Artist Highlight: Chungha

From trainee days to “EENIE MEENIE.”

I.O.I

Chungha, born Kim Chanmi, became a trainee under JYP Entertainment at the age of 16. Her time with the company was limited and she joined MNH Entertainment, where she later debuted as a solo artist. Chungha studied dance in college at Sejong University where she graduated with a degree in Dance.

She represented MNH Entertainment on the reality survival girl group show Produce 101. She participated in the show from January to April 2016, ranking at No. 4 in the final lineup. On May 4, 2016, Chungha debuted as the main dancer and lead vocalist of the 11-member girl group I.O.I. The group released their debut EP Chrysalis which peaked at No. 4 on the Gaon Album Chart.

A month after the group’s debut, a seven-member sub-unit that included Chungha was formed. The sub-unit released the song “Whatta Man (Good Man)” for the group’s summer promotional activities. The group tested out multiple versions of the choreography and ultimately chose Chungha’s.

Unfortunately, I.O.I’s contract ended on January 31, 2017, less than a year after their debut. The group released their final track “Downpour,” a ballad written and produced by SEVENTEEN’s Woozi, on January 18, 2017.

Solo debut

Five months after I.O.I’s disbandment, Chungha released her debut EP Hands on Me which sold over 10,000 copies.

She released her second EP six months later, Offset, which debuted and peaked at No. 3 on the Gaon Album Chart. The success of the EP’s lead single “Roller Coaster” caused her to be nominated for the “AAA Favorite Award” at the Asia Artist Awards, which she won. Chungha has released many collaborations over the years, working with artists such as: Samuel Kim, Yesung of Super Junior, Changmin of TVXQ, Colde, and most recently Hongjoong of ATEEZ.

Chungha left her long-time label MNH Entertainment after her contract expired in May 2023. Following this, she worked independently for some time before signing with Jay Park’s MORE VISION.

Edited by Lacey Diluvio