HaSeul's Journey: From LOONA to ARTMS - Everything Fans Need to Know

HaSeul's transformation from LOONA's leader to ARTMS member marks one of K-pop's most compelling career shifts in recent years. After winning a landmark lawsuit against BlockBerryCreative in June 2023, she embarked on a new chapter by signing with MODHAUS just five days later. Her journey began in December 2016 when she debuted as LOONA's third member, specifically chosen to lead both the full group and its first sub-unit, LOONA 1/3.

From overcoming anxiety-induced hiatus to releasing her digital single "Plastic Candy" in October 2023, HaSeul's story represents resilience and artistic evolution.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Born on August 18, 1997, in the scenic city of Suncheon in South Korea's South Jeolla Province, HaSeul's musical journey began long before she became a K-pop idol. As the oldest child in her family, she grew up with her younger brother who was born in 2002, in an environment that would ultimately nurture her artistic talents.

Growing up in Suncheon, South Korea

HaSeul's childhood in Suncheon laid the foundation for her future musical career. Her formative years in this southern Korean city shaped her identity before she would eventually become known to fans worldwide. During these early years, she displayed natural musical abilities that would later become her professional calling card. Although little is documented about her earliest childhood, her hometown of Suncheon would remain an important part of her identity even as her career took her far beyond its boundaries.

Discovering music through choir and opera

HaSeul's passion for singing ignited at the age of 11 when she first joined her elementary school choir. Her introduction to choral music came through an interesting circumstance – she would often accompany a friend to choir practice on her inline skates, simply to watch the performances. Eventually, the choir director noticed HaSeul and invited her to join, marking the beginning of her formal musical journey.

During this formative period, HaSeul's choir frequently performed songs that were featured in commercial advertisements, giving her early exposure to professional singing environments. Additionally, she began studying opera while still in elementary school, demonstrating remarkable dedication to classical vocal training at a young age.

This early classical training significantly influenced HaSeul's musical aspirations. She developed a unique vision for her future career – she wanted to study opera music in college with the specific goal of bridging the gap between classical opera and popular music. This desire to connect different musical worlds would later manifest in her distinctive vocal style.

Studying abroad in Australia and the U.S.

HaSeul's musical and personal development continued through significant international experiences. Initially, she studied abroad in Sydney, Australia for one month, broadening her cultural perspectives and musical influences. Furthermore, this international education continued when she moved to Colorado, USA in 2013 to live with her aunt for a year.

During her time in Colorado, HaSeul attended school under the English name Jane Cho. Despite her musical talents, she faced considerable challenges with language barriers. Upon arrival, she knew very little English, making everyday interactions difficult. Nevertheless, HaSeul demonstrated remarkable determination to overcome these obstacles.

On weekends, she would spend up to ten hours alone at local malls, diligently practicing basic English phrases. Her focus was on perfecting her pronunciation so others would believe she was more proficient in the language than she actually was. This persistence in language learning reflected the same dedication she applied to her musical studies.

Throughout her time abroad, HaSeul maintained her connection to music. Her choir activities even included international performances, as she traveled abroad for concerts and competitions during her time in the youth choir. These early experiences performing internationally would prove valuable when she later debuted as an idol.

HaSeul's educational journey took an unexpected turn when her music teacher recommended she participate in a teenage music festival. Although she didn't win any awards at this competition, the experience proved life-changing – she caught the attention of BlockBerryCreative representatives who offered her a trainee position, setting her on the path toward becoming the HaSeul fans know today.

The Road to Becoming a Trainee

HaSeul's path from classical vocalist to K-pop trainee represents a pivotal turning point in her musical journey. What began as an unexpected opportunity at a singing competition ultimately redirected her career toward becoming one of LOONA's founding members and a key figure in the group's early formation.

How a singing contest changed her path

Despite her classical vocal training and opera aspirations, HaSeul's career took an unexpected turn thanks to a recommendation from her music teacher. At the teacher's suggestion, she participated in a teenage music festival that would prove life-changing. Though she didn't win any awards at the competition, her performance caught the attention of talent scouts from BlockBerryCreative who were present at the event.

This chance encounter marked a dramatic shift in HaSeul's career trajectory. Prior to this moment, she had been planning to continue her opera studies in college with hopes of creating music that bridged classical and popular styles. However, the opportunity to become a K-pop trainee presented an entirely different path toward achieving her musical goals.

The casting came at a time when BlockBerryCreative was preparing to launch an ambitious 18-month pre-debut project that would ultimately introduce all twelve LOONA members to the world. This project, conceptualized by creative director Jaden Jeong, was designed to establish a complex universe where each member would have their own solo work before uniting as a complete group.

Auditioning for BlockBerryCreative

Following her discovery at the singing festival, HaSeul formally auditioned for BlockBerryCreative in late 2015 or early 2016. For her audition, she performed IU's "Friday" – a choice that successfully showcased her vocal abilities. The company immediately recognized her potential and accepted her as a trainee.

In fact, HaSeul joined the company alongside future groupmates YeoJin and Choerry, creating bonds that would last throughout their careers. This marked the beginning of her transition from opera student to K-pop idol trainee – a significant shift that required developing entirely new skill sets beyond her classical vocal training.

Training alongside future LOONA members

Once accepted as a trainee, HaSeul embarked on a rigorous one-year training period before being selected as the third member of LOONA. Unlike many K-pop trainees who spend years preparing for debut, her relatively short training period indicated the company's confidence in her abilities and potential.

The training process presented notable challenges for HaSeul. According to reports, she had no prior dance experience when she began training. This was particularly significant considering the importance of choreography in K-pop performances. She often made mistakes during choreography practice, yet persevered through these difficulties.

Her dedication was evident in her practice habits – she would frequently dance in the practice room while still wearing her school uniform because she didn't have time to change between her academic and training schedules. This commitment ultimately paid off when she was chosen as LOONA's third member, following HeeJin and HyunJin.

In September 2017, HaSeul, alongside HeeJin and HyunJin, auditioned for JTBC's reality show "Mix Nine". Though HeeJin and HyunJin passed the audition stage, HaSeul did not advance in the competition. Nevertheless, this experience provided valuable exposure and performance opportunities beyond her LOONA activities.

Through determination and hard work, HaSeul transformed from an opera student to a K-pop trainee and ultimately to the third revealed member of what would become one of K-pop's most innovative groups.

HaSeul’s Debut and Solo Release

December 2016 marked a pivotal moment in K-pop history as BlockBerryCreative unveiled HaSeul as the third member of their ambitious pre-debut project LOONA. Following HeeJin and HyunJin, HaSeul's introduction completed the initial trio that would form the foundation of the group's complex universe.

Being revealed as the third LOONA member

On December 8, 2016, BlockBerryCreative officially announced HaSeul as LOONA's third member through a series of teaser images. Her debut photo featured her in a green-themed outfit, establishing the color that would become her signature throughout her LOONA career. Subsequently, she was introduced through various promotional activities, including photoshoots and video content designed to showcase her personality and talents.

HaSeul's reveal was strategically positioned within the group's pre-debut project, coming at a time when fans were beginning to understand the intricate lore and narrative that would become central to LOONA's identity. Notably, her introduction established her as not just another member but as a pivotal figure who would ultimately lead the group's first sub-unit.

Releasing her solo single 'Let Me In'

On December 15, 2016, HaSeul released her solo single "Let Me In," accompanied by a B-side track titled "The Carol" featuring fellow members HeeJin and HyunJin. "Let Me In" showcased HaSeul's classical vocal training through its orchestral arrangement and emotional delivery. The song stood apart from typical K-pop offerings of the time, featuring:

Orchestral instrumentation highlighting her operatic background
Soaring vocal lines that demonstrated her technical prowess
Lyrics expressing themes of longing and invitation

"The Carol" contrasted with the main single by offering a cheerful holiday-themed track that captured the festive spirit of the season. This B-side became particularly meaningful as it represented the first collaboration between multiple LOONA members.

Filming in Iceland and early fan reactions

Perhaps most remarkably, HaSeul's "Let Me In" music video was filmed entirely in Iceland, an unusual and ambitious choice for a pre-debut project. The breathtaking landscapes of Iceland provided a stunning backdrop that elevated the visual storytelling of her solo release. The video featured HaSeul hunting with a bow and arrow amid Iceland's dramatic scenery, creating powerful imagery that complemented the song's emotional intensity.

Early fan reactions to HaSeul's debut were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her unique vocal color and the ambitious production of both the song and music video. Her classical training set her apart in the competitive K-pop landscape, as did the cinematic quality of her visual content.

The investment in filming internationally demonstrated BlockBerryCreative's commitment to establishing LOONA as a unique presence in K-pop. Indeed, this dedication to high-quality production would become a hallmark of the group's identity moving forward, essentially setting a standard that continued throughout their subsequent releases.

Leading LOONA 1/3 and Group Debut

As BlockBerryCreative's ambitious pre-debut project continued to unfold, HaSeul stepped into a pivotal leadership role that would define her place within LOONA's complex structure. Her journey from solo artist to group leader marked a significant evolution in her K-pop career.

Forming the first LOONA sub-unit

On February 5, 2017, BlockBerryCreative announced their first sub-unit project, LOONA 1/3. This unit would consist of three revealed members—HeeJin, HyunJin, and HaSeul—plus one yet-to-be-introduced member. One week later, on February 12, ViVi was revealed as the fourth member completing the sub-unit.

LOONA 1/3 made their first live appearance on March 12, 2017, performing on SBS's Inkigayo—marking their first televised music show promotion. The following day, they officially debuted with the release of their mini-album Love & Live, featuring a title track of the same name. The sub-unit's name derived from them representing one-third of what would ultimately become the full LOONA lineup.

Within this first sub-unit, HaSeul was officially designated as the leader, giving her early experience in guiding her fellow members. The sub-unit's concept centered around innocent, youthful themes of first love—a stark contrast to her solo work's orchestral elements.

Debuting with LOONA as a full group

Following more than a year of introducing individual members and sub-units, LOONA finally made their much-anticipated full group debut on August 20, 2018. They released their first mini-album [+ +] (read as "plus plus"), which included the lead single "Favorite" and title track "Hi High."

This debut represented the culmination of BlockBerryCreative's 18-month pre-debut project—an ambitious undertaking that reportedly cost approximately 9.9 billion won (around $8.9 million USD) to produce. For HaSeul, who had waited almost two years since her individual debut, this milestone provided a sense of completion.

Her role as leader and vocalist

Throughout LOONA's early years, HaSeul served as the main leader of the full group, while simultaneously maintaining her leadership position within LOONA 1/3. Her leadership style was characterized by a maternal warmth, with younger members often describing her as caring and supportive.

Within LOONA's leadership structure, HaSeul functioned as part of what fans called the "Leader Line" alongside Kim Lip (who handled MC duties) and Yves (who led dance practices). This distributed leadership approach allowed each member to contribute their specific strengths to the group's operations.

Despite her official position as a lead vocalist in LOONA 1/3, HaSeul initially received relatively few lines in the full group's debut album. Nonetheless, her classical vocal training and unique timbre remained valuable assets to LOONA's musical identity, setting her apart from many contemporaries in the K-pop industry.

Struggles with Anxiety and Hiatus

In January 2020, the K-pop landscape witnessed a significant shift for LOONA when HaSeul stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her mental health. This decision came at a time when conversations about idols' mental well-being were beginning to gain more attention throughout the industry.

Announcing her mental health break

On January 8, 2020, BlockBerryCreative released an official statement revealing that HaSeul had been diagnosed with recurring anxiety disorder. After visiting the hospital for treatment of anxiety symptoms, medical professionals recommended she receive focused treatment to make a full recovery. The company emphasized that the decision for her hiatus came after careful discussions with HaSeul herself and her parents, placing her mental health as the priority.

As a result, HaSeul did not participate in LOONA's "#" album promotions. The hiatus extended further than initially anticipated, as she also remained absent during the group's "12:00" comeback in October 2020. At that time, the company stated that HaSeul "believes she would need to recover a little more to join these promotions".

How fans supported her during the hiatus

Throughout her absence, fans (known as Orbits) rallied behind HaSeul with unwavering support. Social media campaigns featuring hashtags like #AlwaysWithHaseul and #WeLoveHaseul trended regularly, creating a virtual support system for the idol.

Even while away from official activities, HaSeul maintained a connection with fans. Most notably, after LOONA achieved their first music show win in February 2020, she celebrated the milestone despite her hiatus. Yves thanked her in the acceptance speech, moreover, HaSeul posted on Instagram with photos and a heartfelt message:

"Hello everyone this is HaSeul! We won first place and I wish I could have been there but you guys know that I'm there for you guys in my heart... This award goes to our Orbits and BlockBerryCreative staffs and all the other staffs!! My members! Congrats to you all and I love you guys so much."

Her return and emotional comeback

After nearly 18 months away from the spotlight, signs of HaSeul's return began to emerge in mid-2021. Fans received hints that she was living in the group's dormitory again and attending practices, raising hopes for her comeback.

The confirmation finally came through the first group teaser for LOONA's new album "&," where HaSeul's face appeared alongside her groupmates. Additionally, her name was included in the lineup written at the top of the teaser poster. This visual confirmation sent waves of excitement through the fandom.

Correspondingly, fans expressed tremendous joy at her return, celebrating her recovery and anticipating seeing her perform again. Her reappearance after such an extended break highlighted both her resilience and the importance of prioritizing mental health in an industry often criticized for its intense pressures.

Legal Battles and Leaving BlockBerryCreative

The contractual conflict between LOONA members and BlockBerryCreative culminated in 2023, marking a turning point in HaSeul's career trajectory. After years of building LOONA's legacy, legal battles would ultimately sever her ties with the company that launched her into stardom.

Filing the lawsuit with fellow members

In 2022, nine LOONA members, including HaSeul, took the extraordinary step of filing for temporary injunctions to suspend their exclusive contracts with BlockBerryCreative. The members claimed that the fundamental relationship of trust with their agency had "collapsed to the point where it is difficult to expect management work and entertainment activities based on cooperation". This legal action followed mounting tensions over management issues and contract concerns.

Initially, HaSeul's legal journey faced obstacles. In January 2023, unlike some groupmates who succeeded in their initial filing, HaSeul, YeoJin, Yves, GoWon, and Olivia Hye experienced a setback when they lost their initial case regarding changes in their contract terms. Undeterred by this initial defeat, the five members persisted with their legal challenge.

Court rulings and contract termination

The tide turned in June 2023 when the Seoul High Court ruled in favor of HaSeul and her four co-plaintiffs on appeal, upholding their injunction request. This crucial decision effectively suspended their contracts with BlockBerryCreative. Following this victory, they filed another lawsuit in August 2023 seeking confirmation that their exclusive contracts were invalid.

On April 17, 2025, the Seoul Northern District Court delivered a partial victory for HaSeul and her colleagues. The court ruled that "the exclusive contracts and supplementary agreements between the plaintiffs and the defendant are confirmed to have no effect". Particularly, the court recognized the legitimacy of the members' contract termination notices from 2023, which cited BlockBerryCreative's unauthorized transfer of contractual rights to a Japanese entertainment company without their prior written consent.

What it meant for LOONA's future

The legal victory effectively marked the end of HaSeul's relationship with BlockBerryCreative, alongside all other LOONA members who had similarly won their respective lawsuits. This watershed moment meant the complete dissolution of LOONA's original lineup under BlockBerryCreative's management.

For HaSeul personally, this legal triumph represented both an ending and a beginning. Free from contractual obligations to BlockBerryCreative, she gained the freedom to pursue new opportunities and creative directions. This legal resolution paved the way for her next career chapter, enabling her eventual signing with MODHAUS and participation in the ARTMS project alongside former LOONA members.

The legal battle ultimately demonstrated both HaSeul's resilience and her commitment to standing alongside her groupmates in challenging circumstances that threatened their artistic integrity and professional future.

Joining MODHAUS and ARTMS

After winning her legal battle against BlockBerryCreative, the next chapter in HaSeul's career began almost immediately. Just five days after her contract suspension was confirmed, she embarked on a fresh journey with a familiar team.

Signing with MODHAUS

On June 20, 2023, HaSeul officially signed her exclusive contract with MODHAUS, making her the fifth former LOONA member to join the agency. The following day, MODHAUS released an official statement expressing gratitude to HaSeul "for trusting and selecting" their company. A video captured the meaningful moment as she applied her seal to the contract papers. This milestone represented her first official affiliation since departing BlockBerryCreative.

Becoming part of the ARTMS project

At this point, HaSeul entered MODHAUS's ARTMS project, a strategic initiative named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Artemis. Throughout this transition, she maintained connections with fans through YouTube videos called "Explore Logs" alongside her fellow members. In an interview, HaSeul revealed: "I was the last member to join ARTMS, but all five of us are very passionate about music. I think the members who came together and gathered here had the biggest will to bring ARTMS to life".

Reuniting with former LOONA members

Given these points, HaSeul's reunion with HeeJin, Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry carried deep emotional significance. The five artists quickly reestablished their connection, with HaSeul affectionately stating "We are a family". Their bond translated into musical collaboration when they released "The Carol 3.0" on December 1, 2023 – their first song as a five-member group. An English version followed ten days later.

Coupled with individual projects like HaSeul's "Plastic Candy" single in October 2023, the group prepared for their official debut. MODHAUS announced that ARTMS would formally launch on May 31, 2024, with a full-length album. In Brooklyn, New York, their emotional reunion performance at Kings Theater proved that fans had deeply missed "the original lineup".

Solo Comeback and New Music

With her new beginning at MODHAUS, HaSeul wasted no time reestablishing her solo artistic identity through fresh musical releases that showcased her evolving talents and vision.

Releasing 'Plastic Candy' and 'Fragile Eyes'

HaSeul's journey as a soloist under MODHAUS began with her first digital single, "Plastic Candy," released on October 26, 2023. This marked her first solo work in nearly seven years, since her 2016 LOONA debut single "Let Me In". The song was first performed at her inaugural small theater concert titled "HaSeul 1st Small Theatre Concert 〈HaSeul Music Studio 81.8Hz〉" in September 2023, generating excitement among fans who had waited years to hear her solo voice again.

Just over a year later, on December 9, 2024, HaSeul released her second digital single, "Fragile Eyes". This city pop track came fourteen months after her first digital single under MODHAUS. Both releases represented significant milestones in her post-LOONA career, establishing her artistic identity separate from yet connected to her previous work.

Her evolving musical style

HaSeul's new singles revealed a striking evolution from her operatic-influenced LOONA debut. "Fragile Eyes" embraced city pop aesthetics, beautifully conveying "the isolation and emotional struggles faced by young adults in their 20s living in cold, urban landscapes". Instead of offering warm reassurance, the song provided "a refreshing sense of distant yet comforting solace to its listeners".

This musical direction reflected HaSeul's personal growth, expressing "the paradoxical message of cold comfort sometimes becoming closer and familiar than a warm, cozy one". Alongside the single, she released a lyric video that offered fans deeper insight into the emotions behind the song.

Fan reception and critical response

Critics praised HaSeul's singles for their musical sophistication and emotional depth. Her solo work was described as "a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength, capturing the essence of what it means to be young and navigating the complexities of life". Music reviewers noted how "Fragile Eyes" created "an intimate listening experience that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt lost in a busy world".

Fan response was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for HaSeul's willingness to explore themes rarely addressed in mainstream K-pop. Her delicate vocals and the atmospheric production of her tracks garnered particular praise, positioning her as an artist whose music "lingers long after the song ends".

FAQS

Fans often have burning questions about HaSeul's career shift from LOONA to ARTMS. These frequently asked questions shed light on aspects of her journey that many followers are curious about.

Why did HaSeul join MODHAUS instead of CTD E&M with other former LOONA members?

After winning her legal battle against BlockBerryCreative, HaSeul made the personal decision to sign with MODHAUS alongside Heejin, Kim Lip, Jinsoul, and Choerry. This choice reflected her artistic vision and close bonds with these specific members, as she expressed: "We are a family."

Was ARTMS always meant to be the official group name?

Initially, ARTMS functioned solely as a project name rather than an official group title. As MODHAUS CEO explained: "LOONA is only complete with 12 members, so if a group name was suddenly decided on, I thought that the members whose lawsuits hadn't been concluded yet could've felt like there was no place for them." Once legal matters resolved, ARTMS became their permanent name.

How does HaSeul feel about fans who worry about her transition?

In interviews, HaSeul and her groupmates have addressed concerned fans directly. Heejin spoke for the group saying: "We're always simultaneously thankful and sorry to the fans. It took a lot of time for ARTMS to debut. Despite that, I'd like to thank the fans for waiting for us."

Was HaSeul always planned as part of ARTMS?

HaSeul was actually the final member to join the ARTMS lineup. She revealed: "I was the last member to join ARTMS, but all five of us are very passionate about music. I think the members who came together and gathered here had the biggest will to bring ARTMS to life."

How do ARTMS members feel about their international fans?

The group has noted differences between Korean and international audiences. Regarding US fans specifically, Heejin mentioned: "Fans in the U.S. openly show their support, so it excites us and gives us lots of strength," contrasting with Korean fans who tend to be more reserved in expressing enthusiasm.