Kim Chaewon
A vocal powerhouse who rose from a survival show to lead LE SSERAFIM, embodying the fierce, unapologetic confidence of her generation.
Born 2000 (age 26)·South Korean singer·Birthday: August 1·Generation Z
Biography
Kim Chaewon's ascent is a story of quiet determination meeting explosive talent. She first captured attention on the high-stakes stage of 'Produce 48', where her precise vocals and poised demeanor earned her a spot in the temporary supergroup IZ*ONE. That experience was a crucible, but her true arrival came with the formation of LE SSERAFIM. As the group's leader, Chaewon shed any remaining innocence, emerging as the center of a concept built on self-assurance and strength. Her crystalline voice, capable of both delicate nuance and powerful belts, anchors their genre-blending tracks. More than just a singer, she has become a symbol of the group's ethos, projecting a cool, collected intensity that defines LE SSERAFIM's identity in the competitive K-pop landscape.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Kim was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kim Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Kim's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2005Started school
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the leader of HYBE's girl group LE SSERAFIM, which achieved immediate chart success.
- Finished in the top 10 of the competition show 'Produce 48', leading to her debut with project group IZ*ONE.
- Performed as a main vocalist in IZ*ONE, contributing to multiple number-one albums in South Korea and Japan.
Did You Know?
She trained for approximately three years under Woollim Entertainment before joining 'Produce 48'.
Chaewon is known for having a very similar vocal tone to former IZ*ONE member and labelmate Kim Minju.
Her nickname among fans is 'Kkuraengi', given to her by IZ*ONE member Miyawaki Sakura.
“I focus on perfecting every detail to create a complete performance.”
