of IZ*ONE, Chaewon signed with Source Music and was revealed as the fourth member of LE SSERAFIM, a new girl group under HYBE’s Source Music label, in April 2022. She debuted as the leader and vocalist of the group on May 2, 2022, with the release of their first extended play Fearless.

Under her leadership, LE SSERAFIM quickly rose to prominence within the K-pop industry, earning accolades for their bold concepts, powerful performances, and chart-topping releases. Chaewon’s role as leader has been central to the group’s identity, balancing artistic direction, performance quality, and public presence.