Kim Chaewon

In 2012, during her 6th grade year in elementary school, Kim Chae-won participated in the KBS Creative Children's Song Contest as a member of the 'Poi Choir.' The song they performed was 'The Scent of Horses,' which received positive reviews from the judges and audience.

While attending Gaepo High School, she was active in the volunteer club RCY (Red Cross Youth), where she participated in various social service activities. Her high school classmates mentioned that she was a quiet and reserved student, which surprised many when she later pursued an idol career.

During her high school years, Kim Chae-won started dreaming of becoming an idol. Although she had been singing and dancing at home during her elementary and middle school years, it wasn't until high school that she seriously considered an entertainment career. She auditioned for multiple agencies and was accepted by Woollim Entertainment, where she trained for 11 months.

In 2018, before her debut with IZ*ONE, she appeared in the music video for Golden Child's debut single 'LET ME.' Although her screen time was limited, her appearance left a lasting impression on viewers. Woollim Entertainment even posted behind-the-scenes photos of the shoot on their official blog.

During her school years, she participated in various talent shows and was known for her passion for singing and dancing from a young age. Her teachers often commented on her natural talent in music-related activities.

Kim Chae-won also briefly trained in acting before deciding to focus on her singing career. She attended acting classes during her middle school years but found her true passion in music.

She mentioned in an interview that, growing up, she looked up to K-pop artists like BoA and IU, who inspired her to pursue a career in the music industry.

Kim Chae-won has an older sister who is 6 years older than her. Her sister works in a regular office job, and Chae-won mentioned in a broadcast that she wishes her sister would boast about her to her coworkers more often. Despite this, the two share a close bond, and her sister often supports her behind the scenes.

Her family background is rooted in Jeolla Province, where her grandparents are from. She mentioned in interviews that her grandmother took care of her when she was younger, instilling in her strong family values.

Kim Chae-won is particularly close to her mother, who is a seasoned theater actress. She credits her mother's influence for her strong vocal foundation and love for performing. They often discuss performance techniques and vocal training.

Chae-won’s father works in a corporate role, and though her family was initially surprised by her decision to pursue a career in entertainment, they have been highly supportive of her journey as an idol.

Her family enjoys spending holidays and special occasions together, and Chae-won has mentioned that her family gatherings are filled with laughter and shared memories, especially with her grandparents.

Kim Chae-won often shares how her family supports her in various ways, including attending her concerts and providing her with emotional strength during challenging times in her career.

Kim Chae-won is well-known for her clear, pure voice, earning her the nickname 'Vocal Fairy' among fans. Her vocal range is particularly versatile, allowing her to perform both powerful pop songs and delicate ballads. Her voice has been praised for its bright, smooth tone, making her a key vocalist in LE SSERAFIM.

In IZ*ONE, she was often given ad-libs and difficult parts of songs, showing off her impressive vocal abilities. She can comfortably reach a G#5 (high G#) note, which she demonstrated during a live cover of 'Love Was.'

In 2024, she collaborated with Tori Kelly on the song 'Spruce,' marking her first international feature. Fans and critics alike praised her ability to seamlessly blend with Tori Kelly's signature style, further proving her versatility as an artist.

She is also passionate about songwriting and has contributed to several LE SSERAFIM tracks, including 'Swan Song' and 'Blue Flame.' Her songwriting skills have been well-received, and she continues to explore new creative avenues in music production.

Kim Chae-won has been influenced by a wide range of genres, from K-pop to jazz, and often experiments with different vocal techniques to push her musical boundaries. Her ability to adapt to various genres has been one of her key strengths.

Her vocal tone has been compared to some of the best vocalists in the industry, and she has expressed interest in exploring different vocal ranges in future projects, including more soulful and R&B styles.

In addition to her own music, she has participated in several cover projects, including acoustic versions of popular songs. These covers have garnered millions of views, showcasing her ability to reinterpret songs with her unique vocal flair.

Kim Chae-won is known for her calm, composed personality. Even in stressful situations, she rarely shows extreme emotions, which has earned her a reputation as a reliable leader in LE SSERAFIM. Despite her quiet demeanor, she has a playful side that comes out when she's around close friends or fellow members, especially Sakura and Kwon Eun-bi.

She has mentioned that she doesn't cry easily, and the last time she remembers crying was while watching a particularly emotional drama. She admits that she tends to feel more emotional about others' struggles than her own, and uses this empathy to support those around her.

As LE SSERAFIM’s leader, she aims to create an environment where the members can rely on her and feel comfortable around her. She has shared that taking on the leadership role was initially daunting, but she has since embraced it, becoming a guiding force for her group.

Chae-won is often described by her fellow members as someone who radiates a calming energy. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure has made her a central figure of stability within the group, especially during difficult times.

Her sense of humor, while subtle, shines through in unexpected moments. She often surprises fans with witty remarks and deadpan humor, making her a fan favorite during variety show appearances.

Chae-won is known to be a bit shy when meeting new people but quickly warms up once she feels comfortable. Despite her initial reserved nature, she is very affectionate and enjoys making small gestures to show her appreciation for those close to her.

Kim Chae-won is a proud member of the 'mint chocolate' fandom, and she has often talked about her love for mint chocolate-flavored treats in various interviews. Her second favorite flavor is apple mint, which she enjoys in sweets and drinks alike.

She has a particular fondness for spicy food. In multiple broadcasts, she has mentioned that she enjoys eating extremely spicy versions of Tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes) and often challenges herself to handle the spiciest dishes.

One of her favorite songs is 'Watercolor' by Lovelyz, a senior group from her previous agency. The emotional ballad resonates deeply with her, and she has expressed that it's a song she often listens to when reflecting on her career journey.

Kim Chae-won enjoys collecting accessories, particularly earrings. She has shared that she loves shopping for unique, elegant pieces that match her style both on and off stage.

She is an avid fan of animated films, especially from the Studio Ghibli collection. Her favorite is 'My Neighbor Totoro,' and she has mentioned that watching these films helps her relax during her downtime.

Chae-won has a growing interest in photography. During her travels and promotional tours, she often takes photos of scenic landscapes, which she occasionally shares with fans on social media.

Kim Chae-won is not a fan of coriander (cilantro) or cucumbers. In an interview, she said that if she had to choose between the two, she would reluctantly eat cucumbers. However, she avoids both whenever possible.

She has also mentioned that she dislikes the bitter taste of coffee, although she has recently started enjoying milder versions like lattes. On several occasions, she has admitted to pretending her iced tea is an iced Americano during recordings or photoshoots.

Chae-won is not fond of cold weather and has mentioned that winter is her least favorite season. She often bundles up in thick layers and scarves during the colder months and prefers the warmth of spring and summer.

She is also not a fan of overly sweet desserts. While she enjoys sweets occasionally, she prefers a balanced flavor profile that is not overwhelmingly sugary.

Despite being a food lover, she doesn’t enjoy foods that have strong fishy smells, such as certain seafood dishes. She mentioned that she prefers milder-tasting seafood, like shrimp or salmon.

Chae-won also dislikes loud environments. She has mentioned that, while she enjoys concerts and performances, she prefers quieter spaces when she’s relaxing or spending personal time.

Kim Chae-won has a noticeable mole on her left thigh and another one on her upper abdomen. She has playfully pointed them out during broadcasts and interviews, showing that she embraces her unique features.

She is also known for her excellent long-jump skills, which she confidently showcased during IZ*ONE's 'Eat Trip' variety show. She surprised her teammates by jumping farther than expected, proving that her athletic abilities are just as strong as her singing and dancing.

Chae-won has a quirky habit of smelling objects before using them, especially new items. She shared this tidbit during a live broadcast, much to the amusement of her fans, who found it endearing.

Chae-won is an avid reader and enjoys reading novels during her downtime. She has mentioned that reading helps her unwind and often recommends books to her fans during live broadcasts.

She also enjoys painting and sketching in her free time. While she doesn’t consider herself an artist, she finds it to be a therapeutic activity and sometimes shares her sketches with fans.

Another unique trait is her love for puzzles. She often works on complex jigsaw puzzles to relax and keep her mind sharp, especially when she needs a break from her busy schedule.