The Secret Life of Isa STAYC: Exclusive Facts You Never Knew

Isa STAYC made history as the first trainee to join High Up Entertainment in March 2018, beginning a three-year journey before her eventual debut. Born Lee Chae Young on January 23, 2002, she became an integral part of the six-member girl group STAYC, which officially debuted on November 12, 2020, under the guidance of hit-making producer duo Black Eyed Pilseung.

Beyond her musical talents, Isa has earned the nickname "mother of the group" among STAYC members due to her warm heart and high moral sense. Additionally, her ESFJ personality type perfectly reflects her caring nature, making her the go-to member for advice and support. Despite facing challenges with numerous allergies including oatmeal, eggs, milk, and various fruits, Isa has flourished in her career. Her journey with STAYC has been remarkable, particularly when the group achieved their first music show win just 306 days after debut—a testament to their rapid rise in the competitive K-pop industry.

Isa's Early Life and Background

Behind every K-pop idol stands a unique personal history that shapes their journey to stardom. Lee Chae Young, professionally known as Isa, brings her distinctive Busan roots to the vibrant tapestry of STAYC's identity.

Birthplace and family details

The story of Isa begins in the coastal city of Busan, South Korea, specifically in the Millak-dong neighborhood of Suyeong-gu. Born on January 23, 2002, under the Aquarius zodiac sign, Lee Chae Young grew up in an environment that would eventually nurture her artistic sensibilities.

Unlike many K-pop idols who grow up with siblings, Isa experienced childhood as an only child. This unique family dynamic potentially contributed to her nurturing personality that later earned her the nickname "mother of the group" among her fellow STAYC members. Her blood type is O, a detail that Korean fans often find interesting as it's commonly associated with sociable and outgoing personalities in Korean culture.

The coastal atmosphere of Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is known for influencing its residents with a distinct regional character—often described as more straightforward and warm-hearted than their Seoul counterparts. Furthermore, this cultural background appears to have shaped Isa's approachable demeanor that resonates with fans.

While public information about her parents remains limited, their support must have been crucial during her formative years, especially considering her eventual pursuit of a career in the competitive entertainment industry. Subsequently, her journey from being a Busan native to a globally recognized K-pop idol highlights the transformative path she has traveled.

Education journey and early interests

Isa's educational path began at Minan Elementary School, where she likely first started developing the foundations that would later support her artistic career. Following this initial education, she continued her studies and eventually graduated from Gajaeul High School, marking an important milestone before fully committing to her K-pop aspirations.

A significant chapter in her pre-debut preparation occurred at Busan's Hak Enter Academy, a specialized institution known for training prospective entertainment industry talents. This academy has garnered respect for producing several notable K-pop idols, thereby providing Isa with valuable performance experience and industry knowledge before her official debut.

During these formative years, Isa cultivated various interests that continue to define her personality beyond her musical career. Most notably, she developed a strong affinity for fashion—an interest so significant that she once reflected that had she not become an idol, she would likely have pursued a career in the fashion industry. This passion for style extends to her hobbies:

Searching for good restaurants
Shopping for clothes and accessories
Discovering new places

Her aesthetic sensibilities further manifest in her love for decorating spaces and collecting cute props, reflecting her eye for design and beauty. On the musical front, Isa gravitated toward groovy and R&B music, genres that undoubtedly influenced her vocal styling and performance approach.

These early interests created a multifaceted foundation that prepared her for the diverse challenges of idol life. Though she would later become STAYC's first trainee in March 2018, her three-year training period was built upon years of developing both her artistic sensibilities and practical skills through formal education and personal pursuits.

Throughout her educational journey, Isa balanced academic responsibilities with cultivating the talents and interests that would eventually lead her to the K-pop stage—creating the well-rounded performer who would later capture fans' hearts worldwide.

The Road to Becoming a K-pop Idol

The pursuit of K-pop stardom requires extraordinary dedication, countless hours of practice, and the resilience to overcome numerous obstacles. For Isa, this challenging journey began with a fateful opportunity that would set her on the path to becoming a beloved member of STAYC.

Joining High Up Entertainment

In March 2018, a significant chapter in Isa's life unfolded as she became the very first trainee to join High Up Entertainment. This milestone marked the beginning of what would eventually become the foundation for the girl group initially known as "High Up Girls" before their official debut as STAYC.

Interestingly, Isa didn't always dream of becoming a singer. As she once revealed, "Initially, I did not want to become a singer, but when I was cast, I had a clear goal to become a singer because the person from the rookie development team who cast me helped me to be an artist". This candid admission offers a glimpse into how her career path emerged somewhat unexpectedly through recognition of her potential by industry professionals.

The fledgling entertainment company, founded by renowned producer duo Black Eyed Pilseung (known for creating hits for established groups like Twice and Apink), saw something special in Isa that made her the inaugural trainee for their ambitious project. Her experience would ultimately help shape the company's training program as other trainees gradually joined the roster.

Training period and challenges faced

Isa's path to debut spanned approximately 2 years and 9 months of intensive training, although some sources cite it as 3 years. Throughout this period, she honed her singing, dancing, and performance skills while navigating the intense pressures of K-pop trainee life.

Like many aspiring idols, Isa encountered significant emotional challenges during her training. According to some accounts, she "often found herself crying alone because of the tough trainee activities and the criticism she faced". Nevertheless, this difficult experience helped forge her resilient character and contributed to her growth as an artist.

The pre-debut process for STAYC was comprehensively documented in the YouTube Originals docuseries "K-Pop Evolution," which captured the final months before their official introduction to the world. This rare behind-the-scenes glimpse showed Isa alongside her fellow members (and some trainees who ultimately didn't debut with the group) as they prepared for their momentous debut.

As the group's preparation intensified, Black Eyed Pilseung officially announced on September 8 that their company would debut their first girl group, with the members being revealed in pairs via prologue films from October 12 to 14. Isa was featured in the second pair alongside Sieun, building anticipation for the group's November 2020 debut.

Prior to their official introduction, the members engaged in strategic promotional activities through 1theK's YouTube page, performing dance covers of popular groups like Blackpink, BTS, and Stray Kids, as well as vocal covers of Twice and Red Velvet songs that garnered millions of views. These activities helped showcase their talents and build a pre-debut following.

For many K-pop trainees, balancing education with intense training schedules presents a significant challenge. Comparable to Sumin's experience of moving to Seoul from Pohang and managing household responsibilities alongside training, Isa likely faced similar adjustments coming from Busan to pursue her idol dreams in the capital.

Consequently, Isa's journey from being cast without initial aspirations of becoming a singer to emerging as a central figure in one of K-pop's promising fourth-generation groups demonstrates the transformative power of dedication and perseverance in the competitive world of Korean entertainment.

Debut with STAYC: A Dream Realized

After months of anticipation, the culmination of years of training finally materialized as Isa took her first steps onto the K-pop stage with STAYC. The transformation from trainee to idol marked a pivotal moment in her journey, bringing both challenges and triumphs.

Debut timeline and first performances

The official unveiling of STAYC began in October 2020, with members revealed strategically through prologue films. Isa was introduced on October 13 as the fourth member of the group. This carefully orchestrated rollout built anticipation for what would become one of the most promising rookie debuts of the year.

On November 12, 2020, STAYC officially debuted with their first single album "Star To A Young Culture" and lead single "So Bad". The music video for "So Bad" made an immediate impact, amassing over 2.6 million views within the first 24 hours of release. This impressive metric signaled strong interest in the new group.

The debut showcased not only the members' talents but also the production prowess of Black Eyed Pilseung, who described the group's sound as "Teen Fresh" – a combination highlighting their "unique individual vocal colors". This distinctive musical identity helped differentiate STAYC in the crowded K-pop landscape.

Following their digital debut, STAYC made their first music show appearance on November 13, 2020, at "Music Bank," followed by performances on "Show Champion," "Inkigayo," and "The Show". These stages provided crucial exposure to mainstream audiences.

In terms of commercial performance, STAYC's debut album sold over 4,300 copies on its first day – the highest for any debuting girl group in 2020. First-week sales exceeded 10,000 copies, making them the first debut album by a girl group that year to reach this milestone. On the charts, the album debuted at number 17 on the weekly Gaon Album Chart, while "So Bad" entered Billboard's K-pop Hot 100 at number 90 and reached number 21 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.

A particularly meaningful milestone came much later when STAYC finally experienced their first offline performance at Gyemyeong University. Despite restrictions that technically prohibited audience reactions, fans couldn't contain their excitement:

"The girls would talk and they'd start screaming even though technically there are restrictions and they weren't meant to scream," noted an observer. The audience was particularly enthusiastic during Isa's parts, suggesting she had "gained tons of fans" during this comeback performance.

Isa's feelings about debuting

For Isa, the debut represented more than just a professional achievement – it was a personal transformation. Having trained for nearly three years, the moment carried profound emotional significance.

"Initially, I did not want to become a singer, but when I was cast, I had a clear goal to become a singer because the person from the rookie development team who cast me helped me to be an artist," Isa once shared. This reflection reveals her journey from reluctant trainee to committed performer.

Throughout the training process, Isa had struggled with the intense pressures and criticism, often "crying alone because of the tough trainee activities". Yet these challenges ultimately strengthened her resolve and shaped her artistic identity.

The group's formation and debut process was documented in YouTube Originals' "K-Pop Evolution," providing fans with rare glimpses into Isa's pre-debut experiences. After debuting, she expressed newfound perspectives: "I would say we have more responsibility as artists. We prepared this album by thinking about what difference it could make... and how to show a more improved image".

For Isa, the path from trainee to idol brought both personal growth and professional recognition, culminating in STAYC's impressive achievement of their first music show win just 306 days after debut.

Isa’s Role and Image in STAYC

Within the dynamic of every successful K-pop group exists a member who becomes the emotional cornerstone, providing stability and nurturing energy to their teammates. For STAYC, Isa naturally evolved into this pivotal role, becoming essential to the group's harmony both on and off stage.

Why she is called the 'mother' of the group

Among STAYC members, Isa has earned the endearing nickname "mother of the group" – a title that perfectly encapsulates her nurturing presence. This maternal designation stems from her innate tendency to care for her fellow members with genuine concern and attentiveness.

First and foremost, Isa's motherly reputation comes from her warm heart and high moral sense, qualities that make her teammates naturally gravitate toward her for comfort and advice. Her approach to group interactions reflects a maturity that belies her actual age, as she consistently puts others' needs before her own.

Likewise, Isa demonstrates her maternal instincts through practical actions. She often takes charge of everyday responsibilities within the group, ensuring everyone's well-being is maintained. Hence, when members face personal challenges or professional uncertainties, they instinctively turn to Isa for guidance and reassurance.

Still, this motherly image extends beyond mere emotional support. Isa demonstrates remarkable patience when helping younger members navigate the complexities of idol life. At the same time, she brings a sense of domestic stability to STAYC's dorm life, reportedly taking on household responsibilities that contribute to a harmonious living environment.

Her leadership and support for members

Despite not holding the official position of leader within STAYC (a role belonging to Sumin), Isa nonetheless exhibits outstanding leadership qualities that complement the group's formal structure. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy and emotional intelligence rather than direct authority.

Isa's ESFJ personality type plays a significant role in shaping her supportive approach. Known as "The Caregiver" or "The Provider," ESFJs typically excel at understanding others' emotional needs and creating harmony in group settings. Indeed, this personality trait manifests in how she mediates conflicts and ensures all voices within STAYC are heard and valued.

Moreover, her support for fellow members takes various forms:

Emotional anchoring: Providing stability during stressful promotions and comebacks
Practical assistance: Helping members with choreography or vocal techniques
Confidence building: Encouraging members to embrace their unique talents

For this reason, Isa's presence becomes particularly crucial during challenging periods like comeback preparations or demanding performance schedules. Her steady demeanor helps alleviate the inevitable pressures that accompany idol life.

Furthermore, Isa's leadership extends to public appearances, where she often steps in to help guide conversations during interviews or variety show appearances. Yet she accomplishes this without overshadowing other members, instead creating opportunities for each to shine in their own way.

Ultimately, what distinguishes Isa's role within STAYC is the seamless integration of her nurturing personality with her professional capabilities. She embodies the rare combination of emotional intelligence and performance skill that allows her to support her group members while simultaneously contributing to STAYC's artistic development and public image as one of K-pop's promising fourth-generation groups.

Hidden Talents and Hobbies You Didn't Know

Beyond the cameras and stage performances, Isa of STAYC maintains a rich tapestry of personal interests that showcase her multifaceted personality. These hidden talents and everyday hobbies provide fascinating insights into who she truly is when the spotlight dims.

Love for restaurant hunting

Among Isa's most cherished pastimes is her passion for culinary exploration. Food discovery ranks high on her list of personal joys, with restaurant hunting being a consistent hobby mentioned across multiple profiles. This gastronomic interest reveals a side of Isa that values experiences over material possessions.

Unlike typical food enthusiasts who might focus solely on trendy establishments, Isa demonstrates a genuine curiosity for discovering hidden culinary gems. Her hobby extends beyond mere eating to actually searching for good restaurants and finding new dining experiences. This explorative nature reflects her broader interest in discovering new places, suggesting she values adventure and spontaneity in her limited free time.

Interestingly, this restaurant hunting hobby connects with her social personality, as dining experiences typically involve sharing moments with friends and group members. For someone nicknamed the "mother of the group," her interest in finding quality dining establishments naturally complements her nurturing tendencies.

Decorating and fashion interests

Fashion stands as another cornerstone of Isa's personal interests. In fact, STAYC members themselves have acknowledged Isa as the best dresser in the group, highlighting her exceptional fashion sense. This recognition from her peers confirms her authentic passion for style goes beyond casual interest.

Her approach to fashion is remarkably defined – she gravitates toward "simple but unique clothes", demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of personal style that balances minimalism with distinctive elements. This philosophy extends to her broader aesthetic sensibilities, which include an interest in decorating spaces and collecting cute props.

Isa's fashion versatility is particularly noteworthy. She seamlessly transitions between various style categories:

Chic office-inspired looks featuring stylish blazers
Casual ensembles including denim tops paired with camouflage skirts
Layered outfits accessorized with statement pieces like her white Moschino beanie

This fashion proficiency runs so deep that Isa once revealed if she hadn't pursued a career as an idol, she would likely have worked in the fashion industry. This alternative career path underscores that her interest in style isn't merely superficial but represents a genuine passion and potential professional direction.

Hidden musical preferences

Beneath the polished K-pop performances lies Isa's authentic musical taste that helps shape her artistic identity. Consistently across sources, Isa expresses a clear preference for R&B and groovy music. This musical inclination offers valuable context to her vocal approach and performance style within STAYC.

Her affinity for R&B – a genre known for emotional depth and vocal expressiveness – aligns with her role as a vocalist who brings warmth and feeling to STAYC's performances. Likewise, her appreciation for "groovy" music suggests an innate understanding of rhythm and musicality that enhances her capabilities as a performer.

These musical preferences potentially influence her interpretation of STAYC's songs, bringing subtle R&B inflections to her parts. Some listeners have noted her unique vocal color, with one observation mentioning how her voice particularly stood out during the "Stereotype" bridge, creating a "dreamy, melancholic" quality that made that segment especially memorable.

In essence, Isa's hidden talents and personal interests reveal a young woman with sophisticated tastes that extend well beyond her K-pop career. From her culinary explorations to her fashion expertise and musical preferences, these aspects collectively paint a portrait of an idol with multidimensional interests that both complement and transcend her public persona as a member of STAYC.

Personality Insights: Beyond the MBTI

Personality types offer fascinating insights into how individuals perceive the world and interact with others. For Isa of STAYC, her MBTI classification as an ESFJ (The Consul) reveals much about what makes her such an integral part of the group's success.

What being an ESFJ means for Isa

The ESFJ personality type, often referred to as "The Consul," represents individuals who are inherently "attentive and people-focused". This classification perfectly aligns with Isa's natural tendencies within STAYC. ESFJs typically enjoy active participation in their social communities and are guided by decisive values. Interestingly, this personality type makes up approximately 12% of the general population, making it one of the more common personality classifications.

In high school settings, ESFJs often emerge as natural leaders—the "cheerleaders and quarterbacks" who set the tone and guide their teams toward success. Similarly, Isa's ESFJ traits manifest through her exceptional ability to offer guidance and support to her fellow members.

Her warm heart and high moral sense—hallmark ESFJ characteristics—make her the perfect confidante for group members facing challenges. As a result, her teammates naturally gravitate toward her when they need advice or emotional support. This consulting role has become a defining aspect of her identity within STAYC.

ESFJs typically excel at maintaining harmony and supporting others' needs above their own—traits that Isa consistently demonstrates through her actions. Given that she was "unanimously voted by the other members as being the best dresser," her attention to detail extends beyond emotional care to aesthetic considerations as well.

How her personality shines in group dynamics

Isa's ESFJ personality creates a unique position for her within STAYC's group dynamics. Her members openly acknowledge that she "knows each member the best," enabling her to provide both nurturing support and valuable constructive criticism. This balance of care and honesty makes her input particularly valuable during challenging periods.

Her supportive nature manifests in practical ways throughout daily interactions:

Checking to ensure members eat properly when they wake up late
Helping teammates with meal decisions
Providing intentional advice that considers each member's individual needs
Creating moments of joy that make other members smile

Perhaps most revealing about Isa's personality is her response when asked about her favorite moments with STAYC. Rather than highlighting personal achievements, she mentioned "the process of improving STAYC's teamwork" as something particularly special. This answer perfectly encapsulates the ESFJ's focus on group harmony and collective success.

Looking toward the future, Isa has expressed a desire "to become a role model for someone else". This aspiration aligns perfectly with the ESFJ tendency to find fulfillment through positively influencing others. Her growing confidence reflects an evolving understanding of her value both to her group and to fans who connect with her personality traits.

Challenges and Growth Over the Years

Behind the polished choreography and confident stage presence, isa stayc faced personal battles that shaped her artistic journey. Throughout her development as a performer, she encountered challenges that would ultimately forge her resilience and authenticity on stage.

Overcoming stage fright and self-doubt

Like many performers, Isa confronted the common hurdle of stage anxiety—a phenomenon that affects approximately 73% of people according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This universal fear became particularly challenging for new idols expected to maintain a flawless stage presence.

"Maintaining a flawless stage presence all the time, especially when you're new, can be incredibly demanding," acknowledged fellow STAYC member Seeun. For Isa, this pressure was compounded by the critical scrutiny that comes with being in the public eye.

After all, the weight of expectations grew heavier as STAYC achieved early success with viral hits like "ASAP." Yet underneath this success, members often battled internal doubts. In a moment of reflection, Isa once shared, "I would like to tell myself that past hardships are for the present. And that although it is difficult, to try even a little harder".

This philosophy carried her through particularly challenging periods, including performances during COVID restrictions. As fellow member J recalled, "Performing during the height of COVID, without the energy of the live audience, that was tough".

Building confidence as a performer

Over time, Isa's approach to challenges transformed substantially. From a trainee who often "found herself crying alone because of the tough trainee activities" to a confident performer, her evolution became evident in both her stage presence and mindset.

The turning point came when STAYC faced declining popularity with their "Metamorphic" album, forcing them to confront the "harsh reality of the competitive industry". In response, the group boldly reimagined their concept. As one member explained, "Our company was the first to suggest a change, but we were the ones who pushed for something bolder, something more daring".

Remarkably, this artistic evolution paralleled Isa's personal growth. She developed what fellow member Sumin described as taking on "new challenges without fear". Nowadays, this newfound courage manifests in Isa's performances, which showcase not just technical skill but genuine emotional connection.

This journey of overcoming self-doubt aligns perfectly with Isa's expressed desire "to become a role model for someone else"—a testament to how personal struggles often become the foundation for inspiring others.

FAQS

Curious fans often seek answers to common questions about isa stayc and her group. Therefore, this section addresses some frequently asked questions to provide a clearer picture of this talented K-pop idol and her journey with STAYC.

What does the name STAYC stand for?
STAYC is an acronym for "Star To A Young Culture," representing the group's fresh approach to K-pop. The group debuted on November 12, 2020, under High Up Entertainment and consists of six members: Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J.

What is STAYC's official fandom name?
The official fandom name for stayc members is "SWITH" (스욋). This name meaningfully combines "STAYC" with the word "WITH," signifying "together with STAYC" or "I'll be by STAYC's side".

Is Isa really the fashion expert of STAYC?
Yes! In an Esquire Korea interview, Isa was unanimously voted by the other members as being the best dresser in the group. She has expressed that she genuinely loves clothes and shopping, admitting she "doesn't get tired even if it takes really long".

Has Isa's shopping enthusiasm affected other members?
Interestingly, member Yoon once revealed she "suffered" during a shopping trip with stayc isa. They spent approximately 2 hours at an underground shopping center, with Yoon requesting they get something to eat, only to have Isa hand her a drink before continuing their shopping adventure.

What message has Isa shared with fans?
In a heartfelt message to SWITHs, Isa expressed hope that fans would "get consoled with our own fresh and healthy music" and wished for fans to be "healthy in body and mind". She added that she would like to meet fans in person as soon as possible.

How does STAYC's leadership work?
On August 8, 2023, STAYC announced that members would take turns as leaders. After Sumin, Sieun and Seeun would take on the co-Leader position, showcasing the group's collaborative approach to leadership.