BESTie Members: The Untold Story Behind Their Success

BESTie (group) debuted on July 11, 2013, marking the beginning of what seemed to be a promising journey in the competitive K-pop industry. The four-member South Korean girl group formed under YNB Entertainment quickly captured attention with their debut single "Pitapat".

Initially, the bestie members consisted of Hyeyeon, U.Ji, Dahye, and Haeryung, each bringing unique talents to create a well-rounded group. However, their path was not without challenges. While they gained recognition in the industry, the group faced significant changes when U.Ji and Dahye left after terminating their contracts in September 2017. Following this departure, Hyeyeon reportedly left the company in October 2018 to sign with Star Entertainment. Consequently, according to unofficial sources, BESTie disbanded in 2018, bringing an end to their five-year journey in the K-pop scene.

The Formation of BESTie: A New Beginning

The story of BESTie begins with a surprising departure. Three talented performers—Hyeyeon (formerly known as Dami), U.Ji (previously Yuzi), and Haeryung—left their previous group EXID in April 2012 for various personal reasons. This unexpected exit would eventually lead to one of K-pop's interesting formation stories.

From EXID to BESTie: The transition

After departing from EXID, each member pursued different paths. Hyeyeon and U.Ji stepped away from the spotlight to focus on their academic schedules. Meanwhile, Haeryung chose to explore her acting career, eventually gaining recognition for her role as Park Hyung Shik's girlfriend in the tvN drama "Nine".

During this period, YNB Entertainment saw potential in bringing these experienced idols together. On July 2, 2013, the company officially announced their plans to debut a new four-member girl group called BESTie. The missing puzzle piece came in the form of Dahye, the only member without previous group experience. Unlike her groupmates, Dahye was a fresh face in the industry, making her the sole true "rookie" in this newly formed quartet.

The name "BESTie" (stylized as BESTie) carried significant meaning. In Korean, it was written as 베스티, symbolizing a fresh start for all four members. Their formation represented a unique case in K-pop—a group comprising primarily experienced idols rather than complete newcomers.

Debut single 'Pitapat' and early reception

On July 11, 2013, BESTie officially stepped into the spotlight with their debut single "Pitapat" (두근두근). The Korean title "두근두근" translates to the sound of a heartbeat, cleverly capturing the nervous excitement of new beginnings. To complement their launch, they released an eye-catching music video featuring Jo Kwon and comedian Yoo Se-yoon.

Behind the catchy tune stood impressive production credentials. "Pitapat" was crafted by hit-song composer Super Changddai, known for creating successful tracks for 2PM, Baek Ah-yeon, and others. Furthermore, Will Simms and Tom Havelock, the masterminds behind Girls' Generation's "I Got A Boy," helped produce the song. This powerhouse production team delivered a track characterized by its "flashy rhythm and impressive melody".

The group made their official debut performance the following day on KBS's "Music Bank". Critics and fans noted the song's infectious energy, particularly praising its captivating "dugundugun" intro and bold chorus. One reviewer commented that "Pit-A-Pat" featured "a really fun song to listen to" with "colourful" visuals and a distinctive dance routine.

Shortly after their debut, BESTie maintained momentum by releasing their second digital single "Love Options" on October 16, followed by the seasonal track "Zzang Christmas" in December. These early releases helped establish BESTie's presence in the highly competitive K-pop scene, demonstrating their potential as a rising girl group.

Meet the Members of BESTie Group

Behind the music and performances of BESTie stood four talented individuals, each contributing unique skills to create a dynamic group. With distinct personalities and abilities, these members collectively shaped the identity of BESTie in the K-pop industry.

Hyeyeon: Leader and all-rounder

Born Kang Hye-yeon on December 8, 1990, in Incheon, South Korea, Hyeyeon served as BESTie's leader and brought stability to the group. Standing at 5'5" (165 cm), she held multiple positions as lead vocalist and lead rapper. Notably, Hyeyeon performed under the stage name "Dami" during her brief time with EXID before leaving to complete her education.

Besides her musical talents, Hyeyeon possessed several unique hobbies that set her apart, including photography and surprisingly, collecting insects. Her artistic abilities extended beyond singing, as drawing was among her specialties. Additionally, Hyeyeon spoke both Korean and English fluently and participated in "The Unit" survival show in 2017, where she ranked 27th place.

U.Ji: The powerhouse vocalist

Jung Yu-ji (born January 2, 1991) established herself as BESTie's main vocalist and lead dancer. At 5'7" (169 cm), U.Ji brought significant experience to the group, having trained under JYP Entertainment and nearly debuting alongside future stars including Hyorin (Sistar) and Hani (EXID).

U.Ji's vocal prowess made her stand out in the K-pop scene. As a Light Lyric Soprano, she possessed one of the most well-supported lower ranges for K-pop sopranos. Her balanced mixed voice typically featured head dominance without pushing for excessive volume—a technique that distinguished her from many contemporaries. Moreover, U.Ji demonstrated her versatility by appearing twice on the prestigious "Immortal Song" and competing in the Chinese singing competition "I am a Singer," where she secured 5th place.

Dahye: Rapper and dancer

Song Da-hye, born June 12, 1993, in Incheon, uniquely stood as the only BESTie member without previous group experience. Serving as the main rapper, main dancer, and vocalist, Dahye brought fresh energy to the quartet. At 5'7" (169 cm), she graduated from Incheon Yale High School and later earned a bachelor's degree in Theater from Dongguk University.

Interestingly, Dahye once confessed to having weighed over 65 kg before her debut. Her athletic background contributed to her performance skills, as sports ranked among her specialties. Known affectionately as the "hips of Bestie," she also enjoyed reading and taking vacations when not performing.

Haeryung: Visual and maknae

Na Hae-ryung, born November 11, 1994, completed the BESTie lineup as the group's maknae (youngest member), lead dancer, vocalist, and visual. At 5'6" (167 cm), Haeryung brought both idol and acting experience to the table. Having attended Seoul Performing Arts High School and trained under JYP Entertainment, she was well-prepared for the entertainment industry.

Prior to BESTie, Haeryung had already established herself as a child actress. Her unusual combination of hobbies—cooking, skateboarding, and biking—highlighted her diverse interests. Specifically, skateboarding stood as her specialty, making her distinctive among female idols. Beyond her BESTie activities, she appeared in various Korean dramas, including "Nine: Time Traveling Nine Times" (2013) and "Hi! School: Love On" (2014).

Rising Popularity and Musical Evolution

After establishing their presence in the K-pop scene with early digital singles, BESTie (group) entered a new phase in their career with the release of more substantial musical projects. The years 2014-2015 proved crucial in shaping their artistic identity and expanding their audience reach.

Hot Baby and Love Emotion era

BESTie's first mini-album Hot Baby marked a significant milestone in their discography when it dropped on July 28, 2014, through YNB Entertainment and Loen Entertainment. This seven-track collection showcased the group's versatility, featuring not only the title track but also previously released digital singles "Love Options," "Thank U Very Much," and "Like a Star," alongside a remix of their debut hit "Pitapat".

Just one month afterward, YNB Entertainment released a digital-only repackaged version titled I Need You on August 29, 2014, which included a fresh track produced by the renowned production team Duble Sidekick and Homeboy. This strategic release helped maintain momentum for the bestie kpop group during their growth phase.

First thing to remember, BESTie's musical evolution continued with their second and unfortunately final mini-album Love Emotion, which arrived on May 8, 2015, with "Excuse Me" serving as its title track. For this comeback, the members of bestie group directly participated in the album's planning, costume design, and choreography, demonstrating their growth as artists. The title track "Excuse Me" was again produced by hit composers Duble Sidekick and HomeBoy, highlighting the consistent quality of their releases.

Chart performance and fanbase growth

In terms of chart performance, BESTie showed promising results for a relatively new group. Their debut single "Pitapat" entered the Gaon Digital Chart at number 126 for the week of July 7-13, 2013, with 18,220 copies sold. The following week, it climbed to its peak position at number 84 and ultimately charted for four weeks, selling a total of 42,588 digital downloads in July alone.

Similarly, "Thank U Very Much" debuted at number 118 on the Gaon Digital Chart with 19,116 copies sold in its first week. On the Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100, it secured the 74th position on the March 5, 2014 issue.

Critics often compared BESTie's musical style to that of Sistar, especially regarding their summer releases. In fact, their track "Hot Baby" drew particular comparisons to Sistar hits like "Touch My Body" and "Shake It" – understandably, as both groups' summer anthems were produced by Duble Sidekick. One reviewer described "Hot Baby" as having a "brass-kissed hook" that delivered "pure bliss, gliding along an effortlessly breezy melody".

Despite their quality releases and promising chart performance, BESTie was often described as "criminally underrated" by music critics. Their mini-albums received positive reviews, with one critic giving "Love Emotion" an A- grade and noting that it was "one of May's most solid comebacks". The reviewer praised the bestie members' vocal abilities, stating they were "among some of the better group vocalists out presently".

Challenges and Turning Points

Despite showing promise as a rising girl group, BESTie faced significant obstacles that would ultimately alter their trajectory in the K-pop industry. What began as temporary setbacks gradually evolved into insurmountable challenges for the talented quartet.

Injuries and delayed comebacks

The first major hurdle struck in January 2016 when Dahye suffered a serious accident. She fell down a flight of stairs, resulting in mild fractures to her right arm and ankle. This unfortunate incident required a recovery period of approximately four weeks.

Subsequently, YNB Entertainment announced that BESTie's planned comeback—originally scheduled for late January—would be postponed to February to give Dahye sufficient time to heal. This delay represented the beginning of a troubling pattern for the bestie kpop group.

Regardless of initial promises, February passed without the anticipated comeback. In fact, YNB Entertainment later declared that the bestie members would return in May with either an EP or full-length album. Unfortunately, this comeback never materialized, marking what would become the final opportunity for fans to see the original four-member lineup perform together.

As the hiatus stretched on, the members of bestie group sought alternative avenues to maintain their careers. U.Ji participated in JTBC's "Girl Spirit" singing competition where she impressively secured third place, whereas Haeryung pursued acting opportunities.

Contract terminations and member exits

After a prolonged period without group activities, a dramatic announcement came on September 5, 2017. YNB Entertainment confirmed that both U.Ji and Dahye had terminated their contracts and would be departing from BESTie. Although time remained on their original contracts, the agency agreed to the early termination "out of respect for U.Ji and Dahye and their future".

In an interview following her departure, Dahye revealed personal insights about her decision: "I think I had a lot of thoughts as BESTie's hiatus kept getting longer. I took these various thoughts to the agency to have a sincere talk, and they also told me to look for my dream". She additionally expressed concern about being "forgotten" after leaving the agency.

Officially, plans called for Hyeyeon and Haeryung to continue as BESTie, potentially with new members added to the lineup. Nevertheless, these plans never came to fruition. By September 2018, rumors about YNB Entertainment's bankruptcy began circulating when fans noticed the company's official website was no longer accessible. These suspicions gained credibility when Hyeyeon joined Star Entertainment as a solo artist, effectively confirming BESTie's unofficial disbandment.

The final public performance of the complete BESTie lineup occurred at the Military Year End Concert on December 16, 2016, though this conclusion came without any formal announcement from their agency.

The Disbandment and What Followed

What makes BESTie's story unique in K-pop is not just their beginning, but the mysterious nature of their ending. After the departure of U.Ji and Dahye in 2017, the future of BESTie (group) hung in uncertain territory, with fans anxiously awaiting news that would never officially come.

Rumors of bankruptcy

In mid-2018, dedicated fans of the bestie kpop group noticed something alarming—YNB Entertainment's official website had suddenly become inaccessible. This unexpected development ignited speculation throughout online communities. Given that small entertainment companies often face financial difficulties, rumors about YNB's possible bankruptcy began circulating widely across fan forums and social media platforms.

These rumors gained traction as months passed without any updates regarding the promised "reorganization" of BESTie. Indeed, YNB Entertainment had previously assured fans that Hyeyeon and Haeryung would continue as BESTie, even suggesting the possibility of recruiting new members to replace U.Ji and Dahye. The agency had explicitly stated, "BESTie will undergo a reorganization in a number of ways including recruiting new members".

At the time of U.Ji and Dahye's departure, the company had expressed confidence in the group's future, claiming that the bestie members would "focus on their solo activities for now". Furthermore, industry insiders reported that the group was "expected to reform by the beginning of 2018". Yet as 2018 progressed, this promised revival never materialized.

Official and unofficial confirmations

Oddly enough, the end of BESTie never received an official announcement. In fact, YNB Entertainment maintained complete silence regarding the group's status. As a result, fans were left to piece together the puzzle themselves through indirect signals and member activities.

The most telling sign came in September 2018, when Star Entertainment opened an official Instagram account and fancafe for their new artist, Kang Hyeyeon. This development effectively confirmed what many had suspected—Hyeyeon had left YNB Entertainment, and by extension, BESTie had disbanded.

Altogether, the members of bestie group gradually departed from the agency throughout 2018, with Hyeyeon and Haeryung following the path set by U.Ji and Dahye the previous year. Since the agency never issued a formal disbandment statement, BESTie technically "parted ways unofficially".

In retrospect, internal problems at the company played a significant role in the group's dissolution. The growing competition in the girl group market during this period also contributed to BESTie's declining prominence, ultimately leading to their silent disbandment after five years in the industry.

Awards, Recognition, and Industry Impact

Among the recognition that BESTie (group) received during their active years, their presence at prestigious award ceremonies stands as a testament to their industry impact, even if their commercial success was limited.

Golden Disk Award and other nominations

In January 2015, BESTie received the "Next Generation Award" at the 29th Golden Disk Awards, an event often dubbed as 'Korea's Grammy Awards'. This accolade, shared with the group Tasty, acknowledged promising new talent within the industry. The ceremony took place at the MasterCard Center in Beijing, China, marking the third time this prestigious event had been hosted outside South Korea.

BESTie's inclusion in this high-profile award ceremony alongside established acts like EXO, BEAST, and Girls' Generation highlighted their potential within the competitive K-pop landscape. Their performance at this international stage provided valuable exposure, as the bestie kpop group shared the spotlight with third-generation powerhouses including Red Velvet, BTS, and VIXX.

Influence on future girl groups

In light of their unique formation story, the members of bestie group inadvertently created a template that several agencies would later explore—assembling experienced idols rather than solely focusing on trainees. This approach offered a viable alternative for small companies seeking to capitalize on existing talent pools.

Musically, BESTie occupied a significant position in K-pop's evolution. Their career coincided with the rise of third-generation girl groups like Red Velvet and TWICE, a period marked by increasing international attention on K-pop. Hence, their releases contributed to the diverse soundscape that characterized this transformative era.

The bestie members demonstrated exceptional vocal prowess that distinguished them from many contemporaries, establishing a standard that influenced subsequent girl groups focused on vocal performance rather than simply visual appeal.

Discography Deep Dive

Beyond their active years, the musical catalog of BESTie (group) offers fascinating insights into their artistry and market presence. Even with a relatively small discography, the quartet made notable impressions within the industry.

Top singles and their chart performance

The international reach of BESTie extended far beyond South Korea, with their vibrant second mini-album title track "Excuse Me" nabbing first place on China's Tudou real-time music charts. This achievement demonstrated the bestie kpop group's growing appeal across Asian markets without official marketing or promotion in China.

At home, their domestic chart performance showed modest but consistent results. Their debut single "Pitapat" entered the Gaon Digital Chart at number 126 during its release week, climbing to number 84 the following week. Overall, "Thank U Very Much" secured position 74 on the Billboard Korea K-pop Hot 100 chart upon release, illustrating gradual market recognition.

Collaborations and solo features

After BESTie's disbandment, certain bestie members pursued independent musical ventures. Most notably, Dahye debuted solo with "Poison" in October 2020, a thoughtful remake of Uhm Junghwa's 1998 classic. Instead of merely copying the original's electronic dance genre, Dahye cleverly reimagined the track with distinctive Latin elements. Her version incorporated Spanish guitars, brass sections, and traditional flamenco-style beat claps.

U.Ji likewise continued her musical career post-BESTie, contributing various OST tracks for Korean dramas, thus maintaining her identity as a vocalist apart from the group.

Music video popularity and aesthetics

The 'Eye Contact Version' of "Excuse Me" became a viral sensation, accumulating over 5,602,124 views on BESTie's official Facebook page alone, attesting to their visual appeal and performance quality.

The aesthetic choices in Dahye's solo "Poison" music video revealed her artistic growth, utilizing a color palette of red, gold, blue, white, and silver. Unlike Uhm Junghwa's entirely black-and-white original video, Dahye's version embraced vibrant colors to complement the track's Latin-inspired sound.

The Legacy of BESTie in K-pop

Though their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, BESTie (group) left an indelible mark on the K-pop landscape that continues to resonate years after their disbandment. Even with limited promotional activities, the quartet managed to carve a unique niche in the industry's memory.

Impact on third-generation girl groups

BESTie emerged during a pivotal transition period in K-pop history—the early days of what would become known as the third generation of idol groups. Debuting alongside powerhouses like Red Velvet and Mamamoo, the bestie kpop group occupied an important space in the evolving girl group scene.

Musically, their approach to combining strong vocals with catchy hooks influenced smaller agency groups that followed. The members of bestie group demonstrated that experienced performers could create compelling music even without the backing of a major entertainment company. Their distinctive sound—particularly evident in tracks like "Love Options" and "Excuse Me"—helped expand the sonic palette for third-generation girl groups beyond the cute or sexy binary that often dominated discussions.

Importantly, BESTie's formation story—comprising primarily experienced idols rather than complete rookies—provided an alternative model for group creation that several companies subsequently explored. This approach offered a blueprint for agencies seeking to capitalize on existing talent rather than starting from scratch.

Fanbase loyalty and online presence

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of BESTie's legacy lies in their fanbase's extraordinary devotion. Even without official activities or comebacks, the bestie group members maintained a dedicated following called "BESTiny." These supporters demonstrated uncommon loyalty, continuing to celebrate anniversaries and streaming the group's music years after their quiet disbandment.

Online communities dedicated to the bestie members flourished against all odds. Fan-created content, including compilation videos and streaming parties, helped introduce new K-pop enthusiasts to BESTie's discography. This grassroots preservation effort stands as a testament to the genuine connection the group established with their audience during their active years.

Significantly, this enduring fan loyalty highlights a phenomenon unique to K-pop—the ability of disbanded groups to maintain cultural relevance through passionate fan communities, essentially ensuring that BESTie's musical contributions remain accessible to new generations of K-pop listeners.

Where Are They Now? BESTie Members in 2025

Seven years after BESTie's quiet disbandment, the four talented individuals who once performed together have carved distinct paths in the entertainment industry.

Hyeyeon's solo career and rebranding

Upon signing with Star Entertainment in October 2018, Hyeyeon underwent a remarkable transformation, debuting as a trot singer under her birth name Kang Hye-yeon with her first mini-album "Great". This career pivot proved successful when she participated in TV Chosun's "Miss Trot 2" in 2020-21, finishing eighth place yet earning the affectionate nickname "Trot Squirrel". Her full-length album "Sunday Hye-yeon" was released on April 30, 2021.

Ultimately, Hyeyeon left Star Entertainment to join Watermelon Entertainment. In recent years, she has expanded her public profile, serving as a promotional ambassador for South Korean islands in 2023-2024 and specifically as Jeju Island's public relations ambassador in 2024. Interestingly, she recently garnered renewed attention through her participation in MBN's "The Best K-Trot Singer" in November 2023.

U.Ji's music and TV appearances

U.Ji's post-BESTie journey included stints with multiple agencies. After departing YNB Entertainment in September 2017, she signed with Curo Holdings in December 2017. By 2021, she had joined World Star Entertainment, though she no longer appeared on their roster by 2023.

Throughout these transitions, U.Ji has maintained an active career as a musical actress. Her discography includes several digital singles and OST contributions, such as "Love Letter" (2015), "Autumn Leaves" (2015), and more recently "Big Change" for the drama "My Roommate Is A Gumiho" (2021).

Dahye's digital singles and modeling

Dahye announced via Instagram in March 2020 that she had signed with World Star Entertainment. Her official solo debut came with the digital single "Poison" on October 10, 2020—a remake of Uhm Jung Hwa's song. Subsequently, she released "Bad Blood" in November 2020.

By 2021, Dahye had left World Star Entertainment to become an independent artist. Her recent discography includes "The First Ending" and "As I Am" (2024), plus "Cherry Road" and "Deja Vu" (2025). Notably, Dahye has grown as an artist, writing lyrics for her recent singles including "Cherry Road" and "Deja Vu".

Haeryung's acting and endorsements

Of all bestie members, Haeryung has most fully embraced acting. After the group's disbandment, she resumed her acting career under her birth name Na Hae-ryung. In 2023, she returned to acting after a four-year hiatus under a new stage name—Han Da-ra—making a special appearance in "The Escape of the Seven" as Hong Sa-ra.

Her acting background has been extensive, appearing in numerous dramas and films dating back to her child actress days. As the visual of BESTie, her beauty and charisma continue to serve her well in the entertainment industry.