Leeseo

Lee Hyun-seo, known by her stage name Leeseo, was born on February 21, 2007, in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Even as a toddler she attracted public attention — she appeared in 2009 on the SBS entertainment program One Night of TV Entertainment alongside actress Han Hyo-joo, briefly becoming a viral moment. She also participated in SM Entertainment's Kids Model program as a young child, giving her early proximity to the entertainment world. In 2019 she was street-cast by a Starship Entertainment scout while shopping with her parents at the Shinsegae Department Store's Gangnam branch. The scout who approached her recalled being struck by her "sparkling eyes."

Leeseo joined Starship's trainee program and trained for approximately two years across middle school before debuting. She attended Bangbae Middle School in Seoul and later enrolled at and graduated from Hanlim Multi Arts High School (Broadcasting and Entertainment Department) in January 2026. She debuted as the youngest member of IVE at just fourteen years old on December 1, 2021.

As the maknae, Leeseo brought a fresh energy and youthful vitality to the group's dynamic. Despite her young age, she quickly demonstrated stage confidence that belied her years. From April 2024 to December 2025 she served as a full-time MC on Inkigayo, one of Korea's premier music broadcast programs — a 20-month tenure that significantly raised her individual public profile and broadcast presence. She was revealed as the final (6th) IVE member on November 6, 2021.

Leeseo describes herself as a "confident maknae," a self-characterization that friends and fans affirm. Her ESTP personality type (updated from ENFP) fits her energetic, action-oriented public image. She prefers the nickname "Baby Tiger" over the simpler "Baby" that other members use for her, reflecting a desire to be recognized as bold and self-assured rather than merely cute. Her personal motto — "I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards" — shows a thoughtfulness that contrasts pleasantly with her high-energy performance persona. She has a younger sister and enjoys fragrance collecting alongside her more publicly noted talents in selfies and swimming.