Chaeryeong

Chaeryeong is a South Korean singer, rapper, and dancer best known as the main dancer and sub-vocalist/sub-rapper of JYP Entertainment's girl group ITZY. She debuted with the group in February 2019 and quickly gained recognition for her sharp, expressive dance technique and emotional stage presence. Standing at 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) and born on June 5, 2001, she has helped define ITZY's performance-driven "teen crush" identity through hits like "DALLA DALLA" and "WANNABE." Her technical skill as a dancer and her ability to convey emotion through movement have made her a standout performer in the competitive K-pop industry, with fans often praising her unusually flexible "rubber band" dance style and precise isolations. As of 2026, she continues to promote with ITZY, participating in group schedules, variety appearances, and dance-focused content, while expressing interest in further solo music and acting opportunities.[edit]

Chaeryeong was born and raised in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. She is the younger sister of singer Lee Chaeyeon, a former member of IZ*ONE, whose early success influenced her path. From a young age she showed interest in performing arts and entered the K-pop trainee system as a child. She first appeared on television in 2013 on the survival program Sixteen, though she did not debut with the resulting group TWICE. After that experience she continued training, auditioned successfully for JYP Entertainment in 2017, and trained for roughly two years. She attended Hanlim Multi Art School, studying musical theatre alongside future ITZY member Ryujin. Her pre-debut years were defined by intense dance practice, developing the precise, fluid style that later became her trademark. Fan profiles suggest she used the English name Judy Lee during her training, though this is not officially confirmed. Her dedication during this period laid the foundation for her technical dance ability and stage confidence, and by the time she debuted with ITZY in 2019, she was already a polished performer ready to take on the industry.[edit]

Chaeryeong debuted as a member of ITZY in February 2019 with the digital single "DALLA DALLA," which became an instant hit and established the group's confident concept. She rose to prominence through "WANNABE" choreography in 2020, with the group achieving multiple music-show wins and growing international recognition. In 2021, "LOCO" promotions featured her dance breaks that received widespread praise from choreographers and peers. In 2022, ITZY's Checkmate EP surpassed one million copies sold, and "Sneakers" marked another commercial peak. She participated in ITZY's Japanese promotions (Ringo, Motto) and world tours in 2023–2024. In 2024, she released her first solo OST, "21," for the television series Who Is She, a significant personal milestone showcasing her vocal abilities outside group work. She continued group promotions for Girls Will Be Girls and Tunnel Vision EPs in 2025–2026. Chaeryeong is widely regarded as one of the strongest dancers in her generation, and her contributions to ITZY's performance identity have been central to the group's success.[edit]

Chaeryeong is widely regarded as ITZY's technical dance anchor, known for her sharp, expressive movements and a flexible 'rubber band' style that combines precise isolations with emotional storytelling. Her signature aesthetic blends sharp streetwear with feminine elegance, often featuring bold colors and structured silhouettes that mirror the group's confident 'teen crush' concept. Media and fans perceive her as shy and warm in behind-the-scenes content, with a self-deprecating humor in livestreams that contrasts with her powerful stage presence. ITZY's official fandom, MIDZY, celebrates her through dance challenges, streaming parties for her parts, and choreography reaction videos. On social media, she maintains a gentle and occasionally playful tone, often expressing gratitude to fans and sharing glimpses of her practice sessions. Her public image is that of a dedicated performer who prioritizes emotional expression through dance, earning her a reputation as one of the 4th generation's standout dancers.[edit]

Chaeryeong's fanbase, known collectively as MIDZY, is the official fandom of ITZY, and she does not have a separate individual fandom name. MIDZYs are highly organized, with a strong streaming culture and coordinated voting efforts, and Chaeryeong's personal Instagram account, with approximately 5 million followers, gives her a substantial platform for direct engagement. Fans participate in birthday hashtag trends and supportive online campaigns, though there are no documented large-scale physical projects exclusively for her. Chaeryeong is known for warm interactions at fan signs and for sharing behind-the-scenes content, including dance covers like her March 2025 cover of Sabrina Carpenter's 'Please, Please, Please'.

As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Chaeryeong but she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, including the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. Her fanbase has no formal name beyond the group's MIDZY designation, and individual supporters are sometimes informally called 'Chaeryeong stans'. Despite the lack of a solo ranking, her status as a main dancer in a top-tier group and her significant social media following contribute to her global recognition.[edit]

Chaeryeong's blood type is B, a common detail in K-pop fan trivia. She appeared on the YouTube series Celebrities React alongside ITZY. She is known for her unusually flexible 'rubber band' dance style and precise isolations. She shared the same high school (Hanlim) with bandmate Ryujin. Her English name is sometimes listed as Judy Lee in early fan profiles. She has not won any individual competitive awards outside of group activities; all documented wins were earned collectively as a member of ITZY.

One of the most retold stories about Chaeryeong is her journey through survival shows. She first appeared on Mnet's 'SIXTEEN' in 2015, where she was eliminated, and later competed on 'The Unit' in 2017, also without winning. Her eventual debut with ITZY in 2019 is framed as a triumphant 'third time's the charm' narrative, symbolizing resilience. Another widely cited aspect of her legend is her reputation as ITZY's best dancer, a fact supported by her training and performance history. Fans also discuss a folklore around whether she 'deserved' her debut spot, though this is fan discourse rather than verified fact.[edit]

Chaeryeong keeps her family life private. Her only publicly known relative is her older sister, Lee Chaeyeon, a former member of IZ*ONE. She graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School. No public information exists about her parents or other siblings. Her agency protects her family's privacy.[edit]

Chaeryeong is most closely associated with her ITZY bandmates, with whom she performs and promotes. She works with JYP Entertainment's production team and choreographers. Her 2024 OST collaboration with the drama Who Is She connected her with the show's creative team. [edit]

Chaeryeong has no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. As a K-pop idol under JYP Entertainment, she has maintained a private personal life, and neither she nor her agency has acknowledged any dating history. Occasional fan speculation appears on social media and forums, but no credible media outlets have reported confirmed partnerships. As of 2026, she is considered single, with no known children.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Chaeryeong's net worth at $5 Million. Her primary income comes from ITZY's group activities, including album sales, digital streaming, concert tours, and merchandise. Checkmate and later releases each exceeded one million copies sold. As a member of a top-tier K-pop group under JYP Entertainment, she also benefits from group endorsement deals and advertising campaigns with fashion, beauty, and tech brands. Her solo OST work, such as the 2024 track '21,' provides additional revenue. While specific contract terms are private, K-pop idols in major groups typically earn significant sums from touring and brand partnerships. Top-tier 4th-generation idols often earn several hundred thousand dollars annually from touring and commercials. Her net worth has grown steadily since ITZY's debut in 2019, reflecting the group's commercial success. Real estate and investment details are undisclosed.[edit]