Soodam (Secret Number): The Untold Story Behind Her K-pop Journey

Soodam, whose name beautifully translates to "shining pond" in Korean, has established herself as a standout member of the South Korean girl group SECRET NUMBER since their debut. Born on November 9, 1999, she officially stepped into the K-pop spotlight when SECRET NUMBER made their debut on May 19, 2020, with their first single album "Who Dis?".

Before becoming a K-pop idol, Soodam trained in traditional Korean dancing, which undoubtedly contributed to her performance skills as a SECRET NUMBER member. With a training period of 1 year and 5 months, she was revealed as the third member of Vine Entertainment's new girl group, capturing fans' attention with her talents. Additionally, standing at 165 cm (5'5"), Soodam enjoys simple pleasures like shopping and watching movies in her free time. Notably, she considers Suzy her role model because of Suzy's successful career expansion into acting, perhaps hinting at Soodam's own future aspirations beyond music.

Soodam’s Profile at a Glance

Looking beyond the spotlight, Soodam's personal profile reveals the woman behind the idol persona. As a crucial member of SECRET NUMBER, her background details offer fans deeper insights into who she truly is, from her official information to the meaning behind her distinctive stage name.

Full name, birthday, and nationality

The talented performer was born as Park Soodam (박수담) in Seoul, South Korea. She celebrates her birthday on November 9, 1999, making her a Scorpio. As a native Korean, Soodam brings authentic cultural influences to her performances, particularly through her background in traditional Korean dance forms.

While many K-pop idols adopt entirely different stage names, Soodam chose to keep her birth name for her professional career. This decision reflects her authentic approach to her artistry, allowing fans to connect with her real identity rather than a created persona.

Her Korean heritage is evident not just in her name but also in her training background. As someone who studied traditional Korean dance before entering the idol world, Soodam represents a beautiful blend of traditional cultural arts and modern K-pop performance styles.

Height, blood type, and MBTI

Physically, Soodam stands at 165 cm (approximately 5'5"), giving her a graceful presence on stage. Her blood type is AB, which is sometimes associated with creative and rational personalities in Korean culture.

Regarding her MBTI personality type, Soodam is an ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Prospecting). This personality type, often called "The Champion" or "The Inspirer," suggests she's likely outgoing, enthusiastic, and creative. ENFPs typically thrive in social settings and bring positive energy to their surroundings—qualities that serve her well as an idol who regularly interacts with fans.

Furthermore, her ENFP traits align with her observed behavior in group activities and fan interactions, where she often displays warmth and enthusiasm. This personality type generally indicates someone who values authenticity and connection, which may explain her decision to perform under her real name.

Stage name meaning and nicknames

Interestingly, the name "Soodam" carries a beautiful meaning in Korean. "Soo" (수) translates to "water" or "excellence," while "Dam" (담) means "pond" or "to hold." Together, her name can be interpreted as "shining pond" or "excellent container," suggesting depth, clarity, and the ability to reflect beauty.

Throughout her career with SECRET NUMBER, fans have given Soodam several affectionate nicknames. The group's fandom, known as "Lockey," often refers to her with endearing terms that highlight her visual appeal and personality traits. Her role as the group's visual and her striking appearance have inspired many of these fan-given names.

Apart from official positions, Soodam is often recognized for her distinct facial expressions and dance moves, which have earned her reputation-based nicknames among the fandom. These nicknames demonstrate the special connection she has built with fans since SECRET NUMBER's debut.

As the only original member remaining in the group, Soodam's profile has gained additional significance. She carries the legacy of SECRET NUMBER's original vision while continuing to evolve as an artist, making her personal details all the more meaningful to long-time fans who have followed her journey from the beginning.

Her Life Before K-pop Stardom

Behind every K-pop idol stands a unique journey that shapes their artistry. Long before stepping onto the K-pop stage, Soodam built a foundation in traditional arts and gained recognition in Seoul's vibrant youth culture scene.

Early life in Seoul

Born and raised in Neung-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea, Soodam developed an early affinity for performing arts. Growing up in the bustling capital city provided her with rich cultural exposure and opportunities to nurture her natural talents. Throughout her childhood, she demonstrated a particular interest in movement and expression, which would later become fundamental to her performance style.

Seoul's dynamic environment, with its blend of traditional heritage and modern innovation, played a crucial role in shaping Soodam's artistic sensibilities. The city's strong emphasis on both preserving cultural traditions and embracing contemporary arts created the perfect backdrop for a young performer with diverse interests.

Unlike many K-pop idols who relocated to Seoul to pursue their dreams, Soodam had the advantage of being born in the heart of South Korea's entertainment hub. This geographic privilege meant easier access to training facilities, arts education, and performance opportunities from an early age.

Education in arts and dance

Soodam's formal education reflects her dedication to performing arts, particularly dance. She attended prestigious institutions specialized in arts education - first graduating from Sunhwa Arts Middle School and subsequently completing her studies at Sunhwa Arts High School. These specialized schools provided comprehensive training in various artistic disciplines, allowing her to develop strong technical foundations.

After high school, she continued her academic pursuit at Ewha Womans University, where she majored in Dance and Korean dance. This specialized focus demonstrates her commitment to mastering traditional Korean dance forms alongside contemporary techniques.

Perhaps most significantly, Soodam dedicated an impressive ten years to studying Korean traditional dance. This extensive training period helped her develop exceptional discipline, grace, and precision - qualities that would later distinguish her performances as an idol. During this time, she was also a member of the Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea, a prestigious traditional dance group that further honed her skills.

Interestingly, it was through her traditional dance training that Soodam first discovered her love for stage performance. The structured yet expressive nature of Korean traditional dance instilled in her a deep appreciation for the nuances of movement and stage presence. These formative experiences essentially created the foundation for her future career as a K-pop performer.

Soodam's time as an ulzzang

Prior to her debut with Secret Number, Soodam gained popularity as an "ulzzang" - a Korean term meaning "best face" that refers to individuals recognized for their attractive appearances. Ulzzangs typically gain followings through social media platforms where they share fashionable photos and lifestyle content.

As an ulzzang, Soodam developed comfort in front of cameras and built a fan base attracted to her distinct visual appeal. This predebut experience helped her become accustomed to public attention and develop the confidence necessary for idol life. Many fans who followed her ulzzang career would later become early supporters when she debuted with Secret Number.

The ulzzang experience provided Soodam with valuable skills that transferred directly to her idol career: understanding camera angles, developing a personal style, and connecting with audiences through visual presentation. Additionally, her classical beauty and elegant features drew public attention during this period, with her visuals often compared to those of top-tier idols.

Combined with her extensive dance background, Soodam's time as an ulzzang created a unique predebut profile that would later help her stand out among K-pop trainees. These experiences collectively prepared her for the demands of idol life while giving her distinctive qualities that would become signature elements of her performance style.

The Predebut Years: Training and Growth

The path from talented dancer to K-pop idol involves rigorous training and personal growth—a challenging journey Soodam embraced wholeheartedly. Her transition from traditional arts to the contemporary K-pop world illustrates the dedication required to succeed in South Korea's competitive entertainment industry.

Joining Vine Entertainment

Soodam officially joined Vine Entertainment on January 1, 2020, marking the beginning of her formal K-pop career. This relatively small entertainment company would become the launchpad for her debut with SECRET NUMBER. Although not among the industry giants like the "Big 3" companies, Vine Entertainment provided Soodam with the platform to showcase her unique talents.

For Soodam, signing with Vine represented a significant shift from her traditional dance background to the modern, global-facing world of K-pop. The company was developing a multinational girl group concept that would eventually become SECRET NUMBER, and Soodam's classical training made her a valuable addition to their trainee roster.

Initially, the company had scheduled SECRET NUMBER's debut for March 26, 2020, however, they had to postpone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delay, though disappointing, provided additional preparation time for Soodam and her fellow members before their eventual May 2020 debut.

Traditional dance background

Even though her traditional arts education was covered in previous sections, its influence on her training deserves additional context. Soodam's extensive experience with the Little Angels Children's Folk Ballet of Korea gave her a distinct advantage during the preparation process.

Traditional Korean dance emphasizes precision, grace, and emotional expression—qualities highly valued in K-pop performances. Moreover, her decade of disciplined training developed exceptional body control and stage presence that distinguished her among trainees.

Unlike many K-pop trainees who begin with little or no performance background, Soodam entered the industry with refined skills that only needed adaptation to contemporary dance styles. This foundation allowed her to focus on developing other aspects of idol training such as vocal techniques and stage presence.

Her training period and preparation

Soodam's official training period lasted 1 year and 5 months, relatively brief compared to some idols who train for many years before debut. Nevertheless, this concentrated period was undoubtedly intense, following the rigorous standards of K-pop preparation.

Typically, K-pop trainees undergo monthly evaluations where company executives assess their progress in dance, vocals, and overall performance. Throughout this process, trainees face immense pressure as their rankings determine their debut prospects.

A typical trainee day might include wake-up at 5:00 AM, followed by dance practice, vocal lessons, language studies, and additional training until nearly midnight. Despite these demanding schedules, Soodam's previous experience with disciplined practice likely helped her adapt to the intensity.

In addition to physical preparation, trainees often receive guidance on public speaking, camera presence, and interview skills—essential aspects of idol life beyond performing. Consequently, Soodam's preparation extended beyond perfecting choreography to developing her complete idol persona.

By the time SECRET NUMBER was ready to introduce her to the world, Soodam had transformed from a traditional dancer to a fully-prepared K-pop idol, equipped with both the technical skills and mental resilience necessary for the challenging career ahead.

Debuting with Secret Number

After years of preparation, Soodam's dream of becoming a K-pop idol finally materialized in early 2020. Her journey from trainee to official artist unfolded during a pivotal time in the industry, ultimately establishing her as a cornerstone of SECRET NUMBER's identity.

How she was revealed as a member

On January 25, 2020, Vine Entertainment officially revealed Soodam as the third member of their upcoming girl group SECRET NUMBER. This announcement came as part of a carefully orchestrated rollout strategy that introduced each member individually. The complete member lineup was later showcased in a dance cover video published on YouTube on April 29, 2020, alongside the official group name announcement.

In the weeks leading up to their debut, each member received an individual introduction between May 11-14, with Soodam's official profile being released during this period. As the only Korean member who had trained in traditional dance, her reveal generated interest among fans looking for idols with unique backgrounds.

Debut single and first stage

SECRET NUMBER made their official debut on May 19, 2020, with their first single album titled "Who Dis?". The album consisted of two tracks: the lead single sharing the album's name and a B-side track called "Holiday". Originally, Vine Entertainment had scheduled the group's debut for March 26, but postponed it due to complications from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their broadcast debut occurred on May 22, 2020, when they performed "Who Dis?" on KBS2's Music Bank. For Soodam, this first official stage marked the culmination of her training period and the beginning of her professional career. Behind the scenes footage reveals the emotional weight of this milestone, with many members, including Soodam, experiencing intense nervousness before taking the stage.

"We can do it! Fighting! I never tremble!" Soodam encouraged her teammates backstage before their debut showcase, displaying leadership qualities even as a rookie.

Initial fan reactions

The response to SECRET NUMBER's debut was overwhelmingly positive. Just days after their music video release, it had already accumulated over 5 million views. Fans were particularly drawn to Soodam's striking visuals and performance quality.

Her traditional dance background was immediately apparent in her stage presence, distinguishing her from other rookies. As the group continued to perform, Soodam's ethereal beauty became one of their standout attributes, with fans expressing amazement at her "unreal visuals".

SECRET NUMBER's commercial success in their first five months earned them several rookie awards at major Korean year-end music award shows, including recognition at the Asia Artist Awards, APAN Music Awards, and Asian Pop Music Awards. Additionally, Billboard Korea named them among the Rookie K-pop Groups of 2020, validating the strong first impression Soodam and her teammates had made on the industry.

Even K-pop fans who weren't initially following SECRET NUMBER found themselves drawn to the group specifically because of Soodam's captivating presence, illustrating how her unique appeal contributed significantly to the group's early success.

Soodam’s Role in Secret Number

Within SECRET NUMBER's dynamic group structure, Soodam has carved out a distinct identity as both an original member and a versatile performer. Her contributions extend beyond mere performance, as she represents the group's Korean roots amid its international makeup.

Her official positions in the group

As an integral part of SECRET NUMBER, Soodam holds several key positions that showcase her diverse talents. Officially, she serves as one of the group's lead dancers, a role that perfectly aligns with her extensive background in traditional Korean dance. In addition to her dance responsibilities, she contributes vocally as a sub-vocalist, adding depth to the group's musical arrangements.

Beyond these technical roles, Soodam has naturally emerged as a steadying presence within the group. As SECRET NUMBER has experienced multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, she remains the only original member who has stayed with the group since debut. This longevity has implicitly positioned her as the group's anchor, carrying forward its original vision and identity through periods of transition.

Throughout the group's evolution, Soodam has maintained consistency in her performance quality, thereby establishing herself as a reliable foundation upon which SECRET NUMBER continues to build its artistic identity.

Visual and center responsibilities

In K-pop's highly visual industry, Soodam quickly established herself as one of SECRET NUMBER's standout visuals. Her classical Korean beauty, characterized by elegant features and graceful expressions, makes her naturally photogenic from various angles.

As a visual member, her responsibilities extend to representing the group in promotional materials, photoshoots, and visual-focused content. Occasionally, she takes center position during key choreography points, especially during movements requiring elegant execution where her dance background becomes particularly valuable.

Her visual appeal transcends mere appearance—it incorporates her poised demeanor and the refined quality of her movements, attributes directly connected to her years of traditional dance training.

How she stands out on stage

On stage, Soodam distinguishes herself through a unique combination of technical precision and artistic expression. Unlike performers who rely primarily on power or charisma, she brings a distinct grace to her performances that reflects her specialized training.

Most noticeably, her dance style incorporates subtle elements from traditional Korean dance, creating elegant transitions between movements that might otherwise appear sharp or mechanical. This influence is particularly evident in her hand gestures and upper body control, which maintain a fluid quality even during intense choreography.

Her facial expressions similarly set her apart—she possesses a remarkable ability to convey emotion while maintaining composed elegance, a skill honed through years of traditional performance where such expression is emphasized.

Personality, Hobbies, and Favorites

Beyond her performances and group contributions, Soodam's individual traits and preferences offer fans a glimpse into her authentic self. The calm, artistic member of SECRET NUMBER possesses distinct characteristics that shape both her on-stage presence and off-stage persona.

MBTI and personality traits

According to multiple personality assessments, Soodam has the MBTI type ISFP, often referred to as the "Adventurer" personality. This personality type perfectly aligns with her artistic background, reflecting her sensitive nature and creative tendencies. ISFPs typically possess an adventurous spirit, approaching life with grounded warmth and staying present in the moment.

As an ISFP, Soodam embodies the "true artist" mindset—viewing life itself as a canvas for self-expression. This trait manifests in her performance style, where she expresses herself through movement rather than words. ISFPs are generally curious individuals eager to explore new experiences, which explains her diverse interests beyond performing.

Her quiet demeanor, frequently noted by those who meet her, aligns with the introverted aspect of her personality type. First impressions often describe Soodam as warm, humble, and soft-spoken. Yet, this introversion transforms on stage, where her artistic ISFP qualities allow her to shine with captivating intensity.

Favorite foods and drinks

When it comes to culinary preferences, Soodam enjoys a variety of traditional Korean dishes. She particularly loves kimchi and consumes it frequently. Among her favorite foods, she lists salmon, kimbap, and tripe.

Regarding beverages, Soodam has a clear preference for iced coffee over hot coffee, often sharing that it's her favorite pick-me-up. For those curious about her experiences with international cuisine, she has mentioned that sushi is her favorite food when visiting Japan.

Hobbies like shopping and movies

Outside her busy schedule as an idol, Soodam dedicates her free time to several personal interests. Shopping ranks high among her favorite activities, allowing her to explore her fashion sense and personal style.

Watching movies constitutes another significant hobby, providing her with both entertainment and artistic inspiration. This interest in visual storytelling complements her career as a performer who must convey emotion through expression.

Additionally, Soodam enjoys makeup, a hobby that aligns with both her artistic ISFP personality and her position as one of SECRET NUMBER's visual members. Her skill with makeup enhances her natural features, particularly her eyes and dimples, which she considers her personal charming points.

Cooking represents yet another talent in Soodam's repertoire, as she's reportedly skilled in the kitchen. This domestic ability adds another dimension to her personality beyond the glamorous idol image fans see on stage.

Her Inspirations and Role Models

Every artist draws inspiration from those who came before them. For Soodam, certain influences have profoundly shaped her artistic identity and continue to guide her vision as a performer.

Why Suzy is her role model

Among all the established Korean entertainers, Soodam specifically names Suzy as her role model. This admiration stems primarily from Suzy's remarkable versatility and success across multiple entertainment fields. In fact, Suzy has achieved what many K-pop idols aspire to—transitioning successfully from idol status to respected actress.

What makes this connection particularly significant is how Suzy's career trajectory might reflect Soodam's own aspirations. Suzy began as a member of the girl group Miss A before expanding into acting, eventually starring in prestigious projects like "Start-Up" where she portrayed an aspiring entrepreneur with ambitious dreams. Suzy's dedication to developing her craft beyond her initial success surely resonates with Soodam's own artistic journey.

Interestingly, Soodam isn't alone in her admiration—numerous other idols including WJSN's Bona, Oh My Girl's Arin, and Jung Chae-yeon have cited Bae Suzy as their influence or role model, highlighting Suzy's widespread impact on the newer generation of K-pop performers.

How traditional dance shaped her

Soodam's foundation in Korean traditional dance fundamentally influenced her identity as a performer. Her extensive training in this art form first awakened her passion for the stage, as she realized through traditional dance that she genuinely loved performing.

The precision, discipline, and artistic expression inherent in traditional Korean dance provided Soodam with unique advantages. Beyond technical skills, this specialized training instilled in her a distinctive movement quality and stage presence that sets her apart from performers without this background.

Traditional dance typically emphasizes subtle emotional expression through controlled movements—qualities clearly visible in Soodam's performances with SECRET NUMBER. Indeed, the grace and poise characteristic of traditional Korean forms naturally complement her role as the group's visual.

Desire to explore new genres

Beyond her established performance style, Soodam has expressed a growing desire to perform different genres on stage. This interest in artistic exploration demonstrates her evolution as a performer who continues to seek new creative challenges.

Much like her groupmate Minji, who stated she doesn't "actively look out for certain genres" but wants to "explore as many genres and styles as possible", Soodam appears eager to expand her artistic repertoire beyond what audiences have already seen from her.

This curiosity about new performance styles aligns perfectly with her background in traditional dance, which provided her with versatile foundational skills adaptable to various genres. As SECRET NUMBER continues to evolve, fans may witness Soodam incorporating increasingly diverse influences into her performances.

Friendships and Social Life

Beyond her professional life as a K-pop idol, Soodam maintains meaningful personal connections both within and outside the entertainment industry. These relationships offer glimpses into her life off-stage and showcase how she navigates the complex social dynamics of idol life.

Friendship with Seo Eunkyo

Soodam shares a close friendship with Seo Eunkyo, a soloist and actress under the same company, Vine Entertainment. This professional connection has naturally evolved into a personal bond, giving Soodam a reliable friend who understands the unique pressures of the entertainment industry. Interestingly, their friendship appears on both of their official profiles, indicating the significance of this relationship to both artists.

As labelmates, they likely support each other through career challenges and celebrations, providing mutual encouragement within the competitive K-pop landscape. Their friendship represents the important support systems that idols often develop with peers who understand their unique lifestyle.

Her connection with fans (Lockey)

Soodam maintains a thoughtful relationship with SECRET NUMBER's fandom, known as "Lockey." This was exemplified when she attended a baseball game with a male friend and afterward posted a heartfelt apology to fans who might have misunderstood their relationship. In her message, she clarified he was a high school friend and expressed concern about disappointing Lockey with any misunderstanding.

CHOEAEDOL, a fan platform, enables Soodam to connect with supporters through voting activities and fundraising opportunities. Her interactions with international fans have also been documented, including memorable moments like hugging a fan at a meet-and-greet.

Understanding English but not speaking it

Despite SECRET NUMBER's international appeal, Soodam understands English but cannot speak it fluently. This linguistic situation creates unique dynamics during international fan meetings where other members might need to translate. Still, her comprehension allows her to understand English-speaking fans directly, even if she responds in Korean.

Even with this language barrier, Soodam's genuine warmth transcends verbal communication, allowing her to build meaningful connections with fans worldwide through her expressions and gestures.