Lightsum

South Korean girl group

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
Labels| Cube
Members|

* Sangah
* Chowon
* Nayoung
* Hina
* Juhyeon
* Yujeong

Past members|

* Huiyeon
* Jian

Website| Official website

Lightsum (Korean: 라잇썸; RR: Raitsseom; MR: Raitssŏm, 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.

## Name

[edit]

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

[edit]

### 2017–2020: Pre-debut activities

[edit]

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

[edit]

Lightsum in June 2021

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 mini album.[24] On September 21, it was announced Lightsum would release their second extended play 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]

## Members

[edit]

### Current

[edit]

* Sangah (상아)
* Chowon (초원)
* Nayoung (나영)
* Hina (히나)
* Juhyeon (주현)
* Yujeong (유정)

### Former

[edit]

* Huiyeon (휘연)
* Jian (지안)

|

### Timeline

[edit]

## Discography

[edit]

### Extended plays

[edit]

List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures  Title  | Details  | Peak chart
positions  | Sales

|
|
|

KOR
[30]
Into the Light |

* Released: May 24, 2022
* Label: Cube Entertainment
* Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

| 13  |

* KOR: 17,902[31]

Honey or Spice |

* Released: October 11, 2023
* Label: Cube Entertainment
* Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

| 14  |

* KOR: 19,412[32]

### Single albums

[edit]

List of single albums, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures  Title  | Details  | Peak chart positions  | Sales

|
|
|

KOR
[33]
Vanilla |

* Released: June 10, 2021
* Label: Cube Entertainment
* Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

| 12  |

* KOR: 41,143[34]

Light a Wish |

* Released: October 13, 2021
* Label: Cube Entertainment
* Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

| 7  |

* KOR: 28,416[35]

### Singles

[edit]

List of singles, showing year released, selected peak positions, sales figures, and name of the album  Title  | Year  | Peak chart positions  | Album

|
|
|

KOR
Down.
[36] | US
World
[37]
"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

[edit]

### Music videos

[edit]

Title  | Year  | Director(s)  | Length  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

"Vanilla"  | 2021  | Vikings League  | 3:32  | [38]
"Vivace"  | Etui  | 3:34  | [39]
"Alive"  | 2022  | Jimmy (Via)  | 3:39  | [40]
"Honey or Spice"  | 2023  | Novv Kim (Novv)  | 3:38  | [41]
"Pose!"  | 2024  |  | 2:37  | [42]

## Awards and nominations

[edit]

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination  Award ceremony  | Year  | Category  | Nominee / Work  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|
|

Asia Artist Awards | 2021  | Female Idol Group Popularity Award  | Lightsum  | Nominated  | [43]
2022 | Potential Awards – Music  | Won  | [44]
Asian Pop Music Awards  | 2021  | Best New Artist (Overseas)  | Light a Wish | Nominated  | [45]
Genie Music Awards | 2022 | Next Wave Icon  | Lightsum  | Won  | [46]
Hanteo Music Awards | 2021  | Rookie Award – Female Group  | Nominated  | [47]
2024 | Hanteo Choice K-Pop Female Artist  | Won  | [48]
Korea First Brand Awards  | 2022  | Female Rookie Idol Award  | Won  | [49]
Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2021 | Artist of the Year | Longlisted  | [50]
Best New Female Artist | Nominated
Seoul Music Awards | 2022 | K-wave Popularity Award  | Nominated  | [51]
Popularity Award  | Nominated
Rookie of the Year  | Nominated

## References

[edit]

1. ^ Baek, Ji-eun (April 15, 2021). "[공식] 큐브, 新 걸그룹 '라잇썸' 론칭...(여자)아이들 이후 3년만" [[Official] Cube launches new girl group 'Lightsum'... 3 years after (G)I-dle] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
2. ^ "KBS 아이돌 리부팅 프로젝트 더 유닛 – 유닛순위" [KBS Idol Reboot Project The Unit – Unit Ranking]. Korea Broadcasting System (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
3. ^ "Produce 48 – Week 12 Ranking". Mnet (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
4. ^ "Produce 48 – Week 11 Ranking". Mnet (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
5. ^ "Produce 48 – Week 7". Mnet (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
6. ^ Kang, Jin-ah (June 10, 2021). "'라잇썸' 초원 "'프로듀스48' 조작, 상실감 없었다면 거짓말"" ['Lightsum' Chowon "The manipulation of 'Produce 48' would be a lie if there was no sense of loss"] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on August 28, 2021. Retrieved August 28, 2021 - via Naver.
7. ^ Kim, Ye-eun (September 8, 2018). "'댄싱하이' 비가 극찬한 이주현 "큐브 연습생, 어렸을 때부터 춤 좋아해"" ['Dancing High' Rain praised Lee Joo-hyun, "Cube trainee, I like dancing since I was little"]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
8. ^ Kim, Mi-ji (November 18, 2020). ""아이즈원 멤버였는데"...조작에 인생 바뀐 이가은·한초원 향한 관심 [엑's 초점]" ["I was a member of IZone" ... interest in Lee Ga-eun and Han Cho-won who changed their life due to manipulation [X's focus]] (in Korean). X-sports News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
9. ^ Ji, Seung-hoon (April 15, 2021). "큐브 새 걸그룹 'LIGHTSUM(라잇썸)', 로고 공개...본격 데뷔 시동" [Cube's new girl group 'LIGHTSUM', logo released ... full-scale debut start] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
10. ^ Jeon, Hyo-jin (April 19, 2021). "큐브 신인 라잇썸, 멤버 주현X상아 프로필 공개" [Cube rookie Lightsome, member Joohyun X Sanga profile revealed] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on April 19, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
11. ^ Ji, Min-kyung (April 20, 2021). "큐브 新걸그룹 라잇썸, 두 번째 프로필 공개..'프듀48' 한초원 멤버 확정 [공식]" [Cube's new girl group Lightsome reveals second profile ... 'Produce 48' Han Chowon member confirmed [Official]] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
12. ^ Lee, Sun-myeong (April 21, 2021). "큐브 엔터 새 그룹 '라잇썸' 나영·휘연, 얼굴 공개" [Cube Entertainment's new group 'Lightsum' Nayoung and Hwiyeon reveal their faces] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
13. ^ Baek, Ji-eun (April 22, 2021). "[공식] '큐브 新 걸그룹' 라잇썸, '프듀48' 유정-히나 공개" [[Official] 'Cube's new girl group' Lightsum, 'Produce 48' Yoojung-Hina revealed] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
14. ^ LIGHTSUM(라잇썸) – PROFILE FILM : LIGHTSUM. Cube Entertainment. April 22, 2021. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via YouTube.
15. ^ Lee, Min-ji (April 23, 2021). "큐브 新 8인조 걸그룹 라잇썸, 단체 프로필 공개 '데뷔 초읽기'" [Cube's new 8-member girl group Lightsome, unveils group profile 'Countdown to debut'] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
16. ^ Lee, Seung-Hoon (May 27, 2021). "'큐브 신인' 라잇썸, 6월 10일 데뷔 확정..'Vanilla' 아트워크 티저 오픈 [공식]" ['Cube Rookie' Lightsome, debut confirmed on June 10th..'Vanilla' artwork teaser open [Official]] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on May 27, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 - via Naver.
17. ^ Kim, Min-ji (June 11, 2021). "큐브 신인 라잇썸, '엠카'서 성공적 데뷔 무대...상큼+발랄" [Cube rookie Lightsome, successful debut stage in 'Mcar' ... refreshing + lively] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on June 12, 2021. Retrieved June 12, 2021 - via Naver.
18. ^ Cho, Hye-jin (September 24, 2021). "라잇썸, 10월 13일 컴백...두 번째 싱글 '라잇 어 위시' 발매" [Lightsum, comeback on October 13th...Release of the second single 'Light a Wish'] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved September 24, 2021 - via Naver.
19. ^ Kim, Ye-na (May 9, 2022). "라잇썸, 7개월 만에 컴백...24일 미니 1집 '인투 더 라이트' 발표" [Lightsum, comeback after 7 months...The 1st mini album 'Into the Light' was released on the 24th] (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on September 24, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022 - via Naver.
20. ^ Yeo, Gladys (October 25, 2022). "Rookie girl group Lightsum announce departure of members Huiyeon and Jian". NME. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2022.
21. ^ "[단독]LIGHTSUM "컴백 왜 늦냐고요? 완벽 욕심 채우다보니까" (인터뷰③)". Naver News (in Korean). May 5, 2023. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
22. ^ Yeo, Gladys (June 7, 2023). "Here's everything we know about 'Queendom Puzzle'". NME. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
23. ^ Go, Ah-ra (July 26, 2023). "'퀸덤퍼즐 탈락 5人' 상아-채린-주이-서연-소은, 우리 다시 만나![엑's HD화보]" ['5 people eliminated from Queendom Puzzle' Sang-ah, Chae-rin, Joo-i, Seo-yeon and So-eun, we meet again! [X's HD pictorial]] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023 - via Naver.
24. ^ "라잇썸, 1년5개월 공백 깨고 10월 컴백". Naver News (in Korean). September 18, 2023. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
25. ^ Lee, Seung-hoon (September 21, 2023). "라잇썸, 레트로 품고 컴백..미니 2집 아트워크 티저 오픈" [Lightsum, comeback with retro vibes...2nd mini album artwork teaser revealed] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2023 - via Naver.
26. ^ "1년 5개월 만에 컴백한 걸그룹 LIGHTSUM". gukjenews (in Korean). May 5, 2023. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
27. ^ Kim, Sun-woo (August 1, 2024). "라잇썸, 반가운 귀환…10개월만 컴백" [Lightsum, a welcoming return... comeback after 10 months] (in Korean). JTBC. Retrieved August 4, 2024 - via Naver.
28. ^ "눈부신 변신! LIGHTSUM(라잇썸), 다양한 매력 담긴 'POSE!' 콘셉트 포토 공개". k-trendynews (in Korean). August 3, 2024. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
29. ^ "라잇썸, 첫 써머송 'POSE!' 발매…미니라이브 진행". straightnews (in Korean). August 8, 2024. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
30. ^ Peak positions for single albums on Gaon Album Chart:
* "Into the Light". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). May 22–28, 2022. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
* "Honey or Spice". Circle Chart (in Korean). October 8–14, 2023. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
31. ^ "2022년 05월 Album Chart" [May 2022 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
32. ^ Cumulative Sales of Honey or Spice:
* "Circle Album Chart – Week 41, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
* "Circle Album Chart – Week 42, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
* "Circle Album Chart – Week 43, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
33. ^ Peak positions for single albums on Gaon Album Chart:
* "Vanilla". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). June 6–12, 2021. Archived from the original on June 17, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
* "Light a Wish". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). October 10–16, 2021. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
34. ^ "2021년 07월 Album Chart" [July 2021 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
35. ^ "2021년 11월 Album Chart" [November 2021 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 9, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
36. ^ Peaks on the Gaon Download Chart:
* "Vanilla": "2021년 24주차 Download Chart" [Week 24 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). June 6–12, 2021. Archived from the original on June 17, 2021. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
* "Vanilla": "2021년 42주차 Download Chart" [Week 42 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). October 10–16, 2021. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
* "Alive": "2022년 22주차 Download Chart" [Week 22 of 2022 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). May 22–28, 2022. Archived from the original on June 2, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2022.
* "Pose!": "Download Chart – Week 32 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2024.
37. ^ Peak chart positions on World Digital Song Sales Chart:
* "Vanilla". Billboard. June 20–26, 2021. Archived from the original on June 22, 2021. Retrieved June 24, 2021.
* "Vivace". Billboard. October 24–30, 2021. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
38. ^ Vanilla (Single Album) (photobook). Lightsum. South Korea: Cube Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment. 2021. Credits.`{{cite AV media notes}}`: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
39. ^ Light a Wish (Single Album) (photobook). Lightsum. South Korea: Cube Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment. 2021. Credits.`{{cite AV media notes}}`: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
40. ^ @via_by_jimmy (May 24, 2022). "Lightsum (라잇썸) – 'Alive' M/V Release!". Retrieved October 27, 2023 - via Instagram.
41. ^ @novvkim (October 11, 2023). "Lightsum – Honey or Spice". Retrieved October 27, 2023 - via Instagram.
42. ^ LIGHTSUM 라잇썸 (Official YouTube Channel) (August 7, 2024). LIGHTSUM(라잇썸) - 'POSE!' Official Music Video. Retrieved August 7, 2024 - via YouTube.
43. ^ "2021 Asia Artist Awards Vote". Asia Artist Awards. Archived from the original on October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
44. ^ "이준호·임영웅·세븐틴→스키즈·아이브·뉴진스 AAA 대상..김선호 4관왕[2022 AAA][종합]" [Lee Jun-ho·Lim Young-woong·Seventeen → Skiz·Ive·New Jeans AAA Grand Prize..Kim Seon-ho wins 4 crowns[2022 AAA][Comprehensive]] (in Korean). MT Star News. December 13, 2022. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022 - via Naver.
45. ^ "[APMA 2021] 亚洲流行音乐大奖2021年度入围名单" [[APMA 2021] Asian Pop Music Awards Shortlisted for 2021] (in Chinese). November 30, 2021. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021 - via Weibo.
46. ^ Hwang, Soo-yeon (November 19, 2022). "라잇썸, '2022 지니뮤직어워드' 뉴 웨이브 아이콘상 수상" [Lightsum won the New Wave Icon Award at the '2022 Genie Music Awards'] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023 - via Naver.
47. ^ Jeong, Ji-eun (December 28, 2021). "BTS부터 엔시티드림까지... 한터뮤직어워즈 아티스트상 수상!" [From BTS to NCT Dream... Hanteo Music Awards Artist Award!] (in Korean). KBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2023 - via Naver.
48. ^ Cha, E (February 16, 2025). "Winners Of Hanteo Music Awards 2024 Day 2". Soompi. Archived from the original on February 19, 2025. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
49. ^ Lee, Min-ji (December 27, 2021). "임영웅→투모로우바이투게더, 2022 대한민국 퍼스트브랜드 대상" [Lim Young-woong → Tomorrow by Together, 2022 Korea's First Brand Grand Prize] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021 - via Naver.
50. ^ "2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards Nominees". MAMA. Archived from the original on November 4, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
51. ^ "31st High1 Seoul Music Awards – 모바일 투표 현황" [31st High1 Seoul Music Awards – Mobile Voting Status]. Seoul Music Awards (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lightsum.

* Official website (in Korean)

* v
* t
* e

Cube Entertainment

* Playcube Inc. -> Cube Entertainment

Artists|

| Solo|

* Soyeon
* Seonho
* Yuqi
* Miyeon
* Minnie

|

Group|

* Pentagon
* (G)I-dle
* Lightsum
* Nowadays

Actors and comedians|

* Lee Hwi-jae
* Park Mi-sun
* Park Sun-young
* Moon Soo-in
* Kim Jin-woo
* Gong Seo-young
* Baek Seo-yi
* Kang Se-jung
* Yoo Seon-ho

Concerts|

* United Cube Concert – One (2018)
* U & Cube Festival 2019 in Japan (2019)

Former artists|

* M4M
* Rain
* 4Minute
* 2Yoon
* Beast
* G.NA
* Roh Ji-hoon
* Shin Ji-hoon
* Park Min-ha
* Seo Woo
* Kim Kiri
* HyunA
* Trouble Maker
* Triple H
* E'Dawn
* Woochan
* A Train To Autumn
* Elkie
* Kuanlin
* Wooseok x Kuanlin
* Hyunseung
* Sorn
* Heo Kyung-hwan
* Soojin
* Yeeun
* CLC
* Yeo One
* Yan An
* Yuto
* Kino
* Wooseok
* Hongseok
* BtoB (BtoB Blue, BtoB 4U)
* Jo Kwon
* Na In-woo

Partnerships|

* IHQ
* Kakao M (for Music distribution)
* NetEase Music (for Music distribution)
* Universal Music Japan (for U-Cube)

Related|

* Cube TV
* All That Cube

* Discography
* Category

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF

National|

* Korea

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

*[Ref.]: Reference(s)
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template