Welcome to the 50th article of Kpopmap's weekly series exploring the amazing duality of K-Pop idols, actors, models, and more! Every week, we shine the spotlight on one artist who embodies the very essence of duality and has mastered the flair of harnessing their multifaceted talent to create the most brilliant, versatile art we have ever seen. As effortless as they make their craft look, there's a universe of talent that brings their hard work to fruition, and we must show appreciation where it's due.

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The 50th article of the series is dedicated to one of the most powerful, influential, and talented stars of the global music industry, LE SSERAFIM's Miyawaki Sakura. With 48.8% of the total votes cast by Kpopmap readers on the poll in our previous "Bias Duality" article, Sakura was chosen by an overwhelming majority of fans to appear on this series!

CRAN BY MOLAK

To participate in choosing the artist who will be featured in our next "Bias Duality" article, you can vote for your favourite idol/actor below! If you would like to see a different idol/actor (one who is not mentioned in the poll) featured in the series, please leave their name in the comments section, and we will add them to the vote lineup next time!

Now onto our bias!

Miyawaki Sakura: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered

Soaring to exceptional success at lightning speed ever since her debut, dominating the music industry on a global scale, Miyawaki Sakura was born to be an idol. From her expansive career as a singer-songwriter, composer, and performer to producing a makeup line (CRAN by MOLAK) and establishing herself as a renowned actress, a variety star, radio show host, and an overall entertainer, Sakura has worked tirelessly towards building an indelible legacy by constantly reinventing herself to evolve as an artist and an individual.

Sakura's first foray into the challenging rodeo that is showbiz was at the tender age of 14. After debuting as a member of HKT48 in 2011, she was soon promoted to Team H and eventually to Team KIV, where she served as the co-captain. From 2014 to 2017, she became a concurrent member of KHT48's sister group AKB48's Team A. In 2018, she competed in "Produce 48" and placed second, joining IZ*ONE as a vocalist, rapper, and visual of the group. Following an unprecedented boom of success, IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021, and Sakura returned to HKT48 Team KIV, graduating the same year. In 2022, Sakura debuted for the third time as a member of LE SSERAFIM.

Despite growing up in the limelight, Sakura has always been true to herself in a way that allows her fans to connect with her on a deeper, more human level. Her perseverance, honesty, and drive are some of her biggest strengths, and they also happen to be the qualities viewers could empathize with the most during her stint on "Produce 48". One of the most memorable moments on the show was when Sakura confessed that she felt anxious about her success and doubted herself, almost as if she was caught in some sort of imposter syndrome. Even when she was applauded by judges and mentors, she knew that the only solution to her dilemma was to work harder and improve herself to the point that even her self-doubt could be relinquished. Today, her journey on "Produce 48" stands testimony to the fact that her mettle is unbeatable. However, it certainly wasn't as effortless as she had made it look.

In an appearance on the popular YouTube channel "odg", Sakura shared how her time during "Produce 48" and IZ*ONE's immediate debut afterwards was ridden with inner conflicts and struggles that she could only keep to herself. She was constantly taking notes, looking up the meaning of the lyrics she was singing to better understand and express them, and at the same time, dealing with biting loneliness in a foreign land all by herself. Even then, she drew strength from her members and marched on, determined to give us the best of Miyawaki Sakura.

Needless to say, she excelled in more ways than one, stealing our hearts with her charm and blowing our minds with her talent. Once Sakura has her eye on a goal, she doesn't rest until she has accomplished it in a way that satisfies her own standards. Her perfectionism isn't overbearing or self-negating but rather spurs her on. She is incredibly grounded, but her ambitions are sky-high, and it is this duality that has constantly brought success to her feet.

When it comes to acclaim, both critical and commercial, Sakura is as prestigious a name as any, and yet, she's also the gamer girl you love, adore, and just can't get enough of. Her warm aura and bright personality, the way she's so unapologetically herself, is not only impressive but also truly inspiring. It isn't a surprise, therefore, that she is so greatly loved and cherished all over the world, not just as an idol or a celebrity but also, perhaps, as a friend, an older sister, and a role model.

Person & Persona: Duality In Self Expression

If you've known Sakura for any amount of time now, you'll know exactly what we mean when we say that the woman is the very definition of duality. Whether it be in terms of concepts, her personality, or the way she presents herself on and off the stage, there's a mesmerizing contrast in Sakura's presence which makes her all the more magnetic. You cannot help but be drawn to her and her many personas, each more intriguing than the other.

On the one hand, Sakura is as sweet and delicate as a dewdrop, radiating with an iridescent glow. On the other, she is our ultimate Girl Kkura-sh, empowering, brave, and bold. She can be observant and quiet at times, but her animated and chaotic side is just as endearing. Perhaps, this duality is why she is such a natural at acting too! She is effortlessly funny with a unique sense of humour and brings light, love, and laughter wherever she goes. At the same time, she has an immense depth of feeling and sentimentality that significantly influences her art and is especially meaningful to those around her.

Recently, Sakura shared on an episode of [FIM-LOG] that she almost teared up during a practice performance of 'Fearless' because of how the lyrics affected her on a particularly difficult day. She admitted that it isn't easy for anyone to always live by the moral code of "I'M FEARLESS" but what matters is having the strength to let those words guide you nonetheless. She reiterated that it wasn't so much "I'm fearless" as it was "I should be fearless", and that subtle, nuanced distinction speaks volumes of just how much thought she puts into her music.

To Sakura, music is not just her job. It is something she is constantly exploring, understanding, interpreting, deconstructing, and reconstructing. LE SSERAFIM's 'Fearless' is a brilliant song in and of itself, but Sakura's lived experience adds a whole new layer of meaning to it, making it even more impactful. Sakura's awareness of her platform and the way she uses it to be unfiltered and authentic with her audience blurs the restrictive lines between an "idol" and a "fan", allowing her to honestly engage with a community that looks up to her.

Sakura doesn't feel the need to put on a facade that is flawless and ideal at all times. Instead, she prioritizes validating her own feelings by sharing them with her fans, which in turn motivates them to do the same in their own lives. Another instance in this regard is her heartening support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Long before Sakura became a K-Pop idol, she wrote a review of the movie 'Close-Knit' for "Shukan SPA!" where she openly advocated for queer relationships and trans identities. This courage to be real is what 'Fearless' is all about, isn't it?

Sakura's personality overflows with passionate enthusiasm, and she's an energy bomb on stage, but she also knows the importance of taking an introspective step back. She is elegance personified, and her core resonates with true power. Her dignified stance and regal presence are never intimidating. She is warm, welcoming, and familiar. Sakura is the real-life Disney queen we all need and deserve! At the same time, she is also your girl-next-door who is adorably clumsy at times, playful, and even mischievous! After all, being real also means that we get to see these sides of her!

Sakura is unbothered about maintaining a manufactured image and would much rather show everyone how she is, which is probably why she's such a stunner on variety shows! In "Knowing Brothers", Sakura's natural humour came through, whereas in "The Game Caterers 2", we saw her kind and considerate side. Similarly, on her YouTube channel titled "Sakura Miyawaki", she's an expert vlogger/beauty and fashion YouTuber, whereas on her gaming channel, "ちゃんねる宮脇咲良", she's an unhinged, invincible gamer, out for the wins. It's always a joyride with Sakura's duality, and we're loving every second of it.

That's not all! Sakura's duality also shows up in her aesthetic. When it comes to fashion, Sakura can pull off hoodies and oversized shirts with just as much panache as she does ballgowns. Be it stage outfits or cover girl attires, suits or dresses, barefaced or full glam, blonde or pink, Sakura knows how to own a look, and it shows. Her personal Instagram account (@39saku_chan) is the perfect example of this duality, and we love to see it.

The Voice Of An Angel: Sakura's Vocal Duality

Sakura's evolution as a singer was one that the world witnessed from the ground up. Right from the time she debuted for the first time in Japan, all the way to LE SSERAFIM, Sakura has continually challenged herself to a myriad range of genres, styles, and techniques. With J-Pop and K-Pop being widely different industries with distinct demands, Sakura had to work twice as hard as anyone to create specially curated artistic approaches for each. Naturally, this meant that she had to develop her abilities beyond what would be expected of an idol in either situation. With all the effort she put in, Sakura quickly became a global voice known for her cadence, skill, and versatility.

Sakura's transition as she went from J-Pop's princess to K-Pop's 'it' girl might have looked seamless, but it was the hard-earned result of her assiduous effort, willpower, and dedication. Today, Sakura's vocal colour is easily one of the most recognizable in the industry, and for good reason too! The clarity of her voice, the stability with which she can hold her notes, and the impeccable control she has over them are all markers of excellence. Sakura's lower register has always been powerful, but the way she has honed and perfected her higher register is truly remarkable. Furthermore, the wealth of emotion that she can imbue her music with holds a conviction that is almost hypnotic.

Take Sakura's cover of EXO D.O's 'It's Okay', for instance, and you will see how it highlights her gentle, rich vocals. Her soft, whisper tone is so soothing that her voice alone will wash away your blues. Sakura recreates the song with a straightforward charm that captivates the listener at once. When Sakura says it's okay, you know it's going to be alright. A similar chord is struck by Sakura's vocals in 'With*One' as well.

On the other hand, one listen to 'Fiesta', arguably one of IZ*ONE's most celebrated songs, and you'll hear the tenacity of Sakura's voice. Throughout the song, she alternates between pitches, going from a calm, lower tone to a lively higher one. This see-saw effect perfectly mirrors the playful confidence of the song. Sakura's honey-sweet higher register also finds its time to shine in songs like IZ*ONE's 'Hey. Bae. Like It' whereas 'La Vie En Rose' and LE SSERAFIM's 'Blue Flame' strike a perfect balance, giving us the best of both worlds.

If you think that's impressive, wait till you hear about her talent in songwriting and composition. Sakura is credited as a co-lyricist for IZ*ONE's 'Love Bubble', 'Secret Story of the Swan (Japanese Ver.)', 'With*One', and Fiesta (Japanese Ver.). She is also credited for writing and co-composing IZ*ONE's 'Yummy Summer', which has grown to be a fan favorite over time. In addition, Sakura also co-wrote 'Zuttomo Project' for =Love, a Japanese idol group produced by former AKB48 and HKT48 member Sashihara Rino. Talk about range!

Sakura Bloom! Defining Stage Duality

If you ever want to see Sakura completely in her element, the stage is where she'll be, in full bloom. As lovely as a dream, as exact as clockwork, Sakura's charisma on stage is a vision to behold.

From cute to romantic, fierce to fantasy, Sakura is not only a master of concepts, but she executes each one with utmost grace and precision. With her luminous star power, professional experience, and expertise, the stage is her territory, and it vividly transforms under her touch. When Sakura is on stage, she shines with the blaze of a galaxy, and it is every bit as fascinating as it is awe-worthy.

When it comes to choreography, Sakura has shown phenomenal growth since her debut, improving by leaps and bounds. For her, polishing herself to perfection was the labor of love, and her dazzling presence on stage, as a result, is the fruit it bore. Her movements are clean and sharp and her radiant aura is otherworldly, to say the least.

The energy that emanates from every fiber of her being as she takes over the stage and the sheer power she holds as a dancer are beyond comparison. She moves like velvet, soft and supple, but she can also be spunky, intense, and bold.

What's more is that she can switch from one to the other in no time, leaving us weak in the knees. Sakura has a penchant for incorporating this duality in virtually all of her performances, freely shaping it to her liking.

To further illustrate Sakura's stage duality, let's take a look at four dance videos that live in our minds rent-free!

In Sakura's dance cover of 'Monster' by Red Velvet's Irene & SeulGi alongside Kwon EunBi, she lets her artistic faculties take over, giving free rein to an unrestrained dark charm that screams world domination.

In contrast, LE SSERAFIM's 'Blue Flame' gives us angel baby Sakura, bubbling with delight. You cannot help but want to dance along, especially with how infectious her gorgeous smile is. As cute as she is, there's a subtle allure in her expressions that works wonders, and we're obsessed!

IZ*ONE's 'Panorama' is one of those songs where you can see Sakura's duality switch going off in real-time. Her calm confidence complements the fire in her eyes, and her innocent smile underscores her mature gaze. Before you know it, the audience is entranced. Now, that's what you call a performer.

Finally, we could not possibly conclude without one of the greatest debut songs of the year, 'Fearless', where Sakura is reborn as LE SSERAFIM's Sakura. This is Miyawaki Sakura like we've never seen before. She is simply sensational, and the vibes are immaculate. It is enthralling to see just how much intricate attention Sakura gives to every little detail, capturing the essence of the song to the fullest. 'Fearless' era Sakura is the pinnacle of her duality yet only the prologue to what awaits us. How this genius of a woman manages to level up every single time we see her is beyond our comprehension, but all we know is that we're honored to be along for the ride.

At the end of the day, whether it be on the stage or off of it, Miyawaki Sakura is oozing with ardent zeal, grace, and elegance. She is a spirited artist, standing in her own power and lighting up the world. Her brilliant glow is not just owed to her ethereal visuals but also to her inner beauty. Sakura's originality, her indomitable courage, and persistent hard work have made her the woman that she is today: an all-rounder in the truest sense of the word and the quintessential role model that this generation needs. This is Miyawaki Sakura: the icon, the legend, the idol, and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next.

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