The Truth About Hwiseo: H1-KEY Member's Journey From Trainee to Idol

Hwiseo's path to K-pop stardom demonstrates remarkable perseverance, having trained for nine and a half years since her 5th grade before making her debut. After joining H1-KEY as a new member in June 2022, she achieved her first music show win just 449 days later. Her journey through the competitive K-pop industry includes training at multiple prestigious companies, including Source Music, The Black Label, and FNC Entertainment.

Furthermore, Hwiseo has accomplished something few idols manage—simultaneously promoting in two active groups. She remains a member of H1-KEY while also participating in the project girl group EL7Z UP. This unique dual position came after she finished in first place on the survival show Queendom Puzzle in 2023, demonstrating her exceptional talent and popularity. From her Seoul upbringing to her current status as a rising K-pop star, this article explores the fascinating journey and personal details of this multifaceted performer.

Hwiseo's Basic Profile

Behind every stage name lies the real person, and getting to know the basics about Hwiseo provides fans with a deeper connection to this talented performer. Beyond her impressive career achievements, her personal details reveal much about who she truly is.

Real name, age, and height

Born as Jung Hwiseo (정휘서), her stage name remains identical to her birth name—a relatively uncommon practice in the K-pop industry where many idols adopt entirely new names. The pronunciation of her name "Hwi-seo" carries a melodic quality that matches her graceful presence on stage.

Hwiseo was born on January 7, 2001, making her 24 years old in Korean age and 23 years old internationally as of 2024. As a Capricorn born in the Year of the Snake, she exhibits many of the determined and disciplined traits associated with these astrological signs.

Standing at approximately 169 cm (5'6.5"), Hwiseo possesses a dancer's height that contributes to her commanding stage presence. Her proportions complement her performance style, particularly during the intricate choreography for which H1-KEY has become known.

MBTI and zodiac signs

Hwiseo identifies as an INFJ personality type, often called "The Advocate" or "The Counselor" in the Myers-Briggs system. This rare personality type—characterized by intuition, sensitivity, and depth of thought—perfectly aligns with her thoughtful demeanor and creative approach to performance.

As a Capricorn, Hwiseo naturally embodies the ambitious, disciplined, and practical qualities of her zodiac sign. These traits undoubtedly served her well during her extensive training period and continue to support her dual-group responsibilities. Capricorns typically value tradition and hard work—qualities evident in Hwiseo's dedication to perfecting her craft.

Her Chinese zodiac sign, the Snake, adds another dimension to her personality profile. Those born in the Year of the Snake are often described as intuitive, wise, and private—characteristics that complement her INFJ personality. The combination of these astrological influences creates a multifaceted individual who balances artistic expression with deep introspection.

Hometown and family background

Hwiseo was raised in Seoul, South Korea, growing up in the very city that serves as the epicenter of the K-pop industry. This urban upbringing potentially exposed her to the entertainment world from an early age, perhaps influencing her decision to pursue an idol career.

Regarding her family, Hwiseo maintains a relatively private stance about her immediate relatives, though she has occasionally mentioned their unwavering support throughout her lengthy training period. The encouragement of her family likely provided essential emotional stability during the challenging years before her debut.

Her educational background includes graduating from Hanlim Multi Arts School, a prestigious institution known for educating numerous K-pop idols. This educational environment allowed her to develop both academically and artistically alongside peers with similar aspirations.

Notably, Hwiseo began her training journey in elementary school, indicating her family recognized and supported her talents from a young age. This early start speaks to both her natural abilities and the supportive environment that nurtured her development into the accomplished performer fans know today.

Early Life and Education

Hwiseo's formative years laid the foundation for her eventual success in the K-pop industry. Her background reveals a journey that began long before her time in the spotlight, shaped by her environment and educational choices.

Growing up in Seoul

Born and raised in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea, Hwiseo grew up at the heart of the country's vibrant entertainment industry. Seoul, as the epicenter of K-pop, offered her unique exposure to performing arts from an early age. This metropolitan upbringing likely influenced her career aspirations and provided her with opportunities that might not have been as readily available elsewhere.

Throughout her childhood, Hwiseo attended Hwigyeong Girls' Middle School, where she likely balanced her academic studies with her growing interest in performance. Living in Seoul positioned her advantageously close to entertainment companies and training facilities, making her early start in the industry more feasible.

The urban environment of Seoul, with its competitive and fast-paced atmosphere, undoubtedly played a role in shaping Hwiseo's work ethic and determination. As a young girl growing up in such a dynamic city, she was immersed in a culture that celebrates artistic expression and performance excellence.

Graduating from Hanlim Multi Arts School

Following her middle school education, Hwiseo enrolled at the prestigious Hanlim Multi Art School, where she specialized in the Practical Dance Department. This institution has earned a reputation as one of the premier schools for future entertainment industry professionals, alongside the School of Performing Arts Seoul and Lila Art High School.

Established on March 3, 1962, Hanlim transformed into the Hanlim Multi Arts High School in 2009. Located in Songpa District, Seoul, the school has become a nurturing ground for numerous K-pop idols. Given the caliber of its alumni, attending Hanlim often attracts media attention, especially during graduation ceremonies.

Hwiseo completed her studies at Hanlim in 2021, marking an important milestone in her pre-debut journey. Her education at this specialized institution allowed her to:

Develop her performance skills alongside academic studies
Network with other aspiring entertainers
Receive specialized training in dance and performance
Balance her trainee activities with educational requirements

Initial interest in performing arts

Hwiseo's passion for performing arts manifested remarkably early, as she began her trainee journey when she was in 5th grade. This early start speaks volumes about both her natural aptitude and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Such an early commitment to training indicates that Hwiseo recognized her calling in elementary school, setting her on a path that would require exceptional perseverance. Indeed, her decision to pursue performing arts at such a young age reflects not only personal passion but possibly family support for her artistic aspirations.

What makes her journey particularly noteworthy is that she maintained this career focus throughout her formative years. Many children express interest in performing, yet few demonstrate the consistency and dedication to pursue it professionally from elementary school through high school graduation.

As her educational journey progressed from regular schooling to the specialized environment of Hanlim Multi Arts School, Hwiseo continued to refine her skills and prepare for her eventual debut. Her educational background in practical dance provided technical training that would later serve her well as a member of H1-KEY and her subsequent achievements on Queendom Puzzle.

Her Long Trainee Journey

Few K-pop idols have experienced a pre-debut journey as extensive as Hwiseo's. Her path to stardom represents an extraordinary testament to persistence in an industry known for its demanding standards and uncertain outcomes.

Starting training in 5th grade

Hwiseo's idol journey began remarkably early when she was scouted as an elementary school student. Unlike many trainees who begin in their teens, she started her professional training in 5th grade, demonstrating unusual commitment at such a tender age. This early discovery of her talent set her on a path that would span nearly a decade.

Throughout elementary school, Hwiseo balanced her academic responsibilities with the rigorous demands of K-pop training. Being scouted at such a young age meant she essentially grew up within the training system, developing her skills alongside her general education.

The decision to pursue this path required exceptional dedication from both Hwiseo and her family. Beginning training at this early stage allowed her to develop her abilities systematically, yet it also meant sacrificing much of what most would consider a normal childhood.

Training at Source Music, The Black Label, and FNC

Throughout her extensive pre-debut period, Hwiseo trained under several prestigious entertainment companies. Her journey included stints at Source Music (known for producing GFRIEND and being acquired by HYBE), The Black Label (founded by producer Teddy), and FNC Entertainment (home to groups like AOA and SF9).

Interestingly, she began training at The Black Label sometime in 2018 but left the company in early 2020. This pattern of moving between companies reflected the challenging reality many trainees face—developing their skills across different systems and philosophies while searching for the right opportunity.

In 2021, rumors circulated that Hwiseo might become a candidate for HYBE's upcoming girl group formed through global auditions. Despite these promising possibilities, she ultimately found her home with GLG Entertainment when they contacted her about joining H1-KEY.

Over 9 years of preparation

Hwiseo's training period extended for an astounding nine and a half years, placing her among K-pop's longest-training idols. This timeframe represents more than just accumulating skills—it speaks to extraordinary resilience and determination.

Throughout these years, she faced multiple heartbreaks when planned debuts were canceled at the last minute. As she revealed in interviews, "I had so many of my planned debuts get canceled last minute that I got used to it". Despite these setbacks, she maintained a positive attitude: "I loved practicing. Just like how other kids keep studying, I have been doing this my entire life".

Perhaps the most challenging aspect wasn't the training itself but the emotional toll of repeatedly saying goodbye to fellow trainees after team debuts were canceled. These experiences created a bittersweet journey where Hwiseo developed close bonds with peers only to see them go separate ways when opportunities fell through.

Despite these obstacles, Hwiseo persevered. When H1-KEY's comeback marked her official debut after nine years of training, she expressed pride in her journey: "Now I'm proud of the long years I spent as a trainee". Her perseverance ultimately paid off when GLG Entertainment contacted her, leading to her position in H1-KEY.

Hwiseo's journey stands in contrast to her groupmates' training periods—Riina trained for six years, Yel for almost four, and Seoi for two years. This makes Hwiseo's experience the longest within H1-KEY by a significant margin, highlighting her exceptional determination in pursuing her dream.

Joining H1-KEY and Debut

After nearly a decade of preparation, Hwiseo's opportunity to shine finally materialized in an unexpected way. Her transition from trainee to idol came through a path she hadn't anticipated, yet ultimately proved to be the perfect fit for her talents.

How she became a member of H1-KEY

Hwiseo's entry into H1-KEY came at a pivotal moment for the group. Initially, H1-KEY debuted in January 2022 as a quartet consisting of Seoi, Riina, Yel, and Thai model Sitala. However, Sitala departed from the group in May 2022, creating an opening that would change Hwiseo's career trajectory.

Interestingly, Hwiseo was already preparing for a different career path when this opportunity arose. "I was already in the process of recording music when I got the offer to join this existing group," she revealed. In fact, she was on track to debut as a soloist when Grandline Group (GLG) contacted her.

Her decision wasn't immediate. "To be honest, one of the things I thought was that we didn't make our start together, so I did feel some hesitation," she admitted. This reluctance stemmed from concerns about joining an established group rather than debuting with members who had trained together. Fortunately, her mother—a longtime supporter of her performing aspirations—convinced her to accept the offer.

Debut with 'Run' in 2022

Hwiseo made her first unofficial appearance with H1-KEY on June 7, 2022, during the KLAY CITY Meet Up event. One week later, on June 13/14, 2022, she was officially announced as the new member with concept photos for their upcoming release "Run".

Shortly after joining, the newly-formed quartet traveled to Los Angeles to film their music video—a significant experience for all members. "Not only was it our first time working together, it was also our first time in LA. Everything was so new to us," Seoi recalled. This trip accelerated their bonding process despite having just met.

Hwiseo officially debuted on July 6, 2022, with H1-KEY's first maxi single album, "Run". The single marked a shift toward the pop-rock sound that would become a signature element of H1-KEY's musical identity. With its "infectiously upbeat" energy, "Run" helped the group find their musical direction and establish themselves in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Her role in the group

Within H1-KEY, Hwiseo quickly established herself as a vital member by taking on the position of main vocalist and rapper. Her technical proficiency, developed through nearly a decade of training at multiple agencies, allowed her to handle these demanding roles effectively.

Despite joining after the group's formation, she integrated seamlessly into their dynamic. As Yel noted about their teamwork: "I don't think more years together necessarily equates to greater teamwork... But we really talk and share a lot with each other, communicate and grow together, and that's what's important".

With "Run," H1-KEY began developing the "youthful, uplifting energy" that would become the foundation of their musical identity. Hwiseo's vocal abilities and performance skills contributed significantly to this evolution, helping the group sidestep the popular "girl crush" trend in favor of their distinctive sound.

Breakthrough on Queendom Puzzle

In 2023, Queendom Puzzle emerged as a career-defining opportunity for Hwiseo, where she would demonstrate her exceptional abilities beyond H1-KEY. This survival show featured 28 contestants competing for spots in a seven-member project girl group, testing their individual talents rather than group dynamics.

Initial ranking and performance

Officially revealed as a contestant on May 26, 2023, Hwiseo entered Queendom Puzzle with modest expectations. "I began the show hoping to just have fun and make myself known," she later reflected. The competition premiered on June 13, coinciding with her official announcement as H1-KEY's new member.

Early in the competition, Hwiseo performed a combination of (G)I-DLE's "TOMBOY" and IVE's "Rose Blossom," showcasing her versatility. Her breakthrough moment came during the Remix Battle, where she performed BLACKPINK's "Shut Down" alongside teammates Fye, Sangah, and Riina. Although their team placed 6th with 152 votes, Hwiseo stood out as the star performer. As noted by observers, "Her charisma and stage presence were evident throughout the entire performance".

Key stages and battles

Throughout the competition, Hwiseo participated in multiple critical performances that demonstrated her all-around capabilities. She shined particularly during the SNAP battle, where she earned MVP status. This recognition proved pivotal as the competition advanced toward the All-Rounder battle, where contestants were divided into Teams Queendom and Puzzle.

For the All-Rounder battle, each team performed three rounds of vocal-rap songs and two rounds of dance songs. Hwiseo's performances included "Shut Down" during the Remix Battle, "한 페이지가 될 수 있게" and "Glow-up" during the All-Rounder Battle, "i DGA" in the Semi-Final, and both "Last Piece" and "SNAP" in the Final.

As the competition progressed, she emerged as "a highly valued team member and a formidable contender", with her status as a strong all-rounder becoming increasingly apparent.

Winning 1st place and joining EL7Z UP

After the Semi-Final round, Hwiseo and Nana emerged as the top two contestants, setting the stage for an exciting finale. On August 15, 2023, the live finale revealed Hwiseo as the first-place winner, completing a remarkable journey from H1-KEY's newest member to Queendom Puzzle champion.

As a result, she joined the seven-member project group EL7Z UP alongside:

Woo!ah!'s Nana (2nd place)
PURPLE KISS's Yuki (3rd place)
Lovelyz's Kei (4th place)
WJSN's Yeoreum (5th place)
Rocket Punch's Yeonhee (6th place)
CLC's Yeeun (7th place)

Reflecting on her victory, Hwiseo attributed her success to her extensive training: "I trained for nine years, and I think the long years of practice and the confidence from the time had come through". Moving forward, EL7Z UP announced plans to release their debut album in September 2023, followed by a global tour including performances in Japan and Korea.

Personality, Hobbies, and Style

Beyond her impressive achievements and extensive training journey, Hwiseo's personality, interests, and aesthetic preferences reveal the multifaceted individual behind the idol persona. These elements combine to create the distinctive charm that resonates with fans.

Her INFJ personality

As an INFJ, often described as "The Counselor" personality type, Hwiseo embodies many characteristic traits of this rare Myers-Briggs profile. She previously identified as an ISFJ but later confirmed her INFJ status during Queendom Puzzle. This shift reflects her evolving self-awareness.

INFJs represent only 1-3% of the population, characterized by being introspective, intuitive, and value-driven. Hwiseo demonstrates these qualities through her thoughtful approach to performance and interactions. Her groupmate Riina describes her as "timid but passionate", capturing the seemingly contradictory nature typical of INFJs—reserved yet deeply committed to their pursuits.

This personality type naturally aligns with Hwiseo's aspiration to become an "all-rounder" capable of writing lyrics, composing, and producing music that resonates with audiences. Her mindset reflects the INFJ tendency toward perfectionism and meaningful expression.

Hobbies like beatboxing, ballet, and stargazing

Hwiseo maintains an eclectic mix of interests that showcase her artistic versatility. Remarkably, she possesses skills in beatboxing, demonstrating her musical versatility beyond conventional vocals. Additionally, she practiced ballet for years and has performed on stage several times, explaining her graceful movement quality.

During quieter moments, Hwiseo enjoys stargazing, reflecting the contemplative side of her personality. This peaceful activity balances her energetic performances and busy schedule. She additionally enjoys crafting, watching movies, and taking walks with her H1-KEY members during their free time.

Her physical capabilities extend beyond dance, as she can perform flips and splits, showcasing her athletic prowess alongside her artistic talents. These diverse interests paint a picture of someone constantly exploring different forms of expression.

Fashion sense and charm points

According to Riina, Hwiseo's style can be described as "very fancy and fashionable". Unlike some idols who prefer minimalist looks, she gravitates toward flashy styles rather than simple ones and enjoys changing her fashion according to her mood. She specifically mentions preferring colored dresses over black ones, demonstrating her preference for vibrant self-expression.

Hwiseo considers her eyes and what she calls "reverse beauty" to be her charm points. This "reverse beauty" refers to her bright smile that contrasts with her more expressionless look. This duality creates an interesting visual dynamic that fans find captivating.

Perhaps most distinctive is Hwiseo's laugh, which consists of "three consequent different tones". This unique characteristic has become endearing to fans who recognize it instantly. Moreover, she maintains a bright, optimistic personality that shines through her performances, though she acknowledges she doesn't handle tense situations well.

Friendships and Role Models

Throughout her journey in the K-pop industry, Hwiseo has cultivated meaningful connections with fellow artists. These relationships alongside her professional inspirations have shaped her identity as a performer.

Close friends in the industry

Hwiseo maintains an impressive network of friendships across multiple K-pop groups, primarily with those she met during her extensive training period. Her closest friendship appears to be with Julie from KISS OF LIFE, whom she knew as a former trainee classmate. This connection represents one of her longest-standing industry relationships.

From her time at various entertainment companies, Hwiseo developed bonds with PURPLE KISS's Yuki and tripleS's Xinyu. Her high school years provided opportunities to form connections with Yeonsu of ADYA, Dohee of cignature, and Yunjin Heo of LE SSERAFIM.

Correspondingly, her circle extends to include Goeun from Purple Kiss, Doshi, Suan, Remi from Cherry Bullet, and Nien from tripleS. This wide network illustrates how extensively Hwiseo has been connected within the industry even prior to her debut.

Admiration for Jeon Soyeon

Regarding professional inspiration, Hwiseo consistently names (G)I-DLE's Jeon Soyeon as her role model. This admiration likely influenced her path as both a vocalist and rapper, given Soyeon's reputation as a multifaceted performer who excels in both areas.

Evidently, this admiration aligns with Hwiseo's own aspirations as a well-rounded idol capable of diverse performance styles. Her success on Queendom Puzzle demonstrates how she has worked toward embodying some of the qualities she admires in Soyeon.

Bond with H1-KEY members

Within H1-KEY, Hwiseo has established unique connections with each groupmate. She once revealed that she shares particularly strong chemistry with Sangah because they are the same age and she finds Sangah "very charismatic".

Her relationship with Yel features thoughtful gestures, as she crafted a special friendship ring for her groupmate. Similarly, Riina gave Hwiseo a ring with the nickname "Hwinique" (combining "Hwiseo" and "Unique"), highlighting their affectionate bond.

Seoi describes Hwiseo as "the mood maker of H1-KEY", suggesting she brings positive energy to the group dynamic. Additionally, she and Yel are considered the "homebodies" of the group, potentially sharing quiet moments away from their busy schedules.

Fun Facts and Unique Talents

Behind Hwiseo's professional facade lies a multitude of fascinating hobbies, quirky traits, and unexpected talents that make her a truly distinctive K-pop idol.

Love for animals and plants

Hwiseo's nurturing spirit extends beyond her music to living creatures and greenery. She shares her home with multiple pets, including a male dog named Richie who holds such a special place in her heart that she uses his picture as her phone's background image. Additionally, she has a cat named Woody and a turtle called Boogie, creating quite the menagerie at home.

Her fascination with animals extends beyond pets – she particularly loves tigers and has visited a local zoo specifically to watch tiger cubs grow. Interestingly, she also has a soft spot for capybaras.

For approximately a year and a half, Hwiseo has been cultivating plants, starting with a Monstera. Her collection has grown to include baby and large Stuckyis, cacti, herbs, and what she calls "happy plants". Remarkably, she explains her plant passion: "I felt like my place was dreary; since I have a lot of animals at home, I felt like my place needed life".

Her laugh and aegyo skills

One of Hwiseo's most endearing characteristics is her distinctive laugh that consists of "three consequent different tones", creating a melodic pattern fans instantly recognize.

Regarding aegyo (the Korean art of acting cute), Hwiseo possesses a unique approach – she knows Korean folk singing and cleverly incorporates this traditional skill into her aegyo performances, setting her apart from other idols who rely on more conventional aegyo techniques.

Driving, gaming, and flips

Beyond her musical talents, Hwiseo boasts impressive physical abilities. She can perform both flips and splits, showcasing exceptional flexibility and athletic prowess developed throughout her years of training.

Concerning gaming preferences, she particularly excels at racing video games, though she apparently struggles with "headphone games". Furthermore, unlike many people, she doesn't fear amusement park rides, reflecting her adventurous spirit and confidence.