Kep1er Chaehyun: From SM Trainee to K-pop Star - Her Amazing Journey

Kep1er Chaehyun secured her destiny as a K-pop star when she earned first place in the survival show Girls Planet 999, amassing an impressive 1,081,182 points and 363,623 votes. This remarkable achievement solidified her position as the top-ranking member among the final lineup of Kep1er, a South Korean girl group formed through Mnet's competitive survival program. Notably, Chaehyun made her official debut with Kep1er on January 3, 2022, through their first mini album "First Impact" featuring the title track "WA DA DA".

Before joining Kep1er, Chaehyun's journey in the music industry was already substantial. In fact, she spent four years as a trainee under the prestigious SM Entertainment, followed by two additional years of self-training. Her dedication to her craft extended beyond typical boundaries - she dropped out of middle school at just 13 years old and subsequently passed the Graduation Equivalency Exam for both middle and high school. Furthermore, Chaehyun holds the distinction of being the third Off The Record Entertainment/WAKEONE trainee from Busan to win an Mnet survival show, following in the footsteps of Jo Yuri and Park Jiwon of Fromis_9.

Basic Profile of Kim Chaehyun

Kim Chaehyun's official profile reveals her multifaceted identity as a rising K-pop star. While she's widely recognized as a member of Kep1er, her personal details paint a more complete picture of this talented vocalist.

Full name, birthday, and birthplace

Born as Kim Chaehyun (김채현) on April 26, 2002, she has already made significant strides in the K-pop industry by the age of 23. Her name is also written as 金采炫 in Chinese characters and キム・チェヒョン in Japanese. Originally from Yeonsan-dong in the Yeonje-gu district of Busan, South Korea, Chaehyun's roots in this coastal city have contributed to her unique personality and artistic development.

Chaehyun embodies the typical traits of a Taurus, born in late April. This zodiac sign is often associated with determination and reliability—qualities that have undoubtedly helped her persevere through the challenges of trainee life and competition shows. According to the Chinese zodiac, she was born in the Year of the Horse, which traditionally symbolizes energy and a strong work ethic.

Height, MBTI, and zodiac signs

Standing at 161.5 cm (approximately 5'4"), Chaehyun has a presence that exceeds her physical stature. Her blood type is B, a detail often noted in K-pop profiles as some fans believe it correlates with personality traits.

Regarding her MBTI personality type, there appears to be some evolution. While initially classified as an ESFP, other sources indicate she may be an ESTP, with a recent update suggesting she's an ISTP. This progression potentially reflects her personal growth and changing self-perception. Interestingly, her fellow Kep1er member Dayeon believes Chaehyun must be an ESTP despite her self-identification as ESFP, highlighting how others may perceive her differently than she sees herself.

Languages spoken and representative animal

Beyond her native Korean, Chaehyun demonstrates proficiency in Japanese, which is listed among her special abilities alongside vocal performance and DIY crafts. This linguistic versatility enhances her appeal to international fans, particularly those in the Japanese market where Kep1er actively promotes.

One of the most endearing aspects of Chaehyun's public persona involves her representative animals. During her participation in Girls Planet 999, she created a memorable motto: "I am Kim Chae Hyun with looks of a rabbit and charisma of a white tiger". This charming self-description highlights both her cute appearance and fierce performance abilities. Additionally, she has expressed affection for white tigers, rabbits, and pandas, with the white tiger being her alternative representative animal.

For devoted fans of Kep1er Chaehyun, these profile details offer valuable insights into the personality behind the performances. Her Busan origins, zodiac characteristics, evolving MBTI, and fondness for certain animals all contribute to the multidimensional identity that has captivated audiences since her debut. While her professional accomplishments define her career trajectory, these personal attributes help explain the unique charm that enabled her to win first place on Girls Planet 999 and secure her position within Kep1er.

Early Life and Education

The formative years of Kim Chaehyun reveal a determined young artist who made bold choices early in life, setting the foundation for her future K-pop career.

Growing up in Busan

Originally from the Yeonje district of Busan, Chaehyun spent her childhood in this vibrant coastal city of South Korea. Throughout her early years, she lived with her parents in Yeonsan-dong, experiencing what appeared to be a typical childhood. She attended Yeonsan Elementary School, completing her primary education before her life took a dramatic turn.

Interestingly, although Chaehyun was raised in Busan, she doesn't speak the local dialect fluently, a small detail that adds dimension to her background. One source mentions she has an older brother, yet she reportedly grew up feeling like an only child, suggesting their age difference might have been significant.

Dropping out of school to pursue music

Chaehyun's path diverged from that of most teenagers when she made an extraordinarily courageous decision at just 13 years old. After completing her first year at Yeonje Middle School, she chose to drop out to pursue her dream of becoming a K-pop idol. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her trainee journey.

Prior to this decision, Chaehyun had lived what she and her family might have considered a normal life. Her commitment to music became evident when she prioritized her artistic development over traditional education – a choice that reflected both her passion and determination.

Remarkably, this decision coincided with her joining SM Entertainment as a trainee. The prestigious entertainment company became her new educational institution of sorts, where instead of textbooks and traditional classes, she focused on vocal training, dance, and performance skills.

Passing middle and high school exams independently

Even though Chaehyun stepped away from conventional schooling, she remained committed to her education. After leaving the formal education system, she took matters into her own hands by pursuing alternative educational paths.

Her dedication to both her dreams and education manifested in a significant accomplishment – Chaehyun successfully passed both the Middle School Graduation Equivalency Examination and the High School Graduation Equivalency Examination. This achievement demonstrated her exceptional self-discipline and ability to balance her trainee responsibilities with academic pursuits.

Considering that she dropped out at such a young age, these academic accomplishments are particularly noteworthy. Many trainees who leave school often struggle to maintain their education, yet Chaehyun managed to earn the equivalent of both middle and high school diplomas through independent study.

The combination of her early training at SM Entertainment coupled with her self-directed educational journey helped shape the multifaceted artist she would become. This foundation of discipline, independence, and determination would later serve her well during the intense competition of Girls Planet 999 and beyond.

Her early life choices illustrate the sacrifices often made by K-pop idols on their path to success – forgoing normal teenage experiences and traditional education to pursue their passion for music and performance.

Trainee Years at SM Entertainment

Chaehyun's passion for music led her down an unconventional path that would ultimately shape her future as a K-pop idol. Her determination became evident through her years of rigorous training before emerging in the spotlight.

Joining SM during middle school

The pivotal moment in Chaehyun's musical journey arrived during her second year of middle school when she joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. This major life decision coincided with her bold choice to abandon traditional education. At approximately 13 years old, she took the extraordinary step of leaving her Busan school life behind to pursue her dreams in Seoul.

For a young teenager from Busan, relocating to the competitive environment of Seoul's entertainment industry required tremendous courage. SM Entertainment, renowned for producing artists with exceptional vocal abilities, quickly recognized Chaehyun's natural talent. The company's reputation for vocal excellence made it an ideal training ground for someone with her abilities.

Her timing proved significant—she entered SM Entertainment shortly after Red Velvet's debut. This placement within SM's trainee timeline would later influence her artistic development and connect her with other trainees who would go on to achieve their own success in the industry.

Training for 4 years under SM

Throughout her extensive training period at SM Entertainment, Chaehyun honed her skills alongside several notable trainees. Perhaps most interestingly, she trained with almost all future members of aespa: Ningning, Karina, and Winter. This connection with her former training colleagues continued even after her paths diverged, as evidenced by aespa members congratulating her upon her debut with Kep1er.

The sources offer varying accounts of her training duration. Most reliable sources indicate she trained at SM Entertainment for approximately four years, yet some suggest her total training period at SM extended to five or even six years. Regardless of the exact timeframe, this substantial period demonstrates her perseverance and dedication to perfecting her craft.

The rigorous training regimen at SM Entertainment is well-known throughout the industry. For Chaehyun, these years represented a crucial developmental period during which she refined her vocal techniques, performance skills, and stage presence. Her persistence through this demanding process revealed her determination to succeed in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Leaving SM and continuing self-training

Somewhere between 2019 and 2020, Chaehyun made another life-changing decision when she departed from SM Entertainment. The specific reasons behind her departure remain undisclosed, adding an element of mystery to her pre-Kep1er journey. Nevertheless, this setback did not deter her from pursuing her dreams.

Rather than abandoning her aspirations, Chaehyun devoted approximately two more years to self-training. This period of independent development showcases her resilience and unwavering commitment to her musical career. In a 2021 interview, she expressed her singular focus on becoming an idol, stating, "I don't think I'd excel or enjoy a different line of work".

Her self-training period eventually led her to WAKEONE Entertainment, where she continued developing her talents before seizing the opportunity to participate in Girls Planet 999. After a total training period of approximately six years (combining her SM years with self-training), Chaehyun finally found her path to debut through the survival show that would change her life forever.

The extensive training Chaehyun underwent—both at SM and independently—equipped her with the skills, experience, and mental fortitude necessary to excel in Girls Planet 999 and ultimately secure her position as the top-ranked member of Kep1er.

Breakthrough on Girls Planet 999

After years of training, Kim Chaehyun's journey toward stardom took a decisive turn in July 2021 when she was confirmed as a contestant on Mnet's survival show Girls Planet 999. The program, which aired from August 6 to October 22, 2021, became the platform where Chaehyun would ultimately prove her worth as a K-pop idol.

Initial ranking and challenges

Chaehyun's path on Girls Planet 999 began with considerable uncertainty. At the start of the competition, she received a modest ranking of K23 among the 33 K-Group contestants. This underwhelming initial position might have discouraged many, yet it only fueled her determination to showcase her abilities.

Throughout the show, viewers witnessed Chaehyun's gradual ascent through the ranks. By Episode 5, she had already climbed to K03 in individual voting results. Her performance of IU's "My Sea" during the Combination Mission captivated audiences, with her fancams accumulating over half a million views combined. This performance, alongside her cover of TWICE's "YES or YES" during the Connect Mission, significantly boosted her standing in the competition.

However, Chaehyun faced a temporary setback during the Creation Mission when her rank slipped to 11th place in the semi-finals. The competition's unpredictable nature tested her resilience at every turn.

Her motto and unique charm

One element that distinguished Chaehyun from other contestants was her memorable self-introduction: "I am Kim Chae Hyun with looks of a rabbit and charisma of a white tiger". This charming motto perfectly encapsulated her dual appeal – combining an adorable appearance with fierce performance capabilities.

During her interview in the show's first episode, Chaehyun expressed her deeper motivation, stating, "I trained for six years, I want to prove the years weren't wasted". This heartfelt declaration resonated with viewers and reflected her unwavering commitment to her dreams.

Winning first place with over 1 million votes

In a dramatic reversal of fortune, the interim results released days before the finale revealed Chaehyun had surprisingly risen to become the number one-ranked contestant overall – jumping ten places on the scoreboard. This unexpected surge foreshadowed her ultimate triumph.

On October 22, 2021, during the show's finale, Chaehyun achieved what once seemed impossible. She secured first place with an astounding 1,081,182 points and 363,623 votes, becoming the highest-ranked member of the newly formed group Kep1er and earning the position of center.

The victory came as a surprise even to Chaehyun herself. In a subsequent interview with Rolling Stone Australia, she admitted she never expected such overwhelming support and had initially worried about whether she would perform well in the competition at all. Her journey from K23 to P1 stands as a testament to her growth, perseverance, and undeniable talent.

Debut with Kep1er and Role in the Group

Following her victory on Girls Planet 999, Chaehyun's dream of becoming an idol finally materialized as she prepared to debut with the newly formed group Kep1er.

Debut date and first album

Kep1er's journey to debut faced an unexpected hurdle. Originally scheduled to launch on December 14, 2021, the group's debut was postponed after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Consequently, fans had to wait until January 3, 2022, when Kep1er officially debuted with their first mini-album titled FIRST IMPACT.

The album featured six tracks in total, with "WA DA DA" serving as the title track. Upon release, FIRST IMPACT made an immediate impact in the K-pop scene, breaking records for the highest first-day sales of any girl group debut album in Hanteo Chart history with an impressive 150,153 copies sold on the first day alone. Moreover, the album quickly climbed to first place on iTunes Album charts in 11 countries including Japan, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Main vocalist and center position

Within Kep1er's lineup, Chaehyun holds two crucial positions that showcase her talents. As the Main Vocalist, she demonstrates the exceptional vocal abilities that earned her the nickname "Voice Fairy" during Girls Planet 999. Her distinctive tone and technical prowess make her well-suited for this role.

Furthermore, as the winner of Girls Planet 999 with over one million votes, Chaehyun naturally assumed the Center position in the group. This prestigious role places her at the focal point of performances and formations. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Kep1er's official positions remain somewhat fluid, with some sources indicating that fellow member Xiaoting also shares center parts in performances and group photos.

MC role on SBS MTV's The Show

Merely a week after Kep1er's debut, Chaehyun embraced another professional opportunity. On January 10, 2022, she was announced as a new MC for SBS MTV's music program The Show. This position came following the departures of former MCs Jihan and Yohan.

Hosting alongside Ateez's Yeosang and Cravity's Minhee, this role marked Chaehyun's first MC debut, adding another dimension to her budding career. The weekly program airs every Tuesday at 6 p.m. KST, providing her with regular exposure beyond Kep1er's musical activities.

Just three days after Chaehyun began her MC role, Kep1er achieved their first music program victory when "WA DA DA" won on M Countdown on January 13, 2022, capping off an extraordinarily successful debut period for both Chaehyun and her group.

Personality, Hobbies, and Interests

Beyond her professional achievements with Kep1er, Chaehyun possesses a distinctive personality and diverse range of interests that endear her to fans and fellow members alike.

MBTI and personality traits

Interestingly, Chaehyun's MBTI personality type has been subject to some friendly debate. While officially classified as an ESFP, her groupmate Dayeon believes she must actually be an ESTP. This difference highlights how others might perceive her differently than she sees herself. As an ESFP, Chaehyun typically embodies characteristics of being sociable, spontaneous, and energetic. Meanwhile, the ESTP type suggested by Dayeon would indicate someone who lives in the moment and quickly solves problems.

Fellow Kep1er members consistently describe Chaehyun as the most "poisonous" (competitive) member in the team. This competitive spirit manifests particularly during games, where she demonstrates remarkable determination. At Kep1er's first solo fan meeting, she impressed everyone by winning multiple rounds of a hand-pushing game, with Dayeon remarking they had "met the strongest people".

Hobbies: photography, gaming, shopping

Chaehyun nurtures an impressive collection of hobbies and interests, making her a truly multifaceted individual. Her pastimes include:

Photography (with a special fondness for her polaroid camera)
Gaming (achieving Golden II rank in League of Legends Season 11)
Shopping (which serves as her primary stress reliever)
Watching movies, dramas, and YouTube videos
Reading books and dancing
Playing the guitar and exercising

Her gaming proficiency extends to Animal Crossing, a game she enjoys so much that her parents sent her Nintendo Switch cartridge with her save file from Busan so she could continue playing. This thoughtful gesture reveals both her passion for gaming and her parents' support of her interests.

Her love for Disney and winter

Aside from her active hobbies, Chaehyun has expressed particular fondness for Disney cartoons, specifically mentioning "Ralph" and "Tangled" among her favorites. This appreciation for animated storytelling adds another dimension to her artistic sensibilities.

Chaehyun has identified winter as her favorite season. According to her, the two essential activities during winter are "to get a smell of winter and to drink a lot of hot chocolate". These simple pleasures reveal her appreciation for seasonal experiences and small moments of joy.

Her other preferences include preferring the sea to mountains, texting rather than calling, and enjoying beef, sushi, and iced tea as her favorite foods. Each of these details helps fans understand the person behind the performances.

Fun Facts and Unique Talents

Behind the polished performances and center spotlight, Kep1er's Chaehyun harbors several surprising talents that showcase her creativity and playful personality.

Sewing gloves and DIY skills

Beneath her idol image, Chaehyun possesses remarkable crafting abilities that few fans might expect from a K-pop star. Notably, she demonstrated her sewing proficiency by crafting a pair of gloves entirely by herself. This hands-on creative skill illustrates her patience and attention to detail—qualities that complement her musical talents.

DIY activities appear on her official list of specialties, alongside her vocal abilities and language skills. Unlike many idols who might focus exclusively on performance arts, Chaehyun maintains this practical creative outlet that connects her to traditional crafts. Her interest in making things by hand reveals a thoughtful side to her personality, as DIY projects typically require planning, precision, and persistence—traits that undoubtedly serve her well in her professional career as well.

Golden II rank in League of Legends

Interestingly, Kep1er's main vocalist possesses gaming skills that might surprise casual fans. Throughout Season 11 in 2021, Chaehyun achieved an impressive Golden II rank in League of Legends, demonstrating substantial gaming prowess. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy considering the game's competitive nature and steep learning curve.

Her dedication to gaming extends beyond casual play. Indeed, Chaehyun identifies as an avid gamer, with League of Legends representing just one facet of her gaming interests. As mentioned in the previous section, her passion for Animal Crossing further establishes gaming as one of her core hobbies.

Imitating Crayon Shin-chan

Certainly one of Chaehyun's most endearing talents is her ability to imitate Crayon Shin-chan, the mischievous protagonist from the popular Japanese anime series of the same name. This unique skill places her alongside fellow group member Youngeun, who likewise excels at cartoon character impressions.

Fans consistently highlight this talent in social media posts, with one Instagram user noting in June 2024 that "chaehyun imitating shin chan will forever be the cutest". This charming impression showcases a playful side of her personality that contrasts with her poised on-stage presence.

Her Shin-chan imitation has become such a recognized part of her repertoire that it's officially listed among her specialties. The talent adds a lighthearted dimension to her public image, revealing the fun-loving personality beneath her professional exterior.

These diverse talents—from traditional crafting to modern gaming to animated character impressions—paint a fuller picture of Kim Chaehyun beyond her role as Kep1er's center and main vocalist. Each skill reflects different aspects of her multifaceted personality and interests, giving fans additional glimpses into the person behind the performances.

Public Image and Fan Perception

First and foremost, Kep1er Chaehyun has cultivated a distinctive public image that resonates deeply with fans worldwide. Her persona extends beyond her vocal talents, encompassing unique nicknames, versatile styling, and the warm perception she enjoys among both fans and fellow members.

Nicknames and animal resemblance

Chaehyun's memorable motto from Girls Planet 999, "I am Kim Chae Hyun with looks of a rabbit and charisma of a white tiger," perfectly encapsulates her dual appeal. This animal imagery has stuck, with fans noting she resembles a white rabbit when sporting bangs and a white tiger when her forehead is visible. She's affectionately nicknamed "Chae-mi" by some fans due to her resemblance to the Kuromi character. Among Kep1er members, animal emojis are often used to represent each person, with fans debating whether Chaehyun is best represented by a tiger emoji (🐯), otter (🦦), or dove (🕊).

Her selfie skills and fashion sense

Chaehyun boasts impressive selfie-taking abilities, rated a perfect 100 in skill level. Her fashion versatility stands out as she effortlessly pulls off various styles—from black hair to pink, blonde, brown, and dark brown, as well as different hairstyles including straight hair, pigtails, and hippie hair. Her remarkably transparent, white skin enhances this adaptability. Correspondingly, while her official personal color diagnosis indicates a warm tone, she excels at wearing cool tones as well. Fans particularly praised her styling during Kep1er's summer comeback with "UP!" noting her visual appeal reached legendary status.

How fans and members describe her

Fellow Kep1er members consider Chaehyun the most stubborn in the group, yet they've also identified her as the second-laziest member. She's characterized as meticulous and observant, making her "least likely to get scammed". From fans' perspective, many describe her as having fairy-like qualities—"Girl looks and sounds like a fairy...she just doesn't need to be a 'look at me' performer. Just like fairies, when you are lucky enough to see her, just enjoy her magic". Her stage presence generates varied opinions, with some fans noting she particularly shined in the "MVSK" stage. Others observe that her facial expressions can lack intensity when she's not in center position. To put it differently, Chaehyun excels in "soft, pretty, vocal-focused concepts" while continuing to develop her performance style in more energetic numbers.