Lee Sang-min Prioritizes “Style and Character” Over Visuals: Could a New Chakra Be Born?

Singer and producer Lee Sang-min has revealed his firm production philosophy!

In a video released on the YouTube channel ‘232 프로젝트’ on the 6th, Lee Sang-min visited 1MILLION Dance Studio to check the dance skills of his trainees. ‘232 프로젝트’ is an idol training reality project launched by Lee Sang-min, who once dominated the music industry, as he dreams of a comeback as a producer after overcoming difficult times and clearing his debts.

From the 90s to the early 2000s, Lee Sang-min was recognized for his unrivaled planning and producing skills through groups like Diva and Chakra. While refreshing girl groups like S.E.S and Fin.K.L were popular at the time, Diva and Chakra gained massive public popularity with completely different concepts and musical colors.

Lee Sang-min asked dance mentor Lia Kim to carefully check the trainees’ potential for growth. Showing his passion as a producer, he requested a cold diagnosis of the current skills of trainees who lack professional training and how much growth can be expected after a month of intensive lessons.

First, Lee Sang-min deeply agreed with Lia Kim’s analysis, which highly praised Park Hye-na’s natural energy and confidence. He added that he saw a complementary synergy when Yoon Su-min, who relatively lacked confidence and energy, met Park Hye-na. He was also impressed by Lia Kim’s quick assessment of Park Hye-na and gave her warm encouragement, urging her to do her best in practice.

Next, Lee Sang-min introduced Yoon Su-min as being like a “blank canvas.” He expressed high expectations, emphasizing that Yoon Su-min must be the undisputed top dancer upon debut. However, Lia Kim pointed out awkward hand movements and a lack of upper body usage, advising that mastering the basics is the top priority. To this, Lee Sang-min heightened the tension with a cold “fact attack,” saying, “Strangely, you’re really bad today?” Even when Yoon Su-min explained it was due to nerves, he continued with practical feedback, stating, “Based on what I’ve seen so far, this is a weakness Su-min has regardless of nervousness.”

Meanwhile, Lee Sang-min smiled warmly seeing the two trainees standing side by side. He also firmly revealed his production philosophy of valuing style and character over visuals. “My method is to first imagine the character that needs to be shown in the music, and then train them in that character,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of a worldview that can perfectly pull off a song.

Finally, Lee Sang-min shared his plans for intensive training with 1MILLION. While making it clear that the trainees’ own grit and will are necessary, he showed his uncompromising professional side, stating, “What doesn’t work, doesn’t work.” He sparked anticipation by declaring that he will decide their future path based on the changes seen after one month.

Meanwhile, ‘232 프로젝트’ has completed work on two songs, ‘GENIUS’ and ‘I AIN’T THE ONE’, and is continuing the journey to find the optimal members to perform them.