Lightsum
South Korean girl group
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lightsum (Korean: 라잇썸, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group formed by Cube Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Sangah, Chowon, Nayoung, Hina, Juhyeon, and Yujeong. Originally an eight-piece ensemble, members Huiyeon and Jian departed the group in October 2022. The group debuted on June 10, 2021, with the release of their debut single album, Vanilla.
Lightsum | |
|---|---|
Lightsum in August 2024 L–R: Nayoung, Chowon, Juhyeon, Hina, Yujeong, and Sangah | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
| Genres | K-pop |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Label | Cube |
| Member of | United Cube |
| Members |
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| Past members |
|
| Website | Official website |
Name
The group's name, Lightsum, is a combination of the words "light" and "sum", which symbolizes "things that shine small gather together to light up the world, delivering greater positive energy through a message of hope".[1]
History
2017–2020: Pre-debut activities
Juhyeon participated in The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project in 2017–2018 where she finished in 25th place.[2] Chowon, Nayoung, and Yujeong participated in Produce 48 in 2018 where they finished in 13th place, 21st place, and 51st place respectively.[3][4][5] It was later revealed that Chowon was rigged out of the lineup of Iz*One, and that her real final ranking was 6th place.[6] Juhyeon later participated in Dancing High in 2018, but did not pass the evaluation round.[7] Chowon was cast in Bully Bad Guys and The Dominator 3: Junior Bullies in 2020.[8]
2021–present: Introduction, debut with Vanilla, Into the Light, and members departure
On April 15, 2021, Cube Entertainment announced that it would be debuting a new girl group, their first since (G)I-dle in 2018.[9] The members were revealed in pairs from April 19 to 22 (in order: Juhyeon, Sangah, Chowon, Jian, Nayoung, Huiyeon, Hina, and Yujeong).[10][11][12][13] A video trailer with all eight members was revealed on April 23, 2021.[14][15] On May 27, it was announced that Lightsum would release their debut single album Vanilla on June 10,[16] making their broadcast debut on Mnet's M Countdown with a performance of their debut single.[17] On October 13, Lightsum released their second single album Light a Wish, with "Vivace" serving as the lead single.[18]
On May 24, 2022, Lightsum released their first extended play Into the Light, with the lead single "Alive".[19] On October 25, Cube Entertainment announced the departure of members Huiyeon and Jian from the group and that Lightsum would be reorganized as a group of six.[20]
On May 5, 2023, it was reported that Lightsum is currently under preparations for a comeback in the first half of 2023.[21] On June 7, Sangah participated in Mnet's girl group survival show Queendom Puzzle as a contestant.[22] she was eliminated in the first elimination rounds.[23] On September 18, it was announced that they would have their comeback in the second week of October with their second extended play.[24] On September 21, it was announced that Lightsum would release their second EP Honey or Spice on October 11.[25] On October 11, the group made their comeback after 1 year and 5 months with the release of their second EP "Honey or Spice", along with its lead single as the same name.[26]
On July 31, 2024, the group released a teaser for their first digital single "Pose!", set for release on August 7.[27] On August 3, the group released a concept photos for the digital single.[28] On August 7, Lightsum released the digital single "Pose!" 10 months after their previous comeback.[29]
On January 15, 2026, a sub-unit release titled "Beautiful Pain" with members Sangah, Chowon, and Juhyeon was released. This is a remake version of BtoB's version released in 2018.[30][31]
Members
Current
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Former
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Timeline
Discography
Extended plays
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [32] | |||
| Into the Light |
|
13 |
|
| Honey or Spice |
|
14 |
|
Single albums
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [35] | |||
| Vanilla |
|
12 |
|
| Light a Wish |
|
7 |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Down. [38] |
US World [39] | ||||
| "Vanilla" | 2021 | 59 | 8 | Vanilla | |
| "Vivace" | 16 | 8 | Light a Wish | ||
| "Alive" | 2022 | 54 | — | Into the Light | |
| "Honey or Spice" | 2023 | 96 | — | Honey or Spice | |
| "Pose!" | 2024 | 63 | — | Non-album Single | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory | |||||
Videography
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Artist Awards | 2021 | Female Idol Group Popularity Award | Lightsum | Nominated | [45] |
| 2022 | Potential Awards – Music | Won | [46] | ||
| Asian Pop Music Awards | 2021 | Best New Artist (Overseas) | Light a Wish | Nominated | [47] |
| Genie Music Awards | 2022 | Next Wave Icon | Lightsum | Won | [48] |
| Hanteo Music Awards | 2021 | Rookie Award – Female Group | Nominated | [49] | |
| 2024 | Hanteo Choice K-Pop Female Artist | Won | [50] | ||
| Korea First Brand Awards | 2022 | Female Rookie Idol Award | Won | [51] | |
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2021 | Artist of the Year | Longlisted | [52] | |
| Best New Female Artist | Nominated | ||||
| Seoul Music Awards | 2022 | K-wave Popularity Award | Nominated | [53] | |
| Popularity Award | Nominated | ||||
| Rookie of the Year | Nominated |
