Han Chowon could have been a member of the 12-member group IZ*ONE, but she ranked No. 13 due to voting manipulation. Four years after the program, whatever happened to the idol aspirant?
Han Chowon in 2018-2019: 'Produce 48,' Contract Signing With Cube Entertainment
In 2018, Han Chowon was first revealed to be a trainee representing Cube Entertainment through Mnet's survival reality show, "Produce 48."
At that time, she was already training for the company for almost two years, but she initially disappointed viewers and the mentors due to her sloppy dance skills. When she ranked 88th place in Episode 3, people thought she would be eliminated fast.
However, she earned the nickname "Reversal Queen" when Episode 6 happened. During their mission, Han Chowon surprised everyone with her heavenly vocals.
By the end of Episode 8, she already climbed multiple notches and attained the rank of 8th, securing her status as a prospective member of IZ*ONE.
In Episode 10, she once again blew K-pop fans' minds when she became the main rapper for "Rumor." Her improved dance skills were also lauded. Fans were so sure that Chowon would debut, but during Episode 12 (finale), she, unfortunately, ranked No. 13.
This caused heartbreak to fans as IZ*ONE would only be comprised of 12 members; thus, she was unable to debut in the group.
After the program, she focused on her studies and graduated from Hanlim Multi Art School in February 2019.
Months after finishing high school, Cube Entertainment announced that Han Chowon officially signed an exclusive contract with them as an official artist. However, it was not clear whether she would debut as a soloist or in a group.
Han Chowon in 2020-2021: 'Produce 48' Voting Manipulation Controversy, LIGHTSUM Debut
In early 2020, it was revealed that the results for Mnet's "Produce" series, including the season in which Chowon joined were rigged. Based on the court, the trainee was one of the victims of the voting manipulation.
But Chowon decided to move up from the frustrating experience, and in June 2021, she finally had her much-awaited debut as a LIGHTSUM member under Cube Entertainment.
ALSO READ: LIGHTSUM Chowon Opens Up on Real Rank in IZ*ONE Without 'Produce 48' Vote Manipulation
However, she set the record straight and highlighted how important it is for her that fans recognized her true final rank. In an interview, Chowon said:
"My rank went up from 80th place to 6th place, not from 80th place to 13th place. This is important for me."
Where is Han Chowon in 2022? First EP 'Into the Light'
This year, Han Chowon is still promoting as the main vocalist of the girl group LIGHTSUM.
In May 2022, they dropped their first EP, "Into the Light," along with the title track, "Alive."
Following their music show promotions, the group is actively participating in various music festivals such as Donauinselfest 2022 in June and UNI_KON in July.
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Written by Eunice Dawson
