A star was born in 1998 in South Korea. In Seongnam, just southeast of Seoul, Kim Da-hyun entered the world with a rhythm that would define her future.
From her earliest years, movement spoke to her. Dance became more than a hobby—it became her first language. Church choir harmonies taught her musical timing long before she knew what stardom meant.
That same year marked the beginning of a generation that would redefine pop culture. The digital age was dawning, and a new type of performer was emerging.
Her journey reflects discipline and perfect timing. From school hallways to international arenas, she transformed natural talent into professional artistry.
The name Dahyun now carries weight across continents. It represents a dancer, rapper, and actress whose viral moments changed everything. Her story begins where all great ones do—with a first step.
A Glimpse into Early Beginnings and Aspirations
Long before stadiums and spotlights, a young girl found her rhythm in the quiet spaces of a local church. Choir rehearsals taught her timing. The music became her first language.
Childhood and Early Dance Influences
Dahyun began singing with her Christian church choir at a young age. Movement came naturally to her. It was more than hobby—it was expression.
In sixth grade, everything changed. Her church performance of the eagle dance caught unexpected attention. Someone filmed it and posted the video online.
The clip showed raw energy. Arms flapping like wings, completely lost in the music. This eagle dance would travel farther than anyone imagined.
Discovering the Passion for Performing Arts
At an age when most kids focus on schoolwork, she was catching professional attention. Her viral church performance opened doors.
Scouts noticed her after a youth festival solo. JYP Entertainment saw potential in her timing and commitment. She auditioned on July 7, 2012.
The passion grew quietly through practice. Choir rehearsals, dance sessions—each step built toward something larger. Her name would soon carry weight across continents.
Da-hyun Kim’s Breakthrough with Twice
The turning point arrived not in a quiet church but on the competitive stage of a reality show. Years of training culminated in a public test of skill and personality.
This journey reshaped a dedicated trainee into a global performer.
The Journey on Sixteen: From Trainee to Idol
Life as a trainee at JYP Entertainment meant discipline. It involved long hours perfecting dance routines and vocal control.
In 2015, the company created the show Sixteen. The goal was to select members for a new girl group. Dahyun entered the competition, understanding only a few would earn a debut.
She finished in third place. This result highlighted her popularity and raw talent under pressure.
Official Debut and Soaring Popularity
October 2015 marked the official debut. Twice, a nine-member girl group, released their first EP, The Story Begins.
The lead single “Like Ooh-Ahh” showcased Dahyun’s position as the group’s lead rapper. Her sharp verses became a signature part of their sound.
The debut was the convergence of years of hard work. It launched a group that would achieve massive global reach.
| Period | Role | Key Event | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 – 2015 | Trainee | Training at JYP Entertainment | Mastered dance and vocal skills |
| 2015 | Contestant | Competed on Sixteen | Finished 3rd; selected as a member |
| Oct 2015 | Lead Rapper | Debut with Twice | Release of The Story Begins |
Spotlight on Da-hyun Kim: Artistic and Cultural Impact
Musical versatility became the hallmark of her artistic identity, shaping both her group’s sound and the broader K-pop genre. Her contributions extend far beyond performance into creative direction and songwriting.
Musical Versatility and Rap Skills
As lead rapper for the South Korean girl group Twice, she developed a distinctive vocal style. Her verses cut through melodies with precision and rhythm. The role demanded more than speed—it required timing and emotional tone.
This versatility shows in her songwriting credits across multiple tracks. She contributed to “Feel Special,” “Missing U,” and “21:29,” among others. Her creative input added depth to the group’s musical narrative.
A 2017 Gallup Korea poll recognized her growing influence, ranking her seventeenth among the nation’s most popular idols. The acknowledgment reflected her unique position within the group.
Influence on K-Pop and Global Culture
Twice’s international success demonstrated how a South Korean girl group could maintain cultural identity while achieving global reach. Dahyun’s artistic choices helped shape this balance.
Her work on “Feel Special” particularly resonated with international audiences. The song’s themes of resilience connected across language barriers. Her piano cover of the track further showcased her musical range.
The group’s sound traveled from Seoul to Los Angeles, proving cultural authenticity could translate worldwide. This impact cemented Twice’s place in K-pop history.
Diverse Ventures in Performance and Media
The transition from musician to actress began with deliberate choices, starting with independent cinema. This move signaled artistic curiosity over safe celebrity casting.
Film and Television Endeavors
Her acting debut came with the independent film Run to You in 2024. This was followed by a leading role in You Are the Apple of My Eye, a Korean remake.
The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival. There, she won the BIFF Rising Star Award for her performance as Oh Sun-ah.
In 2025, she joined the cast of Love Me, a television series adaptation. This continued her exploration of scripted drama.
| Project | Role | Type | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run to You | Lead | Independent Film | 2024 | Acting Debut |
| You Are the Apple of My Eye | Oh Sun-ah | Korean Remake | 2024 | BIFF Rising Star Award |
| Love Me | Ji Hye-on | Television Series | 2025 | Series Regular |
Music Video Appearances and Special Projects
Long before her film work, she appeared in several music videos. These included GOT7’s “Stop Stop It” and Young K’s “Nothing But.”
These early video projects taught her to communicate emotion on camera. They provided valuable experience without the safety of a live stage.
Each music video appearance built her confidence for larger acting roles. The transition from supporting performer to lead actress felt natural.
Fashion Forward: From Runways to Global Ambassadors
A different stage awaited beyond music and film, one where silence speaks volumes. The fashion world demanded presence without performance, confidence without choreography.
New York Fashion Week Milestones
September 10, 2024 marked a significant runway debut at New York Fashion Week. She walked for the Michael Kors 2025 Spring/Summer collection with stadium-level confidence.
The event tested an artist’s ability to command attention without singing a note. Her successful debut proved she understands fashion’s silent language.
Partnerships with Iconic Brands
In July 2023, Michael Kors named her their global ambassador. The American fashion brand values versatility and modern elegance.
This long-term collaboration extends beyond the New York Fashion Week runway. It includes campaigns reaching audiences who may never stream K-pop music.
Before Michael Kors, she partnered with skincare brand A’pieu starting in March 2021. She renewed this contract in April 2022, demonstrating appeal across beauty markets.
| Brand | Role | Year | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| A’pieu | Model | 2021 | Initial beauty partnership |
| A’pieu | Model | 2022 | Contract renewal until 2024 |
| Michael Kors | Global Ambassador | 2023 | Major luxury fashion appointment |
| Michael Kors | Runway Model | 2024 | New York Fashion Week debut |
Creative Excellence: Discography and Songwriting Highlights
Songwriting became the natural evolution for an artist who understood that true artistry means creating, not just performing. Her first credit arrived in 2017 with “Missing U,” marking a shift that would define coming years.
Innovative Collaborations and Original Soundworks
The track “Feel Special” became one of the group Twice’s defining anthems. Her lyrical input helped shape a song that spoke to fans navigating doubt.
Over the years, her name appears in credits for more than twenty tracks. This includes “Cruel,” “Celebrate,” and her 2025 solo piece “Chess.”
Melody projects like “Monsters” and “Good Mood” allowed experimentation outside the JYP Entertainment system. These works proved she commands attention even without eight other Twice members.
| Year | Key Track | Project Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Missing U | Group Twice | First songwriting credit |
| 2019 | Feel Special | Group Twice | Defining anthem for fans |
| 2021 | Switch to Me | Melody Project | Collaboration with Chaeyoung |
| 2025 | Chess | Solo Track | First independent release |
Her education at Hanlim Multi Art School provided foundation for this multi-art approach. Early video work in GOT7’s “Stop Stop It” taught visual storytelling skills that complemented her musical growth.
Parting Reflections on a Multifaceted Idol Journey
Her career is a map of modern entertainment, connecting a viral church dance to an international film festival. This path spans over a decade, marked by survival shows and quiet creative persistence.
Twice Dahyun makes her mark beyond music. She hosted the Idol Star Athletics Championships for several years, proving her skill in live, unscripted television. Her charm and timing shone on shows like Battle Trip and Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant.
Her years in the spotlight included a significant controversy. In 2018, she faced criticism for wearing a Marymond T-shirt. The Korea Times later questioned her agency’s silence during the incident.
From that young age in South Korea to starring in a Korean remake premiering at an international film festival, her journey defies simple labels. Twice Dahyun built a foundation as an idol star that supports a broader, enduring artistic vision.
