She has since moved agencies.
Koreaboo
While being a recognizable idol might give the impression of having fewer problems or struggles, it can definitely be the opposite. Some idols have openly discussed financial worries, shocking fans with their situations.
Now, a popular female idol has admitted to facing difficulties even at what could be considered a peak of popularity.
In 2018, the winning group from Produce 48, IZ*ONE, debuted featuring a line-up of 12 members.
The group broke several records for girl groups at the time, winning multiple Bonsangs in their time active as a group. After their disbandment in April 2021, the members went their separate ways, with some debuting as soloists or in groups.
This includes Lee Chaeyeon who made her official solo debut in 2022.
Recently, the idol spoke about this early time in her solo career in a video on her YouTube channel.
While discussing the possible content she could do, she admitted she had looked into a side-job platform “two or three years ago,” saying she was broke and had no income.
Chaeyeon said that because she was recognizable, she had to carefully consider any job she applied for. She shared that after IZ*ONE disbanded, she had no income and had to dip into her savings in order for living expenses.
While many were saddened by her admission, others also felt anger at the agency that her contract was under for its management of her career.
As a chaerish, this is so heartbreaking knowing that after IZ*ONE ended, Chaeyeon had zero income for nearly three years & had to rely on her savings 🥺
No one sees the silent struggles behind the smiles she shows us.. My baby really endured so much 🥺🥲
I hope the upcoming… pic.twitter.com/ylYZBzvVdc
— Izzah🍒 (@izzahshukor12) February 24, 2026
chaeyeon deserves so much better
hope her new company can do that for her https://t.co/2C9wmhsn1z— zen (@zenzutto) February 24, 2026
i just shed a tear on this part. RBW really ruined wm’s plans for her after acquisition. it’s so heartbreaking to hear this coming from chaeyeon herself 💔💔💔 https://t.co/C8ZI6Xgsfs
— jer 🍒 (@chaerleez) February 24, 2026
You can watch the full video below.