Sakura Miyawaki, a name synonymous with resilience and reinvention, has gracefully navigated a decade-long journey from Japanese idol to K-pop powerhouse. As the oldest member of LE SSERAFIM, her career embodies the group’s mantra of fearlessness, spanning multiple countries, genres, and artistic evolutions. Here is a comprehensive look at the woman behind the legend.
Profile Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Miyawaki Sakura (宮脇咲良) |
| Korean Name | Kim Yoonah (김윤아) |
| Birthday | March 19, 1998 (age 27) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Group | LE SSERAFIM (also former member of IZ*ONE, HKT48, and AKB48) |
| Agency | Source Music (Korea), A.M. Entertainment (Japan) |
| MBTI | INTP |
| Height | 163 cm (5’4″) |
Career Journey: A Tapestry of Triumphs
Sakura’s path to stardom began in her hometown of Kagoshima, Japan, where she performed as Young Nala in The Lion King musical at age 10. Her idol career launched in 2011 when she joined HKT48 as a trainee, later becoming a full member and eventually a captain of Team KIV. She also held a concurrent position in AKB48’s Team A from 2014 to 2017.
Her rise accelerated through AKB48’s annual general elections, where she climbed from 47th place (2012) to 3rd place (2018), reflecting her growing popularity. In 2018, she joined Mnet’s survival show Produce 48, finishing in 2nd place and debuting in the project group IZONE. After IZONE’s disbandment in 2021, she graduated from HKT48 and signed with Source Music, redebuting as a member of LE SSERAFIM in May 2022.
Beyond the Stage: Entrepreneurship and Artistry
Sakura has expanded her influence beyond music through savvy business ventures and creative pursuits:
- Beauty and Fashion: She launched the cosmetic brand CRAN BY MOLAK in 2021 and has served as a model for brands like Lily Brown and Kerastase.
- Content Creation: An avid gamer, she runs a popular YouTube gaming channel with over 717,000 subscribers.
- Songwriting: She co-wrote tracks for IZ*ONE (“Love Bubble”) and LE SSERAFIM (“Good Parts,” “Swan Song”).
Personal Insights and Fun Facts
- Personality: Despite her public persona, Sakura describes herself as introverted. Her interests include gaming, manga (One Piece, Demon Slayer), and Korean cuisine like kimchi stew.
- Inspirations: She credits SHINee’s “Sherlock” as her gateway to K-pop and admires groups like Red Velvet and BLACKPINK.
- Fun Tidbits: She dislikes caramel popcorn, her favorite BLACKPINK member is Rose, and she once requested not to be LE SSERAFIM’s leader when signing with HYBE.
LE SSERAFIM: A New Chapter of Fearlessness
As a member of LE SSERAFIM, Sakura has helped the group achieve historic milestones, including charting on the Billboard 200 and performing at Coachella in 2024. Her growth as a vocalist and performer has been widely praised, particularly in tracks like “Impurities” and “Perfect Night.”
The Enduring Legacy of Sakura
Sakura’s journey—from Kagoshima to global stages—is a testament to her adaptability and determination. As she continues to evolve as an artist, entrepreneur, and icon, her story inspires fans to embrace change and pursue their dreams with fearless grace.