After the devastating crowd crush tragedy in Itaewon, we learned that over 150 people lost their lives. Sadly, one of those people was actor and former idol trainee Lee Jihan. A talent both on the stage and screen, Lee Jihan was perhaps best known for appearing on the popular music elimination show Produce 101 Season 2. During his time on the program, he showcased his abundant talent, quirky personality, and, best of all, his contagious smile.

Though our hearts are heavy, let’s take a moment to smile as wide as Jihan did and fondly remember some of his Produce 101 highlights.

Lee Jihan | Self-Introduction

Jihan began his Produce 101 journey with an adorable, period-drama-inspired self-introduction video that foreshadowed his future foray into acting. He strolls into frame, dressed in a traditional hanbok, and performs a monologue sure to steal fans' hearts.

Monologue Translation:

I’ve had a lot on my mind lately
Though I look at the sky, I see your face
Though I walk this path, it’s you I see
What should I do?
To me, you’re the moon
No matter where I go, I can see you
Don’t go far from me
That’s a royal command

Jihan then introduces himself and asks his audience, called “National Producers,” for support.

Lee Jihan | It’s Meringue Time!

Lee Jihan and Lee Youjin | What’s in the Box?

Produce 101 also released a few short videos of Jihan playing games like “It's Meringue Time!” and “What’s in the Box?,” which he did with his fellow contestant, Lee Youjin. These games showcased Jihan’s quirky and fun personality. The meringue challenge video is especially charming. After proudly declaring that he will make meringue for his viewers at home, Jihan immediately ignores the first rule of meringue: separating your egg whites. Perhaps coached from the side by staff, Jihan retraces his steps and tries to separate the whites, laughing good-naturedly at himself along the way. Finally admitting defeat, he simply cracks one of the eggs on his head with a big smile.

Lee Jihan | “Overdose” Performance

The National Producers finally got to see Jihan’s idol abilities on display with his ranking performance, a cover of EXO’s “Overdose.” He showcased a strong dance performance and even managed to pull off the vocal performance in spite of the challenging and aggressive choreography. It was surely the solid audition that fans had been waiting for.

Group Performance | “Be Mine”

Lee Jihan | “Be Mine” Fancam

The contestants’ second mission was to divide into twelve teams and perform a song in front of a live audience. This led to Jihan’s best performance of all, “Be Mine” by INFINITE. Jihan shined in his fancam, serving a magnetic stage presence and prince-like visuals. His voice captivated, especially when he sang the line “Pick me pick me, pick me pick me,” eliciting screams of delight from the audience.

Although Jihan was eliminated on episode 5 of Produce 101, he didn’t stop there and used the show as a springboard for his acting career, appearing in a Nongsim skit, an Indonesian coffee campaign, and even a web drama. At the time of his death, he was preparing for his TV debut in Kkokdu’s Gye Jeol alongside big-name stars Im Soohyang and Kim Junghyun.

Lee Jihan was lost too soon, and it’s clear he was going to use his artistic talents in amazing ways. Nothing can soften these truths or make up for what was lost. Still, if we remember and enjoy the work that Jihan did in his short life, we honor his dream of making people smile through art. So, as we rewatch these old videos and cross our fingers that Jihan will make a posthumous appearance in Kkokdu’s Gye Jeol, let’s smile for him.

Edited by Erin Rupprecht

Remembering an Artist: Lee Jihan