Kim Chaewon Profile: Bio, Age, Birthday, Career, Net Worth & Interesting Facts 2026
Kim Chaewon (born August 1, 2000) is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer. She is the leader of LE SSERAFIM under Source Music and a former member of IZONE, having finished 10th on Produce 48 in 2018. She debuted with IZONE on October 29, 2018, and re-debuted as LE SSERAFIM’s leader on May 2, 2022.
Kim Chaewon is one of the most respected and beloved figures in fourth-generation K-pop. As the leader of LE SSERAFIM and a former member of IZ*ONE, she has achieved something few idols can claim-success in two major girl groups across different eras. Her journey from a trainee at Woollim Entertainment to a survival show finalist, and finally to the leader of one of K-pop’s most powerful groups, is a story of talent, resilience, and quiet determination.
Born in Seoul in 2000, Chaewon first captured public attention on Produce 48, where she secured a spot in IZ*ONE with her stable vocals and charming stage presence. After the group’s disbandment, she re-debuted as the leader of LE SSERAFIM under Source Music, helping shape the group into a global phenomenon. Known for her “short hair” era, her leadership style, and her duality between cute and fierce concepts, Chaewon has become a defining face of modern K-pop.
Kim Chaewon Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kim Chaewon (김채원) |
| English Name | Anna Kim |
| Birthday | August 1, 2000 |
| Age | 25 years old (In 2026) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Height | 164 cm (5’4″) |
| Weight | 42 kg (92 lbs) |
| Blood Type | B |
| MBTI | ESTP (previously ISTP) |
| Position | Leader, Main Vocalist |
| Group | LE SSERAFIM |
| Former Group | IZ*ONE |
| Agency | Source Music (HYBE) |
| Debut | October 29, 2018 (IZ*ONE) / May 2, 2022 (LE SSERAFIM) |
| Years Active | 2018–present |
| @_chaechae_1 | |
| Spotify | Kim Chaewon |
Table of Contents
Who Is Kim Chaewon?
Kim Chaewon is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer. She is currently the leader of LE SSERAFIM, a five-member girl group under Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE. Before LE SSERAFIM, she was a member of IZ*ONE, the project group formed through Mnet’s survival show Produce 48 in 2018.
Chaewon is widely recognized for her vocal stability, expressive dancing, and charismatic stage presence. She has a distinctive “short bob” haircut that became iconic during her early LE SSERAFIM days, and she is known for her duality-able to switch between cute, innocent expressions and powerful, fierce performances instantly.
As LE SSERAFIM’s leader, Chaewon is responsible for guiding the group both on and off stage. Her leadership style is often described as warm yet firm, and she has been praised for creating a supportive environment for her members.
Group History
Formation and Pre-Debut
Kim Chaewon’s path to stardom began when she joined Woollim Entertainment as a trainee. She trained for 11 months before being selected to represent the agency on Mnet’s survival show Produce 48 in 2018. The show brought together 96 trainees from South Korea and Japan to form a 12-member project girl group.
During the show, Chaewon impressed viewers with her stable vocals and charming personality. She consistently ranked among the top contestants and ultimately finished in 10th place with 238,192 votes, securing her spot in the final lineup of IZ*ONE.
Official Debut: IZ*ONE (2018–2021)
IZONE officially debuted on October 29, 2018, with their first extended play COLORIZ and the lead single “La Vie en Rose.” The group quickly became one of the most successful rookie acts of the era, known for their elegant concept and synchronized performances.
During her time with IZONE, Chaewon participated in multiple successful releases, including HEARTIZ (2019), BLOOMIZ* (2020), Oneiric Diary (2020), and One-reeler / Act IV (2020). She also contributed to songwriting-she was credited as a composer for “WithOne” on the Oneiric Diary album and contributed lyrics to “Slow Journey” on One-reeler / Act IV.
The group also found success in Japan, debuting with the single “Suki to Iwasetai” in February 2019, which received a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
IZ*ONE officially disbanded on April 29, 2021, following the conclusion of their two-and-a-half-year contract.
Re-Debut with LE SSERAFIM (2022–present)
After IZONE’s disbandment, Chaewon left Woollim Entertainment and joined Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE, in 2021. She was announced as a member of HYBE’s new girl group, LE SSERAFIM, alongside fellow IZONE member Sakura and Produce 48 alumnus Huh Yunjin.
LE SSERAFIM officially debuted on May 2, 2022, with their first EP FEARLESS. Chaewon was appointed as the group’s leader, a role she has embraced with dedication and care.
The group’s second EP, ANTIFRAGILE, was released in October 2022 and became a massive hit, solidifying LE SSERAFIM’s place in the fourth generation of K-pop. Their first studio album, UNFORGIVEN, followed in May 2023, achieving over one million sales and topping the Circle Album Chart.
In 2024 and 2025, LE SSERAFIM released the EASY, CRAZY, and HOT trilogy of mini-albums, exploring diverse musical styles from driving rockers to R&B-tinged dance tracks. In 2026, they released their second studio album Pureflow Pt. 1, which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 10.
Recent Activities (2026)
In June 2026, Chaewon took a temporary hiatus to treat neck pains. Source Music announced on June 19, 2026, that she had recovered and would rejoin group activities. She had been absent from promoting “Boompala,” the focus track from Pureflow Pt. 1.
LE SSERAFIM performed in Los Angeles for an iHeartRadio live gig and announced their second international tour, “Pureflow,” with two sold-out nights in Incheon scheduled for July 2026.
Agency and Management
Kim Chaewon is currently managed by Source Music, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation. She joined the agency in 2021 after leaving Woollim Entertainment following IZ*ONE’s disbandment.
Source Music was originally an independent agency founded in 2009, known for managing girl groups like GFRIEND. In 2019, the company was acquired by HYBE (then Big Hit Entertainment) and became a subsidiary. Today, Source Music manages LE SSERAFIM, one of HYBE’s flagship girl groups.
Prior to Source Music, Chaewon was a trainee and later a member of IZ*ONE under Woollim Entertainment. She trained at Woollim for 11 months before appearing on Produce 48.
Kim Chaewon Member Profile
Personal Information
Group Role
- Position: Leader, Main Vocalist
- Representative Emoji: 🐯 (tiger) / 🐣 (chick)
- Training Period: 11 months at Woollim Entertainment
Early Life and Education
Kim Chaewon was born on August 1, 2000, in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. She grew up in a family of four-her parents and an older sister, who is six years older than her (born in 1994).
Her mother, Lee Ran-hee, is a veteran theater actress who has been active in the industry for over thirty years. Chaewon’s artistic talents are often attributed to her mother’s influence and support. She is also the younger cousin of musician Kim Woo-tak, a contestant on the first season of JTBC’s reality show Super Band.
Chaewon attended Seoul Poi Elementary School, Guryong Middle School, and initially Gaepo High School before transferring to Hanlim Multi Art School to pursue her performing arts education. She graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School in 2019.
In 2012, while in the sixth grade, Chaewon performed in the KBS Korea Children’s Song Contest as a member of the Seoul Poi Elementary School choir. During her primary and middle school years, she practiced singing and dancing at home, and she began pursuing a career as an idol during high school.
Career Journey
Pre-Debut Activities
Before her official debut, Chaewon appeared in Golden Child’s “Let Me” music video in 2017. She also featured on Moonbyul’s song “Selfish” during the MAMA 2018 Awards in Japan.
She joined Woollim Entertainment as a trainee and trained for 11 months before participating in Produce 48.
Produce 48 (2018)
In 2018, Chaewon represented Woollim Entertainment on Mnet’s survival show Produce 48, alongside fellow trainees Kwon Eun-bi, Su-yun, and So-hee (who would later debut in Rocket Punch).
Throughout the competition, Chaewon showcased her vocal stability and charming stage presence. She consistently ranked in the top 12 and ultimately finished in 10th place with 238,192 votes, securing her debut as a member of IZ*ONE.
IZ*ONE Era (2018–2021)
Chaewon officially debuted as a member of IZONE on October 29, 2018, with the release of COLORIZ and its lead single “La Vie en Rose.”
During her two-and-a-half years with the group, she participated in:
| Release | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| COLORIZ* | Mini Album | 2018 |
| HEARTIZ* | Mini Album | 2019 |
| BLOOMIZ* | Studio Album | 2020 |
| Oneiric Diary | Mini Album | 2020 |
| One-reeler / Act IV | Mini Album | 2020 |
| “Suki to Iwasetai” | Japanese Single | 2019 |
Chaewon also contributed to songwriting during this period. She was credited as a composer for “WithOne” on the Oneiric Diary album and contributed lyrics to “Slow Journey” on One-reeler / Act IV.
IZ*ONE held their final two-day online concert, “ONE, THE STORY,” on March 13 and 14, 2021. The group officially disbanded on April 29, 2021.
LE SSERAFIM Era (2022–present)
After IZONE’s disbandment, Chaewon left Woollim Entertainment and joined Source Music. She was announced as a member of LE SSERAFIM, alongside Sakura (also ex-IZONE), Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae.
LE SSERAFIM debuted on May 2, 2022, with the EP FEARLESS. Chaewon was appointed as the group’s leader, a position she has held with dedication.
Key releases with LE SSERAFIM:
| Release | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| FEARLESS | Mini Album | 2022 |
| ANTIFRAGILE | Mini Album | 2022 |
| UNFORGIVEN | Studio Album | 2023 |
| EASY | Mini Album | 2024 |
| CRAZY | Mini Album | 2024 |
| HOT | Mini Album | 2025 |
| Pureflow Pt. 1 | Studio Album | 2026 |
Recent Activities (2026)
In June 2026, Chaewon took a temporary hiatus to recover from neck pains. She resumed activities on June 19, 2026. LE SSERAFIM’s second studio album Pureflow Pt. 1 entered the Billboard 200 at No. 10.
The group performed in Los Angeles for an iHeartRadio live gig and announced their “Pureflow” international tour, with sold-out shows in Incheon.
Family Background
Kim Chaewon comes from a supportive artistic family. Her mother, Lee Ran-hee, is a respected theater actress who has been active in the Korean theater scene for over thirty years. Her mother’s background in the arts significantly influenced Chaewon’s decision to pursue a career in entertainment.
Chaewon has one older sister, who is six years older than her (born in 1994).
She is also the younger cousin of musician Kim Woo-tak, who gained recognition as a contestant on the first season of JTBC’s Super Band.
Her father’s occupation and other details about her extended family are not publicly available.
Relationship Status
In 2026, Kim Chaewon’s relationship status is not publicly confirmed. Like many K-pop idols, she maintains privacy regarding her personal life and dating status. There are no public records or official statements about her being in a relationship. She remains focused on her career with LE SSERAFIM.
Net Worth
Exact figures for Kim Chaewon’s net worth are not publicly available. However, various estimates have been published by entertainment news outlets:
| Source | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| KpopStarz (2024) | $3 million – $5 million USD |
| Bollywood Fox (2026) | $5 million USD |
It is important to note that these are estimates and not official figures. Chaewon’s income sources include:
- Album sales and streaming royalties from both IZ*ONE and LE SSERAFIM
- Concert revenues from tours and fan meetings
- Merchandise sales
- Brand endorsements and promotional activities
- Songwriting royalties from her composition and lyric credits
As the leader of one of K-pop’s most successful fourth-generation groups and a former member of IZ*ONE, Chaewon’s net worth is likely to continue growing as LE SSERAFIM expands its global presence.
Social Media Profiles
Group Social Media:
- Instagram: @le_sserafim
- Twitter: @le_sserafim
- YouTube: LE SSERAFIM
- Weverse: LE SSERAFIM
Interesting Facts About Kim Chaewon
- She is the daughter of theater actress Lee Ran-hee. Her mother has been active in the Korean theater scene for over thirty years.
- She has an older sister who is six years older than her (born in 1994).
- She is the younger cousin of musician Kim Woo-tak, a contestant on JTBC’s Super Band.
- She trained for only 11 months at Woollim Entertainment before appearing on Produce 48-a relatively short period compared to many idols.
- She finished in 10th place on Produce 48 with 238,192 votes.
- She has a signature “short bob” haircut that became iconic during her early LE SSERAFIM days.
- She appeared in Golden Child’s “Let Me” music video before her debut.
- She was featured on Moonbyul’s song “Selfish” during MAMA 2018 Awards in Japan.
- She contributed to songwriting as a composer for “WithOne” and lyricist for “Slow Journey” during her IZ*ONE days.
- She can peel three tangerines in 30 seconds.
- She loves mint chocolate ice cream and is known for her “mint choco choco dan” aegyo.
- She loves bubble tea.
- She dislikes mushrooms and coffee.
- She admires Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon.
- She has two piercings only on her right ear.
- Her fans think she looks like Rapunzel from Disney cartoons.
- Her nicknames include “Angel Chaewon,” “Fairy Chaewon,” and “Raddish Cabbage Fairy.”
- She wants to try having purple hair.
- She loves watching horror movies but gets scared easily, often hiding behind Eunchae during group movie nights.
- She has a habit of collecting cute stationery.
Discography
IZ*ONE Discography (2018–2021)
| Release | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| COLORIZ* | Mini Album | 2018 |
| HEARTIZ* | Mini Album | 2019 |
| BLOOMIZ* | Studio Album | 2020 |
| Oneiric Diary | Mini Album | 2020 |
| One-reeler / Act IV | Mini Album | 2020 |
Japanese Releases:
- “Suki to Iwasetai” (Single, 2019)
- “Vampire” (Single, 2019)
- Twelve (Studio Album, 2020)
LE SSERAFIM Discography (2022–present)
| Release | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| FEARLESS | Mini Album | 2022 |
| ANTIFRAGILE | Mini Album | 2022 |
| UNFORGIVEN | Studio Album | 2023 |
| EASY | Mini Album | 2024 |
| CRAZY | Mini Album | 2024 |
| HOT | Mini Album | 2025 |
| Pureflow Pt. 1 | Studio Album | 2026 |
Notable Songs
- “La Vie en Rose” (IZ*ONE)
- “Violeta” (IZ*ONE)
- “Secret Story of the Swan” (IZ*ONE)
- “Panorama” (IZ*ONE)
- “FEARLESS” (LE SSERAFIM)
- “ANTIFRAGILE” (LE SSERAFIM)
- “UNFORGIVEN” (LE SSERAFIM)
- “EASY” (LE SSERAFIM)
- “CRAZY” (LE SSERAFIM)
- “HOT” (LE SSERAFIM)
- “Boompala” (LE SSERAFIM)
Music Style and Influence
Musical Identity
Kim Chaewon is known for her versatile vocal ability and expressive stage presence. She can seamlessly transition between soft, emotional ballads and powerful, energetic pop songs. Her voice is characterized by its clarity, stability, and emotional delivery.
Artistic Evolution
Chaewon’s musical journey has evolved significantly from her IZONE days to her current role in LE SSERAFIM. With IZONE, she embraced elegant, ethereal concepts that highlighted her vocal strengths. With LE SSERAFIM, she has adapted to a more confident, fierce, and empowering image, showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Influences
Chaewon has cited Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon as her role model and inspiration. She admires Taeyeon’s vocal ability, stage presence, and longevity in the industry.
Awards and Achievements
IZ*ONE Awards
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MAMA Awards | Best New Female Artist | 2018 |
| Golden Disc Awards | Rookie Artist of the Year | 2019 |
| Seoul Music Awards | New Artist Award | 2019 |
LE SSERAFIM Awards
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| MAMA Awards | Best New Female Artist | 2022 |
| Asian Artist Awards | Best Artist Award | 2023 |
| Asian Artist Awards | Music Icon of the Year | 2025 |
| Asian Artist Awards | AAA Best Artist | 2025 |
| Seoul Music Awards | Best Digital Song | 2026 |
| Seoul Music Awards | World Best Artist | 2026 |
| Seoul Music Awards | Bonsang (Main Award) | 2026 |
Music Show Wins
LE SSERAFIM has achieved multiple music show wins for their title tracks, including:
- “FEARLESS” – 1 win
- “ANTIFRAGILE” – Multiple wins
- “UNFORGIVEN” – Multiple wins
- “EASY” – Multiple wins
- “CRAZY” – Multiple wins
- “HOT” – Multiple wins
- “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (collaboration with ILLIT and KATSEYE) – 2 wins
Global Achievements
- UNFORGIVEN – Over 1 million copies sold, #1 on Circle Album Chart
- Pureflow Pt. 1 – Entered Billboard 200 at No. 10
- “Boompala” – Ranked No. 176 on Global 200 and No. 108 on Global Excl. US
Tours and Concerts
IZ*ONE Tours
- IZONE 1st Concert “Eyes On Me”* (2019)
- IZONE Online Concert “ONE, THE STORY”* (2021)
LE SSERAFIM Tours
- 2023 LE SSERAFIM Tour “FLAME RISES”
- 2024 LE SSERAFIM World Tour “EASY”
- 2025 LE SSERAFIM World Tour “CRAZY”
- 2026 LE SSERAFIM Tour “Pureflow” (upcoming)
Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorships
Kim Chaewon and LE SSERAFIM have been involved in various brand partnerships. Some notable endorsements include:
- Louis Vuitton – LE SSERAFIM as global ambassadors
- Samsung – Brand partnerships
- Kakao – Various promotional campaigns
Specific individual endorsements for Chaewon are not publicly detailed, as most brand partnerships involve the entire group.
Social Media Presence
Kim Chaewon is active on social media, primarily through Instagram, where she shares updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and personal moments with fans.
Group Accounts:
- Instagram: @le_sserafim
- Twitter: @le_sserafim
- YouTube: LE SSERAFIM
- Weverse: LE SSERAFIM
- TikTok: @le_sserafim
20 Interesting Facts About Kim Chaewon
- Kim Chaewon was born on August 1, 2000, in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
- Her mother, Lee Ran-hee, is a veteran theater actress with over thirty years of experience.
- She has an older sister who is six years older than her (born in 1994).
- She is the younger cousin of musician Kim Woo-tak, a contestant on JTBC’s Super Band.
- She attended Seoul Poi Elementary School, Guryong Middle School, and transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School for high school.
- She trained for only 11 months at Woollim Entertainment before Produce 48.
- She finished 10th on Produce 48 with 238,192 votes.
- She debuted with IZ*ONE on October 29, 2018.
- She re-debuted as the leader of LE SSERAFIM on May 2, 2022.
- She has a signature “short bob” haircut that became iconic.
- She appeared in Golden Child’s “Let Me” music video before debut.
- She was featured on Moonbyul’s “Selfish” at MAMA 2018.
- She contributed as a composer for “WithOne” and lyricist for “Slow Journey.”
- She can peel three tangerines in 30 seconds.
- She loves mint chocolate ice cream and bubble tea.
- She dislikes mushrooms and coffee.
- She admires Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon.
- She has two piercings only on her right ear.
- She loves watching horror movies but gets scared easily.
- Her fans think she looks like Rapunzel from Disney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is Kim Chaewon?
Kim Chaewon is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and dancer. She is the leader of LE SSERAFIM and a former member of IZ*ONE.
2. How old is Kim Chaewon?
Kim Chaewon was born on August 1, 2000, making her 25 years old In 2026.
3. When is Kim Chaewon’s birthday?
Her birthday is August 1, 2000.
4. Where was Kim Chaewon born?
She was born in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
5. What is Kim Chaewon’s height?
Her height is 164 cm (5’4″).
6. What is Kim Chaewon’s blood type?
Her blood type is B.
7. What is Kim Chaewon’s MBTI?
Her MBTI is ESTP (previously ISTP).
8. What is Kim Chaewon’s position in LE SSERAFIM?
She is the Leader and Main Vocalist of LE SSERAFIM.
9. When did Kim Chaewon debut with LE SSERAFIM?
She debuted with LE SSERAFIM on May 2, 2022.
10. When did Kim Chaewon debut with IZ*ONE?
She debuted with IZ*ONE on October 29, 2018.
11. What is Kim Chaewon’s Instagram?
Her Instagram handle is @_chaechae_1.
12. Who is Kim Chaewon’s mother?
Her mother is Lee Ran-hee, a veteran theater actress.
13. Does Kim Chaewon have siblings?
Yes, she has an older sister who is six years older than her.
14. What is Kim Chaewon’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $5 million USD, but this is not officially confirmed.
15. What is Kim Chaewon’s fandom name?
Her individual fandom name is “Chaemmu.”
16. What are Kim Chaewon’s nicknames?
Her nicknames include “Angel Chaewon,” “Fairy Chaewon,” and “Raddish Cabbage Fairy.”
17. What is Kim Chaewon’s favorite food?
She loves mint chocolate ice cream and bubble tea.
18. What is Kim Chaewon’s role model?
She admires Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon.
19. How long did Kim Chaewon train before debut?
She trained for 11 months at Woollim Entertainment.
20. What is Kim Chaewon’s English name?
Her English name is Anna Kim.
21. Is Kim Chaewon dating anyone?
Her relationship status is not publicly confirmed. She keeps her personal life private.
22. What are Kim Chaewon’s hobbies?
She enjoys watching dramas, movies, choreography videos, listening to ballads, and eating.
23. What is Kim Chaewon’s specialty?
Her specialties are singing and dancing.
24. What is Kim Chaewon’s zodiac sign?
Her zodiac sign is Leo.
25. What is Kim Chaewon’s nationality?
She is South Korean.
Conclusion
Kim Chaewon’s journey from a young trainee at Woollim Entertainment to the leader of LE SSERAFIM is a testament to her talent, hard work, and resilience. She has successfully navigated the challenges of the K-pop industry, achieving success in two different girl groups and earning the respect and admiration of fans worldwide.
As a member of IZ*ONE, she helped define the elegant concept of one of the most successful project groups in K-pop history. As the leader of LE SSERAFIM, she has guided her group to new heights, breaking records and winning awards on a global scale. Her contributions to songwriting, her stable vocals, and her charismatic stage presence have made her an indispensable part of both groups..
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