Chaeryeong (ITZY): Profile, Career, & Fun Facts

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Chaeryeong's Profile

Real Name: Lee Chae-ryeong
Native Name: 이채령
Nicknames: Chaer, Cherry, Ryeong-chae, Judy
Birthday: Jun 05, 2001 (24 years old)
Blood type: B
Height/Weight: 166 cm (5’5”) / 46 kg (101 lbs)
Gender: Female
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Debut: February 12, 2019
Position: Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper
MBTI: ESFJ
Birthplace: Yongin, South Korea
Nationality: South Korean
Profession: Singer, Dancer, Rapper
Language Skills: Korean, Japanese, English
Group: ITZY

Lee Chae-ryeong (이채령), stage name Chaeryeong, was born on June 5, 2001, in Yongin, South Korea. She is a singer, rapper, and dancer, currently managed by JYP Entertainment. Chaeryeong is a member of the girl group ITZY, serving as the main dancer, sub-vocalist, and sub-rapper.

Early Life

Chaeryeong is the second child in a family of three daughters, with her older sister Lee Chaeyeon (former member of IZ*ONE) and younger sister Lee Chaemin. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School, majoring in Musical Theatre, alongside ITZY member Ryujin. Chaeryeong began her music career in 2013 by participating in K-pop Star 3 and later SIXTEEN under JYP Entertainment. Although she did not win these competitions, she gained attention and joined JYP Entertainment in 2014, undergoing five years of training before debuting with ITZY in 2019.

Career

Chaeryeong began her artistic journey in 2013 when she appeared as a contestant on the survival program K-pop Star 3. Following the show, she attracted attention and soon became a trainee under JYP Entertainment, one of the leading entertainment companies in South Korea.

In 2015, Chaeryeong and her sister Chaeyeon joined JYP’s survival show SIXTEEN, created to select the official lineup for the girl group TWICE. She was eliminated in the final round but remained with the company, continuing years of intensive training as a trainee.

On February 12, 2019, Chaeryeong officially debuted as a member of ITZY with the single album It’z Different and its title track “Dalla Dalla.” This marked her entry into the K-pop industry. Within the group, Chaeryeong took on the role of main dancer while also contributing as a supporting vocalist and rapper.

Between 2019 and 2020, ITZY released a series of successful tracks including “Dalla Dalla,” “ICY,” and “Wannabe.” Chaeryeong participated in all promotional activities, stage performances, and international schedules with the group. At the same time, on February 7, 2020, she graduated from Hanlim Multi Arts School, completing her academic commitments alongside her group activities.

In August 2021, Chaeryeong was selected as Artist of the Month by Studio Choom, where she performed a dance cover of Camila Cabello’s “Cry for Me.” This became a significant individual project that highlighted her dance performance skills outside of group activities.

In 2023, Chaeryeong expanded her activities beyond ITZY. She appeared as a mentor on the SBS survival reality show Universe Ticket. That same year, she featured on the track “Doremifasolatido” from Umbrella, an album by Lee Chan-hyuk of AKMU. Later in 2023, Chaeryeong released her solo track “Mine” as part of ITZY’s eighth mini album Born to Be. The track had its own music video and entered the Circle Download Chart.

In 2024, Chaeryeong released her first official soundtrack contribution, “21,” for the television drama Who Is She on December 19. This marked her debut as a drama OST singer. In the same year, she launched her personal web show Chaebaebul (Chaeryeong’s Full Belly, My Friend Is Full) in June, signaling her entry into hosting and personal entertainment projects.

By 2025, Chaeryeong continued her activities as a member of ITZY while also developing her individual career through diverse projects in music, dance, collaborations, and television programs. She has established herself as a multifaceted artist within the new generation of K-pop idols.

Difficulties

From ITZY’s debut, Chaeryeong’s appearance became a frequent topic of debate on online communities in South Korea. She was often labeled the “visual hole” of the group, and edited photos of her circulated with mocking captions. In 2022, controversy arose during a radio appearance when fellow member Lia made an offhand remark about Chaeryeong’s skin tone that some considered inappropriate.

Chaeryeong has stated that her pre-debut years were particularly challenging, as she faced the demands of intensive training while also receiving negative commentary about her looks. During this period, she tended to remain in the background of photos and kept a limited range of expressions in an effort to avoid criticism. This resulted in her being framed as an “unpretty idol,” a perception that overshadowed her skills and performances.

Over time, however, Chaeryeong earned recognition for her distinctive stage presence, emotional depth, and technical precision. In 2024, her solo performance Run Away—for which she wrote the lyrics—was seen as a turning point, highlighting her growth as both a performer and a storyteller. Her evolving image and musical contributions have since reshaped public perception, establishing her as a versatile and resilient artist.

Chaeryeong’s Facts:

Chaeryeong gets easily startled by loud noises, and her scared reactions often turn into memes.
She went viral as the “Pringles Girl” after asking Lee Youngji if she could eat a whole can of Pringles at once.
She’s known for zoning out on stage and suddenly realizing it, creating the perfect “blank stare” meme.
Members call her “Pharmacist Chaeryeong” because she always carries a little medicine pouch.
She talks to herself when alone in her room, which other members find hilarious.
She can freestyle dance to almost any girl group song without preparation.
She dislikes pizza, ramen, salmon, and mint chocolate, making her food taste unique among idols.
She constantly plays with her hair on camera like a natural habit.
She’s a true homebody who enjoys rewatching dramas and idol fancams at home.
She once blushed and got shy like a fangirl when meeting Yoona from SNSD.
Even small expressions like frowning or sticking her tongue out often become reaction gifs.
She laughs awkwardly whenever she makes a mistake on stage, making everyone around her laugh too.
She’s known for throwing out random comments that accidentally turn into comedy gold.
Fans call her a “walking meme” because her expressions alone can be turned into reactions.
She often gives off unexpected chaotic energy, earning her the nickname “hidden chaos energy.”
She is close friends with TWICE members, Jeon Somi, and Jiwon from fromis_9.

Likes

Enjoys watching romantic comedies and often re-watches popular dramas such as Goblin and Descendants of the Sun.
Likes the music of Justin Bieber and Girls’ Generation, artists who have influenced her taste.
Enjoys eating Vietnamese spring rolls, shine muscats, tangerines, and fresh fruits.
Likes ice cream and generally prefers light, healthy meals over heavy foods.
Prefers keeping her hair black, often choosing this natural shade during promotions.
Enjoys quiet activities in her free time such as watching movies, doing nail art, and drawing.
Likes exploring different kinds of food but tends to favor lighter flavors.

Dislikes

Dislikes winter because of the cold weather.
Dislikes cold cucumber soup, a traditional Korean dish.
Doesn’t enjoy foods that are too greasy or rich, including cheese, salmon, and tuna.
Dislikes certain noodle dishes such as ramyeon, udon, and cold naengmyeon.
Finds math and science difficult and has mentioned she doesn’t enjoy studying those subjects.

Personality

Warm and considerate, cares about others’ feelings.
Shy and quiet around strangers, but funny and naturally playful with close friends.
Often the listener in the group, yet sometimes drops unexpectedly witty comments.
Straightforward and realistic, speaks directly without beating around the bush.
Patient and persistent, maintained passion through a long trainee period.
A relaxed homebody who enjoys staying in, watching dramas, and simple activities.

Abilities

Dance: Highly flexible, can freestyle almost any girl group choreography without preparation.
Singing: Soft, expressive voice suitable for subtle vocal lines.
Expressions: Natural facial expressions often turn into memes and reaction gifs.
Communication: Friendly with members and fans, easily creates a comfortable group atmosphere.
Multitasking: Takes care of others (e.g., carries medicine for members) and balances group and personal responsibilities.

Photo Gallery