Kim Da-Som: From SISTAR Star to Leading Actress

Kim Da-som stands as one of South Korea's most versatile entertainers, successfully transitioning from K-pop idol to respected actress. Born on May 6, 1993, she initially rose to fame as the visual and maknae (youngest member) of the popular girl group SISTAR, which debuted in June 2010 with their single "Push Push".

Although she began her entertainment career as a singer, acting was always part of Kim Da-som's aspirations. She made her acting debut in July 2012 in the KBS daily sitcom "Family," portraying a high school punk. Her dedication to her craft eventually paid off when she won a Daesang (Grand Prize) at the SBS Drama Awards for Best New Actress for her performance in "Band of Sisters" in January 2017. This recognition came shortly before SISTAR disbanded in May 2017 after seven successful years together.

What makes Kim Da-som's journey particularly noteworthy is her contribution to SISTAR's impressive chart dominance. The group achieved a remarkable streak of nine consecutive number-one hits on the Gaon Digital Chart, beginning with their fourth single "So Cool". As of 2025, only four other artists have matched or exceeded this achievement.

Early Life and Artistic Aspirations

Born and raised in Gwangju, South Korea, Kim Da-som's artistic journey began long before her debut in the entertainment industry. Her childhood revealed early signs of the creative talent that would later flourish on stage and screen.

Childhood in Gwangju and early interests

Growing up in Gwangju, Da-som displayed remarkable creative inclinations from an early age. Her parents played a significant role in nurturing these talents, offering encouragement and praise for her writing efforts. According to personal interviews, Da-som's parents particularly commended her poetry writing during her childhood years. This parental support helped solidify her confidence in artistic expression.

Despite her eventual rise to fame as a singer, Da-som maintained diverse intellectual interests throughout her development. In a December 2019 interview, she revealed her reading habits, noting that while she wouldn't describe herself as an avid reader, she approaches books with dedication and curiosity. Her literary interests span from bestsellers to more challenging works—she mentioned tackling Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" after seeing it recommended by writer Ryu Si-min on television. Additionally, she expressed a fondness for humanities literature, particularly works about philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

Furthermore, Da-som once shared that writing an essay before turning 30 years old was among her personal aspirations, demonstrating how her early love for written expression continued to influence her goals into adulthood.

Winning poetry and songwriting contests

Prior to stepping into the spotlight as a performer, Da-som distinguished herself through creative competitions. She entered and won various poetry and songwriting contests, achievements that showcased her artistic abilities beyond performing. These victories hinted at her multifaceted talents and laid groundwork for her future success in the entertainment world.

These early creative accomplishments became stepping stones toward her eventual career path. While many know her primarily through her performances, these pre-debut victories reveal the depth of her artistic capabilities and suggest why she would later excel across multiple entertainment mediums.

Influence of classic cinema on her dreams

Cinema played a decisive role in shaping Da-som's ultimate career aspirations. From childhood, she harbored dreams of becoming an actress, finding inspiration in the visual storytelling of film. During her second year of middle school, her passion for cinema intensified remarkably—she devoted her vacations to watching two films daily.

Her cinematic interests were notably sophisticated for her age. Rather than focusing solely on mainstream entertainment, she developed a particular appreciation for legendary directors including Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and Luc Besson. The artistic vision and storytelling techniques of these filmmakers captivated her imagination and significantly influenced her own performance aspirations.

This passion for cinema prompted decisive action. "I naturally thought that I wanted to act," Da-som later revealed in an interview. Her dedication was such that during her third year of middle school, she secretly attended an acting academy while telling her parents she was going to English classes. This small deception illustrates just how determined she was to pursue her acting dreams.

Subsequently, she formalized her training by enrolling at Anyang Arts High School to study acting more thoroughly. Years later, when discussing what sustained her through the challenges of balancing acting with SISTAR activities and facing prejudices against singer-turned-actors, Da-som offered a simple explanation: "Because it's really fun." The sense of achievement, she noted, fueled her pleasure in performing.

This early foundation in both creative writing and cinematic appreciation provided Da-som with a rich artistic background that would serve her well throughout her multifaceted career in Korean entertainment.

Training and Entry into the Entertainment Industry

The path from artistic dreamer to K-pop idol wasn't straightforward for Kim Da-som. Her journey through the Korean entertainment industry began with a chance encounter that would ultimately alter her career trajectory.

Auditioning for JYP and Cube Entertainment

Kim Da-som's formal entry into the entertainment world came after being approached by a talent scout who offered her a spot at their company. Recognizing her potential, her parents suggested she aim higher, recommending she audition for a larger agency instead. This advice proved pivotal in shaping her future.

With her brother's guidance, Da-som auditioned at JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea's "Big Three" entertainment companies at the time. The agency, known for its rigorous selection process, typically holds auditions at least twice a year and scouts talent through various routes including street casting and art schools.

Da-som successfully passed the JYP audition and began her training career at the company. Training at JYP was notoriously demanding—trainees were expected to balance school commitments with intense practice schedules. Trainees would often practice with earphones even while sleeping to prepare for monthly evaluations, attend school only until lunchtime before heading to company practice rooms, and undergo strict weight management.

Following her time at JYP, Da-som made the decision to move to Cube Entertainment, another major agency in the Korean entertainment industry. Though the reasons for this transition aren't clearly documented, such moves between agencies aren't uncommon for trainees seeking the best path toward debut.

Joining Starship Entertainment

In a twist of fate that would ultimately define her career, Da-som's next step involved auditioning at Starship Entertainment—but not as an idol trainee. Staying true to her childhood dream, she specifically auditioned as an actress. However, the company saw different potential in her.

Instead of pursuing the acting path she had envisioned, Starship offered Da-som a position in their upcoming girl group SISTAR. This unexpected opportunity presented her with a difficult choice: continue pursuing her acting dreams or accept a more immediate path to the spotlight through singing and performing.

Ultimately, she accepted the offer to join SISTAR, making her debut with the group in June 2010 with their single "Push Push". This decision marked the beginning of an 11-year relationship with Starship Entertainment that would last until 2021.

Initial goal to become an actress

Throughout her idol career, Da-som never abandoned her original passion for acting. Even as she gained fame as SISTAR's visual and youngest member, she harbored ambitions to return to her first love—acting.

She once reflected on balancing school with her burgeoning career: "I regretted missing a lot of my school days due to debuting while still in high school, but I also felt fulfilled for having achieved my dream". This statement reveals both the sacrifices and rewards that came with her unexpected career path.

Da-som's acting aspirations eventually found fulfillment when she made her acting debut in KBS2's sitcom "Shut Up Family," where her performance earned her the nickname "acting-dol". When asked about what helped her acting abilities, she credited her extensive movie-watching: "I watch the same movie over and over and have watched about 1,000 movies. They say acting comes from experience".

Her persistence paid off when she earned the lead role in KBS1's 150-episode drama "Melody of Love". Facing skepticism about an idol taking such a significant acting role, Da-som reflected, "Acting was my dream. I want to enjoy this moment since this is what I've always wanted to do".

In essence, while Kim Da-som's entry into the entertainment industry took an unexpected detour through idol stardom, she ultimately found her way back to her original passion for acting, creating a multifaceted career that spans both music and drama.

2010–2017: Rise to Fame with SISTAR

On June 3, 2010, Kim Da-som officially stepped into the spotlight as SISTAR made their debut on KBS Music Bank with "Push Push". This energetic single marked the beginning of what would become one of K-pop's most successful girl groups, forever changing the trajectory of Da-som's career.

Debut with 'Push Push'

SISTAR began group activities in early 2010 with commercials and magazine photoshoots before their official music debut. Their first single "Push Push" introduced the quartet's vibrant energy to the K-pop scene, albeit with a sound that critics noted contained "clunky electro-pop" elements and heavy Auto-Tune. The group's television debut performance followed on June 4 on Music Bank, officially launching their journey in the competitive K-pop industry.

Role as visual and maknae

Within SISTAR's four-member structure, Kim Da-som occupied two significant positions. As the group's visual, she represented SISTAR's aesthetic appeal in promotions and performances. Simultaneously, as maknae (youngest member), she brought a fresh energy to the group dynamic. Born on May 6, 1993, Da-som was only 17 years old when SISTAR debuted, making her the baby of the group.

SISTAR's chart-topping success

SISTAR's remarkable commercial success began with their fourth single "So Cool," which debuted at number one on both the Gaon Digital Chart and the Billboard K-pop Hot 100 singles chart. This achievement marked the beginning of an extraordinary streak—nine consecutive number-one hits before the group's eventual disbandment. As of 2025, only four other artists (IU, 2NE1, BIGBANG, and TWICE) have matched or exceeded this impressive record.

The group earned the nickname "Summer Queens" through their seasonal dominance with hits like "Loving U" (2012), "Give It to Me" (2013), "Touch My Body" (2014), and "Shake It" (2015). These summer anthems became synonymous with the season in South Korean pop culture.

Disbandment and final performance

On May 23, 2017, Starship Entertainment made the unexpected announcement that SISTAR would disband following promotions for their final single, "Lonely". This decision came as the members' contracts were set to expire in early June, concluding seven successful years together.

The members wrote personal farewell letters to their fans, with Da-som sharing: "I've grown up with my members since meeting them at 18 until now at 25". She added, "I want to become a better person in the future based on all the things I learned during that time".

SISTAR's final performance took place on June 4, 2017, exactly seven years after their debut, on SBS's "Inkigayo". They performed their farewell song "Lonely" alongside a special medley of their greatest hits, providing fans with one last celebration of their impressive legacy in K-pop.

2012–2015: First Steps into Acting

While balancing her responsibilities as SISTAR's maknae, Kim Da-som began pursuing her childhood dream of acting, steadily building her portfolio with diverse roles between 2012 and 2015.

Acting debut in 'Family'

In July 2012, Kim Da-som took her first formal step into acting with a role in KBS' daily sitcom "Family". She portrayed a high school punk character, showcasing her willingness to take on challenging roles that contrasted with her polished idol image. This initial foray into acting occurred just two years after her debut with SISTAR, revealing her determination to expand her career horizons beyond singing.

Early roles in sitcoms and music videos

Throughout 2012, Kim Da-som continued to strengthen her acting credentials by appearing in music videos for other artists. She featured in boy band VIXX's "Rock Ur Body" music video, released on August 13, 2012. Shortly thereafter, on October 10, 2012, she appeared in K.Will's emotionally charged music video for "Please Don't". These appearances helped Kim Da-som gain valuable on-camera experience outside the realm of idol performances.

Lead role in 'Melody of Love'

A significant breakthrough in Kim Da-som's acting career came with her casting in the family drama "Melody of Love". This KBS1 production represented a major step forward, as she secured the female lead role of Gong Deul Im. The drama ran for an impressive 151 episodes from November 4, 2013, to June 6, 2014. In this production, Kim Da-som portrayed a tenacious, outgoing, and optimistic aspiring musical actress whose character mirrored aspects of her own artistic journey. Her performance in this long-running series earned her several Best New Actress nominations.

Transition to film with 'Like a French Film'

In 2014, Kim Da-som expanded her acting repertoire by making her big screen debut in the film "Like a French Film". Directed by Shin Yeon Shik, this project was structured as a four-episode omnibus film. Impressively, Kim Da-som secured leading roles in two segments of the anthology. In one part, she portrayed a bar worker in a relationship with actor Ryu Deok Hwan's character, while in the second segment, she co-starred alongside actor Jeong Man Shik. Starship Entertainment noted that this casting marked her growth as an actress moving into feature films.

Throughout this period, Kim Da-som steadfastly pursued acting opportunities alongside her SISTAR commitments, laying a solid foundation for what would eventually become her primary career path.

2016–2019: Establishing Herself as an Actress

Following SISTAR's commercial success, Kim Da-som began carving a more prominent space for herself in the acting world between 2016 and 2019, taking on increasingly complex and demanding roles that showcased her growing range as a performer.

Notable role in 'Band of Sisters'

The year 2017 marked a pivotal moment in Kim Da-som's acting career when she portrayed Yang Dal-hee in SBS's "Band of Sisters." This character presented a significant challenge—an antagonist who murdered and impersonated a rich heiress from the United States named Sera Park. Taking on this villainous role allowed Kim Da-som to demonstrate dramatic range far removed from her idol image. Essentially, her performance as the treacherous Yang Dal-hee stood out within a cast of established actors, earning her recognition as the MVP among the ensemble.

Recognition at SBS Drama Awards

Kim Da-som's portrayal in "Band of Sisters" earned her the Best New Actress Award at the 2017 SBS Drama Awards. This prestigious recognition represented a turning point in her professional journey. Upon receiving the award, she expressed profound gratitude, stating, "I felt like I had been given a reason to never give up, no matter how difficult things get". The acknowledgment strengthened her resolve toward her original passion, as she affirmed, "After I received the Best New Actress Award, I became determined once again and thought, 'I should act for the rest of my life'".

Performance in 'He Is Psychometric'

By 2019, Kim Da-som secured another significant role in tvN's "He Is Psychometric" as Eun Ji-soo. This character presented a striking contrast to her previous villainous portrayal, as Ji-soo was described as "the good sub-character who contrasts with the evil Yang Dal-hee". Critics praised Kim Da-som as "quite a revelation" in this role, noting she was "a commanding presence as Ji-soo serves as the good, upstanding cop who doesn't take crap from anyone". The series itself gained popularity for successfully blending romance, comedy, and thriller elements.

Cameos and special appearances

Throughout this period, Kim Da-som maintained visibility through strategic cameos and guest appearances. In 2018, she appeared in KBS Drama Special "Ms. Kim's Mystery", broadening her acting portfolio. Furthermore, she made guest appearances in "The Last Empress" as a court maid in episodes 28 and 31, and in "Beautiful Love, Wonderful Life" where she made a brief appearance as herself. These smaller roles helped maintain her screen presence while she prepared for more substantial projects.

2020–2025: Leading Roles and New Projects

After establishing her credentials as an actress, Kim Da-som's career entered a new phase between 2020-2025. Throughout this period, she secured leading roles in prominent productions, ultimately cementing her position as a respected actress beyond her idol background.

Main roles in 'Was It Love?' and 'Kokdu'

In 2020, Kim Da-som expanded her acting portfolio by starring in JTBC's romantic drama "Was It Love?" as Joo Ah-rin. The series, which also streamed on Netflix internationally, centered around a single mother encountering four very different men who appealed to her in unique ways.

Three years afterward, Da-som took on the role of Tae Jeong-won in MBC TV's supernatural drama "Kokdu: Season of Deity". The series, which aired from January to March 2023, featured a grim reaper named Kokdu who visited the mortal world every 99 years to punish humans. Her performance alongside lead actors Kim Jung-hyun and Im Soo-hyang demonstrated her growing versatility across diverse genres.

Recent dramas: 'Serendipity's Embrace' and 'Salon de Holmes'

In 2024, Kim Da-som portrayed Kim Hye-ji in tvN's "Serendipity's Embrace", a romance about young people reconnecting with their first loves after a decade apart. As the female lead's best friend, she brought warmth and support to the narrative that aired from July 22 to August 13, 2024.

Moreover, 2025 saw Da-som taking on perhaps her most nuanced role yet in ENA's "Salon de Holmes" as Park So-hee. She portrayed a character balancing multiple part-time jobs while raising a young son alone. Riding a motorcycle as the youngest member of a female detective agency, she showcased both maternal warmth and sharp investigative instincts. In a post-drama interview, Da-som revealed she "lost weight rigorously" to express So-hee's busy lifestyle and focused on portraying a "cheerful and bright character" despite her challenging circumstances.

Return to music with Hyolyn in 2021

Even as her acting career flourished, Kim Da-som briefly returned to her musical roots in 2021. On August 2, Contents Lab VIVO announced that Da-som would reunite with former SISTAR member Hyolyn for a special project. The duo participated in the "How to Have a Good 2021" yearlong initiative as the featured artists for August. Their collaboration song, released on August 10, carried special significance as they donated all proceeds to people facing financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meaningful reunion delighted longtime fans who had followed their journey from SISTAR's debut through their respective solo careers.

Agency Changes and Career Direction

After more than a decade with the same management, mid-2021 marked a significant turning point in Kim Da-som's professional journey as she navigated major career changes behind the scenes.

Leaving Starship Entertainment

June 2021 represented a watershed moment for Kim Da-som as she parted ways with Starship Entertainment after an 11-year relationship. The decision came "after sufficient discussion" between the artist and company as her contract approached expiration. In their official announcement, Starship expressed gratitude, stating, "We were happy to be with SISTAR member and actress Kim Dasom and her versatile charms for 11 years".

The company bid a heartfelt farewell on Twitter, writing, "Starship's multi-talented artist Kim Dasom, we were happy to be with you for a long time. We wish you all the best in your new beginning". This conclusion to her lengthy tenure with the agency that launched her career underscored her evolution from rookie idol to established entertainer.

Signing with Story J Company

On August 6, 2021, just two months after leaving Starship, Kim Da-som officially joined Story J Company by signing an exclusive contract. The agency enthusiastically welcomed her, announcing, "We are sincerely delighted to be joining forces with the multi-talented Kim Dasom, and we will be unsparing in our active support of her activities".

This strategic move placed her alongside an impressive roster of prominent actors managed by the company, including Kim Tae Hee, Seo In Guk, Go Joon, Yoo Seung Ho, and Heo Joon Ho. The transition signaled a definitive shift toward prioritizing her acting career, with Story J Company known primarily for representing established actors rather than idol-performers.

Focus on acting and brand endorsements

Following her agency change, Kim Da-som's career direction became increasingly focused on acting projects and leveraging her public image through strategic brand partnerships. In September 2022, she became the advertising model for Juvis Diet's campaign titled "Change, from why to the after," promoting healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Her commercial appeal continued growing, evidenced by her selection in March 2024 as the endorser for Donghwa Pharmaceutical's "Brightly Shining Barrel White," a health management beverage. These endorsements complemented her acting pursuits while expanding her professional portfolio beyond performance roles.

In 2025, Kim Da-som affirmed her satisfaction with her career direction by renewing her contract with Story J Company. The agency expressed their pleasure in continuing their "precious relationship" with her, describing her as "a passionate actor who is serious about acting". This renewal underscored her commitment to further developing her acting career with an agency specialized in nurturing dramatic talent.

Public Image and Media Presence

Throughout her career, Kim Da-som has crafted a multifaceted public image that extends beyond her performances in music and drama. Her public persona continues to evolve as she builds her brand presence and maintains connections with her fanbase.

Endorsements and brand campaigns

Kim Da-som's commercial appeal has grown alongside her acting career, as evidenced by her selection as the face of significant health and wellness brands. In September 2022, Juvis Diet appointed her as their advertising model for a campaign titled "Change, from why to the after," promoting the importance of healthy diet and lifestyle choices. This partnership underscored her influence in the wellness sector. First thing to remember, her commercial portfolio expanded yet again in March 2024 when Donghwa Pharmaceutical selected her as the endorser for "Brightly Shining Barrel White," a health management beverage. These endorsements reflect her growing marketability beyond entertainment.

Fanbase and social media influence

On one hand, Kim Da-som maintains direct engagement with fans through her Instagram account (@som0506), where she shares professional and personal updates. On the other hand, her popularity remains strong among audiences, demonstrated by her impressive 94% positive rating from 1,724 voters on a prominent Asian entertainment website. Her influence extends to platforms like TikTok, where content featuring her SISTAR performances—particularly "Shake It," "Touch My Body," and "Ma Boy"—continues to attract attention. Fans often highlight her "charm," "talent," and "stage presence" in social media discussions about her performances.

Perception as a versatile entertainer

In contrast to public assumptions, Kim Da-som has acknowledged the gap between perception and reality, stating in a 2020 interview, "I know the kind of prejudiced image people have of me. They think that I am like a princess. But there are a lot of different sides to me". Indeed, she challenged this perception by adding, "When I want coffee, I drink coffee, and when I want to read, I read. That's me". Undeniably, industry professionals recognize her potential—Director Min of "Salon de Holmes" observed that her experience as an idol could "lead to deep acting", expressing hope that audiences would recognize "actor Kim Da-som, not SISTAR Dasom". This acknowledgment from industry insiders affirms her successful transition from idol to respected actress.