From 'SIXTEEN' to 'Street Woman Fighter': Media Outlet Highlights Chaeyeon's Struggles to Become K-pop's 'Lee Chaeyeon'
Former IZ*ONE Lee Chaeyeon, who debuted after two failed survival shows (only to disband) has been gaining a lot of sympathy following the treatment she has been receiving in Mnet's "Street Woman Fighter." In line with this, a Korean media outlet highlighted why Chaeyeon continues to step up despite criticisms and prejudices in the music scene.
On September 9, media outlet TV Daily released an article featuring the K-pop industry's one and only, Lee Chaeyeon. The outlet highlighted the female idol and dancer's long journey prior to her debut, and how she starts anew following IZ*ONE's disbandment.
From 'K-pop Star 3' to 'Produce 48': Lee Chaeyeon's Most Awaited Debut After Third Survival Show
At the age of 13, Lee Chaeyeon started joining survival programs along with her younger sister, ITZY Chaeryeong.
In 2013, she joined "K-Pop Star Season 3," and fortunately got cast by JYP Entertainment.
But her happiness is only temporary as in 2015, JYP launched a trainee audition program, "SIXTEEN," wherein winners will be debuting as the company's new girl group, now known as "Asia's No. 1 Girl Group" TWICE.
ALSO READ: Where are the Eliminated 'SIXTEEN' Contestants Now? The Aspiring Idols Who Didn't Debut in TWICE
Unfortunately, Chaeyeon and Chaeryeong didn't make it into the final lineup. While Chaeryeong stayed in JYP Entertainment and later debuted as an ITZY member, Chaeyeon moved to WM Entertainment and joined Mnet's "Produce 48" as its representative.
As a result of her hard work, incredible skills, talents, and not by luck, Chaeyeon was elected as the final member in the show and debuted in IZ*ONE in 2018, finally graduating as a trainee after five years.
IZ*ONE immediately gained success not only in Korea and Japan but around the world. Though they are only a project group set to part ways after two years; there are strong opinions that they will debut as a fixed group.
But due to the show's voting manipulation and conflict between the members' agencies, the group disbanded and started their own careers.
YOU CAN ALSO READ: Dancers Voted Chaeyeon as 'Weakest' Member in Her Crew, Receives 6 'No Respect' Stickers in 'Street Woman Fighter'
Lee Chaeyeon's New Beginning in 'Street Woman Fighter'
There are speculations that Chaeyeon will debut in a new girl group in her current agency, but she unexpectedly announced her appearance in the survival program "Street Woman Fighter."
But this time, it is a completely different area from before in that it targets professional dancers, not girl group trainees.
Undergoing different kinds of trainings, Chaeyeon immediately became the target of negative comments, even choosing her the "underdog" of the show.
However, Chaeyeon showed her growth in the show, trying to lead and create her own choreographies – competing against professionals.
At the end of the article, the media outlet expressed its expectations of how K-pop's Lee Chaeyeon will create her name in the professional dance field with her unending perseverance and improving skills.
READ MORE: Lee Chaeyeon's 'Sacrificial Lamb'? Taro Shares Frustration Following Dance Battle with Idol
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Written by Eunice Dawson
