About ChaeKura
ChaeKura (also called Hotaru by some fan communities) is the fan-shipped friendship pairing between Lee Chaeyeon and Miyawaki Sakura from their shared time in IZ*ONE, the cross-country K-pop group formed through the 2018 survival show Produce 48. Their pairing name Hotaru emerged from a whisper game during Produce 48 that became an inside joke among fans. Chaeyeon and Sakura developed one of IZ*ONE's most noted inter-member friendships during their time on the show and in the group. Chaeyeon took on something of an older-sister role for Sakura: helping her adapt to Korean life, teaching Japanese members how to use home appliances and conversational Korean. Sakura, who had already established herself as a member of Japanese group HKT48/AKB48, looked up to Chaeyeon for her dance mentorship. Their hand-drawn couple rings during Produce 48 became an early fan-beloved detail. IZ*ONE disbanded in April 2021, with members returning to their respective companies. A widely circulated and emotionally resonant fan story involves an account of Chaeyeon and Sakura meeting again after the group's end, described as bittersweet for fans who had followed their group dynamic. Both have continued active careers: Sakura with LE SSERAFIM (HYBE) and Chaeyeon as a solo artist.
ChaeKura / Hotaru is one of IZ*ONE's most celebrated intra-group friendship ships, sustained by the emotional arc of Produce 48 through IZ*ONE's full run and disbandment. WIZ*ONE (IZ*ONE fans) continue to create content celebrating their connection even years after the group ended. The ship carries nostalgia as well as active interest given both members' ongoing careers.
Fun facts
- ✦ Their ship name 'Hotaru' originated from a whisper game during Produce 48 that became an inside joke in the fan community.
- ✦ Chaeyeon and Sakura drew 'couple rings' on each other's hands during Produce 48, an early fan-beloved moment.
- ✦ Chaeyeon helped Sakura and other Japanese members adapt to Korean life: teaching them how to use home appliances and conversational Korean.
- ✦ Sakura visibly teared up during the Produce 48 final announcement when Chaeyeon's name was called, a moment widely shared among fans.
- ✦ After IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021, Sakura joined HYBE's LE SSERAFIM while Chaeyeon continued as a solo artist, putting them in different company ecosystems.
Moments
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2021-04
IZ*ONE Disbandment
IZ*ONE disbanded after completing their contractual period. Their friendship across the group's end and into separate post-IZ*ONE careers has remained a point of fan interest.
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2018-10
IZ*ONE Debut
Chaeyeon and Sakura debuted together as part of IZ*ONE under Off the Record Entertainment, beginning their official group chapter and the bulk of documented ChaeKura content.
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2018-09
Produce 48 Final Announcement
When Chaeyeon was announced as a final member of IZ*ONE, Sakura's emotional reaction, visibly overcome with relief and happiness for her, became one of the show's most-shared moments.
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2018-08
Produce 48: Couple Rings
During filming for Produce 48, Chaeyeon and Sakura drew couple rings on each other's hands. It became one of the first widely shared ChaeKura fan references.
Ship Couples ranking by year
Best finish: #94
The pairing
Fan gallery
to add your own ChaeKura edits.