Early Life and Training Years

Born in Seoul and raised in Incheon, South Korea, Lee Seoyeon's journey into the entertainment industry began at a remarkably young age. Her passion for performing arts was evident early on, leading her to a path that would eventually shape her into the multi-talented artist fans know today.

Joining YG Entertainment at age 10

The foundation of Seoyeon's career was laid when she joined one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies, YG Entertainment, as a trainee at just 10 years old. This early start in the competitive world of K-pop training showcased her determination and raw talent. During this formative period, Seoyeon attended the School of Performing Arts Seoul, though she eventually made the decision to drop out to focus entirely on her training.

Her time at YG Entertainment was extensive, spanning approximately 7 years and 9 months. This lengthy training period is a testament to the rigorous preparation required in the K-pop industry, especially at a company known for producing globally successful acts like BIGBANG and 2NE1.

Future 2NE1 and early exposure

One of the most significant chapters in Seoyeon's pre-debut years was her inclusion in a trainee group called "Future 2NE1". This pre-debut project was introduced by YG Entertainment in 2012 through a video released on YouTube. The group garnered substantial attention and hype among K-pop enthusiasts who were eager to see the next generation of YG artists.

Future 2NE1 consisted of four promising trainees:

Lee Seoyeon (now from fromis_9)
Moon Sua (currently in Billlie)
Youha (solo artist)
Roya (solo artist)

Originally, the group was reportedly planned to debut around 2016 and even posted a dance cover video to showcase their talents. Nevertheless, these plans were ultimately canceled after members began departing from the company. Seoyeon was notably the first member to leave the team, a decision that would later lead her down a different path in her career.

Appearance in GD&TOP's 'Knock Out' MV

Prior to her involvement with Future 2NE1, Seoyeon made her first public appearance in the K-pop industry through a high-profile music video. In 2011, she appeared in BIGBANG subunit GD&TOP's music video for their track "Knock Out". This opportunity provided young Seoyeon with valuable exposure to professional production environments and on-camera experience.

The "Knock Out" music video was part of a collaboration with LG for their Optimus 2X smartphone, with GD&TOP serving as image models for the product. In a promotional clip from the set, the duo introduced themselves: "Hello, this is Big Bang's GD&TOP and we've come to greet you with a new album. Today, we're at the set of the 'Knock Out' music video".

For a young trainee, appearing in a music video by established artists represented a significant milestone and indicated the company's confidence in her potential. This early exposure undoubtedly contributed to Seoyeon's growth as a performer, allowing her to observe industry professionals at work while gaining practical experience in front of the camera.

Despite spending nearly eight years at YG Entertainment and being groomed as part of a potential next-generation girl group, Seoyeon would eventually choose a different path—one that would lead her to Idol School and ultimately to fromis_9, where she would fully realize her potential as a rapper, dancer, and vocalist.

The Idol School Journey

After spending nearly eight years at YG Entertainment, Seoyeon faced a pivotal crossroads in her career path that would ultimately lead her to new opportunities and challenges.

Why she left YG Entertainment

In 2016, after training for approximately six years at YG Entertainment, Lee Seoyeon made the difficult decision to part ways with the company. At this point, she had been preparing for a potential debut for a significant portion of her young life. The main catalyst for her departure appeared to be timing and uncertainty - BLACKPINK (originally called Pink Punk during development) still hadn't debuted, and despite being considered for this group, Seoyeon chose to pursue other opportunities rather than continue waiting indefinitely.

This decision marked a significant turning point in her career trajectory. As the first member to leave the Future 2NE1 project, Seoyeon demonstrated remarkable courage by stepping away from one of Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies to forge her own path.

Competing on Idol School

Following her departure from YG, Seoyeon's journey took an unexpected turn when she joined Mnet's reality survival show "Idol School" in 2017. The program aimed to form a 9-member girl group from a pool of 41 female participants through an 11-week training period. Unlike traditional survival shows, Idol School was structured similarly to an actual educational institution, with participants receiving lessons in singing, dancing, K-pop history, and the mental aspects of idol life.

Throughout the competition, Seoyeon showcased her talents across multiple challenges. In one notable performance, she participated in the "Yukhoe Rice" team, performing BLACKPINK's "Whistle" as a sub-vocalist. This performance earned her team first place in that particular challenge, with each member receiving an Individual Ranking +1 boost.

In another significant challenge, Seoyeon took on the song "Adrenaline" by Girls' Generation-TTS as part of the "Ji! Seo! Hee!" team. She achieved an impressive academic achievement level of 85.7, the highest in her team. Furthermore, during the "Wee Woo" team challenge performing Pristin's song, she again secured the top ranking with a score of 78.9.

Ranking 7th and debuting in fromis_9

As the competition progressed, Seoyeon consistently demonstrated her abilities as a performer. In the final episode of Idol School, which aired on September 29, 2017, she secured 7th place with 61,083 votes, earning her a spot in the newly formed girl group.

The resulting 9-member group was named "fromis_9," meaning "From Idol School" but pronounced similar to "Promise" in Korean. The name was chosen to symbolize "the never-ending possibilities and the promising and prosperous road ahead after graduation".

It's worth noting that although promoted as a fair competition, years later it was revealed that only the first ranking of Idol School was genuine, with subsequent rankings allegedly manipulated by the production team. Despite this controversy, which affected the show's reputation, it did not diminish the talents or hard work of the participants.

On January 24, 2018, Seoyeon officially debuted as a member of fromis_9 with the mini album "To. Heart". This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, transforming from a YG trainee to an official idol under a different company. Through perseverance and determination, Seoyeon had successfully navigated the challenging transition between companies and emerged as a key member of a promising new girl group.

Seoyeon in fromis_9

On January 24, 2018, Lee Seoyeon officially debuted as a member of fromis_9 with their first mini album "To. Heart." Throughout her time with the group, she established herself as a versatile performer with multiple responsibilities that showcased her comprehensive training background.

Main rapper, lead dancer, and vocalist

Within fromis_9, Seoyeon held several crucial positions that highlighted her diverse talents. She served as:

Main Rapper
Lead Vocalist
Lead Dancer

This combination of roles made her one of the most versatile members in the group, allowing her to contribute significantly to performances across different aspects. As a former YG Entertainment trainee with nearly eight years of training experience, Seoyeon brought a distinctive style to fromis_9 that helped shape their musical identity.

Her technical skills as a rapper stood out particularly, owing to her extensive background training alongside future stars like Billlie's Moon Sua and soloists Youha and Roya during her YG days. Moreover, Seoyeon's dancing abilities made her a key performer during choreography-heavy segments of the group's performances.

Notable performances and fan-favorite moments

Throughout her time with fromis_9, Seoyeon participated in numerous memorable performances that showcased her growth as an artist. One significant milestone was the group's first concert tour, "LOVE FROM.," where Seoyeon reflected that it represented "the perfect opportunity for fromis_9 to show our fans everything we are really capable of as both musicians and performers".

Additionally, Seoyeon demonstrated her creative talents through songwriting. She co-wrote "Hush Hush," a sub-unit song with fellow member JIWON, contributing to both lyrics and music. About this collaboration, she mentioned: "I was really attached to the song, so, when we were able to fully realize the unique and playful vision JIWON unni and I always had for it through choreography and set design, well, that really made total immersion during performance even more effortless".

Her evolution as a performer became evident in the concert's rearrangement of "Glass Shoes," the group's pre-debut single. Seoyeon noted, "When we debuted, our performance of the set clearly showed our focus on immaculately precise stage formations with differences between members minimized as much as possible. Now, we have grown and each of us has found her unique performance style. The overall presentation is more subtle, soft, and quite different from our early performances".

Temporary hiatus due to injury and health

Seoyeon's career with fromis_9 faced several challenges related to health issues. In September 2020, she suffered a leg injury while preparing for album promotions. According to a statement from Off the Record Entertainment: "She was taken immediately to the hospital for a detailed examination. The doctor stated that she needed to focus on treatment and recovery". Consequently, she was unable to participate in promotions for the group's mini album "My Little Society," and fromis_9 proceeded as eight members during that period.

Furthermore, on October 28, 2022, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that Seoyeon, along with fellow member Lee Saerom, would be taking a temporary hiatus due to health concerns. The statement declared, "Lee Saerom and Lee Seoyeon will not be able to participate in fromis_9's official activities for some time as they are feeling unwell". As a result, only six members participated in the Hanbat National University festival scheduled for that day.

Regardless of these setbacks, Seoyeon remained a beloved member of fromis_9, known affectionately as "Baby Panda" by her fellow members and recognized as the most fashionable member according to Jiheon. Her journey with the group continued until December 31, 2024, when her contract concluded, marking the end of an important chapter in her career.

Creative Contributions and Songwriting

Beyond her performing talents, Seoyeon has established herself as a significant creative force within fromis_9, contributing extensively to the group's discography through songwriting and composition.

Songs she co-wrote for fromis_9

Throughout her career with fromis_9, Seoyeon has built an impressive portfolio of songwriting credits, showcasing her growth as a composer. Her credited works include:

"The Way to Me" from the group's debut album "To. Heart" (2018)
"Close To You" and "DKDK" from "To. Day" (2018)
"Coloring" from "From.9" (2018)
"Starry Night" from "My Little Society" (2020) - both writing and composing
"Hush Hush" from "Midnight Guest" (2022) - both writing and composing
"My Night Routine" and "Eye Contact" from "Unlock My World" (2023)
"Take a Chance," "Supersonic," and "From" from their 2024 releases

Her involvement in composition began to expand with "My Little Society" in 2020, where she not only wrote lyrics but also composed music. This progression continued with subsequent albums including "Midnight Guest" (2022) and "Unlock My World" (2023), where she took on both composition and writing duties.

Her approach to writing lyrics

Seoyeon's lyrical process reveals a thoughtful and methodical creator. Instead of focusing solely on personal experiences, she often begins by identifying keywords related to her concept. "I used to scribble down all my thoughts as they came to me. That's how I used to work, but after doing that for a while, I felt like I was straining myself," she explained about her evolution as a writer. "I ended up trying to think up a bunch of related keywords instead and that seems like a good way to work. For this album I went through a chain of words like 'escape,' 'break away,' 'ladders' and 'playground'".

Interestingly, Seoyeon sometimes turns to literature for inspiration: "When I'm really stuck I open up a book and look through it for pretty-sounding words". Additionally, she inherited literary sensibilities from her mother, mentioning, "My mom writes poems so I ask her for help sometimes".

How she draws inspiration from members and fans

Firstly, Seoyeon's bandmates serve as her primary muse. When composing, she considers each member's vocal characteristics: "Since the songs are for us, I think for myself about who will sing what part. If I decide some part is for Jisun, I make it sort of quiet, like ASMR, or if it's for Gyuri, I make it falsetto. All the members are so distinctive that I just think of them and I can quickly make a song".

This collaborative process was evident when working with fellow member Jiwon: "Jiwon and I work together a lot and our opinions line up well so there weren't any problems. We know what the other's thinking". Their partnership produced songs like "COLORING," where Seoyeon found inspiration from Jiwon's late-night excursion to the Hangang River.

Regarding fan inspiration, Seoyeon maintains a close connection with Flovers (fromis_9's fanbase): "flover supports us no matter what. I only have to open up Weverse and there's always messages saying, Hope you have another good day. Keep it up. I feel invigorated when I see that". This appreciation translates into her creative process: "I want to be like a close friend with them and not feel so far apart... I want to communicate with them all the time and share as much as possible".

Solo Career and Recent Projects

After concluding her chapter with fromis_9, Lee Seoyeon quickly established herself as a solo artist in 2024, showcasing her musical versatility across multiple projects.

Debut single 'I Guess It's Our Last Spring'

Marking her official solo debut, Seoyeon released her first digital single "I Guess It's Our Last Spring" (우린 마지막 봄인가 봐) on March 12, 2024. This melancholic track effectively captured the essence of heartbreak through its thoughtful production and poignant lyrics. The song features a delicate piano melody paired with a bossa nova rhythm created by 8RECORDZ producer Sadan.

Conceptually, "I Guess It's Our Last Spring" explores the emotional landscape of separation during what should be a beautiful season. The lyrics metaphorically parallel the experience of lovers separating to cherry blossoms falling, creating a bittersweet atmosphere that showcases Seoyeon's artistic depth. The release included both the main track and an instrumental version, each running 3:13 in length.

OST contribution: 'I Am You, You Are Me'

Earlier in 2024, Seoyeon made her first post-fromis_9 appearance with "I Am You, You Are Me" (너는 나 나는 너), released on January 10. This track served as part of the Korean OST for the Japanese movie "Our Secret Diary". Interestingly, the song is a cover of Zico's track from his 2016 digital single "Break Up 2 Make Up", demonstrating Seoyeon's ability to reinterpret existing works through her unique artistic lens.

The OST release included both the main vocal track and an instrumental version, giving fans multiple ways to appreciate the composition. Within the context of the film's soundtrack, Seoyeon's contribution appeared alongside works from other notable artists including Zia, siso, and LUCY.

Collaboration with Ejel on 'Loyal Girl'

Furthering her solo endeavors, Seoyeon announced a collaboration with artist Ejel on June 25, 2025. The track, titled "Loyal Girl," officially dropped on June 30, 2025, continuing Seoyeon's streak of releases after departing fromis_9.

Available across major music platforms including SoundCloud and Apple Music, this collaboration represents Seoyeon's willingness to explore different musical partnerships outside the structured environment of idol group activities. Throughout these projects, Seoyeon has begun carving out her distinctive musical identity while drawing upon the extensive experience gained during her years as fromis_9's main rapper and vocalist.

Style, Visual Identity, and Public Image

From fashion-forward stage outfits to her distinctive off-stage looks, Seoyeon has crafted a visual identity that sets her apart from many K-pop idols. Her style choices reflect both her artistic sensibilities and her confident personality.

Most fashionable member of fromis_9

Among the nine members of fromis_9, Seoyeon stands out for her fashion sensibilities. Fellow member Jiheon specifically identified Seoyeon as "the most fashionable member of Fromis_9" during an interview at KCON NYC Red Carpet in 2018. This reputation extends beyond her stage attire into her daily fashion choices, where she consistently demonstrates a keen eye for trends and personal style.

Interestingly, Seoyeon herself has stated that she considers her waist to be her most attractive physical feature. This self-awareness about her best attributes has influenced her styling choices throughout her career, often selecting outfits that accentuate this feature while maintaining her overall aesthetic.

Her chic aura and first impressions

Alongside her fashion reputation, Seoyeon carries what fans and industry professionals describe as a "chic aura." This distinctive quality was noticeable even during her YG Entertainment training days, where she developed a poised demeanor that carried into her fromis_9 era.

Within group dynamics, each member brings a unique energy to fromis_9's overall image. While some members project cute or energetic personas, Seoyeon balances these with her more sophisticated presence. This contrast creates visual interest in the group's performances and content.

Signature colors and fashion choices

Throughout her career, Seoyeon has gravitated toward specific styling elements that have become part of her signature look. Her consistent fashion choices create what experts would call a "personal brand" - elements that enhance memorability in both personal and professional settings.

For stage performances, such as fromis_9's "Supersonic" music video, the group adopted a cohesive color scheme featuring white, red, and blue denim. Within this framework, each member maintained individual styling touches. Seoyeon's fashion sensibilities typically blend practical elements with trendy touches, much like how member Ha-young paired an oversized orange graphic tee with ripped denim shorts and accessorized with layered silver jewelry.

Her affinity for certain accessories—particularly chokers—has become a recognizable aspect of her visual identity. This consistent styling choice demonstrates how Seoyeon uses fashion elements to express personality while maintaining visual cohesion with the group's overall aesthetic.

Relationship with Fans and Philanthropy

Throughout her career, Seoyeon has cultivated a genuine connection with fans that extends beyond typical idol-fan relationships, creating meaningful bonds both personally and through charitable endeavors.

Her connection with Flovers

The bond between Seoyeon and fromis_9's fandom (Flovers) runs deeper than mere appreciation. She approaches fan interactions with genuine warmth, expressing: "I want to be like a close friend with them and not feel so far apart". Even small gestures showcase her thoughtfulness—she started posting on Weverse whenever she notices beautiful moments, like capturing the sky while walking.

This relationship works as a two-way street, with Seoyeon drawing strength from fan support. She acknowledges: "flover supports us no matter what. I only have to open up Weverse and there's always messages saying, Hope you have another good day. Keep it up. I feel invigorated when I see that".

Participation in World Vision's 'Give A Nice Day'

In June 2025, Seoyeon expanded her influence beyond entertainment by partnering with World Vision Korea for their 'Give A Nice Day' campaign. This humanitarian initiative focuses on supporting children affected by war and conflict zones.

The campaign centers around donation bracelets designed with three colored sections—white representing children who have lost parents, yellow for those needing urgent care (nutrition, protection from violence, disability support), and blue for registered refugees. Funds raised provide comprehensive support including medical care, psychological treatment, education, and technical training.

How she includes fans in her creative process

Fans directly influence Seoyeon's artistic expression. "I feel like making songs is a part of who I am, so I want to give people a lot of good songs. I think songs can express what's on my mind," she explains, adding, "I want to communicate with them all the time and share as much as possible".

Her dedication to fan experience extends to performance quality too. During fromis_9's 'LOVE FROM.' tour, she meticulously monitored all rehearsals and performances, creating personalized feedback packages for each member to improve the audience experience.