Lightsum

Lightsum
Lightsum in August 2024L–R: Nayoung, Chowon, Juhyeon, Hina, Yujeong, and Sangah
Lightsum in August 2024
L–R: Nayoung, Chowon, Juhyeon, Hina, Yujeong, and Sangah
Background information
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genres
Years active2021–present
LabelCube
Member ofUnited Cube
Members
  • Sangah
  • Chowon
  • Nayoung
  • Hina
  • Juhyeon
  • Yujeong
Past members
  • Huiyeon
  • Jian
WebsiteOfficial website

Lightsum (Korean: 라잇썸, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group currently active in Japan formed by Cube Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Sangah, Chowon, Nayoung, Hina, Juhyeon, and Yujeong. Lightsum was 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

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".

History

2017–2020: Pre-debut activities

Juhyeon participated in The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project in 2017–2018 where she finished in 25th place. Chowon, Nayoung, and Yujeong participated in Produce 48 in 2018 where they finished in 13th place, 21st place, and 51st place respectively. However, in 2019, it was later revealed that Chowon's real ranking was 6th place, which would have put her in the lineup of Iz*One. Juhyeon later participated in Dancing High in 2018, but did not pass the evaluation round. Chowon was cast in Bully Bad Guys and The Dominator 3: Junior Bullies in 2020.

2021–2025: Debut with Vanilla, Into the Light, lineup changes, and Honey or Spice

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. The members were revealed in pairs from April 19 to 22 (in order: Juhyeon, Sangah, Chowon, Jian, Nayoung, Huiyeon, Hina, and Yujeong). A video trailer with all eight members was revealed on April 23, 2021. On May 27, it was announced that Lightsum would release their debut single album Vanilla on June 10, making their broadcast debut on Mnet's M Countdown with a performance of their debut single. On October 13, Lightsum released their second single album Light a Wish, with "Vivace" serving as the lead single.

On May 24, 2022, Lightsum released their first extended play Into the Light, with the lead single "Alive". 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.

On May 5, 2023, it was reported that Lightsum is currently under preparations for a comeback in the first half of 2023. On June 7, Sangah participated in Mnet's girl group survival show Queendom Puzzle as a contestant. she was eliminated in the first elimination rounds. On September 18, it was announced that they would have their comeback in the second week of October with their second extended play. On September 21, it was announced that Lightsum would release their second EP Honey or Spice on October 11. 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.

On April 4, 2024, Cube Entertainment confirmed Lightsum would be holding a fan meeting, LIGHTSUM 2024 SUM&GREET [HANDLE WITH LOVE!] in Leeam Art Center, Seoul, South Korea on April 20. On August 7, Lightsum released the digital single "Pose!".

On March 11, 2025, it was announced that LIGHTSUM will be participating in an AI-based K-Pop audition program. it was announced that MBC produced a next-generation idol survival show titled A-IDOL, featuring AI and humans. On March 29, Cube Entertainment confirmed that Lightsum will hold their first solo fan concert in Japan, 2025 LIGHTSUM FAN-CON [BLOOMING PICNIC], on May 2, 2025, at Hulic Hall Tokyo in Japan. The concert will be divided into two shows. On December 31, Cube Entertainment officially announced the debut of the group's first sub-unit (Sangah, Chowon, Juhyeon) in preparation for the release of a digital single in early 2026.

2026–present: Debut in Japan with Re:Idol

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. On August 9, the Abema documentary series Re:Idol, documenting Lightsum's preparations for their activities in Japan, premiered; On September 16, a pre-release lead single titled "Doshite" was released. the group released their first Japanese-language EP of the same name on September 23.

Members

Timeline

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures
Title Details Peak chart
positions		 Sales
KOR
 JPN
Into the Light 13—
  • KOR: 17,902
Honey or Spice
  • Released: October 11, 2023
  • Label: Cube Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 14—
  • KOR: 19,412
Re:Idol
  • Released: September 23, 2026
  • Label: Cube Entertainment, Warner Music Japan
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 —20
  • JPN: 1,532
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory

Single albums

List of single albums, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
Vanilla
  • Released: June 10, 2021
  • Label: Cube Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 12
  • KOR: 41,143
Light a Wish
  • Released: October 13, 2021
  • Label: Cube Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 7
  • KOR: 28,416

Korean singles

List of Korean singles, showing year released, selected peak positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
KOR
Down.
 US
World
"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

Japanese singles

List of Japanese singles, showing year released, selected peak positions, and name of the album
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
JPN
Heat.
"Why" (どうして) 2026 19 Re:Idol

Videography

Music videos

Title Year Director(s) Length Ref.
"Vanilla" 2021 Vikings League 3:32
"Vivace" Etui 3:34
"Alive" 2022 Jimmy (Via) 3:39
"Honey or Spice" 2023 Novv Kim (Novv) 3:38
"Pose!" 2024 Unknown 2:37
"Doshite" 2026 Mitsunori Yokobori 4:10

Awards and nominations

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
2022 Potential Awards – Music Won
Asian Pop Music Awards 2021 Best New Artist (Overseas) Light a Wish Nominated
Genie Music Awards 2022 Next Wave Icon Lightsum Won
Hanteo Music Awards 2021 Rookie Award – Female Group Nominated
2024 Hanteo Choice K-Pop Female Artist Won [unreliable source?]
Korea First Brand Awards 2022 Female Rookie Idol Award Won
Mnet Asian Music Awards 2021 Artist of the Year Longlisted
Best New Female Artist Nominated
Seoul Music Awards 2022 K-wave Popularity Award Nominated
Popularity Award Nominated
Rookie of the Year Nominated

References

  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]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). 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"]. Newsis (in Korean). 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]]. Xports News (in Korean). 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]. YTN (in Korean). 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]. Sports Donga (in Korean). 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]]. Osen (in Korean). 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]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). 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]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021 – via Naver.
  14. ↑ LIGHTSUM(라잇썸) – PROFILE FILM : LIGHTSUM (in Korean). 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']. Newsen (in Korean). 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 10..'Vanilla' artwork teaser open [Official]]. Osen (in Korean). 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]. News1 (in Korean). 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 13...Release of the second single 'Light a Wish']. Xports News (in Korean). 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]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). 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) (in Korean). May 5, 2023. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024 – via Naver.
  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]]. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 27, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023 – via Naver.
  24. ↑ 라잇썸, 1년5개월 공백 깨고 10월 컴백 (in Korean). September 18, 2023. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024 – via Naver.
  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]. MT Star News (in Korean). 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. ↑ LIGHTSUM 2024 SUM&GREET [HANDLE WITH LOVE!] Announcement (in Korean). April 4, 2024. Archived from the original on October 18, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026 – via weverse.
  28. ↑ 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.
  29. ↑ [현장스케치] "AI-DOL", 인간의 가장 창의적 영역을 AI가 어떻게 이해하고 지원할 수 있을까? (in Korean). March 11, 2025. Archived from the original on October 18, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026 – via naver.
  30. ↑ 아이칠린, AI 함께하는 서바이벌 'A-IDOL' 출격 (in Korean). April 7, 2025. Archived from the original on October 18, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026 – via joongdo.
  31. ↑ 라잇썸, 첫 일본 단독 팬콘서트 'BLOOMING PICNIC' 5월 2일 개최 (in Korean). March 29, 2025. Archived from the original on October 18, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026 – via chosun.
  32. ↑ '심쿵 조합' 뜬다! 라잇썸 상아·초원·주현 1月 유닛 싱글 발매 (in Korean). December 31, 2025. Archived from the original on October 18, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026 – via naver.
  33. ↑ Kyung-youn, Kang (January 15, 2026). "LIGHTSUM SANGAH·CHOWON·JUHYEON Launch First Unit with 'Beautiful Pain'; Interview Released". SBS NEWS. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  34. ↑ You-mee, Hwang (January 15, 2026). "Lightsum's 1st subunit drops digital single". The Korea Herald. Retrieved January 15, 2026.
  35. ↑ デビュー6年目の壁と2年間の空白期...ガールズグループの再起に密着 予想だにしない大きな方向転換を迫られる＜Re:Idol＞ [The six-year barrier and two-year gap between their debut and their debut...A close look at the girl group's comeback, forcing them to make a big, unexpected change of direction <Re:Idol>]. The Television (in Japanese). August 9, 2026. Archived from the original on August 10, 2026. Retrieved October 9, 2026.
  36. ↑ 라잇썸, 日 데뷔 본격 시동...'Doshite' 선공개 (in Korean). September 16, 2026. Archived from the original on October 18, 2026. Retrieved October 18, 2026 – via gukjenews.
  37. ↑ Jang, Woo-young (September 23, 2026). 라잇썸, 日 데뷔 앨범 발매.."걱정했던 카와이 콘셉트, 이젠 즐기게 돼" [Lightsum Releases Japanese Debut Album.."I Was Worried About the 'Kawaii' Concept, But Now I Enjoy It"]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved October 9, 2026 – via Naver.
  38. ↑ Peak positions for single albums on Gaon Album Chart:
  39. 1 2 オリコン週間 アルバムランキング 2026年09月21日～2026年09月27日 [Oricon Weekly Album Ranking September 21, 2026 – September 27, 2026]. Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 30, 2026. Retrieved September 30, 2026.
  40. ↑ 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.
  41. ↑ Cumulative sales of Honey or Spice:
  42. ↑ Peak positions for single albums on Gaon Album Chart:
  43. ↑ 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.
  44. ↑ 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.
  45. ↑ Peaks on the Gaon Download Chart:
  46. ↑ Peak chart positions on World Digital Song Sales Chart:
  47. ↑ "Billboard Japan Heatseekers Songs – Week of October 14, 2026". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 16, 2026.
  48. ↑ Lightsum (2021). Vanilla (Single Album) (photobook). South Korea: Cube Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment. Credits.
  49. ↑ Lightsum (2021). Light a Wish (Single Album) (photobook). South Korea: Cube Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment. Credits.
  50. ↑ @via_by_jimmy; (May 24, 2022). Lightsum (라잇썸) – 'Alive' M/V Release! (in Korean). Retrieved October 27, 2023 – via Instagram.
  51. ↑ @novvkim; (October 11, 2023). "Lightsum – Honey or Spice". Retrieved October 27, 2023 – via Instagram.
  52. ↑ LIGHTSUM 라잇썸 (Official YouTube Channel) (August 7, 2024). LIGHTSUM(라잇썸) - 'POSE!' Official Music Video (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 26, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024 – via YouTube.
  53. ↑ LIGHTSUM (September 23, 2026). LIGHTSUM (ライトサム) -「どうして (Doshite)」Official Music Video. Retrieved September 23, 2026 – via YouTube.
  54. ↑ "2021 Asia Artist Awards Vote". Asia Artist Awards. Archived from the original on October 13, 2021. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  55. ↑ 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]]. MT Star News (in Korean). December 13, 2022. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022 – via Naver.
  56. ↑ [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]. Weibo (in Chinese). November 30, 2021. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  57. ↑ 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']. Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023 – via Naver.
  58. ↑ Jeong, Ji-eun (December 28, 2021). BTS부터 엔시티드림까지... 한터뮤직어워즈 아티스트상 수상! [From BTS to NCT Dream... Hanteo Music Awards Artist Award!]. KBS Entertainment News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2023 – via Naver.
  59. ↑ 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.
  60. ↑ 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]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021 – via Naver.
  61. ↑ "2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards Nominees". MAMA. Retrieved November 4, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  62. ↑ 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.