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SAKURA MIYAWAKI (宮脇咲良) — BIOGRAPHY & CAREER PROFILE

1. BASIC IDENTITY

Full Name: Sakura Miyawaki (宮脇咲良)

Korean Name: Kim Yoon-ah (김윤아)

Date of Birth: March 19, 1998

Age: 28 (as of November 2026)

Birthplace: Kagoshima, Japan

Nationality: Japanese

Profession: Singer, dancer, performer and entertainer

Group: LE SSERAFIM

Agency: SOURCE MUSIC (HYBE)

Languages: Japanese and Korean; actively learning and improving her English

Former Groups: HKT48, AKB48 and IZ*ONE

Sakura Miyawaki is a Japanese singer and performer who has built an unusually long career in the Japanese and South Korean entertainment industries.

She is particularly recognised for her adaptability, experience, stage presence and ability to reinvent herself across different stages of her career.

Having debuted in three different idol groups over more than a decade, she has experienced several generations of the entertainment industry and developed a distinct perspective on what it means to be an idol.

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2. EARLY LIFE & CHILDHOOD

Sakura was born in Kagoshima, Japan, on March 19, 1998.

She has described herself as an introverted child who wasn't particularly comfortable interacting with people.

Her family encouraged her to participate in musical theatre, which helped her gradually become more comfortable performing in front of others.

Her early interest in performing eventually developed into a professional career.

Growing up in Japan, she developed interests in entertainment, games and creative activities that would remain important throughout her life.

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3. HKT48 & AKB48 (2011–2018)

Sakura began her professional idol career in 2011 when she joined HKT48 as a first-generation member.

She subsequently became a member of Team H.

She also participated in activities associated with AKB48, including a concurrent membership in Team A.

During this period, she developed her abilities as a performer and gained experience in live performances, television appearances, promotional events and fan interactions.

She became increasingly recognised within the Japanese idol industry.

Her notable career milestones included:

- Becoming an established HKT48 member.

- Participating in AKB48 activities.

- Taking part in major group releases.

- Participating in the Japanese idol industry's annual popularity elections.

- Gaining experience as an actress and television personality.

Her time in the Japanese entertainment industry provided her with extensive experience long before her international career began.

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4. PRODUCE 48 & IZ*ONE (2018–2021)

In 2018, Sakura participated in Mnet's survival programme Produce 48.

The programme brought together Korean and Japanese trainees and idols competing for positions in a new international girl group.

Sakura finished second in the competition and secured a place in the final lineup.

She debuted as a member of IZONE on October 29, 2018, with the mini-album COLORIZ.

This marked her transition into the South Korean entertainment industry.

During her time with IZ*ONE, she worked alongside members from different backgrounds and developed additional experience in Korean-language performances, promotions and international activities.

Notable releases included:

- COLOR*IZ

- HEART*IZ

- BLOOM*IZ

- Oneiric Diary

- Twelve

- One-reeler / Act IV

IZ*ONE concluded its activities in April 2021.

For Sakura, this represented another significant transition after several years of professional experience.

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5. TRANSITION TO LE SSERAFIM (2022)

After IZ*ONE concluded its activities, Sakura returned to Japan.

She eventually signed with SOURCE MUSIC and prepared for another debut in South Korea.

On April 7, 2022, she was officially revealed as the second member of LE SSERAFIM.

She debuted with the group on May 2, 2022, through the mini-album FEARLESS.

This became her third major group debut.

Her decision to begin another chapter in the entertainment industry demonstrated her willingness to continue challenging herself rather than simply relying on her previous achievements.

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6. LE SSERAFIM & PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY

As a member of LE SSERAFIM, Sakura contributes vocals, dance and performance.

She is the oldest member of the group and brings considerable professional experience to the team.

Her previous experiences in Japan and Korea allow her to understand many of the challenges associated with idol life.

She has spoken about wanting to support the other members and being particularly conscious of the difficulties they may encounter.

However, she also recognises that being an experienced idol doesn't mean she has stopped learning.

She continues to challenge herself through new performances, languages, creative activities and unfamiliar opportunities.

Notable LE SSERAFIM releases include:

- FEARLESS

- ANTIFRAGILE

- UNFORGIVEN

- Perfect Night

- EASY

- CRAZY

- HOT

- SPAGHETTI

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7. INTERESTS & PERSONAL HOBBIES

Gaming

Gaming is one of Sakura's most well-documented interests.

She has discussed playing numerous games throughout her life, from childhood Nintendo games to modern PC games.

Her gaming interests include:

- Overwatch 2

- Fortnite

- Animal Crossing

- Splatoon

- Super Mario

- Various other PC and console games.

She has discussed enjoying competitive games because they allow her to see herself improve over time.

She has also watched esports and gaming content on YouTube.

She can become surprisingly serious about games she enjoys, particularly when learning mechanics or improving her performance.

Reading

Sakura has expressed a strong interest in reading.

She particularly enjoys mystery and suspense novels, although her interests also extend to philosophical and reflective books.

She has discussed making time to read even during busy schedules.

She also enjoys discovering other people's experiences and perspectives through literature.

Knitting and Handicrafts

Sakura has discussed enjoying knitting and other creative activities.

She has developed hobbies by discovering interesting videos and tutorials online.

She enjoys having activities that allow her to spend time productively during breaks.

Photography

She has expressed an interest in photography, particularly using cameras to capture memories and interesting moments.

She has also mentioned wanting to create photographic projects involving the other members.

Movies and Entertainment

Sakura enjoys watching films and entertainment content.

She has also expressed an interest in stories and fictional worlds.

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8. PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL OUTLOOK

Sakura has spoken openly about the challenges associated with being an idol.

She understands that the entertainment industry involves public expectations, criticism, pressure and the need to constantly adapt.

She has expressed a desire to remain in the industry for as long as possible while also maintaining a healthy relationship with her personal identity.

She has discussed wanting to experience more of the world outside her professional environment and understand the lives of people around her.

She believes there is always something new to learn, regardless of how much experience someone has accumulated.

Overall: Sakura is an experienced Japanese performer whose career has evolved through HKT48, AKB48, IZ*ONE and LE SSERAFIM. Her professional identity reflects adaptability, persistence, curiosity and a willingness to keep challenging herself.