Cube Entertainment’s newest girl group LIGHTSUM debuted on June 10 with the single “Vanilla,” but one of its members was supposed to debut much earlier and in a different group.
Before Han Chowon became LIGHTSUM’s main vocalist, she was on the survival show Produce 48. Her stint on the show got off to quite a rough start. She ranked 64th in the first episode and was teetering on the brink of elimination by the third. But she became more popular as the weeks went by thanks to her powerful performances.
Unfortunately, she didn’t make it into IZ*ONE. At the time, viewers felt she had been robbed—and they turned out to be right. After a thorough investigation, Korean courts discovered that Chowon actually ranked 6th in the Produce 48 finale, which means she should’ve been in IZ*ONE all along. She had been kept out of the group because the show’s producing director or PD rigged the votes.
Although she debuted as an actress soon after the show ended, Chowon revealed that she felt cheated when she learned about the manipulation scandal. But she eventually got over her hurt feelings by focusing on her blessings.
“It would be a lie if I said I didn’t feel any confusion, disappointment or a sense of defeat. At the time, I thought it was unfair. But now I’m happy because I debuted with my LIGHTSUM members. Nayoung, Yujeong, and I were on Produce 48 together, but we never got to perform for viewers. Now we can.”
Chowon’s journey is proof that what’s meant for you will always find its way to you. Even if nefarious forces tried to get in the way of her dream, she eventually got what she deserved—a chance to shine as part of a girl group with serious potential.
Congratulations, Chowon!
