At 26, K-pop singer Lee Chaeyeon has spent over half her life on stage. While she can’t pinpoint the moment she discovered her passion for performing, her journey in the spotlight began with a television appearance at nine, performing a Wonder Girls number. When she was 13, Chaeyeon competed as a trio with her sister Chaeryeong, now part of ITZY, and singer ME&MY (formerly known as Chaein of Purple Kiss) on K-pop Star 3.

The sisters were scouted by JYP Entertainment, and competed again on the idol survival show SIXTEEN for a spot in TWICE. Despite not making it into the group, Chaeyeon earned herself a reputation as one of the most formidable trainees in the K-pop world. And when she joined the idol survival show Produce 48 in 2018, it was clear that her moment had finally arrived. Chaeyeon joined IZ*ONE, and the project group dominated charts across Asia for their two-and-a-half-year run. After IZ*ONE’s disbandment in 2021, Chaeyeon returned as a soloist the following year, releasing tracks like “Hush Rush” and the TikTok-viral “Knock” over the years, each hit accompanied by the sharp choreography she is now known for.

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Despite already proving herself, Chaeyeon continued to join TV competitions like Street Woman Fighter, dominating every performance. One thing is certain, Chaeyeon was born for the stage. After a two-year break, and leaving her longtime label and signing with DayOneDream, she has now returned with her fourth EP Till I Die, a renewal and reminder of her love of performing. Following the release, she spoke to ELLE Singapore about the new record, TV competitions and staying motivated through it all. 

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It has been some time since your last release. How does it feel to be back with your new mini-album Till I Die?

It’s been about two years since my last release, so I feel excited and a little nervous. I spent a long time preparing for this album, which makes it even more meaningful. I'm really happy to be able to return and greet everyone with a new side of myself.

What does Till I Die represent for you right now?

Till I Die is the album that most honestly reflects who I am right now. It captures my desire and determination to keep going and to continue living on stage until the very end.

Till I Die is a strong record, with plenty of earworms. What made you decide on “No Tears On The Dancefloor” as its lead single?

When I first heard [the demo], I felt like, “this has to be the one.” I usually imagine the stage first and think about how I’ll perform a song, but "No Tears On The Dancefloor" really moved me emotionally. I really wanted to deliver that overwhelming feeling I experienced, exactly as it was, which is why I chose it as the title track.

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With Till I Die, you’re also starting a new journey under DayOneDream. How did the process behind it differ from your past experiences recording music?

Working in a new environment allowed me to share more of my own ideas and be more involved in the process. The team was able to build on and add colour to the foundation of my ideas, and I feel like I got to amplify what I wanted to express. I’m truly grateful for that.

You’ve built a reputation as a formidable dancer. How does the element of performance influence your musical choices in the studio?

I tend to constantly imagine the stage while listening to music and working in the studio. This time, I also participated in the choreography process, and to be honest, it wasn’t always an easy or comfortable experience. I kept doubting myself and worried quite a lot throughout the process.

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Your career began at just 13 with your appearance on K-pop Star 3. What drew you to music and performing at such a young age?

I’ve loved dancing and singing since I was very young. I used to watch countless girl group music videos and followed along, and that naturally led me to fall in love with music and performance. That passion has stayed with me until now.

You’ve been a strong contender in reality competitions like SIXTEEN and Produce 48. What pushes you to perform in these high-pressure settings?

I felt that I learned a lot through the process of challenging myself. There was a lot of pressure and worry, but I saw it as an opportunity to grow rather than settle. I’m also deeply thankful to those who supported me, even when it wasn't easy for them to do so. I was able to keep going because they stayed by my side.

You’ve spent over half your life training or performing. Have you ever considered pursuing a different life? What has kept you motivated through the years?

I don’t think I’ve seriously considered a different life. Being on stage makes me the happiest, and that feeling is what has kept me going all this time.

With such a busy lifestyle, what helps you recharge?

On my days off, I try to rest as comfortably as possible. Sometimes I do nothing at all, or I meet close friends and spend time talking and unwinding.

What are your biggest short- and long-term goals right now?

In the near future, I want to show more performances through this album. In the long-term, I hope to become an artiste who can stay on stage for a long time; someone people keep coming back to and look forward to.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.