Chaewon, previously known by her stage name Eunchae from DIA, recently gained attention after sharing that she attempted to re-debut twice after leaving the group—only to fail both times. She opened up about her journey in a YouTube video titled “After the evil editing controversy… the youngest member returns with a more mature and beautiful visual” on the One Mic channel.
Reflecting on her time with DIA, Chaewon clarified that the group did not officially disband but rather ended activities as members’ contracts expired, with each pursuing their own paths. Despite this, the members have remained in contact through group chats and continue to support one another.
She also addressed the “evil editing” controversy from her appearance on the survival show Universe Ticket. According to Chaewon, public reaction at the time was largely negative, making that period feel like a nightmare. She admitted that she lacked experience and may have been overly ambitious in song selection.
Despite warnings from the production team, she insisted on performing Heroine, hoping to stand out as the “main character” on stage. However, the performance did not go as planned and drew heavy criticism.
Afterward, Chaewon sought a different path back into the spotlight by attempting to debut as a virtual idol—a rising trend at the time. She described the physically demanding process of wearing a full-body motion capture suit and helmet to record movements and expressions.
However, the experience came with emotional challenges. She revealed the pressure of not being able to show her real face or identity to the public, though her desire to perform kept her going.
Unfortunately, her second re-debut attempt also fell apart. Chaewon disclosed that her agency suddenly disappeared just as preparations were nearing completion. After six months of training, recording the title track, and finalizing choreography, the entire project collapsed as the company effectively vanished without a trace. Following this, she decided to step away from her idol dream and pursue acting, though success has yet to come.
Her controversy on Universe Ticket also resurfaced. From early episodes, Chaewon entered with determination to prove herself, gaining more attention as a former idol compared to newer trainees. However, this also led to higher expectations.
During team selections and line distributions, she appeared assertive, often aiming for center positions or standout parts. Some viewers criticized her as overly ambitious or “greedy for the spotlight,” especially when competing with younger contestants. Her communication style was also described by some as tense and lacking softness.
The controversy peaked during her Heroine performance, which was criticized for unstable vocals and lack of control—particularly harsh criticism given her position as a former vocalist of DIA.
However, the narrative shifted after raw fancams surfaced. Many viewers compared them to the broadcast version and claimed the show had manipulated audio to make her performance sound worse. Some accused the production team of lowering pitch or editing audio to create drama, fueling allegations of “evil editing.” Media outlets like Koreaboo also reported that some netizens believed Chaewon had been made a “scapegoat” for the show.
As for DIA, the group debuted in 2015 under MBK Entertainment during the highly competitive third generation of K-pop, alongside acts like TWICE, Red Velvet, GFRIEND, and Lovelyz. Known for their youthful and feminine concept, DIA was expected to follow the success of senior group T-ARA.
The group released songs such as Somehow, On The Road, Mr. Potter, WooWoo, and Hug U. While they never broke into top-tier popularity, they maintained a steady fanbase. Member Jung Chaeyeon gained significant fame through Produce 101 and debuting with I.O.I, but even her popularity couldn’t fully elevate the group.
Chaewon, one of the younger members, served as a lead vocalist and was known for her sweet visuals and bright energy. Though not the group’s center, fans appreciated her stable vocals and charming presence.
During her time in DIA, she was often praised for her youthful, “baby face” visuals—featuring soft features, round eyes, and a bright smile that matched the group’s concept. Her long dark hair and natural styling further enhanced her image as a classic early-generation idol.
Although she was never the most famous member, Chaewon built a loyal fanbase thanks to her likable personality and consistent efforts. Many fans viewed her as someone who became more appealing over time rather than instantly striking.
After DIA ceased activities in 2022, many expressed regret that Chaewon never had the opportunity to fully shine. Her story now stands as a bittersweet example of how fragile an idol’s career can be in the ever-changing K-pop industry.
Sources: kenh14
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