A career in South Korean entertainment often starts with a single step onto a brightly lit stage. For one talented performer, that step came in 2016 on the survival show Produce 101. Her journey from that moment paints a picture of modern pop artistry.
Born in December 1999 in Incheon, this artist signed with Fantagio Entertainment as a teenager. Her path led her to secure eighth place on the show, earning a spot in the project girl group I.O.I. This experience launched her into the spotlight.
Following I.O.I’s disbandment, she became a central figure in the girl group Weki Meki. She served as lead dancer, vocalist, and visual until the group’s conclusion in 2024. Standing at 5’8″, her stage presence was both commanding and elegant.
Her versatility extends beyond music into acting, with a debut in the 2018 drama Short. Renewing her contract with Fantagio in late 2024 signals a focused commitment to her solo career. This profile explores the key moments that shaped her path.
Early Life and Introduction to Performance
From childhood talent shows to cheerleading leadership, the foundations of an entertainment career were laid early. These formative years shaped the discipline and stage presence that would define her professional path.
Family Background and Early Dreams
Kim grew up in Incheon with her parents, older brother, and sister. The supportive family environment nurtured her natural talents from a young age.
She loved singing and dancing as a child, often competing in local talent shows. Her middle school English name Sharpay reflected her passion for performance, inspired by High School Musical.
Education and Cheerleading Leadership
Doyeon attended Sangji Girls’ High School where she captained the cheerleading team. This leadership role built physical discipline and stage confidence essential for her future career.
After debuting in 2016, she transferred to School of Performing Arts Seoul with fellow member Choi Yoojung. The specialized school accommodated promotional schedules while providing performing arts training.
| Educational Milestone | Institution | Year | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Entry | Sangji Girls’ High School | 2014 | Cheerleading Team Captain |
| Transfer | School of Performing Arts Seoul | 2016 | Accommodated Promotional Schedule |
| Graduation | School of Performing Arts Seoul | 2018 | Focus on Entertainment Career |
She graduated in February 2018 but chose not to pursue college admission. Instead, she dedicated herself fully to entertainment activities, building on her early performance foundation.
Breakthrough on Produce 101 and Debut with I.O.I
The national spotlight found her in 2016 through the competitive crucible of Mnet’s Produce 101. This survival show aimed to create a new girl group from 101 trainees. The public vote decided everything.
Survival Show Experience and Ranking
She entered the competition as a Fantagio trainee. She competed alongside Choi Yoojung and three other company members. The show‘s format demanded weekly performances under intense pressure.
Eliminations tested resolve and skill. On April 1, 2016, she secured eighth place in the finale. This ranking earned her a spot in the final lineup.
Debut Mini Album and Early Achievements
As a member of the project group I.O.I, she made her official debut on May 4, 2016. The group released the single “Dream Girls” and their first mini album, Chrysalis. They promoted under YMC Entertainment.
The group achieved a music show win just 104 days after their debut. This early success solidified their place in the industry. Hits like “Very Very Very” built a dedicated fanbase throughout 2016.
I.O.I‘s journey was always finite. After a final song and farewell concerts, the girl group disbanded on January 29, 2017, as planned by YMC Entertainment. The experience on Produce 101 launched a lasting career.
Exploring Music, Dance, and Acting Endeavors
The post-I.O.I landscape opened new creative doors beyond the idol stage. This period showcased remarkable versatility across music and screen performances.
Transition to Weki Meki and Musical Releases
August 2017 marked the debut of the eight-member girl group Weki Meki. Their first EP Weme introduced the energetic title track “I Don’t Like Your Girlfriend.”
As lead dancer and vocalist, she anchored the group’s dynamic performances. Weki Meki released several mini-albums including Lucky and New Rules.
Collaborations expanded her musical range. She featured on LONG:D’s “All Night” and joined project unit WJMK for the single “Strong.”
Acting Debut and Diverse Screen Roles
Her acting debut arrived in 2018 with the web drama Short. She played supporting role Yoo Ji-na, showcasing natural screen presence.
Subsequent projects demonstrated impressive range. She starred in Pop Out Boy! and reunited with Choi Yoojung for Single and Ready to Mingle.
Major network dramas followed, including My Roommate Is a Gumiho and younger versions of characters in Jirisan and One the Woman. These roles solidified her credentials as a serious actress.
Kim Doyeon: Evolution and Achievements in the Entertainment Industry
Cross-industry collaborations became the new frontier for versatile performers seeking creative growth. This expansion beyond music showcased remarkable adaptability across different media platforms.
Collaborations and Cross-Industry Ventures
The artist’s modeling career flourished with major beauty brand partnerships. She worked with Bobbi Brown on “The Radiant Power Fair” campaign in March 2022.
Her previous experience as a Maybelline New York endorser established strong beauty industry credentials. These makeup campaigns demonstrated her appeal beyond music performances.
Friendships with fellow ’99-liner idols like BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Red Velvet’s Yeri highlighted her industry connections. These relationships spanned different entertainment sectors.
Highlights from Filmography and Discography
Film roles showcased dramatic range with projects like “Eighteen Youth” in 2024. She played Lee Sun-jung, a high school student navigating teenage challenges.
Another significant project was “Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: School Anniversary.” Her character Ji-yeon dreamed of becoming a film director.
The musical “Anna X” marked her theater debut in January 2025. She took on the lead role, demonstrating vocal versatility across different performance types.
| Project Type | Title | Year | Role/Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film | Eighteen Youth | 2024 | Lee Sun-jung |
| Film | Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories | 2024 | Ji-yeon |
| Musical | Anna X | 2025 | Anna |
| Series | Heesu in Class 2 | 2025 | Choi Ji-yu |
Weki Meki’s disbandment in August 2024 concluded seven years of group activities. This transition allowed focus on solo ventures across multiple entertainment fields.
Reflecting on a Stellar Career and Lasting Legacy
Nine years in the spotlight have shaped an artist known for her professional evolution across multiple disciplines. From her 2016 debut with I.O.I to Weki Meki’s seven-year run, she demonstrated remarkable versatility.
Her partnership with Choi Yoojung created one of K-pop’s enduring collaborations across multiple projects. This teamwork spanned different girl groups and entertainment formats.
The singer’s acting portfolio grew from web dramas to major network productions. Each role showcased her ability to adapt to various performance types.
Despite Weki Meki’s disbandment in 2024, her contract renewal signals confidence in her solo career potential. Her legacy includes diverse screen roles and musical achievements.
As both actress and performer, she represents a generation of South Korean entertainers navigating multiple sectors. Her career trajectory reflects strategic growth and lasting impact.
