Who is Dahyun TWICE? The Story Behind K-pop's Brightest Star

Dahyun twice member first captured public attention in 2011 when a video of her "Eagle Dance" at church went viral, earning her the nickname "Eagle Dance Church Sister". Subsequently, she became a trainee at JYP Entertainment after passing her audition on July 7, 2012. Born in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, on May 28, 1998, Kim Dahyun officially debuted with TWICE on October 20, 2015, with their first mini-album "The Story Begins" and the lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh".

Since their debut, TWICE has achieved remarkable success, becoming one of the best-selling K-pop girl groups of all time with over 10 million albums sold and nearly 6 billion streams on Spotify. Furthermore, Dahyun's individual popularity has soared, ranking seventeenth in Gallup Korea's annual music poll of most popular idols in South Korea. Recently, she has expanded her career beyond music, making her acting debut in the independent film "Run to You" and being cast in "You Are the Apple of My Eye," a Korean remake of the 2011 Taiwanese film that premiered at the 29th Busan International Film Festival in October 2024.

Early life of Kim Dahyun

Growing up in the bustling city of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, Kim Dahyun's journey to stardom began long before her debut with TWICE. Her story captures the essence of how unexpected moments can change the trajectory of one's life.

Birthplace and family background

Kim Da-hyun was born and raised in Seongnam, a major city in South Korea's Gyeonggi Province. She grew up in a close-knit family consisting of her parents and an older brother who was born in 1995. Her family provided a supportive environment that nurtured her early interest in performing arts.

Unlike many K-pop idols who attended specialized performing arts schools from a young age, Dahyun's path to stardom was somewhat unconventional. She was raised in a Christian household, which played a significant role in shaping her early experiences with music and performance. From an early age, she began singing with her church choir, where she developed her musical abilities and confidence on stage.

Dahyun birthday and age

Born on May 28, 1998, Dahyun is currently 27 years old as of 2025. Her full Korean name is Kim Da-hyun (김다현), though she's primarily known by her mononym "Dahyun" in the entertainment industry. As a Gemini, she embodies many traits associated with this zodiac sign - adaptability, expressiveness, and a vibrant personality.

Dahyun completed her formal education at Hanlim Multi Art School, graduating in February 2017. This specialized arts high school has produced numerous other K-pop idols and entertainment industry professionals, providing them with education tailored to their unique career paths.

The viral 'eagle dance' moment

In 2011, while still in sixth grade of elementary school, Dahyun performed what would later be known as the "eagle dance" during a church service. This energetic performance to Hillsong's "The Power of Your Love" featured head-banging, wing-flapping movements that showcased her natural performance abilities and uninhibited personality.

The video of this performance was uploaded to YouTube and quickly went viral across South Korea, earning her the nickname "Eagle Dance Church Sister". Though many fans assume this viral moment led directly to her recruitment by JYP Entertainment, the reality differs slightly.

Interestingly, Dahyun was actually scouted at a separate youth dance festival where she boldly entered a group competition as a solo performer. While other contestants participated with their dance crews, Dahyun performed alone with a self-choreographed routine that caught the attention of a JYP talent scout. At the time of her viral eagle dance, many viewers didn't know her identity until she appeared on the survival show "Sixteen" years later.

Her pale complexion later earned her another affectionate nickname among fans - "Tofu" (Dubu in Korean). This moniker perfectly complements her bright personality and infectious smile that would eventually captivate global audiences as part of TWICE.

Becoming a JYP trainee

The path to stardom often begins with a single bold moment, and for Kim Dahyun, that decisive moment came at a youth dance festival that would forever change her life.

Discovery at a youth dance festival

Dahyun's journey toward becoming a K-pop idol took a significant turn during her middle school years. Despite her previous viral fame with the "Eagle Dance," it was at a different event where her future truly began to take shape. In middle school, Dahyun entered an adolescent dance competition where she stood out for a remarkable reason – she performed solo in what was typically a group competition. While other contestants participated with their dance crews, Dahyun boldly chose to compete alone with a self-choreographed routine.

This daring decision proved life-changing. A JYP Entertainment casting associate attended the competition and was immediately struck by Dahyun's potential. What caught the scout's attention wasn't just her technical ability but also her confidence and natural stage presence. The performance showcased her willingness to take risks and her natural flair for entertaining audiences – qualities essential for a future idol.

Auditioning for JYP Entertainment

After being scouted at the youth dance festival, Dahyun took the next crucial step in her journey by auditioning for JYP Entertainment. On July 7, 2012, she formally auditioned for the company. What many fans don't know is that Dahyun's talents were in high demand across the industry. In fact, she auditioned for three of South Korea's biggest entertainment agencies – JYP, SM, and YG – and was accepted by all three.

Given multiple options, Dahyun ultimately chose JYP Entertainment because they were the first company to contact her after the auditions. This quick response demonstrated the agency's keen interest in developing her potential and likely influenced her decision to join their trainee program. The choice would prove fateful, setting her on the path to becoming part of one of K-pop's most successful girl groups.

Training period and challenges

Upon officially joining JYP Entertainment as a trainee in 2012, Dahyun embarked on an intensive training period that would last for more than three years. Specifically, she trained for three years and four months before her eventual debut with TWICE. This lengthy training period is typical in K-pop, where agencies invest considerable time developing trainees' skills across multiple disciplines, including dancing, singing, rapping, and media training.

Throughout this period, Dahyun honed her performance abilities alongside other trainees who would also go on to debut with TWICE. For context, her future groupmate Chaeyoung trained for three years and five months, while Tzuyu trained for three years. This shared experience created strong bonds among the members even before their official debut.

The training process at major K-pop agencies like JYP is notoriously rigorous, with trainees typically spending long hours practicing daily while also attending school. Although specific details about Dahyun's personal challenges during this period are limited in the available information, the standard K-pop trainee experience includes regular evaluations, competitive rankings among trainees, and the constant pressure of potential elimination.

Dahyun's persistence through this demanding period demonstrated her dedication and determination – qualities that would serve her well after debuting as a member of TWICE.

Debut with TWICE and rise to fame

After years of training at JYP Entertainment, Kim Dahyun's dream of becoming an idol came closer to reality when she was selected to participate in a survival show that would determine her future.

Participation in Sixteen

In 2015, JYP Entertainment partnered with Mnet to create a reality survival show called "Sixteen" that would form their next girl group. The competition, which aired from May 5 to July 7, 2015, featured sixteen JYP trainees competing for spots in the final lineup. Unlike typical audition programs, contestants were evaluated not only on singing and dancing abilities but moreover on their charisma and personality.

The format revealed that seven contestants were already pre-selected candidates for the new group, with the remaining nine competing to replace them. Throughout the show's ten episodes, Dahyun showcased her unique personality and performance skills that had initially caught JYP's attention.

As the competition progressed, Dahyun steadily proved her worth among the contestants. By the finale, she secured fifth place in the rankings, earning her position as one of the seven initial members selected for TWICE. The final lineup included Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Sana, Jihyo, Mina, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung as the top seven, with Tzuyu added through audience voting and Momo through JYP's special selection.

Debut with 'Like Ooh-Ahh'

Following the conclusion of "Sixteen," TWICE officially debuted on October 20, 2015, with their first extended play (EP) titled "The Story Begins" and the lead single "Like Ooh-Ahh". The debut track was written and composed by the hit-making team Black Eyed Pilseung and Sam Lewis, previously known for producing successful releases such as Miss A's "Only You".

The music video for "Like Ooh-Ahh," directed by Kim Young-jo and Yoo Seung-woo of production team Naive, featured a creative zombie-themed concept:

Set in a run-down hospital filled with zombies
Showcased the members dancing and singing through various locations including halls, a rooftop, and a bus
Concluded with a zombie hearing his heartbeat and turning back into a human

The choreography, another key element of TWICE's debut success, was created by Lia Kim of 1Million Dance Studio in collaboration with JYP Entertainment choreographer Yun Hee-so. This combination of catchy music, compelling visuals, and synchronized choreography established the foundation for TWICE's signature style.

Initial public reception

Upon release, "Like Ooh-Ahh" initially received a modest response, debuting at number 22 on Gaon's Digital Chart. Consequently, this left some members feeling uncertain about their future. As Momo recalled in a later interview: "When we came out with 'Like Ooh-Ahh,' it didn't do so well at first, so I didn't think that we were ever going to get big".

Jihyo echoed similar sentiments: "Like Ooh-Ahh didn't top the chart right away. I had no expectations. I didn't imagine our future". Nevertheless, the song's popularity grew steadily through positive word of mouth and impressive stage performances.

Three months after release, the track reached its peak position at number 10 on the charts. Korean media noted this gradual climb was unusual for a rookie girl group. Internationally, the song reached number 6 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, number 27 on Billboard Japan Hot 100, and number 49 on the Philippine Hot 100.

The music video achieved several significant milestones:

On November 11, 2016, it reached 100 million YouTube views, making TWICE the fourth K-pop girl group to achieve this milestone
It became the first K-pop debut music video to reach 100 million views
By November 2017, it surpassed 200 million views
In July 2024, it exceeded 500 million views, becoming TWICE's eighth music video to achieve this landmark

This gradual but steady rise in popularity established TWICE as a formidable new force in K-pop, setting the stage for their subsequent breakthrough with hits like "Cheer Up" and "TT" that would cement their status as one of the industry's most successful girl groups.

Dahyun’s role and evolution in TWICE

Within the dynamic landscape of TWICE, Kim Dahyun has carved out a distinctive identity, evolving from a viral sensation to an essential member whose talents extend far beyond her initial "Eagle Dance" fame.

Lead rapper and sub-vocalist

Inside TWICE's intricate formation, Dahyun primarily serves as a lead rapper alongside Chaeyoung, complemented by her role as a sub-vocalist. Her distinctive rap style adds a playful yet precise element to the group's songs, particularly evident in tracks like "TT," "Fancy," and "What is Love?" where her sections often become fan-favorite moments.

Dahyun's vocal technique has notably improved throughout her years with TWICE. From her early performances where she focused predominantly on rap segments to more recent releases where she confidently tackles melodic lines, her growth as a performer remains undeniable. Her parts in ballads such as "After Moon" and "21:29" showcase her developing vocal range and emotional delivery.

Stage presence and fan interactions

Perhaps Dahyun's most remarkable quality lies in her magnetic stage presence. Nicknamed "Vitamin" by fellow members due to her energy-boosting personality, she consistently brings vitality to TWICE's performances through expressive facial expressions and engaging gestures. Even during the most demanding choreography sequences, she maintains exceptional audience connection through direct eye contact and spontaneous reactions.

Offstage, Dahyun has developed a reputation for creating memorable fan interactions. At fan meetings, she often initiates impromptu games and conversations that highlight her quick wit and genuine interest in ONCE (TWICE's fanbase). Her willingness to participate enthusiastically in variety shows like "Weekly Idol" and "Knowing Bros" has furthermore cemented her status as one of K-pop's most endearing personalities.

Dahyun's facial expressions have become particularly iconic, earning her the nickname "Expression Queen" among fans. Her ability to transition between cute, serious, and comedic expressions has generated countless viral moments and meme-worthy content, extending TWICE's reach beyond traditional K-pop audiences.

Songwriting contributions

Beyond her performing abilities, Dahyun has increasingly demonstrated her creative talents through songwriting. Her first official credit appeared on TWICE's "Feel Special" album with the track "Rainbow," a heartfelt song dedicated to fans. This marked a significant milestone in her artistic development, highlighting her growing confidence as a creator rather than merely an interpreter.

Additionally, she contributed lyrics to "Queen" from the "Eyes Wide Open" album and "Scandal" from "Formula of Love: O+T=<3," revealing her evolving perspective as both an artist and young woman navigating the entertainment industry. Her songwriting often reflects themes of gratitude, friendship, and personal growth – mirroring her own journey with TWICE.

As the group continues to evolve, Dahyun's multifaceted contributions have proven essential to TWICE's enduring appeal, demonstrating how her role has expanded considerably beyond her initial position as the group's "Eagle Dance" performer.

Expanding into acting and film

In 2024, Kim Dahyun began branching out beyond her K-pop career, venturing into acting with multiple significant projects that showcase her versatility as an entertainer.

Acting debut in 'Run to You'

May 2024 marked a pivotal moment in Dahyun's career as JYP Entertainment confirmed her casting in the independent feature film "Sprint" (also known as "Run to You"). This heartwarming sports film, directed by Lee Seung Hoon, tells the story of individuals pursuing seemingly impossible dreams. Dahyun joined the cast alongside established actor Ha Seok Jin, who portrays Kang Goo Young, a character based on real-life athlete Kim Kuk Young. The film began shooting in May 2024, representing Dahyun's first step into the acting world.

Starring in 'You Are the Apple of My Eye'

Shortly after her acting debut, Dahyun secured a leading role in "You Are the Apple of My Eye," a Korean remake of the popular 2011 Taiwanese film based on Giddens Ko's semi-autobiographical novel. In this coming-of-age romance, she portrays Seon-ah, an A-star student admired by both classmates and teachers. The film follows the relationship between Seon-ah and immature Jin-woo (played by former B1A4 member Jung Jin-young) as their story unfolds from high school into adulthood.

Principal photography commenced in June 2024, with the film premiering at the prestigious 29th Busan International Film Festival in October 2024. Released in South Korean theaters on February 21, 2025, the film opened on 660 screens and attracted 25,695 viewers on its first day. By March 19, 2025, it had grossed over one million US dollars from 164,320 admissions. The film has furthermore been sold to eight countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, and Thailand.

Upcoming drama 'Love Me'

Continuing her acting journey, Dahyun was cast in the K-drama "Love Me," a remake of the Swedish television series "Älska mig". This project marks her first-ever television drama role. In the series, she portrays Ji Hye On, a publishing editor and aspiring novelist who has known male lead Seo Joon Seo (played by Lee Si Woo) since kindergarten.

Unlike her childhood friend, Ji Hye On is characterized as responsible and mature, taking charge of her life. The drama explores how their longtime friendship gradually evolves into romantic feelings. "Love Me" features a stellar cast including Seo Hyun Jin, Chang Ryul, and Yoo Jae Myung, positioning Dahyun alongside established actors in her television debut.

Fashion, endorsements, and public image

Beyond her musical talents and acting endeavors, Kim Dahyun has established herself as a fashion icon, securing prestigious endorsements that highlight her versatility and expanding global influence.

Runway debut at New York Fashion Week

September 10, 2024, marked a milestone in Dahyun's career as she made her runway debut at the Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2025 show during New York Fashion Week. Unlike her previous NYFW appearances as a front-row guest, this time she walked the runway alongside professional models. Michael Kors teased her appearance prior to the show, posting on social media: "Keep an eye out for an extra special guest in today's runway lineup".

For her catwalk debut, Dahyun wore an espresso brown monochrome off-the-shoulder mini dress with an a-line skirt, accentuated by a matching belt. Her hair was styled in a sleek side-parted ponytail with minimal makeup featuring a peach matte lip. After the show, she appeared outside The Shed at Hudson Yards in a different outfit—a gray ribbed dress with a side slit, knee-high suede boots, and a Michael Kors Colby shoulder bag in brown burnished leather.

The event drew numerous celebrities, including Lindsay Lohan, Mindy Kaling, Mary J. Blige, Kerry Washington, Suki Waterhouse, and Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee.

Brand ambassador for Michael Kors

Dahyun's relationship with Michael Kors began well before her runway debut. In 2023, she was officially named a global brand ambassador for the American luxury brand. Prior to this appointment, she had already established a close relationship with the brand, attending both Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter 2023 Michael Kors Collection runway shows.

Her influence was evident early in the partnership—according to ListenFirst, a social media analytics platform, Michael Kors ranked first in social engagement during NYFW 2022, attributed partly to an Instagram collaboration post featuring Dahyun's arrival at the runway show, which garnered 639,196 engagements.

Michael Kors himself expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "I'm excited to embrace the world of music and performance with Dahyun. She's energetic, animated and has truly captured a global audience".

Skincare campaigns with A'pieu

Aside from fashion, Dahyun has maintained a long-standing relationship with skincare brand A'pieu. In March 2021, she and fellow TWICE member Sana were selected as exclusive models for the brand. The executive director of Able C&C, A'pieu's parent company, noted that Dahyun was chosen because of her "fresh and pure charm".

Impressively, Dahyun renewed her contract with A'pieu for a third consecutive year in April 2023, becoming the brand's longest-running model. The renewal acknowledged her perfect compatibility with A'pieu's evolving image and her significant influence on global markets.

Her impact has been particularly strong in Japan, where A'pieu's sales increased more than fourfold in 2023 compared to the previous year. Jo Ye Seo, head of marketing at Able C&C, emphasized that "Over the past two years, A'pieu has been able to receive more love from customers by conveying a more mature brand image with Dahyun".

Dahyun’s personality and fun facts

Behind the bright stage lights and choreographed performances lies a personality as endearing as it is complex. Dahyun's off-stage persona has captured fans' hearts as much as her performances, revealing layers that make her one of TWICE's most relatable members.

MBTI and personality traits

Kim Dahyun identifies as an INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) personality type, often called "The Mediator." This classification explains her thoughtful nature and rich inner world that occasionally contrasts with her energetic stage presence. Indeed, her introverted tendencies sometimes surprise fans who know her primarily through her vibrant performances.

Despite her natural shyness, Dahyun possesses remarkable emotional intelligence that helps her connect with both members and fans. She balances her introspective side with an infectious cheerfulness that earned her the nickname "Vitamin" among TWICE members. Her ability to brighten moods makes her essential to group dynamics.

Fellow member Nayeon once remarked that Dahyun "doesn't get angry easily" and remains level-headed even in stressful situations. Meanwhile, her perfectionist tendencies emerge in rehearsals where she practices until satisfied with her performance.

Nicknames like 'Dubu'

Perhaps Dahyun's most recognized nickname is "Dubu" (Korean for tofu), referring to her fair complexion. This endearment originated early in her career when fans noticed her skin resembled tofu's pale, smooth texture. Interestingly, she embraces this nickname, occasionally referencing it herself during variety shows.

Other affectionate monikers include:

"Eagle" or "Eagle Dance Girl" from her viral church performance
"Manager Dahyun" acknowledging her responsible nature within the group
"Smile Dahyunie" highlighting her signature bright expressions

Her dog Ari and other trivia

Off-camera, Dahyun cherishes time with her beloved dog Ari, a small white Maltese. She occasionally shares glimpses of her furry companion on social media, revealing her softer, domestic side away from entertainment industry demands.

Additional fascinating facts about Dahyun include her favorite color being purple and her remarkable flexibility that helps her execute difficult choreography. Her special talent for spotting cameras—uncannily looking directly into broadcast cameras even in crowded situations—has become legendary among fans who compile videos showcasing this unique ability.

Regarding food preferences, she particularly enjoys tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and ice cream, frequently mentioning these treats during interviews. Of course, her fear of insects, especially cockroaches, has been documented on several reality shows where her dramatic reactions provide endearing moments fans treasure.

Awards, recognitions, and legacy

As Dahyun's career continues to flourish beyond her initial viral fame, her growing collection of accolades reflects her impact as both an individual performer and a crucial member of one of K-pop's most influential groups.

Gallup Korea popularity ranking

Throughout her career with TWICE, Dahyun has consistently demonstrated her appeal among South Korean audiences. Remarkably, in 2017, she secured the seventeenth position in Gallup Korea's annual music poll. This prestigious ranking holds significant weight within the Korean entertainment industry as it surveys 1,500 people between the ages of 13-29. For a relatively new idol at that time—having debuted less than two years prior—this recognition highlighted her rapidly growing popularity and distinctive appeal that resonated with the Korean public.

BIFF Rising Star Award

October 2024 marked a significant milestone in Dahyun's evolving career when she received the prestigious Rising Star Award at the 2024 Marie Claire X BIFF Asia Star Awards. The ceremony, held at the Haeundae Paradise Hotel in Busan on October 3, celebrated seminal contributions from across the Asian film industry. This accolade represented her first-ever recognition as an actress, validating her successful transition into acting through her debut film "You Are the Apple of My Eye," which premiered at the 29th Busan International Film Festival.

The award carries particular significance as the Marie Claire Asia Star Awards, now in its 13th year, operates in partnership with BIFF and under Chanel's sponsorship, specifically honoring emerging talents in the Asian film industry. Fellow honorees at the event included established actors Park Seo-joon, Park Bo-young, and Im Siwan.

Impact on K-pop and global fans

Beyond individual recognition, Dahyun's contributions to TWICE have helped the group amass an impressive collection of honors including seven Circle Chart Music Awards, twelve Golden Disc Awards, twenty MAMA Awards, five Melon Music Awards, and seven Seoul Music Awards. Notably, the group achieved three consecutive Song of the Year wins at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, cementing their status in K-pop history.

Dahyun's unique presence—characterized by her expressive performances, relatable personality, and versatility—has played an integral role in TWICE's global appeal. As she continues expanding her creative horizons, her influence extends beyond music to acting, fashion, and broader cultural impact, redefining what it means to be a multifaceted K-pop idol in today's entertainment landscape.