Kim Chaewon

This article is about the singer. For the writer, see Kim Chae-won (writer).

In this Korean name, the family name is Kim.

Kim Chaewon (Korean: 김채원; born August 1, 2000) is a South Korean singer. She is the leader of South Korean girl group Le Sserafim and a former member of the girl group Iz*One, having finished tenth in the reality competition series Produce 48 in 2018.

Kim Chaewon
Kim in March 2024
Born	(2000-08-01) August 1, 2000 (age 24) Seoul, South Korea
Occupation	Singer
Musical career
Genres	K-pop J-pop
Instrument	Vocals
Years active	2018–present
Labels	Woollim Off The Record[a] EMI[b] Source Geffen[c]
Member of	Le Sserafim
Formerly of	Iz*One
Korean name
Hangul	김채원
Revised Romanization	Gim Chaewon
McCune–Reischauer	Kim Ch'aewŏn
Signature

Early life and education

Kim was born on August 1, 2000, in Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea. Her family consists of her parents and an older sister. Her mother is the theater actress Lee Ran-hee.^[1] Kim attended Seoul Poi Elementary School, Guryong Middle School, and Gaepo High School. She later transferred to Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in 2019.^[2] In 2012, Kim performed in KBS' Korea Children's Song Contest.^[3]

Career

2018–2021: Produce 48 and Iz*One

Main articles: Produce 48 and Iz*One

In 2018, Kim participated in the South Korean survival show Produce 48 by Mnet, representing Woollim Entertainment alongside Kwon Eun-bi, and Su-yun and So-hee of Rocket Punch. Prior to joining the survival show, Kim trained under Woollim Entertainment for 11 months. She finished in 10th place earning 238,192 votes, allowing her to debut in Iz*One, with labelmate Kwon Eun-bi. Kim officially debuted as a member of Iz*one on October 29, 2018, with the release of their first extended play (EP) Color*Iz and its lead single "La Vie en Rose".^[4][5][6]

In 2020, Kim was first credited for music composition on Oneiric Diary, for the track "With*One". She also contributed to writing lyrics for the song "Slow Journey", featured on Iz*One's final EP, One-reeler / Act IV.

In March 2021, Kim competed in King of Mask Singer under the name "Formosan Deer".^[7] On March 13 and 14, Iz*One held their final concert, One, The Story. The group's contract officially expired on April 29, 2021.^[8]

After the dissolution of Iz*One, Kim returned to her parent company, Woollim Entertainment. She, alongside Kwon Eun-bi, participated together in a few magazine shoots for Esquire Magazine, Indeed Magazine, and Singles Magazine.^[9][10]

2022–present: Debut with Le Sserafim

Main article: Le Sserafim

Kim in April 2022

On March 14, 2022, Source Music announced that Kim, alongside former Iz*One member, Sakura Miyawaki, signed exclusive contracts with the company, and was confirmed to debut in their new girl group Le Sserafim.^[11][12]

Kim was revealed as the group's fourth member and leader on April 7.^[13] Kim made her debut as a member of Le Sserafim on May 2, 2022, with their extended play, Fearless.^[14]

On April 4, 2024, it was announced that Kim would be featured on the track "Spruce", from Tori Kelly's fifth studio album Tori.^[15]

Endorsements

On August 27, 2024, the jewelry brand Swarovski announced that Kim would serve as an ambassador for the company in South Korea, marking her first solo ambassadorship with a luxury fashion brand.^[16]

Discography

For Kim's discography with Iz*One and Le Sserafim, see Iz*One discography and Le Sserafim discography.

Singles

List of singles, showing year released, and name of the album

Title	Year	Album
"Spruce" (Tori Kelly featuring Kim Chae-won)	2024	Tori

Songwriting credits

All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.^[17]

List of songs, showing year released, artist name, and name of the album

Title	Year	Artist	Album	Composer	Lyricist	Ref.
"With*One"	2020	Iz*One	Oneiric Diary			[18]
"Slow Journey" (느린여행)			One-reeler / Act IV			N/A
"Blue Flame"	2022	Le Sserafim	Fearless
"Fearnot (Between You, Me and the Lamppost)" (피어나)	2023		Unforgiven
"Swan Song"	2024		Easy
"So Cynical (Badum)"	2025		Hot			[19]

Filmography

For Kim's filmography with Iz*One and Le Sserafim, see Iz*One filmography and Le Sserafim filmography.

Television shows

Year	Title	Role	Note	Ref.
2012	Korea Children's Song Contest	Performer	Performing "말의 향기"
2018	Produce 48	Contestant	Finished 10th	[20]
2021	King of Mask Singer		under the name "Formosan Deer"	[7]
2023	HMLYCP	Cast Member		[21]

Web series

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref.
2023	Fill in the Next Blank	Main cast	Documentary	[22]

Music video appearances

Year	Title	Artist	Ref.
2018	"Let Me"	Golden Child	[23]

Notes

1. As a member of Iz*One only.
2. As a member of Iz*One (2018–2021) and Le Sserafim (since 2022) only.
3. As a member of Le Sserafim only.