Kim Chae-yeon

Biography

Kim Chae-yeon (Korean: 김채연; born December 4, 2004) is a South Korean singer and actress. She is a member of the South Korean girl group tripleS and its sub-units, Krystal Eyes, Acid Eyes, Evolution, Aria, Hatchi and Sun.
She is a former member of South Korean girl groups CutieL and Busters. As an actress, Kim began her career by starring in the film Scandal Makers (2008).

Early life

Kim Chae-yeon was born on December 4, 2004, in Mia-dong, Gangbuk District, Seoul, South Korea. Kim became interested in the entertainment industry since 10 years old. She was scouted by a child model street casting agent when she was in second grade of elementary school, around 7 or 8 years old. Her parents were initially doubtful but encouraged her to give it a try. After seeing herself on television, she decided she wanted to be a celebrity. She initially aspired to be a day-care teacher or a racing player.

2008–2020: Early career beginnings, CutieL, debut with Busters

Kim began her acting career in 2008 in a supporting role in a South Korean film, Scandal Makers. In 2014, Kim became a member of the children's group 'CutieL' as a 2nd generation member. In 2017, all 2nd generation members departed from the group. She was announced to be a member of Busters when they were formed to promote Monstergram's upcoming TV series Idol Rangers Power Busters. She made her debut with the group's single album Dream On on November 27, 2017, In 2018, she auditioned to become the new MC of 'Tok! Tok! Boni Hani', she passed the first and final auditions and was selected as the official MC of the show. In 2020, Kim didn't participate in the Busters' Paeonia promotion cycle due to conflicting schedules caused by her MC position on 'Boni Hani'. On August 6, 2020, Kim left the group to continue acting and other activities. On July 21, 2021, Kim signed an exclusive contract with YK Media Plus, also effectively changing her stage name into her real name for promotional purposes.

2022–present: Debut with tripleS

On June 16, 2022, it was reported that Kim would be re-debuting as a member of TripleS. On June 22, Kim was introduced as the fourth member of the group. In July 2022, Kim sung the original soundtrack for the animation series Armored Saurus Season 2. On September 16, 2022, TripleS announced they would be debuting their first two sub-units, with the members being voted by fans. On September 22, Kim became the third member announced as a member of the sub-unit Krystal Eyes.
On February 13, 2023, Kim alongside other first ten revealed members of TripleS, released the group' debut EP, Assemble, with the title track "Rising". Following with the debut of +(KR)ystal Eyes on May 4, 2023, with their mini album, 'Aesthetic'. On April 19, Kim threw a ceremonial first pitch at a Samsung Lions and Kiwoom Heroes baseball game. On April 20, TripleS announced their third and fourth sub-units, Kim was announced as the second member of Evolution on April 23. EVOLution debuted with their EP '<⟡> (MUJUK)' on October 11. On November 24, Kim was chosen as a member of the new ballad sub-unit, Aria. The sub-unit released their debut single album on January 15, 2024.
On May 8, 2024, Kim, alongside TripleS, released the group's first comeback, Assemble24. On August 27, she was revealed as a member of Hatchi, TripleS' subunit focusing on Japanese promotions. Subsequently, Kim, together with Hatchi, released the single album Untitled.
On May 12, 2025, Kim, alongside TripleS, released the group's second comeback, Assemble25. On September 8, she was revealed as a member of Sun.
On September 10, 2026, Kim launched her personal YouTube channel 13 Year Rookie Kim Chae-yeon.

Endorsements

Kim has appeared in commercials for Pengtalk, Perfect Score Math Plus, Knights Chronicles and GS25. In 2019, she collaborated with Academy Sciences, launching a toy product called 'Creating a Creator' for children who want to be a one-man creator. In 2025, Kim became the advertising model for 'Dr Wonder'.