Dahyun

Dahyun – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and career of Dahyun (Kim Da-hyun), the South Korean singer, rapper, and actress. Explore her journey from viral “eagle dance” to global stardom with TWICE, her values, and her most memorable quotes.

Introduction

Kim Da-hyun (김다현), better known by her stage name Dahyun, is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and actress. Born May 28, 1998, she rose to fame as a member of the hugely popular K-pop group TWICE, under JYP Entertainment. Over the years, Dahyun has carved out a distinct identity within the group—known for her sharp rap delivery, bright personality, and deep sense of gratitude toward fans. As she expands her reach into acting and fashion, her influence continues to grow. This article explores her life, career, and the wisdom she shares through her words.

Early Life and Family

Dahyun was born on May 28, 1998, in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.

Music and performance were present early in Dahyun’s life. From a young age, she participated in her church choir, laying the foundation for her musical instincts.

A pivotal moment in her childhood was when she was in sixth grade: she performed an energetic dance (nicknamed the “eagle dance”) during a church event. A video of that performance was uploaded to YouTube and went viral, capturing public attention and signaling her early performance charisma.

Youth and Education

After her early viral moment, Dahyun continued nurturing her musical talents. She participated in local dance and music events, which eventually led to her being scouted by JYP Entertainment.

Dahyun attended Hanlim Multi Art School, a well-known performing arts high school in Korea, majoring in Practical Music.

Balancing trainee life and schooling is notoriously demanding in the K-pop industry, and Dahyun’s path reflects that challenge. Her early commitment and discipline allowed her to mature musically before stepping fully into the spotlight.

Career and Achievements

Debut with TWICE

In 2015, Dahyun participated in Sixteen, a reality-survival show created by JYP Entertainment to decide the lineup of a new girl group. TWICE.

That same year, TWICE officially debuted on October 20 with their EP The Story Begins and the lead single “Like Ooh-Aah.” lead rapper and one of the sub-vocalists of TWICE.

Over the years, TWICE has achieved massive domestic and international success. Their discography includes multiple chart-topping albums and hit singles. Dahyun has contributed to songwriting, including lyrics for tracks like “Missing U” (2017) and “Up to You” (on Enemy).

In 2017, Dahyun was voted the 17th most popular idol in South Korea in Gallup Korea’s annual poll.

Expanding into Acting & Fashion

More recently, Dahyun has branched into acting. In 2024, it was announced she would make her acting debut in Run to You and was cast in the Korean remake of You Are the Apple of My Eye, which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October 2024.

Additionally, Dahyun made her runway debut on September 10, 2024, walking in the Michael Kors Spring/Summer 2025 show during New York Fashion Week. global ambassador for Michael Kors.

Her forays beyond music illustrate her versatility and growing footprint in the wider entertainment and fashion arenas.

Historical Milestones & Context

Dahyun’s emergence coincided with the global K-pop surge in the late 2010s and 2020s. TWICE’s rise is part of a larger wave of Korean artists achieving global influence. Within that framework, Dahyun stands out not only for her performance skills but also for her authenticity and connection to fans (known as ONCE).

An instance of social controversy also marked her career: in November 2018, a right-wing Japanese lawmaker criticized Dahyun for wearing a T-shirt by Marymond—a group raising funds for “comfort women” (victims of wartime sexual slavery). The moment sparked public discourse in Korea about political expression and artists’ rights.

Her expansion into acting and fashion is part of a broader trend among K-pop idols diversifying their careers, but her early viral roots and continued sincerity set her apart.

Legacy and Influence

Though still relatively young in her career, Dahyun’s impact is already felt in multiple dimensions:

• Musical influence: As part of TWICE, she has contributed to the group’s evolving sound and international reach.

• Role model: Her journey from modest beginnings to stardom inspires many aspiring artists, especially those who aren’t initially spotlighted for looks or conventional talents.

• Multidisciplinary presence: Her transition into acting and fashion shows that K-pop idols can build sustainable, evolving careers beyond music.

• Fan connection: Dahyun is known for deeply valuing her fans (ONCE) and often expresses gratitude and sincerity in her communication and performances.

• Public voice: The 2018 T-shirt controversy showed that even idols can become focal points in broader sociopolitical conversations, pushing the boundaries of expression in Korea’s entertainment industry.

Over time, her influence may grow as she undertakes bigger acting roles, songwriting, and possibly solo music projects.

Personality and Talents

Dahyun’s public image blends warmth, humor, and depth. She is often calm and composed offstage, but onstage she radiates energy.

Her nicknames include “Dubu” (Korean for tofu), a playful name used by fans.

In interviews, Dahyun emphasizes inner beauty, positivity, and calmness. She believes negative emotions or stress tend to show outwardly—particularly on skin—and thus she strives to maintain a positive mindset.

Her talents are multifaceted: she raps, sings, writes lyrics, and performs energetically. Her writing credits and contributions to TWICE’s music reflect her musical growth beyond just performance.

Famous Quotes of Dahyun

While Dahyun is not primarily known as a quote-maker, several remarks of hers have resonated with fans and capture her outlook. Below are some notable quotes:

• “I learned that we have the best energy when all nine of us are together.”

• “I always keep in mind that being Twice, we will of course be in the spotlight, but that attention is amazing because it means people are supporting us.”

• “When I don’t get enough sleep or I’m really stressed out, it always shows through my skin.”

• “Once are such precious people, and I wouldn’t trade our bond for anything.”

• “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” (quoted by fans)

These quotes reflect her focus on unity, self-care, gratitude, and living in the moment.

Lessons from Dahyun

1. Authenticity matters. Her early viral moment was not manufactured—it stemmed from her natural energy and joy in performance.

2. Growth is continuous. From being a trainee to songwriting and acting, Dahyun’s career shows the importance of evolving skills.

3. Vulnerability is strength. She openly talks about stress, tiredness, and emotional challenges, making her more relatable.

4. Value your community. Her relationship with her group members and fans shows a deep appreciation for connection and support.

5. Diversify wisely. Her expansion into acting and fashion suggests that smart diversification can broaden one’s creative legacy.

Conclusion

Dahyun’s journey—from a church choir girl to a global K-pop icon—is a testament to talent, perseverance, and heart. As she continues exploring new domains in acting and fashion, her artistic identity will likely deepen and broaden. More than simply an idol, Dahyun embodies a modern renaissance figure in Korean pop culture: someone who performs, creates, and connects. The lessons in her quotes and life invite us to remain true to ourselves, appreciate those around us, and continually pursue growth.