Kim Dayeon: The Untold Story Behind Kep1er's Main Dancer

Kim Dayeon transformed from a reality show contestant facing early elimination to becoming one of K-pop's promising talents. Despite placing 70th and being eliminated from Produce 48 in 2018, she eventually secured her place in the industry through persistence and undeniable skill.

Born on March 2, 2003, in Seoul, South Korea, Dayeon officially debuted as a member of Kep1er on January 3, 2022, with their first mini-album "First Impact". Her journey to becoming Kep1er's main dancer wasn't straightforward. After training for 4 years and 1 month, she participated in Girls Planet 999, where she finished in 4th place with an impressive 885,286 points and 219,125 votes. This remarkable achievement secured her position in the final lineup of Kep1er.

Dayeon’s Basic Profile (2025 Update)

In 2025, Kim Dayeon stands as a prominent figure in Kep1er with a distinctive presence that has captured fans' attention worldwide. As she continues to evolve as an artist, here's an updated look at her essential profile details that define her identity in the K-pop landscape.

Full name, stage name, and age

Kim Dayeon (김다연) uses her birth name as her stage name, making her instantly recognizable in the industry. Born on March 2, 2003, in Seoul, South Korea, she turned 22 years old (international age) in 2025. Among Kep1er members, Dayeon is known for her mature presence despite not being the oldest in the group. Her name carries significant meaning in Korean, with "Da" representing abundance and "Yeon" symbolizing connection or relation—aptly describing her abundant talent and connection with fans.

Dayeon frequently introduces herself with her signature catchphrase, "A top expert squirrel in idol studies with leadership," which highlights both her playful personality and her serious dedication to her craft. Additionally, fans often call her by affectionate nicknames including "Dayeonie" and "Squirrel," referencing her energetic and sometimes mischievous nature.

Height, MBTI, and zodiac signs

Standing at approximately 165 cm (5'5"), Dayeon possesses an ideal dancer's physique that allows her to execute powerful choreography while maintaining grace. Her proportions contribute to her commanding stage presence despite not being the tallest member of Kep1er.

Regarding personality traits, Dayeon's MBTI type is ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), commonly known as "The Executive" or "The Guardian." This personality type perfectly aligns with her leadership qualities shown throughout Girls Planet 999 and within Kep1er. As an ESTJ, she demonstrates strong organizational skills, practical thinking, and a natural ability to take charge—traits consistently displayed in her role as dance leader during performances.

Born in early March, Dayeon's zodiac sign is Pisces. This water sign is typically associated with creativity, intuition, and emotional depth—characteristics that enhance her expressive dancing and performance style. Furthermore, in the Chinese zodiac, she was born in the Year of the Goat (2003), which traditionally symbolizes gentleness and creativity.

Languages spoken and nationality

As a South Korean native, Dayeon speaks Korean as her primary language with fluency and eloquence. Throughout her career, she has also developed conversational skills in Japanese, particularly useful during Kep1er's Japanese promotions and interactions with international fans. Moreover, she continues to improve her English abilities, often incorporating basic English phrases during global fan meetings and international interviews.

Dayeon's nationality is South Korean, and she proudly represents her country's entertainment industry on the global stage. Her cultural background deeply influences her performance style, which combines traditional Korean precision with contemporary global dance influences. This cultural foundation, coupled with her extensive training, has helped her develop the versatility required for Kep1er's diverse musical concepts—from cute and energetic to powerful and mature.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Dayeon's journey to K-pop stardom began with supportive parents and a strong work ethic instilled from an early age. Unlike many trainees who move to Seoul to pursue their dreams, Dayeon had the advantage of growing up in the heart of South Korea's entertainment industry.

Hometown and family background

As an only child, Dayeon enjoyed the full support and attention of her parents. Her family runs a sushi restaurant in Seoul, providing a stable foundation for her artistic pursuits. This family business played a significant role in shaping her character, as she occasionally worked at her parents' sashimi restaurant before her debut. These early work experiences likely contributed to her disciplined approach to training and performance.

The restaurant continues to be a source of pride for the family, even as their daughter has risen to fame. Though her busy schedule with Kep1er keeps her away from the family business, her connection to her roots remains strong. This grounding in family values explains her mature demeanor despite her young age.

School of Performing Arts Seoul

Dayeon's educational journey took a decisive turn toward her artistic goals when she enrolled in the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA). Before attending this elite institution, she completed her middle school education at Namseong Middle School, where she likely began to develop her performance skills.

At SOPA, she specialized in the Department of Practical Dance, honing the skills that would eventually make her Kep1er's main dancer. Her academic journey culminated on February 10, 2022, when she officially graduated—coincidentally the same day she and fellow Kep1er member Yujin were announced to have recovered from COVID-19.

Notably, Dayeon shared her graduating class with other K-pop stars, including Rei of IVE and Jiheon of Fromis_9. This illustrates SOPA's reputation as a breeding ground for K-pop talent, having previously educated industry icons such as BTS's Jungkook and BLACKPINK's Jisoo. Though one classmate revealed that Dayeon sometimes faced teasing from peers at school, these challenges apparently didn't deter her pursuit of excellence.

Childhood hobbies and interests

From an early age, Dayeon showed exceptional aptitude for physical activities. She learned Hapkido in elementary school, establishing a foundation for the body control and discipline essential for dance. As she grew older, her passion for movement evolved into more specific dance forms:

She took specialized hip-hop and tutting classes during her formative years

Beyond dance and sports, Dayeon possessed several unique talents and interests. She could imitate the sound of echoing that occurs in karaoke rooms, showcasing her playful side. Mathematics stood out as her best academic subject, revealing intellectual strengths alongside her artistic abilities.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Dayeon actually made her debut in entertainment at just 2 years old as a child actress in advertisements. This early exposure to performing, though she reportedly has no recollection of it, may have subconsciously influenced her path toward becoming an idol.

Her earliest self-image apparently included seeing herself as resembling a squirrel—an endearing comparison that would later resurface when fellow contestant YeYoung called her "Kongsunie" (a term for squirrel) during Girls Planet 999. These small details paint a picture of a multifaceted young woman whose childhood experiences prepared her well for the demanding life of a K-pop idol.

Training Journey Before Debut

Long before dazzling audiences as Kep1er's main dancer, Kim Dayeon navigated a winding path through multiple entertainment companies, survival shows, and years of rigorous training. Her pre-debut journey reveals the persistence required to finally stand on stage as an official idol.

Training under Cube, CNC, and Stadium

Dayeon's professional training began at Cube Entertainment, home to established groups like BTOB and (G)I-DLE. Following this initial experience, she moved to CNC School where she trained intensively for approximately 8 months before joining Produce 48 in May 2018. This period laid the foundation for her dancing expertise and performance skills.

After her Produce 48 elimination, Dayeon sought a new opportunity and signed with Stardium Entertainment on December 26, 2018. She joined alongside other former Produce 48 contestants, suggesting the company planned to debut a new girl group. However, her time at Stardium lasted less than a year, as the company reportedly faced financial difficulties that derailed debut plans.

Subsequently, Dayeon made another strategic move, joining Jellyfish Entertainment around late 2020 to early 2021. This company, established in the industry with groups like VIXX and VERIVERY, became her final pre-debut home and ultimately represented her during Girls Planet 999.

Produce 48 experience and elimination

In June 2018, Dayeon took her first major step into the public eye by joining Produce 48, representing CNC School. Her journey on this competitive survival show began promisingly:

She performed "Team" by Iggy Azalea for her first evaluation, earning a B rank and placing 60th overall

Her final words on the show—"I showed you my smile!"—reflected both her positive attitude and her determination to be remembered. This experience, albeit brief, provided valuable stage experience and exposed her to the pressures of competition.

Total training period before debut

The various sources offer slightly different calculations of Dayeon's total training period. According to high-reliability sources, she trained for approximately 4 years and 1 month before her eventual debut with Kep1er. This extensive period breaks down as follows:

Approximately one year at CNC School
About one year at Stardium Entertainment
Roughly one year at Jellyfish Entertainment
Additional time at Cube Entertainment

Her total pre-Kep1er training experience is sometimes cited as three years and two months, with the discrepancy likely stemming from different starting points in the calculation. Regardless, this substantial training period equipped her with exceptional dance skills and performance abilities.

After leaving Stardium Entertainment in early 2020, Dayeon found herself without an agency briefly before joining Jellyfish. This period of uncertainty might have discouraged many aspiring idols, yet Dayeon persevered. Ultimately, her second chance came through Girls Planet 999 in 2021, where she finished in 4th place with 885,286 points and 219,125 votes, finally securing her debut with Kep1er on January 3, 2022.

Dayeon's journey exemplifies the resilience required in the competitive K-pop industry, where even the most talented trainees often face setbacks before achieving their dreams.

Rise Through Girls Planet 999

Girls Planet 999 became the turning point in Kim Dayeon's career path, transforming her from a relatively unknown trainee to a standout performer worthy of debut. Her remarkable ascent through the competition surprised both viewers and fellow contestants alike.

Initial rankings and performances

From day one, Dayeon showcased exceptional talent that caught the judges' attention. In the preliminary Signal Song Evaluation, she achieved the remarkable feat of ranking K01—first among all 33 K-Group contestants. This early recognition highlighted her potential, yet the path forward wasn't straightforward.

For her Planet Demo stage, she performed K/DA's "Pop/Stars," demonstrating her versatility. Subsequently, during the Connect Mission, she tackled BLACKPINK's "How You Like That" as a rapper, impressing many viewers with her stable delivery and charisma. Her individual fancam for this performance quickly accumulated over 335,000 views on YouTube, signaling growing fan interest.

Nevertheless, the competition's cell-based elimination system posed challenges. In episode five, although Dayeon's cell ranked 9th overall, she personally maintained a position within K-Group's Top 9 at seventh place. This ranking protected her from elimination but kept her outside the coveted overall Top 9.

Leadership and standout moments

The Combination Mission marked a significant shift in Dayeon's journey when she led the Cherry Swirl team performing BLACKPINK's "Ice Cream." Despite not winning the challenge, her exceptional leadership abilities began to shine through. Judge Sunmi specifically praised how Dayeon's leadership qualities were evident on stage.

Her contributions extended beyond dancing—she impressed teammates with choreography input and creative ideas during practice sessions. This leadership role showcased a different dimension to her talents, with her individual fancam reaching 460,000 views within approximately three weeks.

In the subsequent Creation Mission, she again took charge as leader for Team Medusa performing "Snake". Initially, since five of the seven team members were from C-Group, Dayeon suggested that contestant Cai Bing might be better suited to lead. Ultimately, Cai Bing graciously yielded the position, recognizing Dayeon as the optimal choice.

Intriguingly, this leadership prowess surprised a former schoolmate who revealed that at school, other students "always make fun" of Dayeon—a stark contrast to the respect she commanded from her Girls Planet 999 teammates.

Final ranking and debut confirmation

The interim results in episode nine revealed a dramatic rise—Kim Dayeon had shot up to P2 overall, advancing eight positions in just one week. This sudden vault in popularity followed a pattern similar to contestant Kawaguchi Yurina's unexpected rise to first place in an earlier episode.

After consistently maintaining strong positions in K-Group (reaching K01 by episode 11), Dayeon secured her debut with a final ranking of P4 in the finale. She received 885,286 points and 219,125 votes, officially becoming a member of the newly formed girl group named Kep1er.

The emotional weight of this achievement was evident when she burst into tears upon being saved from elimination in the final round—a poignant moment that captured her journey from trainee to idol.

Debut and Role in Kep1er

After years of training and perseverance, Kim Dayeon's dream of debut finally materialized in early 2022 when Kep1er burst onto the K-pop scene. Her journey from trainee to idol culminated in a successful launch that immediately established her as one of the group's key performers.

Debut date and first album

Kep1er officially debuted on January 3, 2022, under the co-management of WakeOne and Swing Entertainment. The group introduced themselves to the world with their first extended play (EP) titled "First Impact," featuring the energetic lead single "WA DA DA". This debut marked the beginning of Dayeon's professional career in the K-pop industry, representing the culmination of over four years of training.

The group's entrance into the music scene proved remarkably successful. "First Impact" achieved immediate commercial triumph, selling approximately 400,000 copies and reaching the top position on South Korea's Gaon Album Chart. Even more impressively, both the EP and its title track "WA DA DA" made international impact by charting on the Billboard Global 200 and World Digital Songs respectively.

Just ten days after debut, on January 13, 2022, Kep1er secured their first music program award on M Countdown with "WA DA DA". This swift recognition established them as rising stars in the industry, consequently earning them "New Wave of the Year" honors at prestigious ceremonies including Asia Artist Awards and Seoul Music Awards.

Main dancer and rapper responsibilities

Within Kep1er's structure, Dayeon holds several official positions that showcase her versatility:

Main Dancer - Primary choreography expert
Main Rapper - Leading rap parts in songs
Lead/Sub Vocalist - Contributing vocal sections

Undeniably, her strongest contribution comes through her dancing expertise. As Kep1er's main dancer alongside Ezaki Hikaru, Dayeon brings technical precision and charismatic expression to performances. Her training background shines through in her execution of complex choreography.

Forthwith after debut, Dayeon demonstrated her leadership in dance. During Kep1er's participation in Mnet's "Queendom" reality competition show in 2022, she took initiative by re-choreographing "WA DA DA" for their performance and led the group during dance practice.

Signature stage moments like WA DA DA

Dayeon quickly established herself as a standout performer through several memorable stage moments. Her "iconic killer part" in "WA DA DA" immediately caught viewers' attention, effectively silencing critics who had questioned her charisma during Girls Planet 999. This signature moment showcased her ability to command attention even within a nine-member group.

Despite facing challenges like falling during a "Rollin" performance, Dayeon demonstrated professionalism by finishing strongly. Her stage presence and technical excellence have markedly contributed to Kep1er's performance reputation, with fans praising her as "one of the most promising rookie performers".

Primarily through her dancing prowess, Dayeon continues to prove herself as a "top notch performer" who consistently delivers polished performances. Her multifaceted talents in dance, rap, and even vocals have solidified her position as an essential member of Kep1er's lineup.

Personality, Hobbies, and Fun Facts

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kim Dayeon possesses a distinctive personality and numerous interests that endear her to fans worldwide. These personal aspects reveal the multifaceted individual behind the polished performer.

MBTI and personality traits

As an ESTP (Entrepreneur type), Dayeon embodies the energetic, bold, and sociable characteristics typically associated with this personality type. This classification perfectly aligns with her leadership abilities and problem-solving skills observed throughout her career. ESTPs are known for their adaptability and practical thinking—traits Dayeon consistently demonstrates when faced with challenges.

Essentially, her personality combines seemingly contradictory traits that create an intriguing duality. Indeed, despite her confident stage presence, Dayeon considers herself an ambivert with introvert tendencies. This balance allows her to be comfortable both in high-energy group settings and during solitary activities. Admittedly unique among Korean youth, she enjoys dining and traveling alone, showcasing her independent spirit.

Hobbies like walking and dancing

Dayeon's primary method for relieving stress involves listening to upbeat music while taking walks, a habit she maintains consistently. Her passion for movement extends to various dance styles:

Freestyle dancing and modern dance rank among her favorite pastimes
Hip-hop dancing remains a specialty from her early training days
Basketball playing appears as another physical activity she enjoys

Primarily, these activities reflect her naturally active personality and desire for creative expression. Apart from physical pursuits, Dayeon finds joy in collecting items and appreciates the sensory experience of visiting her favorite restaurants.

Unique facts like her Indian dimple

Perhaps Dayeon's most distinctive physical feature is what she calls her "Indian dimple," which appears near her left eye specifically when she gets excited. This charming point becomes visible during moments of genuine enthusiasm, giving fans a visual cue to her emotional state.

Regarding food preferences, Dayeon exhibits some surprising tastes. She particularly enjoys pork kimchi stew, sushi, and samgyeopsal, yet conversely tends to favor foods many people dislike, such as pineapple pizza. Her love for mint chocolate further demonstrates her willingness to embrace divisive flavors. Forthwith, she draws the line at certain seafood—specifically oysters and black-colored shellfish crusts.

In terms of personal quirks, Dayeon possesses the unusual ability to imitate the echo effect commonly heard in karaoke rooms, demonstrating her playful side. She claims to have photographic memory, which explains why she dislikes keeping diaries. Her self-comparison to a squirrel became cemented as a nickname during Girls Planet 999 when fellow contestant YeYoung dubbed her "Kongsunie" (meaning squirrel).

Group Dynamics and Friendships

Inside the Kep1er dorm, Kim Dayeon has forged meaningful connections that extend beyond simple working relationships. Her interactions with fellow members reveal a side of her personality that fans rarely glimpse on stage.

Nicknames from members

Kim Dayeon carries several affectionate monikers within the group. Chaehyun playfully refers to her as "Bean" during their behind-the-scenes interactions. Meanwhile, the name "Kongsoonie" has stuck as her primary nickname among several members. Other playful titles include "Dancing Queen," reflecting her position as main dancer, along with "D연" and "Squirrel"—the latter acknowledging her energetic nature.

In turn, Dayeon has her own pet names for groupmates—calling Xiaoting simply "Ting" and shortening Hikaru's name to "Karu" in everyday conversations.

Roommates and closest friends

Within Kep1er's living arrangements, Dayeon shares her daily life with Hikaru and Youngeun as dormitory roommates. This living situation has naturally strengthened their bond through shared experiences and late-night conversations.

Regarding intra-group dynamics, Dayeon and Yujin developed a distinctive "Tom & Jerry" relationship after spending time in quarantine together. Elsewhere, she admires the "Hihiz" pairing (Hikaru and Bahiyyih), noting how their "happy energy" lifts everyone's spirits during tense moments.

Beyond Kep1er, Dayeon maintains several industry friendships, primarily with:

IVE's Rei
CLASSy's Hyeju
LIGHTSUM's Yujeong

These connections often date back to training periods or school days, providing important peer support in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Her role in Kep1er's group chat

On the digital front, Dayeon manages the Kep1er members' group chat, aptly named "KEP1ER ♡". This administrative role hints at her organizational tendencies. Interestingly, among all members, she exchanges messages most frequently with Yujin, further cementing their close bond.

Her favorite memory with the group remains celebrating Xiaoting's birthday in 2021—an early bonding experience that occurred shortly after their formation through Girls Planet 999.

Public Appearances and Media Highlights

Throughout her career with Kep1er, Kim Dayeon has made numerous public appearances that showcase her versatility and charisma beyond regular group activities. From television hosting to festival performances, these opportunities highlight her growing influence in the entertainment industry.

Guest MC on The Show

Kim Dayeon stepped into the broadcasting world when she served as a guest MC on SBS MTV's "The Show" on February 4, 2022. This opportunity came barely a month after Kep1er's official debut, demonstrating the industry's quick recognition of her on-screen potential. Whereas her groupmate Chaehyun later secured a permanent MC position on the same program, Dayeon's guest appearance provided her valuable experience in presenting and interacting with viewers in a different capacity from her usual performance-focused role.

Waterbomb 2025 Dayeon appearance

Among the most anticipated festival appearances for Kep1er fans in 2025 was Dayeon's participation in Waterbomb Festival. The summer water-themed music festival represented a significant platform for Kim Dayeon to showcase her dancing prowess outside the structured environment of music show performances. Given her reputation as Kep1er's main dancer, her appearance at this high-energy event perfectly aligned with her dynamic performance style and further cemented her status as one of K-pop's standout dancers at age 22.

Most memorable fan interactions

One standout interaction occurred when Kep1er visited the KIA Tigers baseball team. Despite their scheduled performance being canceled due to rain after a four-hour drive, the group still made time for fan engagement. Inside the stadium, Dayeon was visibly surprised when meeting the baseball players in the hallway. The moment became especially noteworthy when a player requested a photo with the group—a heartwarming interaction that showcased the genuine surprise and humility Kim Dayeon maintains despite her rising fame.

These public appearances illustrate how Kim Dayeon continues to expand her presence across various platforms while maintaining the authentic connection with audiences that first endeared her to fans during Girls Planet 999.