HANDONG/ Han Dong (Dreamcatcher)
Handong's Journey with Dreamcatcher: A Complete Profile
Handong, a Chinese singer born in Wuhan on March 26, 1996, has made significant strides in the K-Pop industry as a member of the girl group Dreamcatcher. Her journey into the world of music began after her high school professor advised her to audition in South Korea, leading to her relocation and studies at Sejeong University in 2015. Handong's talent was evident when she successfully auditioned with Taeyeon’s song "If," securing a position with HappyFace Entertainment in mid-2016. She officially joined Dreamcatcher as the sixth member on January 13, 2017, with their debut single album "Nightmare". Further showcasing her versatility, Handong embarked on a solo career, debuting in China with the digital single "First Light of Dawn" on October 20, 2020. Her unique journey from Wuhan to a celebrated K-Pop artist highlights her dedication and the cultural bridges she continues to build within the music industry.
Stage Name: HANDONG (한동)
Birth Name: Han Dong (韓東)
English Name: Della Han
Birthday: March 26, 1996
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Chinese Zodiac Sign: Rat
Height: 165 cm (5’5”)
Weight: 46 kg (101 lbs)
Blood Type: A
MBTI Type: ISFP
Nightmare: Scopophobia
Nationality: Chinese
Weibo: 韩东_捕梦网
Instagram: @0.0_handong
Agency:
Dreamcatcher Company (Korea)
Show City Times (China)
Early Life and Education
Birthplace and Birthdate
Handong was born on March 26, 1996, in Wuhan, China. Her early fascination with the performing arts began during her time in high school, where she participated in a musical production of "Les Miserables." This experience was pivotal, as it not only introduced her to opera and acting but also solidified her passion for the arts.
High School and University
Following her high school graduation, Handong was encouraged by her professor to pursue further education in South Korea. Heeding this advice, she moved to South Korea in 2015 and enrolled at Sejeong University. Here, she continued to hone her skills in music and acting, preparing for the challenges of a competitive entertainment industry. At Sejeong University, all students, including Handong, started with an undeclared major, allowing them the flexibility to explore various fields before making a definitive choice . This approach facilitated her broad academic and personal development during her early years at the university.
Career Beginnings
Pre-Debut Activities
Handong's initial exposure to the arts began in high school where she performed in a musical production of "Les Misérables". This experience was pivotal, as it introduced her to opera and acting, laying the foundational skills needed for her future career. Her passion for the performing arts was further nurtured through lessons in opera and acting during this period.
Audition Stories
Encouraged by her professor, Handong moved to South Korea in 2015 to pursue her education at Sejeong University, where she continued to develop her artistic skills. Her significant career break came when she auditioned for HappyFace Entertainment. During her audition, she performed Taeyeon's "If," impressing the judges with her vocal abilities and stage presence, which led to her signing with the company in mid-2016. Despite originally aspiring to be a musical actress, she was advised to audition for a K-pop group, which shifted her career trajectory towards the music industry.
Rise to Fame
Handong's ascent in the music industry began with her official inclusion as the sixth member of Dreamcatcher, alongside Gahyeon, when they debuted with their first single album "Nightmare" on January 13, 2017. Her entry into the group marked a significant step in her career, having passed her audition at HappyFace Entertainment by performing Taeyeon's "If". Despite only training for five months, Handong's talent was undeniable, showcasing her readiness for the K-pop scene.
Joining Dreamcatcher
Handong's joining of Dreamcatcher was a pivotal moment, not just for her but for the group as well. Revealed on December 1, 2016, she brought a fresh dynamic to the ensemble, contributing to the distinct sound and style that would soon become synonymous with Dreamcatcher.
Initial Success
The group's initial success was met with rigorous schedules and tours, including the "WELCOME TO THE DREAM WORLD IN LATIN AMERICA" tour in 2018. During this period, Handong faced personal challenges; her grandfather passed away, and she was not informed until the tour concluded to prevent interference with her commitments. This event led her to miss some group presentations as she traveled back to China to be with her family. Despite these hardships, Handong's dedication to her career did not waver, illustrating her resilience and commitment to Dreamcatcher's success.
Furthermore, her participation in Dreamcatcher was momentarily paused when it was announced on August 30, 2019, that she would be absent from the Dreamcatcher European Tour "Invitation from Nightmare City". This decision underscored the challenges and sacrifices involved in maintaining a balance between personal obligations and professional demands in the fast-paced world of K-pop.
Key Career Highlights
European Tour and Absence
Dreamcatcher embarked on their "Fly High World Tour," becoming the first K-pop girl group to tour major European cities from February 14 to February 25, visiting locations such as London, Lisbon, and Paris. Later, during the "Invitation from Nightmare City" tour from October 24 to November 7, they visited cities including Milan and Helsinki. This tour marked their second European venture. However, Handong was notably absent from both the European and American legs of the tour, due to her participation in the Chinese idol-producing show "Youth With You".
Return and Contributions
Handong's return to Dreamcatcher was officially announced on October 16, after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She rejoined the group with her solo debut song "First Light of Dawn," released on October 19. Her absence had previously impacted the group's activities, as she could not participate in promotions for Dreamcatcher's first full-length Korean album "Dystopia: The Tree Of Language." During this period, a masked dancer temporarily replaced her in the title song's official performance. Despite these challenges, Handong's return was celebrated, and she quickly resumed her integral role within the group.
Solo Ventures
Solo Music Releases
Handong's journey as a solo artist is marked by her diverse releases, showcasing her vocal and artistic versatility. She made her solo debut with the single "First Light of Dawn" and continued to captivate audiences with tracks like "Paradise," "That Day," and "Start Over" .
Performance in Youth With You 2
During her time on the Chinese idol survival show "Youth With You 2," Handong demonstrated her strong performance skills. Despite the fierce competition and initially limited screen time, she managed to impress both the youth producers and mentors with her rendition of "Ambush On All Sides 2" and a cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic." Handong's popularity on the show was notable, especially among international fans, although she finished at rank 56. Her participation in this show highlighted her dedication and ability to handle high-pressure environments, further solidifying her reputation as a talented performer.
Personal Insights
Nicknames and Personality Traits
Handong is affectionately known by several nicknames, including Dongdong, Dongie, Chinese Princess, and Wuhan Princess, reflecting her cherished status among fans and peers. Notably, her strong personality is marked by her initial aspiration to become a musical actress, showcasing her passion for performance arts. Despite this, she was recommended to audition for Happy Face Entertainment, altering her career path significantly. Handong is also recognized for her unique vocal impression of Park Ji Yoon and considers Kim Tae Yeon as her role model, indicating her high regard for established talents in the industry.
Languages Spoken
Handong's linguistic abilities are as diverse as her talents. She speaks Mandarin Chinese as her first language and is fluent in Korean, which she improved after moving to South Korea for her studies and career. Additionally, she possesses basic knowledge of Japanese and English, enhancing her ability to engage with a broad international audience.
Discography Overview
Handong's solo discography showcases her versatility as an artist, beginning with her debut single "First Light of Dawn" released on October 20, 2020. This marked her first foray into solo music, followed by other notable singles such as "Winter" and "That Day," both released in 2022.
Major Singles
Handong's major singles include "First Light of Dawn," which debuted in 2020, and subsequent releases "Winter" and "That Day" in 2022. Each track highlights her unique vocal style and ability to convey deep emotions.
Collaborative Projects
Handong has also participated in several collaborative projects, enhancing her discography. Notable among these is her cover of "Remember Me" with JiU in 2018, and "Every Day, Every Moment" with Siyeon and Gahyeon in 2019. Her ability to blend her voice with others is evident in these collaborations, which also include covers of popular songs like "Rainy Day" and "11:11," set for release in 2024. Additionally, her live performances of covers such as "How can I love the heartbreak, you're the one I love" in 2020 and "Snapping" in 2021 further showcase her adaptability and stage presence.
Conclusion
Handong's journey from her early days in Wuhan to her significant role in Dreamcatcher and her solo career exemplifies her dedication and versatility as an artist. Her debut with Dreamcatcher on January 13, 2017, marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life, where she brought fresh dynamics to the group. Despite facing challenges, including her brief training period of only five months before debuting with Dreamcatcher, Handong's commitment never wavered.
Handong's solo debut on October 20, 2020, with the Chinese single "First Light of Dawn" was a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her ability to shine as an individual artist. This release, along with her personal second solo song "That Day" revealed on November 10, 2022, highlights her growth and the personal imprint she brings to her music.
Throughout her career, Handong has also shown a strong sense of community and connection, building lasting friendships with artists like CLC's Elkie and maintaining a humble and approachable persona despite her fame. Her aspirations extend beyond her current achievements, aiming to lead Dreamcatcher to the top of the charts, reflecting her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Handong's influence stretches across the cultural spectrum, from her impact on the music scene to her role as a cultural ambassador between China and South Korea. Her story is not just about her musical achievements but also about her role in bridging diverse cultures through her artistry and public presence.
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