Song Dahye: The Untold Story of Former BESTie Member

Dahye BESTie, born Song Da Hye on June 12, 1993, has transformed from a girl group member to an independent solo artist throughout her decade-long career. Initially debuting as the main rapper, main dancer, and vocalist of BESTie on July 11, 2013, with their first single "Pitapat", her journey in the K-pop industry has taken several significant turns.

After four years with the group, Song Dahye terminated her contract with YNB Entertainment and left BESTie on September 4, 2017, alongside fellow member U.Ji. However, this wasn't the end of her music career. She subsequently reemerged on the K-pop scene, making her solo debut on October 10, 2020, with a remake of Uhm Jung Hwa's "Poison" under Worldstar Entertainment. Currently 30 years old (2023), Dahye has not only continued her musical pursuits but also ventured into television, appearing as a contestant on the reality show "EXchange Season 3".

Early Life and Entry into K-pop

Song Dahye's journey into the world of K-pop began in Incheon, South Korea, where she was born on June 12, 1993. From an early age, her passion for performing arts was evident, leading her down a path that would eventually place her in the spotlight of the Korean music industry.

Birthplace and education

Growing up in Incheon, Dahye pursued her education diligently while nurturing her artistic talents. She completed her middle school education at Imhak Middle School before moving on to Incheon Yale High School (sometimes referred to as Yeil High School). Her commitment to education continued even after entering the entertainment industry, as she later obtained a bachelor's degree in Theater Studies from the prestigious Dongguk University. This academic background in drama studies provided her with a solid foundation for her career as a performer, enhancing her stage presence and artistic expression.

Training under SM Entertainment

Before becoming known as "Dahye BESTie," Song Dahye spent time honing her skills as a trainee under SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's largest entertainment companies. This rigorous training period was formative for her development as an artist, where she learned dancing, singing, and rapping techniques that would later define her role in BESTie.

During this training period, she met Seo Dong Jin, who would become her long-time boyfriend. Both were trainees at the same company, presumably SM Entertainment. Unfortunately, their relationship reportedly led to both of them being "let go" from the company after management discovered they were dating. Despite this setback, Dahye persevered in pursuing her dreams in the entertainment industry.

Debut with BESTie in 2013

Following her departure from SM Entertainment, Dahye's breakthrough came when she joined YNB Entertainment. On July 11, 2013, she made her official debut as a member of the four-member girl group BESTie with their first single "Pitapat". Within the group, Song Dahye took on multiple roles as the main dancer, main rapper, and sub-vocalist, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

BESTie had an interesting formation story, as three of its members – Hyeyeon (who performed under the stage name Dami), U.Ji, and Haeryung – were previously part of the girl group EXID under AB Entertainment. These three left EXID in April 2012 for various personal reasons, with Dahye being added later to complete the four-member lineup of BESTie.

Throughout her time with BESTie, Song Dahye's sharp dance moves, powerful rap skills, and charismatic stage presence helped establish her identity in the competitive K-pop industry. Her striking height of 170cm and distinctive performance style made her stand out among her peers, setting the stage for what would become a multi-faceted career in entertainment.

The BESTie Years (2013–2017)

Throughout her four-year stint with BESTie, Song Dahye established herself as an integral member of the promising K-pop girl group. From their debut in 2013 until her departure in 2017, she contributed significantly to the group's identity and musical output.

Role in the group and public image

As BESTie's main dancer, main rapper, and vocalist, Dahye showcased her versatility on stage. Standing at 168 cm (5'6") and weighing 48 kg (106 lbs), her striking appearance alongside her performance abilities made her a standout member. Within the group dynamic, she brought energy to performances through her sharp dance moves and rap sections. Unlike the other three members who had previously been part of EXID, Dahye was the only completely new addition when BESTie formed.

Notable performances and songs

BESTie's discography featured several catchy singles that showcased Dahye's talents. After their July 2013 debut with "Pitapat," the group quickly followed with "Love Options" in October of the same year. In December 2013, they released the seasonal single "Zzang Christmas".

Their momentum continued into 2014 with the February release of "Thank U Very Much". In celebration of their first anniversary, they released "Like a Star" on July 11, 2014, followed by their first EP titled Hot Baby later that month. A repackaged version called I Need You arrived in August.

The group achieved recognition at the 29th Golden Disk Awards in January 2015, winning the Next Generation Award. Their second EP Love Emotion was released in May 2015, featuring the title track "Excuse Me". This song ranked impressively on Billboard's lists, placing fourth on "Most Viewed K-Pop Videos in America" and sixth on "Most Viewed K-Pop Videos around the World" for May.

Departure from YNB Entertainment

In January 2016, Dahye suffered a serious accident, falling down stairs and fracturing both her ankle and right arm. This injury postponed BESTie's comeback plans, as she needed sufficient time to recover. Consequently, the group's final performance together was at the Military Year End Concert on December 16, 2016.

After much discussion with management, Dahye and fellow member U.Ji terminated their contracts with YNB Entertainment on September 4, 2017. According to industry sources, although time remained on their contracts, the agency agreed to the termination out of respect for both members' future plans. This departure marked the beginning of the end for BESTie, which unofficially disbanded in 2018.

Solo Career and Musical Growth

After leaving BESTie in 2017, Song Dahye took a significant break from the spotlight before announcing her next career move. On March 31, 2020, she revealed through Instagram that she had signed with World Star Entertainment, marking the beginning of her journey as a solo artist.

Signing with World Star Entertainment

Under her new agency, Dahye prepared for a fresh start in the industry. Originally scheduled for September 25, 2020, her solo debut was postponed to October 10 to improve production quality. This deliberate delay proved worthwhile as it allowed her team to refine both the song and its visual presentation.

Debut single 'Poison' and its impact

Dahye's solo debut featured a remake of Uhm Jung Hwa's 1998 hit "Poison". Rather than simply copying the original electronic dance track, she transformed it with Latin influences including Spanish guitars, brass sections, and traditional flamenco elements. This creative reimagining showcased her sultry vocals and mature artistic direction.

Critics praised the production quality and Dahye's ability to breathe new life into the legendary song. The music video featured her in various striking outfits with color schemes of red, gold, blue, white, and silver – a modern contrast to Uhm Jung Hwa's original black and white visual.

Subsequent releases: 'Bad Blood', 'The First Ending'

Following her debut, Dahye quickly released her second digital single "Bad Blood" on November 5, 2020. After this initial momentum, there was a gap in releases until "The First Ending" dropped in 2024, followed by "As I Am" that same year. Her discography continued to grow with "Cherry Road" and "Deja Vu" in 2025.

Writing credits and creative control

Notably, Dahye's artistic growth became evident in 2024 when she began receiving writing credits for her music. She contributed to the writing of "The First Ending" and "As I Am" in 2024, plus "Cherry Road" and "Deja Vu" in 2025. This creative involvement coincided with her departure from World Star Entertainment in mid-2021, after which she established herself as an independent artist.

Life Beyond Music: TV and Personal Revelations

In 2023, Song Dahye stepped outside her musical persona into reality television, capturing public attention through her appearance on TVING's "EXchange 3" (also known as Transit Love). The show brought a surprising revelation that shocked viewers across South Korea.

Appearance on EXchange 3 (Transit Love)

The premise of EXchange invites former couples to potentially rekindle their romance or find new relationships. Dahye's participation marked the first time a former K-pop idol joined the series. Fellow idol Yura from Girl's Day, who served as one of the show's hosts, expressed visible surprise upon recognizing Dahye in the pilot episode.

On the January 5, 2023 broadcast, viewers were stunned by the revelation that Dahye and fellow contestant Seo Dong Jin had maintained a 13-year relationship spanning from February 2010 through June 2023. The couple disclosed they first met as teenagers training at the same company (presumably SM Entertainment) before being "let go" after their relationship was discovered. Remarkably, throughout Dahye's BESTie years, Seo Dong Jin had sometimes accompanied the group while acting as a manager during some schedules.

Reunion with long-time boyfriend Seo Dong Jin

Though the couple's journey on EXchange 3 concluded with them choosing different partners in the finale, their story didn't end there. Shortly after the broadcast, they reunited and announced their reconciliation on Instagram in July 2023. Seo Dong Jin's post included the heartfelt caption: "It took too long but I'll love you even more as it's too bad!".

Furthermore, Dahye confirmed on KBS2's "Immortal Songs" in March 2025 that they are actively discussing marriage. Seo Dong Jin currently supports her career hands-on, managing her schedules and day-to-day coordination since she remains without a formal agency. When asked about marriage in subsequent content related to the Transfer Love franchise, Seo Dong Jin responded that he is "ready," indicating their plans are imminent.

Public reaction and media coverage

The revelation of their 13-year secret relationship generated significant buzz, with K-netizens commenting, "13 years? Isn't that practically marriage and divorce?" and "Now this kind of makes you wonder how many idols are actually dating...". Media outlets extensively covered their journey from separation to reunion, particularly emphasizing the emotional resonance of their televised milestones.

Most recently, the couple made headlines again when Seo Dong Jin shared his reaction to Dahye filming a kiss scene for her "Lemon Cherry Bomb" music video, captioning it "You brought me here for this?". This playful interaction further endeared them to fans who have followed their relationship journey since EXchange 3.

Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Details

Beyond her musical talents, Song Dahye possesses a multifaceted personality with diverse interests that showcase her well-rounded character.

Dahye's hobbies and interests

Behind the scenes, Dahye enjoys immersing herself in books and films during her free time. Alongside these quieter pursuits, she demonstrates athletic inclinations through sports and yoga, even obtaining a yoga instructor license. Her passion for football runs deep—she supports both Liverpool FC and frequently attends Incheon United FC matches. Additionally, her love for drama earned her the nickname "Jumma Song" from fellow BESTie members who noticed her watching shows on her phone while traveling.

Her ideal type and personality traits

In contrast to conventional preferences, Dahye values personality over physical appearance in relationships. She has expressed admiration for comedian Yoo Jae Suk, stating: "If I were to just pass by him once, I wouldn't have any other wishes. He's my ideal type". Moreover, she admits to not understanding the appeal of "bad boys" that many women prefer.

Nicknames and fan-given titles

Among fans, Dahye became known as "hips of Bestie", a title acknowledging her dancing abilities and stage presence.

Body image journey and confidence

Throughout her career, Dahye has been refreshingly honest about body image, once revealing she previously weighed over 65kg. Through consistent exercise regimens, she achieved what she describes as "a perfect body full of health".

FAQS

Fans of Song Dahye often have burning questions about the former BESTie member. Here's what curious followers want to know about this multifaceted artist.

When did Dahye make her solo debut? She officially debuted as a solo artist on October 10, 2020, with a remake of Uhm Jung Hwa's "Poison". Originally scheduled for September 25, her debut was postponed to ensure higher production quality.

Did Dahye really date someone throughout her idol career? Indeed, Dahye maintained a relationship with Seo Dong-jin for approximately 13 years. They met as trainees at the same company (presumably SM Entertainment) and were reportedly "let go" after their relationship was discovered.

What are Dahye's personal interests outside of music? Certainly, Dahye enjoys several hobbies in her free time, including reading books, watching movies, playing guitar, practicing yoga, and traveling. She's described as an outgoing person with diverse interests.

What is Dahye's ideal type? Interestingly, Dahye once mentioned Yoo Jae Suk as her ideal type, saying: "I don't care too much about appearances. I like people with charming personalities or character". She specifically noted not understanding the appeal of "bad boys" that many women prefer.

What happened after Dahye appeared on EXchange 3? As of July 2024, Dahye announced through Instagram that she reconciled with Seo Dong-jin following their appearance together on the show.