You Dayeon: The Untold Story Behind Her Journey from LIPBUBBLE to Solo Artist

You Dayeon officially made her solo debut on October 20, 2023, with the single album 'Down Down Down' under Dot Music Entertainment, marking a significant milestone in her evolving K-pop career. Formerly known by the stage name Seoryn, she was a member of the girl group LIPBUBBLE until her departure in 2019.

After leaving LIPBUBBLE, Dayeon's path in the K-pop industry took several turns. She joined 1MILLION dance studio and subsequently became a Highline Entertainment trainee from 2019 to 2021. You Dayeon participated in two major television competitions - she appeared as a contestant on Girls Planet 999 in 2021, where she was eliminated in the fifth episode, and later returned to the spotlight for the eleventh season of Show Me The Money, though she was unfortunately eliminated in the first round.

Early Life and Background

Born in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea on January 15, 1998, You Dayeon's journey began with a birth name different from her stage identity. Originally named Yoo Kyung Ah, she was raised in a supportive family environment that would eventually nurture her artistic ambitions.

Birthplace and family

You Dayeon grew up in a close-knit family consisting of her parents and an older brother born in 1995. Her mother, Yoon So-hyun, established herself as a successful entrepreneur, owning a real estate company named "Suwon". While some sources mention Iksan as her birthplace, others identify Suwon in Gyeonggi-do as her hometown, highlighting the sometimes conflicting information common in K-pop biographies.

Family support played a crucial role in Dayeon's early development, particularly as she began exploring her artistic interests. This foundation would prove essential as she navigated the competitive world of Korean entertainment in her teenage years and beyond.

Education and dance beginnings

Dayeon's educational journey reflects her growing focus on performance arts. She initially attended Dongsuwon Middle School before transferring to Gwanggyo High School. During her time at Gwanggyo, she demonstrated leadership qualities by becoming the leader of the school's dance team called 'HO'. After transferring again, she ultimately graduated from Yangjae High School.

Her formal dance education reached its peak when she graduated from the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul under the practical dance department on February 10, 2022. Additionally, she pursued higher education as an undergraduate student in the Department of Entertainment at an international university.

Interestingly, Dayeon's dance journey began not from a desire for stardom but rather for practical reasons. Her parents enrolled her in a dance academy during elementary school primarily as a weight loss strategy. However, what started as a practical solution soon blossomed into genuine passion as she discovered her love for movement and rhythm.

Over time, she honed her skills in various dance styles, particularly excelling in hip hop. Alongside dance, she developed proficiency in basketball, adding to her diverse set of talents. Her dedication to dance continued to grow as she expanded her repertoire to include freestyle and modern dance, which she maintains as personal hobbies.

How she got into K-pop

Dayeon's path into the K-pop industry began with a genuine love for performance. After discovering how much she enjoyed dancing, she naturally gravitated toward the idea of becoming a singer. At nineteen, she took a decisive step by attending an audition that would mark her entry into the trainee system.

Her early trainee period lasted approximately one year, although another source specifically mentions an eight-month training period prior to her participation in the competition show Produce 48. Throughout this challenging time, she maintained a positive outlook, adopting the motto "I will show you my smile" during her Produce 48 journey.

This initial training and television exposure laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a multifaceted career in the Korean entertainment industry. From these humble beginnings, You Dayeon would go on to experience both the challenges and opportunities that define the K-pop trainee-to-artist pipeline.

The determination and resilience she developed during these formative years would prove valuable as she navigated various aspects of the industry, from group membership to solo endeavors and television appearances.

Debut with LIPBUBBLE

After her training period, You Dayeon took her first steps into the spotlight under a different identity. On December 22, 2016, she was officially introduced to the public as Seoryn, the seventh and final member of the upcoming girl group LIPBUBBLE.

Joining the group as Seoryn

The transition from trainee to idol became complete on March 22, 2017, when LIPBUBBLE made their official debut with the digital single "Popcorn". For You Dayeon, this marked the culmination of her training and the beginning of her professional career in the K-pop industry. Throughout her time with LIPBUBBLE, she maintained the stage name Seoryn, creating a distinct identity separate from her birth name.

LIPBUBBLE represented a fresh start for the young performer, giving her a platform to showcase her talents. The group's second release "Yellow Pink" further established their energetic concept, though mainstream success remained elusive. As a rookie group from a smaller company, LIPBUBBLE faced the typical challenges of standing out in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Role in the group and logo design

Within LIPBUBBLE's structure, Seoryn held multiple important positions. She served as the group's main vocalist, showcasing her singing abilities as a central part of their musical identity. Additionally, she took on the roles of lead dancer and visual, highlighting her versatility and stage presence.

Beyond her performance contributions, Seoryn demonstrated her artistic abilities in a unique way. Notably, she personally designed LIPBUBBLE's logo, adding a creative dimension to her involvement with the group. This achievement stemmed from her broader artistic talents, further evidenced by her winning an award at the "Design Invention Content" competition.

Departure from the group in 2019

Following approximately two years with the group, Seoryn's journey with LIPBUBBLE came to an end. Multiple sources indicate she left the group in early 2019, with various records suggesting February, March, or more generally Spring 2019 as her departure timeframe.

The exact reasons behind her exit remained undisclosed, creating some mystery around this career transition. Her departure was confirmed indirectly through a video celebrating LIPBUBBLE's second anniversary, posted to their YouTube channel on April 1, 2019, where she no longer appeared with the group.

Subsequently, LIPBUBBLE itself disbanded entirely on May 20, 2019, marking the end of this chapter in You Dayeon's career journey. This conclusion to her first professional group experience would set the stage for her next career moves, including rebranding herself under her birth name rather than continuing with her Seoryn identity.

Transition Period and Training

Following her departure from LIPBUBBLE in early 2019, You Dayeon wasted no time in pursuing new opportunities in the Korean entertainment industry. This transitional phase would prove critical in shaping her future career path as she honed her skills and explored different avenues within the competitive K-pop landscape.

Joining 1MILLION Dance Studio

After leaving LIPBUBBLE, Dayeon made a strategic career move by joining the prestigious 1MILLION Dance Studio in 2019. This renowned dance company has established itself as a global powerhouse in the dance world, boasting over 22 million YouTube subscribers. 1MILLION is widely recognized for its connections to the K-pop industry, with many choreographers, backup dancers, and even idols taking or teaching classes at the studio.

At 1MILLION, dancers can progress through various skill levels - from beginner "Step By 1M" classes to advanced "Master" level training. The studio offers specialized programs for different skill levels, allowing dancers like Dayeon to develop their abilities in a structured environment. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, including leading choreographer and co-founder Lia Kim (known for creating iconic choreographies for acts like Twice, Sunmi, and Mamamoo), Dayeon continued to refine her dance technique and broaden her stylistic range.

Trainee life at Highline Entertainment

In parallel with her dance studio activities, Dayeon secured a position as a trainee at Highline Entertainment from 2019 to 2021. Highline Entertainment operates as a subsidiary of Starship Entertainment, housing artists such as Wonho. This connection would fuel speculation about her future career trajectory.

Throughout her trainee period at Highline, Dayeon worked to develop her skills across multiple disciplines - not only dance but also vocals and rap. Indeed, her unexpected appearance on Show Me The Money demonstrated rap abilities that hadn't been showcased during her LIPBUBBLE days, suggesting significant artistic growth during this training period.

By early 2021, a notable change occurred in Dayeon's professional status. Her Instagram bio was updated to indicate she was no longer affiliated with any company, suggesting her departure from Highline Entertainment. This unattached status marked yet another transition in her evolving career.

Speculations about joining Starship

In March 2021, K-pop fans began speculating about Dayeon's potential connection to Starship Entertainment itself. The rumors intensified when Starship posted a TikTok video featuring Dayeon performing the "Zero Attitude Challenge". Significantly, this wasn't merely a repost of existing content - while Dayeon had previously shared a similar cover on her personal Instagram, the Starship version appeared to be filmed in their building.

Attentive fans compared the background elements in the video with other Starship content, noting similarities in wall panels, ceiling features, and wood patterns that matched known Starship training facilities. Additionally, they observed that Starship's TikTok account typically only featured their official artists, including Soyou, Pentagon's Hui, and IZ*ONE members.

Given these connections, many believed Dayeon might be positioned to debut in Starship's new girl group alongside former IZ*ONE members Jang Won-young and An Yu-jin. The timing aligned with industry rumors about Starship forming a new female ensemble, fueling speculation about Dayeon's potential role in the company's future plans.

TV Appearances and Public Exposure

Television appearances became a crucial platform for You Dayeon to showcase her talents after her trainee period. Between 2020 and 2022, she participated in multiple high-profile competition shows that significantly increased her public recognition.

You Dayeon on Show Me The Money 9 and 11

In 2020, You Dayeon ventured into the hip-hop scene by competing on Show Me The Money 9 (SMTM9), Mnet's prestigious rap competition. This appearance marked a surprising direction for fans who primarily knew her as a dancer and vocalist. Dayeon successfully passed the first round of the competition, demonstrating her versatility as a performer. Nevertheless, her journey ended when she didn't advance beyond the second round.

Undeterred by this setback, Dayeon returned for Show Me The Money 11 in 2022, displaying remarkable perseverance. Unfortunately, her second attempt proved more challenging as she was eliminated during the first round.

Participation in Girls Planet 999

In July 2021, Dayeon embarked on perhaps her most significant television journey when she was confirmed as a contestant on Mnet's reality survival show Girls Planet 999. Representing Highline Entertainment, she joined 98 other trainees from Korea, China, and Japan competing to debut in a nine-member girl group.

Upon entering the competition, Dayeon received an initial ranking of K-20 among the Korean trainees. For the first formation, she joined a cell with Su Ruiqi (China) and Kishida Ririka (Japan) under the keyword "Survival Once Again," referring to their previous competition show experiences.

Notable performances and eliminations

Throughout her Girls Planet 999 journey, Dayeon showcased her abilities in several key performances. For the Planet Demo Stage (Episode 2), she performed "Wow Thing" by Seulgi, SinB, Chungha, and Soyeon as part of "Team Fireworks".

Following the first cell reformation, Dayeon formed the "Black Hole" cell with Xu Ruo Wei (China) and Kamikura Rei (Japan). This new group performed EXO's "The Eve" for the Connect Mission in Episode 4, as part of the "Red Moon" vocal team. Their performance garnered significant attention, with Dayeon's individual fancam accumulating nearly half a million YouTube views.

Regrettably, Dayeon's journey on Girls Planet 999 concluded in Episode 5, which aired on September 3, 2021. In the elimination round, her cell ranked 19th overall, missing the cutoff by just two places. Individually, she ranked K-14 among Korean contestants, making her the highest-ranking K-Group trainee eliminated in that round. This elimination caused considerable fan backlash online, with many viewers expressing disappointment at losing such a talented contestant.

Solo Debut and Music Releases

Following her television exposure, 2023 marked a pivotal moment in You Dayeon's career as she transitioned from contestant to recording artist with her official solo debut.

Debut single 'Down Down Down'

After exploring various avenues in the K-pop industry, You Dayeon officially stepped into the spotlight as a soloist on October 20, 2023, with the release of her debut digital single "down down down" (stylized in lowercase) under DOT Music. The announcement came just days earlier on October 16, creating anticipation among fans who had followed her journey.

"down down down" showcased a new musical direction for the artist, presenting a love-themed pop dance track that explored the emotions experienced when falling in love. The production featured impressive collaborations, with R&B singer-songwriter Ocean From the Blue and American producer Cha Cha Malone both contributing to songwriting and composition. This trap-influenced track established You Dayeon's musical identity apart from her previous group work and reality show appearances.

In conjunction with the single's release, You Dayeon also appeared on "DF Live," with the performance video being published on Dingo Freestyle's official YouTube channel. This additional content helped introduce her solo persona to a wider audience.

Follow-up tracks: 'Text Me' and 'Keep It Low'

Building on her debut momentum, You Dayeon continued to develop her discography throughout 2024. She released her second single "text me", followed by a third single titled "keep it low" which dropped on May 11, 2024.

These releases showcased her artistic versatility as she explored various musical styles. According to The Kraze Magazine, both singles delved into genres including R&B, pop, and even future garage—a specialized sound that combines elements of dubstep and UK garage. This genre exploration demonstrated her willingness to experiment beyond conventional K-pop formulas.

All three singles were released under DOT Music, suggesting a stable relationship with the label throughout her early solo career.

Reception and music show appearances

In addition to digital platforms, You Dayeon promoted her music through various channels. Her debut was formally announced by her agency, with D.O.T. Music confirming that "Down Down Down" would be available across multiple music platforms from 6 p.m. on the release date.

The production team behind her music attracted particular attention from fans. On social media platforms like Reddit, listeners expressed excitement about her working with respected producers like Cha Cha and Giselle from LYRE—the latter known for co-writing notable songs like BlackSwan's "Karma" and producing hits for established groups including Red Velvet, Kep1er, Purple Kiss, and Lightsum.

As 2025 progressed, You Dayeon continued to evolve her artistry with each release, gradually building her identity as a solo performer in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her professional endeavors, You Dayeon cultivates a diverse range of personal interests that reflect her artistic nature. Born on January 15, 1998, she stands at 165cm tall and has an ISTJ personality type.

Hobbies: drawing, gaming, skateboarding

Dayeon's creative talents extend far beyond her musical abilities. Drawing and painting rank among her favorite pastimes, showcasing her artistic sensibilities that previously manifested in her design work for LIPBUBBLE.

Alongside her artistic pursuits, Dayeon demonstrates impressive skills in both gaming and skateboarding. These activities, listed as her specialties across multiple profiles, highlight her versatility beyond the K-pop stage. Furthermore, she enjoys reading, cooking, watching YouTube videos, and performing dance covers in her free time.

Regarding her culinary interests, Dayeon particularly loves making fried rice. This cooking talent was apparently put to good use during her LIPBUBBLE days, as she frequently prepared meals for her fellow members.

Her cat Harvy and social media presence

Dayeon is unquestionably a cat person. Her beloved pet cat Harvy holds a special place in her life, even having his own dedicated Instagram account under the username "thisismyharvy". This social media presence for her pet reveals a playful side to Dayeon's personality.

Black stands out as Dayeon's favorite color, a preference that sometimes influences her aesthetic choices in social media posts.

Throughout her career, Dayeon has expressed admiration for several K-pop groups. She considers herself a fan of TWICE, IZ*ONE, BLACKPINK, and ITZY, showing her appreciation for fellow female artists in the industry.

Hidden talents and awards

Remarkably, Dayeon possesses the unusual ability to perform finger waving, adding to her repertoire of performance skills.

Her most significant non-musical achievement came through her design work. Dayeon won first prize at the "Design Invention Content" competition for creating a braille plate for door locks specifically designed to assist blind and visually impaired individuals. This award demonstrates her thoughtfulness and problem-solving abilities extending beyond entertainment.