In Her Own Words: Why LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Chose To Stay In The K-Pop Industry After IZ*ONE’s Disbandment
Miyawaki Sakura may have debuted in May with “Fearless” alongside her fellow LE SSERAFIM members, but she has actually been active in the entertainment industry for 11 years already.
She started her career in Japan as a member of HKT48 and AKB48. Her popularity slowly increased until she reached the third spot in the group’s annual elections, beating hundreds of other members.
She eventually joined Produce 48 and re-debuted in IZ*ONE, cementing her status as a global celebrity.
Sakura recently acknowledged in Weverse Magazine that she faced a dilemma when choosing where to go after IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021. Debuting outside of her home country meant being away from her family, friends, and the industry that she grew up in.
At the same time, she knew that remaining a K-Pop idol was her best bet for several reasons. Her priority when choosing the next path in her career was where she would be able to perform the most, something she found most likely to happen as an artist under HYBE and Source Music.
I knew I wanted to keep being an idol. I’ve found so much joy in the relationship with my fans over the more than 10 years I’ve been an idol and I just thought about how I want to do as many performances as possible with them there.
— Sakura
She also acknowledged that the intense side of K-Pop was enticing for someone with a growth mindset like her. Sakura had previously garnered attention for her improved dancing skills throughout her time in IZ*ONE.
I’m not yet fully satisfied with my own performances, so I wanted to show them something that shows more of the way I’m growing, too. I figured any path I chose would be difficult, and I thought I wouldn’t regret choosing this one.
— Sakura
When the interviewer mentioned that she was “debuting for the third time,” she immediately noted that it felt “different” with her new group. She fully intended to remain in this one until the end.
LE SSERAFIM will likely be my last debut and my last group, so I really want to do well.
— Sakura
To learn more about Sakura’s revelations on Weverse Magazine, check out the article below.
LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Opens Up About The Greatest Challenge She Faced During Her 10+ Years As An Idol
