Inside Story: Lee Hayun's Journey with Brave Girls [Exclusive Profile]

Lee Hayun's journey with Brave Girls represents a unique path in the K-pop industry, marked by both challenges and reinvention. Before joining the renowned girl group in 2016, Hayun debuted with the duo DATE in November 2014, though this initial venture was short-lived due to financial difficulties, leading to their disbandment in July 2015.

After becoming one of the brave girls members in February 2016 with their digital single "Deepened," Hayun's time with the group was cut short by health concerns. Despite her promising career in the brave girls profile, she departed in March 2019 due to hyperthyroidism complications. However, this ending became a new beginning as Hayun eventually transitioned to content creation under the name Dalha, building a substantial following on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Her artistic evolution continued with her 2022 acting debut in stage plays and upcoming appearance in the film "City of Cain," scheduled for release in December 2024.

Early Life and Pre-Debut Aspirations

Born and raised in the vibrant coastal city of Busan, South Korea, Lee Hayun's journey toward K-pop stardom began far from the bustling entertainment districts of Seoul. The southern port city, known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage, provided the backdrop for Hayun's formative years before she would eventually step into the spotlight as one of the brave girls members.

Growing up in Busan

Hayun's upbringing in Busan shaped her distinct personality and artistic sensibilities. Unlike many K-pop idols who grew up in Seoul's competitive training environment from an early age, Hayun's coastal hometown offered a different perspective on life and art. Busan, with its unique dialect and cultural identity, often produces artists with a distinctive charm and authenticity that sets them apart in the homogenized world of K-pop.

The distance from South Korea's entertainment capital meant that pursuing a career in music would require additional determination and sacrifice. Nevertheless, this geographical challenge only strengthened Hayun's resolve to make her mark in the industry, a quality that would later serve her well through various career transitions.

Initial interest in music and performance

While specific details about her earliest musical influences remain private, Hayun's natural talent and dedication to performance arts became evident as she pursued opportunities in the entertainment industry. Like many aspiring K-pop idols, she likely developed her skills through years of practice and perseverance before catching the attention of industry professionals.

Her artistic journey demonstrates the typical path many trainees follow—starting with a passion for performance, developing technical skills, and navigating the competitive audition process. This groundwork would prove essential for her future career, including her eventual position in the brave girls profile that fans would come to know.

Joining Loco Music and SUTY

Hayun's professional journey began in earnest when she joined Loco Music, a small entertainment company that managed the trainee girl group project initially known as SUTY. This significant step marked her transition from aspiring performer to debut-ready idol. SUTY (슈티) represented Hayun's first formal entry into the K-pop industry, though the project would soon undergo changes.

Specifically, the group underwent a rebranding from SUTY to DATE (데이트), signaling a new direction for the project. DATE officially debuted on November 28, 2014, with their single "Confession Day," marking the beginning of Hayun's public career. Interestingly, Hayun herself joined the project slightly later, making her personal debut on December 17, 2014, with a seasonal release titled "Christmas Song".

According to industry sources, Hayun joined the project following the departure of one of the original members, showcasing her ability to adapt quickly to new professional situations. This flexibility would become a recurring theme throughout her career.

Unfortunately, DATE's promising start faced an abrupt challenge when, on July 7, 2015, Loco Music announced the suspension of the entire project due to financial difficulties. This early setback, while disappointing, opened the door for Hayun's next opportunity—joining the roster of brave girls kpop members and continuing her journey in the industry.

This early chapter in Hayun's career demonstrates both the challenges and opportunities that characterize the K-pop industry, where perseverance through uncertainty often leads to unexpected new paths.

Debut with DATE and Sudden Disbandment

After joining Loco Music, Hayun's first real taste of the K-pop industry came through a project that would prove to be both promising and precarious. Her entry into the entertainment world began with a small group that would undergo significant changes in both name and direction before an untimely end.

Formation of DATE from SUTY

Hayun's professional debut emerged through Loco Music's ambitious "Vocal Idol Girl Group Project" that initially launched with the unit group SUTY (슈티). The original SUTY lineup consisted of Min Yejin and Choi Eunji when the project first took shape in 2014. Subsequently, the duo would undergo a significant transformation that would include Hayun.

On January 29, 2015, Loco Music announced that SUTY would be rebranding with a new name - DATE (데이트). This change marked not just a simple renaming but signaled a fresh direction for the project. The newly minted DATE made their comeback on February 6 with the digital single "너라면 좋아" ("If It's You, I Like It"), attempting to establish a more defined identity in the competitive K-pop landscape.

For Hayun, this period represented her first steps into the industry that would eventually lead her to become one of the brave girls members. The transition from trainee to debuted idol brought both excitement and challenges that would shape her future career trajectory.

Release of 'Confession Day'

Prior to their rebranding as DATE, the group made their initial splash in the K-pop scene on November 28, 2014, with their first mini album titled "고백데이" (Confession Day). This debut release served as Hayun's formal introduction to the music industry and provided her first experience with the promotional cycle that defines K-pop careers.

The title track "Confession Day" showcased the group's vocal abilities and allowed them to begin building a fanbase. Additionally, this release period was particularly significant for Hayun as she was simultaneously gaining valuable experience in performance, media appearances, and the demanding schedule of a K-pop idol.

Throughout this brief promotional period, Hayun began developing the skills and resilience that would later serve her well during her time with the brave girls profile. Although DATE's activities were limited compared to more established groups, this formative experience provided essential industry knowledge and performance expertise.

Agency struggles and group disbandment

In contrast to the hopeful beginnings, DATE's journey came to an abrupt halt less than a year after their debut. On July 7, 2015, Loco Music made the difficult announcement that the group would be disbanding. The primary reason cited was the agency's financial difficulties, a common challenge for smaller entertainment companies trying to compete in the highly competitive K-pop industry.

For many rookie groups, especially those from smaller companies, financial stability represents a constant concern. In fact, DATE's disbandment illustrates the precarious nature of the K-pop industry, where promising careers can be cut short by factors entirely outside the artists' control.

The sudden end to DATE left Hayun at a crossroads in her career. Unlike many disbanded idols who leave the industry altogether, she would soon find a new opportunity with Brave Entertainment, setting the stage for her next chapter as part of brave girls kpop.

This early setback, rather than deterring her, apparently strengthened Hayun's determination to succeed in the entertainment industry. The experience with DATE, though brief, provided valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability that would prove essential throughout her career, particularly during her time with Brave Girls and beyond.

Joining Brave Girls: A New Chapter

After the unexpected disbandment of DATE in mid-2015, Lee Hayun found herself at a professional crossroads. Fortunately, a significant opportunity emerged just months later that would reshape her career trajectory in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Brave Girls' reformation in 2016

February 3, 2016 marked a pivotal moment for Brave Entertainment as they announced the return of brave girls after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. This wasn't merely a comeback but a comprehensive reformation of the group. The original lineup underwent substantial changes, with only two founding members—Yoojin and Hyeran—remaining from the previous iteration.

The revamped brave girls now featured seven members total, adding fresh energy and talent to the brand. This strategic overhaul aimed to revitalize the group's image and appeal to a broader audience. According to company statements, the members had undergone "extensive and rigorous training" and boasted "both incredible skill and looks". Furthermore, the reformation notably lowered the group's average age, positioning them more competitively in the youth-oriented K-pop market.

Hayun's addition to the group

Among the five new faces joining brave girls members was Lee Hayun, alongside Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna. For Hayun, this represented a remarkable second chance after her experience with DATE had ended abruptly. Her recruitment into Brave Entertainment demonstrated both her resilience and continued appeal as a performer.

Hayun officially joined the brave girls kpop lineup on February 3, 2016. Interestingly, she initially held the position of maknae (youngest member) in the group from 2016 to 2018, a role that would later transfer to Yuna from 2019 until the group's eventual disbandment.

Producer Brave Brothers expressed high expectations for the reconstituted group, stating: "Brave Girls will return with a completely new look and will have more opportunities to interact with fans. Please look forward to great things to come from Brave Girls". This enthusiastic endorsement signaled the company's commitment to positioning the revamped group for success.

Debut with 'Deepened'

Hayun's official debut as a brave girls member came swiftly after the announcement. On February 16, 2016—just two weeks after the reformation announcement—the group released their third digital single "Deepened". This release marked their first new music since 2013, ending a prolonged absence from the K-pop scene.

"Deepened" was produced by Brave Brothers in collaboration with Maboos and JS, described as "retro-dance pop music" that showcased the new lineup's vocal abilities and performance style. The song was distributed through major digital portals in South Korea, including MelOn, as well as globally via iTunes.

The music video for "Deepened" demonstrated promising initial reception, garnering over 900,000 views on the CJ E&M YouTube channel and more than 400,000 views on their official channel, totaling approximately 1.3 million views by the end of June 2016. This reception indicated potential for the group's future growth.

For Hayun personally, joining the established brave girls profile offered a more stable platform compared to her previous experience with DATE. The group would continue its activities throughout 2016, releasing additional tracks including "High Heels" and "Woo-Hoo", providing Hayun with valuable experience and industry exposure that would shape her development as an artist.

Life as a Brave Girls Member

From her debut in 2016 until her departure in 2019, Hayun's tenure with brave girls showcased both her talents and the challenges faced by K-pop idols behind the glittering stage performances. Her journey with the group would ultimately be cut short by health concerns, yet it remains a significant chapter in her career trajectory.

Group dynamics and Hayun's role

Upon joining the seven-member lineup of brave girls, Hayun quickly integrated into the group's reformed identity. The members exhibited remarkable camaraderie despite coming from different backgrounds, with some being original members and others, like Hayun, joining after previous experiences elsewhere in the industry.

According to group member Yujeong, the brave girls members occasionally experienced disagreements but maintained harmony through open communication: "Of course, there are times when we get into arguments, but we all try to straighten things out by talking it out". This culture of direct communication contributed to the group's cohesion during Hayun's time with them.

Interestingly, Hayun became known for her unintentional humor, often making others laugh without trying but struggling when deliberately attempting to be funny. This natural quality endeared her to both fellow members and fans, adding to the group's dynamic chemistry.

During her active period, Hayun positioned herself as a dependable performer within brave girls kpop, contributing to the group's choreography and vocal arrangements. Moreover, she participated in the original "Rollin'" promotions when the song was first released in 2017, though she wouldn't be present for its viral resurgence years later.

Notable performances and releases

Throughout her tenure, Hayun participated in several key releases that showcased the brave girls profile to the public:

February 16, 2016: Official debut with the digital single "Deepened"
June 27, 2016: Comeback with the EP "High Heels," featuring choreography and costumes that challenged female worker stereotypes
September 1, 2016: Special EP release "Yoo Hoo," showing a softer side of the group
March 7, 2017: Release of "Rollin'," which would later become their breakthrough hit

Each release demonstrated Brave Entertainment's effort to establish a distinct identity for the group in the competitive K-pop market. Under producer Brave Brothers' guidance, the group evolved from their hip-hop and reggae influences toward a more mainstream sound while maintaining their progressive approach to gender representation.

Consequently, Hayun's performances with brave girls often featured empowering concepts, as evidenced by their "High Heels" promotion where members portrayed various professional women rebelling against traditional stereotypes. This artistic direction allowed Hayun to participate in performances with substance beyond typical K-pop fare.

Fan reception and public image

During her active period with brave girls, Hayun contributed to building the group's fanbase, though they had not yet achieved the massive popularity that would come after her departure. The group's releases during this period "fell short of entering the top 20 in major charts", yet their distinctive approach garnered a dedicated following.

Certainly, Hayun's subsequent absence during the group's viral moment in 2021 prompted significant fan interest in her previous contributions. Many fans expressed admiration for her performances after rediscovering the original "Rollin'" videos, with comments like "Hayun was the absolute best. I miss you" appearing on social media.

Indeed, after brave girls achieved unexpected fame in 2021, fans began asking if Hayun might return to the group. This retrospective appreciation highlighted her impact during her active period, even though health concerns had necessitated her departure.

On August 11, 2018, Brave Entertainment announced that Hayun would be "sitting out from the group's activities due to health issues". This hiatus eventually became permanent, with March 2019 interviews confirming she was "no longer part of Brave Girls after the group was reorganized into a four-member lineup".

Meanwhile, her connection to the group remained noteworthy enough that when Hayun later established herself as a successful content creator with "5 million followers on TikTok", her former association with brave girls remained a significant aspect of her public identity.

Health Struggles and Quiet Exit

Behind the glamorous stage performances and public appearances, Hayun's journey with brave girls took an unexpected turn in 2018 when health concerns began to interfere with her career. What began as a temporary absence ultimately led to her permanent departure from the group that had become her professional home.

Announcement of hiatus in 2018

On August 11, 2018, Brave Entertainment released an official statement that sent ripples through the fanbase: "Member Hayun will not be participating in the group's upcoming release due to health reasons". This announcement coincided with the re-release of "Rollin'"—a song that would later catapult the group to unprecedented fame. Ironically, Hayun had been part of the original lineup for "Rollin'" when it first released in 2017, yet she was absent from this pivotal re-release.

The timing marked a significant shift in the brave girls profile, as the agency simply stated that the group would "be promoting with four members for the time being". This careful wording left fans speculating about whether her absence would be temporary or permanent, as no specific timeline for her return was provided.

Hyperthyroidism diagnosis

Nearly three years after her hiatus announcement, Hayun finally revealed the specific health challenge she had been facing. On May 4, 2021, following the viral success of "Rollin'" that had thrust her former group into the spotlight, she shared on Instagram: "To be honest, for a while now, I have had a hormone disorder called hyperthyroidism".

The condition, which occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones, can cause symptoms including anxiety, fatigue, sensitivity to heat, and uncontrollable shaking. Hayun explained that her symptoms had significantly worsened during her promotional activities with brave girls members, making her continued participation increasingly difficult.

"My hyperthyroidism became worse during my promotions, so after discussing with my agency, we concluded that it'd be difficult for me to continue promoting". This candid revelation highlighted the physical toll that the demanding schedule of a K-pop idol had taken on her health.

Official departure in 2019

Whereas her initial absence was framed as a temporary hiatus, by March 2019, Brave Brothers confirmed in an interview that Hayun was "no longer part of Brave Girls after they were reorganized into a four-member group". This quiet announcement formalized what many fans had begun to suspect—her health condition had necessitated a permanent exit from brave girls kpop.

Nonetheless, Hayun continued to battle hyperthyroidism after leaving the group. In her 2021 Instagram post, she reassured fans: "I am still dealing with hyperthyroidism but have focused on treatment and am currently doing much better". She also apologized to supporters for the delayed explanation, writing: "I'm sorry for telling fans so late".

Reinvention as Dalha: The Content Creator

Following her departure from the K-pop spotlight in 2019, Lee Hayun embarked on a digital renaissance that would ultimately reach millions of viewers across multiple platforms, transforming the former brave girls member into an influential content creator.

Rise on TikTok and YouTube

In 2019, Hayun launched her TikTok account under the name "Dalha" (a shortened form of "Running Hayun") and quickly amassed a substantial following. Her perfect "lip sync" videos became particularly well-known among TikTok users, showcasing her natural performance abilities honed during her time as one of the brave girls members. Remarkably, many of her new followers initially had no idea about her idol background, with comments like "Heol! I see her on Instagram all the time. She's so pretty and so talented, it turns out she was an idol..." appearing frequently.

By March 2021, when brave girls experienced their viral resurgence with "Rollin'," Hayun had already established herself as a "hot TikTok star" with millions of followers. Surprisingly, this coincidental timing sparked renewed interest in her connection to the group, with netizens commenting: "I wanna see more videos!" and "Wow she was in Brave Girls? I had no idea".

Makeup tutorials and dance content

Beyond lip-syncing, Hayun diversified her content to include makeup tutorials and dance performances. In October 2019, she launched a YouTube channel specifically focused on makeup. Her content strategy brilliantly leveraged both her natural beauty that had once been part of her brave girls profile and the performance skills she developed during her idol career.

Her dance videos, essentially, allowed her to maintain a connection to her K-pop roots while building a new identity separate from the brave girls kpop image. This strategic content mix helped her attract followers who appreciated her artistic skills independently of her idol background.

Twitch streaming and fan engagement

In 2020, Hayun further expanded her digital presence by creating the "Running Hayun" (달려라하유니) channel on Twitch. Unlike the polished, pre-recorded content of her other platforms, Twitch allowed for real-time interaction with viewers.

Within the Twitch environment, streamers typically broadcast themselves for hours while interacting with fans through a chat box. This format created a more intimate connection between Hayun and her audience compared to traditional social media. As psychologist Rachel Kowert notes, the Twitch platform creates "a one-and-a-half-sided parasocial relationship" because fans occasionally receive direct responses from creators.

Her digital career gained additional legitimacy when she signed with Sandbox Network, a digital entertainment company, in November 2020, formally establishing her transition from idol to professional content creator.

Acting Debut and Artistic Growth

Exploring new artistic territories, Lee Hayun ventured into acting after establishing herself as a successful content creator, adding yet another dimension to her evolving career beyond her days with brave girls.

Stage plays in 2022

April 2022 marked Hayun's official acting debut through not one but two stage productions at Seoul's Youth Theater. She took on the role of "Heeseon" in the play "Love is timing" (러브 이즈 타이밍), showcasing her ability to portray complex emotions in a live theatrical setting. Alongside this performance, she simultaneously prepared for her role as "Shinhye" in "Charter Reversal" (전세역전), demonstrating remarkable versatility as a newcomer to the dramatic arts.

The transition from idol to stage actress represented a significant artistic pivot, requiring different skills from those she had developed as one of the brave girls members. Theater acting demands sustained emotional engagement and audience connection throughout entire performances—a stark contrast to the condensed performances typical in K-pop.

Film debut in 'City of Cain' (2024)

Building upon her stage experience, Hayun made her silver screen debut in the 2024 South Korean film "City of Cain" (카인의 도시). Directed by Song Chang-soo, the film featured Hayun in the role of Soyeon. Interestingly, she was credited under her legal name Lee Hwa-si rather than her brave girls profile name, possibly signaling her desire to establish a distinct identity as an actress.

The film was released to South Korean audiences on December 4, 2024, representing the culmination of Hayun's journey from stage to screen. This progression from theater to cinema illustrated her growing comfort with different performance media.

Balancing content creation and acting

Throughout her acting pursuits, Hayun maintained her vibrant presence across digital platforms. This balancing act exemplified her multifaceted approach to entertainment—simultaneously developing as both a digital creator and traditional performer.

Her successful management of these parallel careers demonstrated considerable professional discipline, especially considering the demanding schedules of both film production and consistent content creation. For former brave girls kpop fans, this diversification represented an evolution of the versatility she had shown during her idol days.

Reflections on Fame, Health, and Identity

In May 2021, after years of silence regarding her departure, Lee Hayun finally addressed the speculation surrounding her exit from brave girls. The timing of her revelation coincided with the group's unexpected viral resurgence, bringing closure to both fans and herself about a chapter that had ended years earlier.

Why she left Brave Girls

Hayun's Instagram post on May 4, 2021, revealed the health condition that had forced her departure: "To be honest, for awhile now, I have had a hormone disorder called hyperthyroidism". Throughout her time as one of the brave girls members, she had been quietly battling this thyroid condition that produces excessive hormones. "My hyperthyroidism became worse during my promotions so after discussing with my agency, we concluded that it'd be difficult for me to continue promoting". This mutual decision between Hayun and Brave Entertainment ultimately led to what she described as a "regretful" but necessary exit from the group.

How her health improved post-idol life

Beyond the demanding schedule of idol life, Hayun focused on recovery and treatment. "I am still dealing with hyperthyroidism but have focused on treatment and am currently doing much better", she assured fans in her 2021 post. Notably, she clarified that her condition improved "following her retirement as an idol and receiving further treatment". This health improvement vindicated her difficult decision to step away from brave girls kpop activities, suggesting the high-stress environment had potentially exacerbated her condition.

Her message to fans and fellow idols

Admittedly emotional about missing the group's eventual success, Hayun expressed genuine support for her former teammates: "Although I'm unable to be with them due to my health, I will sincerely support Brave Girls' future promotions". She added, "While watching Brave girls' popularity surge, I felt a lot of happiness because I shared the experience of promoting 'Rollin''". Looking forward, she promised fans, "I will also embark on individual promotions and work hard to showcase a variety of images, so I'd be thankful if you gave me support!".