Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

From Secret Number Members to Solo Star: Dita's Complete Journey

Breaking barriers in the K-pop industry, Dita made history as the first female Indonesian K-pop idol when she joined the SECRET NUMBER members in 2020. Her groundbreaking journey began when she was revealed as the fourth member of Vine Entertainment's new girl group on February 4, 2020. SECRET NUMBER officially debuted on May 19, 2020, with their first single album "Who Dis?", marking the beginning of Dita's professional K-pop career after two years as a trainee.

Before achieving her K-pop dreams, Dita developed her passion during middle school and actively participated in dance covers. Additionally, she trained at Born Star Training Center in New York City and attended an audition held in New York by Vine Entertainment in 2017, where she impressed judges by dancing to a Taylor Swift song. Her talents extended beyond performing, as she was selected as the ambassador for bilateral relations between Indonesia and South Korea on August 31, 2023, and became a brand ambassador for Femmy Fyber. However, after five years with the group, Dita officially left SECRET NUMBER on April 4, 2025, when her contract with VINE Entertainment expired.

Stage Name: Dita (디타)
Birth Name: Anak Agung Ayu Puspa Aditya Karang
English Name: Dita Karang
Position(s): Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist
Birthday: December 25, 1996
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Chinese Zodiac Sign: Rat
Height: 162 cm (5’3″)
Weight: N/A
Blood Type: A
MBTI Type: ISFJ
Nationality: Indonesian
Instagram: hey__deets
Facebook: Dita Karang
TikTok: @hey__deets

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Early Life and Indonesian Roots

Beneath the spotlight of K-pop stardom lies a rich cultural heritage that shapes Dita's identity as an artist. Unlike many idols in the industry, Dita carries with her the distinctive cultural blend of Indonesian traditions that influence both her artistry and personality.

Born in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

The journey of Anak Agung Ayu Puspa Aditya Karang—professionally known as Dita—began in the historic city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This cultural hub, famous for its traditional arts and royal heritage, provided the backdrop for Dita's early years. Yogyakarta, often called the cultural heart of Java, infused her childhood with a blend of traditional Indonesian values and artistic influences.

Growing up in this culturally rich environment, Dita developed an appreciation for performance arts that would eventually lead her to the global stage. Notably, while she was born and raised in Yogyakarta, her family maintained strong connections to their Balinese roots. This dual cultural heritage provided her with a unique perspective that would later distinguish her among secret number members.

Balinese heritage and family background

Furthermore, Dita's Balinese heritage runs deep through royal bloodlines that connect her to Indonesian nobility. Her father, Anak Agung Chandra Karang, has a lineage that traces back to the King of the Karangasem Kingdom in Bali. This royal connection is reflected in her full name, where "Anak Agung" serves as a traditional Balinese title bestowed upon descendants of kings, royal servants, and royal warriors.

The significance of her name extends beyond royal titles. "Ayu," which appears in her full name, is a common element in Balinese girls' names and translates to "beautiful". This traditional naming practice reflects the cultural importance Balinese families place on names and their meanings.

Family connections remain important to Dita's identity. Records indicate she has a sister, though she maintains relative privacy regarding her immediate family. Her mother's influence appears in her name as well—"Puspa," her mother's name, is incorporated into her full name. This naming tradition highlights the importance of family lineage and maternal connections in Balinese culture.

Meaning behind the name 'Dita'

The name by which fans of secret number kpop now recognize her—"Dita"—carries its own significance. According to cultural sources, "Dita" means "sun", an appropriate moniker for someone whose presence brightens the K-pop landscape. The name serves as a shortened version of "Aditya" from her full name, making it more accessible to international audiences while maintaining a connection to her Indonesian roots.

Each component of her full name—Anak Agung Ayu Puspa Aditya Karang—tells a story of her heritage and family connections. As a matter of fact, these elements combine royal lineage ("Anak Agung"), feminine beauty ("Ayu"), maternal heritage ("Puspa"), and celestial imagery ("Dita"/sun) into a name that encapsulates both personal and cultural significance.

Dita's journey from Yogyakarta to becoming a member of secret number profile reflects not just personal ambition but represents the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia on the global stage. Her background—blending Javanese upbringing with Balinese royal heritage—provides a fascinating foundation for understanding how cultural identity shapes artistic expression, particularly in the internationalized world of K-pop.

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Discovering K-pop and the Dream to Perform

The artistic path that ultimately led Dita to join secret number members began years before her official debut, rooted in a genuine passion for performance that transcended cultural boundaries.

First exposure to K-pop through 2NE1

For many K-pop idols, a defining moment marks their initial attraction to the industry. In Dita's case, that catalyst came in the form of one of K-pop's most iconic girl groups. "I started to like K-pop because of 2NE1. 2NE1 was huge and they are so cool," she revealed in an interview. What particularly captivated her about the group was their distinct individuality—"(2NE1 members) are all different and we can tell their own characteristics".

This early fascination with 2NE1 planted the seeds for what would gradually evolve into a professional aspiration. Unlike many fans who simply admire from afar, Dita's connection to K-pop developed alongside her broader interest in performance arts. This multifaceted approach to entertainment would become a defining characteristic distinguishing her from other members of secret number when she eventually joined the group.

Dance covers and school competitions

Dita's journey from fan to performer began taking tangible shape during her middle school years. Initially, she expressed her passion through participation in numerous K-pop dance covers, an activity that allowed her to simultaneously hone her skills and connect with the music she loved.

These weren't merely casual recreations—Dita approached dance covers with the same dedication that would subsequently characterize her professional career. Even after moving to the United States to pursue formal education in performing arts, she maintained this connection to K-pop: "I was also doing K-pop dance covers and I took K-pop dance classes because I really enjoy listening to K-pop".

This persistence highlights a crucial aspect of her development as a performer. Rather than abandoning her interest in K-pop while pursuing other performance opportunities, she continued cultivating both paths simultaneously. Essentially, this dual focus allowed her to develop a unique performance style that would eventually contribute to her secret number profile.

Love for Broadway and musical theater

Beyond the realm of K-pop, Dita nurtured a profound appreciation for theatrical performance. "I just loved performing and that is also why I went to New York to learn in a musical school," she explained. This led her to enroll in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy's (AMDA) dance theater program, the same institution attended by notable performers like Jason Derulo and Janelle Monae.

Her passion for Broadway performances runs deep. "A few days after I arrived in New York, I watched 'Chicago.' I cried, not because I was sad, but because it was so good. It just came to me and I think it's still my favorite Broadway show". During this period, she was actively "doing Broadway auditions and little gigs", demonstrating her serious commitment to musical theater.

Significantly, this theatrical background differentiates Dita from many other secret number kpop peers. While pursuing her Broadway dreams, she maintained her connection to K-pop through dance studios in New York. This unique combination of influences ultimately led to her audition with Vine Entertainment: "Through a friend of mine [who works for] a K-pop dance studio in New York, I managed to secure another audition and was finally selected".

The convergence of these diverse artistic influences—from 2NE1's powerful performances to Broadway's emotional storytelling—created the foundation for Dita secret number's distinctive approach to performance. Her journey demonstrates how artistic passion, when pursued across multiple disciplines, can create unexpected pathways to success.

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Training Journey in the US and Korea

After discovering her passion for performance arts, Dita embarked on a rigorous training journey spanning two continents, pursuing her dream with unwavering determination despite facing numerous rejections along the way.

Studying at AMDA and 1MILLION Dance Studio

Dita's formal training began when she enrolled in the American Musical and Dramatic Academy's (AMDA) dance theater program in the United States. This prestigious institution provided her with a strong foundation in performance arts, equipping her with skills that would later distinguish her among secret number members.

In pursuit of expanding her dance capabilities, Dita trained at the renowned 1MILLION Dance Studio in Seoul. This famous studio, cofounded by celebrated choreographer Lia Kim, has over 26.2 million YouTube subscribers and offers programs ranging from beginner to professional levels. The studio's instructors are known for choreographing dances for numerous K-pop groups, giving Dita invaluable exposure to authentic K-pop dance styles.

Auditions with SM, YG, and JYP

Like many aspiring idols, Dita faced her share of disappointments before finding success. She auditioned for major entertainment companies including SM, YG, and JYP, yet faced rejection from all three. This challenging period tested her resolve but ultimately strengthened her determination to succeed in the competitive K-pop industry.

For those unfamiliar with the K-pop audition process, these evaluations typically involve performing multiple songs and dances while being recorded, followed by interviews about personal interests and motivations. The process is rigorous, with companies searching for both talent and personalities that align with their vision for future members of secret number kpop groups.

Joining Born Star Attaining Center

Prior to her debut, Dita trained at the Korean entertainment academy Born Star Training Center in New York City. This institution specializes in preparing aspiring K-pop idols, offering valuable training that bridges Western and Korean performance styles—a perfect fit for Dita's multicultural background.

In 2017, Dita took time off from college to participate in an audition held in New York by Vine Entertainment. During this pivotal audition, she impressed judges by dancing to a Taylor Swift song, showcasing her ability to blend Western pop influences with K-pop performance styles.

Becoming a trainee under Vine Entertainment

Following her successful audition, Dita officially began her journey as a trainee under Vine Entertainment in July 2017. For the next two years, she dedicated herself to rigorous training while simultaneously learning Korean—a crucial skill for any aspiring K-pop idol.

Jason Park, VINE Entertainment's music business division director, noted that Dita quickly adapted to her surroundings upon arriving in Korea. Her dedication to training significantly enhanced her pre-existing talents, leading the company to recognize her potential as a lead vocalist—a remarkable evolution from her initial position as a dancer.

This intensive two-year training period transformed Dita from a talented performer into a polished idol ready to debut with secret number. Her journey illustrates the demanding preparation required to join the ranks of K-pop idols, involving not just performance skills but cultural adaptation and language acquisition as well.

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Debut with SECRET NUMBER

May 19, 2020 marked a historic milestone not only for Dita but for Indonesian representation in the K-pop industry overall. After years of rigorous training, her perseverance ultimately paid off as she stood alongside fellow secret number members in their highly anticipated debut.

Official debut in May 2020 with 'Who Dis?'

SECRET NUMBER made their official entrance into the K-pop scene on May 19, 2020, with the release of their first single album titled "Who Dis?". The debut release consisted of two tracks: the title song "Who Dis?" and a B-side track called "Holiday". The group's journey had begun publicly a month earlier when Vine Entertainment revealed the members in a dance cover video on April 29, 2020, officially announcing the group name SECRET NUMBER.

Following the album release, the members of secret number made their broadcast debut on May 22, 2020, performing their title track on KBS2's Music Bank. The reception proved impressive for a rookie group—by May 23, just four days after release, their music video had already surpassed 5 million views, demonstrating strong initial interest in the new secret number kpop act.

In the music video for "Who Dis?", Dita showcased her polished performance skills, appearing in striking outfits including Balenciaga pieces and stylish knee-high boots. Her ability to sing confidently in Korean while executing precise choreography demonstrated the effectiveness of her extensive pre-debut training.

Role as main dancer and sub-vocalist

Within the group dynamic, Dita quickly established her position based on her unique strengths. She served as the main dancer of SECRET NUMBER, a fitting role considering her extensive dance background across multiple genres. Indeed, her years of training at prestigious institutions such as AMDA and 1MILLION Dance Studio had prepared her perfectly for this position.

Alongside her primary role as main dancer, she also contributed vocally as a sub-vocalist, showcasing her multi-faceted talents. This dual position highlighted her comprehensive training and versatility as a performer, allowing her to contribute significantly to the group's overall sound and visual presentation.

The secret number profile positioned Dita as an essential member whose dance expertise elevated their performances, particularly evident in their debut choreography that required precise execution and synchronization among all members.

Being the first Indonesian female K-pop idol

Perhaps most significantly, Dita's debut with SECRET NUMBER cemented her place in K-pop history as the first Indonesian female idol to debut in the industry. This achievement represented not merely a personal milestone but a meaningful moment of cultural representation for Indonesia in the global K-pop landscape.

As dita secret number gained recognition, she amassed a substantial following, with many Indonesian fans expressing pride in seeing their countrywoman succeed on the K-pop stage. This pioneering role came with considerable responsibility, as she recognized her position as a representative of Indonesia within the industry.

"For me, it has all been a blessing – and a big responsibility," Dita acknowledged regarding her historic position. Her breakthrough opened doors for future Indonesian talents in K-pop, establishing a precedent that expanded the traditionally Korean-centric industry's growing internationalization.

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Life as a Member of SECRET NUMBER

Throughout her time as part of SECRET NUMBER, Dita's journey was marked by meaningful relationships, memorable performances, and international recognition that further solidified her place in K-pop history.

Friendships within the group

Behind the glamorous performances, Dita forged strong bonds with her fellow secret number members. Most notably, Jinny emerged as her closest friend in the group. This friendship between Dita and Jinny—who served as the group's main rapper and lead dancer—created a strong dynamic duo on stage.

Alongside this special friendship, Dita shared living spaces with Denise, who was her roommate in the group's dormitory. This living arrangement naturally strengthened their connection, as Denise—the group's Korean American main vocalist and maknae (youngest member)—complemented Dita's personality and performance style.

Beyond her connections within secret number kpop, Dita maintained relationships outside the industry. Interestingly, she developed a friendship with respected Indonesian actress Dian Sastro, creating a bridge between Korean and Indonesian entertainment industries. This connection showcased how Dita balanced her K-pop career while maintaining ties to her cultural roots.

Favorite moments and performances

As dita secret number progressed in her career, her distinctive charm captured fans' attention. Specifically, her expressive eyes and dimples became recognized as her standout physical features, often highlighted in the group's promotional materials and performances.

Her position as the main dancer allowed her to showcase her greatest passion and natural talent. Given her extensive background in dance—from training at Born Star to 1MILLION Dance Studio—these performances represented the culmination of years of dedicated practice across continents.

The members of secret number each brought unique qualities to their performances, with Dita's dance expertise particularly evident during their choreography-focused stages. Her background in both Broadway-style performance and K-pop dance created a distinctive performance quality that enhanced the group's overall appeal.

Participation in concerts and tours

A milestone in Dita's career with the group came with SECRET NUMBER's first US tour titled "UNLOCK". This tour represented a significant achievement for the six-member group under VINE Entertainment, bringing them face-to-face with international fans.

Preparing for this tour presented unique challenges for the secret number profile members. As fellow member Léa explained regarding their preparations: "There was nothing easy! But if I must choose, we were able to decide on the setlist quickly since we had uniform opinions". This glimpse into their preparation process revealed the group's collaborative approach to performances.

The tour featured the group performing across various American cities, with memorable shows including a performance in Boulder. After their energetic sets, the members would exit the stage while video interviews played, giving fans additional insight into their personalities and journey. For their American audiences, fellow member Zuu expressed their excitement: "Our LOCKEYs! We are finally on the US Tour. Thank you so much for waiting for us and let's have fun!".

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)
Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Personal Interests and Fun Facts

Beyond the choreography and stage performances lies the authentic personality of Dita that endears her to fans worldwide. Her unique interests and character traits provide glimpses into the person behind the idol image.

Hobbies: drawing, basketball, cooking

Artistic expression remains central to Dita's identity even off-stage. Drawing stands out as one of her most cherished pastimes, allowing her creative energy to flow beyond dance and music. Moreover, she demonstrates impressive athletic prowess, especially excelling in basketball. This sports background contributes to her exceptional stamina and coordination as the main dancer among secret number members.

In quieter moments, Dita enjoys cooking and, surprisingly, finds pleasure in washing dishes. Her culinary interests extend to her food preferences—she particularly loves indulging in cake and ice cream. Interestingly, one of her most unusual hobbies involves browsing supermarkets, suggesting a curiosity about food products and ingredients that complements her cooking interests.

Coffee holds special significance in Dita's daily routine, ranking as her favorite beverage. This caffeine appreciation fits perfectly with her energetic performance style that fans of secret number kpop have come to admire.

Favorite artists and songs

Regarding musical influences, Dita holds deep admiration for Korean soloist IU, whom she considers her role model. Her favorite IU song is "Blueming" from the 2019 album "Love Poem". Additionally, she enjoys the music of members of secret number contemporaries TWICE, demonstrating her appreciation for fellow girl groups.

While embracing Korean music professionally, Dita maintains connection to her Indonesian roots through music. "Kangen" by Indonesian artist Chrisye remains her favorite song from her homeland, showcasing her bicultural musical tastes.

Nicknames and personality traits

Among fans and fellow secret number profile members, "DITAMIN" stands as her preferred nickname. This playful moniker captures her vibrant energy and vitamin-like brightness she brings to performances.

Personality-wise, friends and colleagues describe Dita as meticulous—a trait evident in her precise dance movements and thoughtful approach to performances. Within the group dynamic, she formed closest bonds with fellow member Jinny, while sharing dormitory space with Denise as roommates.

Her character philosophy reflects her approach to life and career: "Life is a journey, not a destination. I don't think there's a finish line in life. In this long journey called life, I want to live without regrets, seizing all opportunities and continuously going forward". This forward-thinking mindset has guided dita secret number's path throughout her groundbreaking career.

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Brand Endorsements and Public Recognition

Dita's influence extends far beyond performances with secret number members, establishing her as a cultural bridge between Indonesia and South Korea through prestigious brand partnerships and diplomatic roles.

Ambassador for Nacific and Femmy Fyber

Dita's beauty and charisma made her an ideal representative for major brands seeking an international face. She secured a prominent position as brand ambassador for Nacific Indonesia, a popular Korean skincare and cosmetics company. During her photoshoot sessions for Nacific, Dita expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, encouraging fans to purchase products through shopping platforms. This endorsement aligned perfectly with her image, as one fan noted: "I might need to buy some Nacific products because if those products make me look as good as her, I'm gonna buy all of them".

In addition to her beauty endorsements, Dita represented Maison Femmy Fyber, a fashion brand that complemented her sophisticated yet approachable image among secret number kpop fans. These partnerships strategically positioned Dita beyond music, establishing her presence in beauty and fashion industries.

Appointed as Indonesia-Korea cultural ambassador

Perhaps Dita's most prestigious recognition came in 2023 when she was officially appointed as an ambassador for Indonesia-South Korea bilateral relations. This honor highlighted her significant role in cultural diplomacy between the two nations. Her appointment coincided with celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Jakarta and Seoul.

Dita's trilingual abilities—speaking fluent Indonesian, Korean, and English—made her exceptionally qualified for this diplomatic role. Once, during an interview with Na PD, she demonstrated this skill by conversing entirely in Indonesian, showcasing the linguistic versatility that sets her apart from other members of secret number.

Social media presence and fanbase

From dita secret number's debut, Indonesian fans showed tremendous support through social media platforms. "My family told me that people in Indonesia are very much excited about my debut here," Dita once shared with a shy smile. This connection with her homeland remained strong throughout her career.

Her accessibility across multiple languages helped Dita build an international fanbase, contributing to her status as "an accessible and respected public figure". "Surprisingly, I already have lots of supportive fans. They cheer for me via social media and stuff. I promise that I will not let them down," she once remarked regarding her loyal followers.

Dita Ex Secret Number (first female Indonesian K-pop idol)

Departure and Solo Career Path

A pivotal chapter in Dita's career unfolded in 2025, marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another as she ventured beyond her role with secret number members.

Leaving SECRET NUMBER

On April 4, 2025, after five years with the group, Dita officially announced her departure from SECRET NUMBER alongside fellow members Jinny and Minji. This announcement came just one day after member Léa had also left the group. In a joint statement, the trio revealed that "our contract with Vine Entertainment has been officially terminated, and therefore, official activities as SECRET NUMBER have now come to an end". They explained their decision came "after careful consideration" and despite "numerous discussions," concluding that it would be "extremely difficult for us to move forward" under the current circumstances.

Joining project group Triple IZ

Beforehand, Dita had already begun exploring new opportunities. On January 10, 2024, she was revealed as part of a new three-member project girl group called Triple IZ (트리플 아이즈) under The Waves. This unique collaboration brought together members from different K-pop groups: Dita from secret number, Aria from X:IN, and E.Ji from ICHILLIN'.

Triple IZ made their official debut on April 8, 2024, with the digital single "Halla". The group name, pronounced "Triple eyes," carries significant meaning—standing for Initiate, Individual, and International. This intentional naming reflects the group's mission of "sharing minds beyond borders and reaching for one's dreams by expressing individuality". Henceforth, the members were specifically selected based on their nationalities—Dita representing Indonesia, Aria from India, and E.Ji from Korea.

Future plans and aspirations as a solo artist

Alongside her activities with Triple IZ, speculation among fans regarding a potential solo debut intensified following Dita's Instagram updates. As the first Indonesian female K-pop idol, Dita's future career moves hold particular significance for representation within the industry. Whether continuing with project groups or pursuing solo ventures, her journey from secret number kpop pioneer to independent artist continues to evolve. The secret number profile that once defined her career now serves as a foundation for whatever comes next in her artistic journey.

FAQS

Fans frequently ask questions about Dita's career transition after her five-year journey with secret number members. Consequently, this section addresses the most common inquiries.

When did Dita officially leave SECRET NUMBER?
Dita announced her departure on April 4, 2025, alongside fellow members Jinny and Minji, after their contracts with Vine Entertainment were officially terminated.

What happened to other SECRET NUMBER members?
Just one day before Dita's announcement, Vine Entertainment revealed that Léa would also be leaving the group. This left only Zuu and Soodam as remaining members of secret number.

Why did Dita leave the group?
In their joint statement, the trio explained: "We've always gave our very best, but despite numerous discussions, we ultimately came to the conclusion that under the current situation, it would be extremely difficult for us to move forward".

What was SECRET NUMBER's final release before disbandment?
Their last release as a complete secret number kpop group was the "Starlight" single album in August 2023.

Did Dita consider this the end of her career?
Not at all. The departing members reassured supporters that "this marks a new beginning rather than an end," as each intended to continue their careers in their own ways.

What makes Dita unique in K-pop history?
Dita holds the distinction of being the second Indonesian idol to debut in a K-pop group and the first female Indonesian K-pop idol, establishing a lasting legacy within the industry.

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