From church choirs to global runways: the evolution of Dahyun
In short: Before becoming a cornerstone of the global K-pop group Twice, Dahyun considered a career as a prosecutor or a piano teacher. Her journey from a viral church dance to a multi-hyphenate artist highlights a deliberate transition from idol to a versatile creative force.
Dahyun's path to stardom was marked by distinct milestones. Born in Seongnam in 1998, she first gained public attention in sixth grade after a church dance, known as the "eagle dance," was uploaded to YouTube. This early interest in performance led her to audition for SM, YG, and JYP Entertainment. She was accepted by all three but chose JYP, where she underwent over three years of training. She debuted in October 2015 with Twice, whose lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh" became the first K-pop debut to reach 100 million views on YouTube.
While many idols focus solely on performance, Dahyun has carved out a niche as a serious lyricist and musician. She began contributing lyrics in 2017, but her role expanded significantly starting with the 2019 release of "Feel Special." She has since written numerous tracks, including "Cruel" and "Gone," exploring complex themes of love and heartbreak. Her musicality is further evidenced by her absolute pitch and proficiency on the piano and drums.
Critics have specifically highlighted her piano performances during world tours as a display of genuine skill, noting that the instrument provides her with a sense of "comfort" and "peace."
In recent years, Dahyun has successfully pivoted into a high-profile acting career, becoming the first member of Twice to pursue the craft. Her 2025 debut in the film "You Are the Apple of My Eye" earned her several Best New Actress awards, including honors at the Busan International Film Festival and the Seoul Global Movie Awards. This transition is not just a side project; it was a long-standing goal supported by her mother since her childhood. Today, she balances these roles with global brand ambassadorships, such as for Michael Kors, and significant philanthropic efforts, including multiple donations to the Community Chest of Korea for wildfire recovery and medical costs.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Dahyun
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