Haeryung: The Untold Story Behind BESTie's Former Star

Na Hae-Ryung captivates fans through her remarkable journey from K-pop idol to established actress in South Korea's entertainment industry. Initially debuting with EXID in February 2012, she stayed with the group for only two months before transitioning to YNB Entertainment. Subsequently, she became a member of the girl group BESTie, which officially debuted on July 11, 2013, with their first single "Pitapat".

Before her idol career, Na Hae-Ryung was actually a child actress who appeared in various film and television roles, including the drama "Magic Kid Masuri". After BESTie presumably disbanded in 2018, she continued pursuing acting and achieved her first lead television role in 2016 as Jung Kkot-nim in the KBS drama "My Mind's Flower Rain". Most recently, in September 2023, she signed with OSR Entertainment and changed her name to Han Da Ra to further her acting career. With a current user rating of 92 based on 1158 votes on AsianWiki, her talent continues to resonate with audiences as she evolves through different entertainment spheres.

Early Life and Entry into Entertainment

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Na Hae-ryung began her entertainment career long before stepping onto the K-pop stage. Unlike many idols who start as trainees, her journey began in front of the camera at a remarkably young age.

Child acting roles and early exposure

Na Hae-ryung originally entered the entertainment industry as a child actress in 2001, marking the beginning of a diverse career spanning over two decades. Her early acting portfolio includes notable appearances in film and television productions. In 2003, she secured a role in the historical movie "Once Upon A Time In A Battlefield" (황산벌), demonstrating her versatility from a young age.

Perhaps her most recognized early role came in the drama "Magic Kid Masuri", which helped establish her presence in the competitive Korean entertainment landscape. Throughout this period, she gained valuable on-screen experience while simultaneously developing her performance skills. In her own words, "Before I debuted in BESTie, I started off as a child actress. So I've had experience in acting", acknowledging how this foundation would later complement her music career.

Education at Seoul Performing Arts High School

Na Hae-ryung's academic journey reflects her commitment to formal training in the arts. Prior to attending the prestigious Seoul Performing Arts High School, she completed her elementary education at Donggok Elementary School and continued to Shimwon Middle School.

She initially enrolled at Somyeong Girls' High School but later transferred to Seoul Performing Arts High School, an institution known for nurturing numerous Korean entertainment talents. At this specialized school, she majored in Video Arts and Broadcasting Acting, receiving professional training that would serve her future entertainment endeavors.

Her dedication to education would later influence a pivotal career decision when she temporarily stepped away from the spotlight. In April 2012, she made the difficult choice to leave EXID shortly after their debut to focus on completing her studies, demonstrating her commitment to educational achievement alongside her professional aspirations.

Training under JYP Entertainment

Before joining either EXID or BESTie, Na Hae-ryung underwent training at JYP Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies. JYP Entertainment maintains rigorous training programs, dividing aspiring performers into "prep students" and "trainees," with only exceptional talents advancing to the trainee level.

The JYP training system involves intensive one-on-one coaching in singing and dancing, alongside consistent evaluation to determine whether candidates should continue their training journey. Additionally, trainees must maintain their academic performance, often balancing school commitments with demanding practice schedules.

This formative period under JYP Entertainment's guidance provided Na Hae-ryung with professional development opportunities that would prepare her for future roles in the competitive K-pop industry. Following this training, she would eventually cross paths with fellow future BESTie members Yuji and Dami, who also trained under JYP.

Debut with EXID: A Short-Lived Start

After completing her training at JYP Entertainment, Na Hae-ryung's career took a significant turn toward the mainstream K-pop scene. Her path into idol life began with a short-lived yet noteworthy chapter in what would become one of South Korea's resilient girl groups.

Joining EXID in 2012

In May 2011, producer Shinsadong Tiger and AB Entertainment embarked on forming a new girl group by scouting several promising trainees from JYP Entertainment. Among these recruits were Na Hae-ryung, Hani, and Jeonghwa, all of whom auditioned for AB Entertainment after being contacted by fellow trainee Yuji. The group, originally named "WT" (an acronym for "Who's That"), ultimately changed their name to EXID (Exceed In Dreaming) a few months before their official debut.

The original lineup consisted of six members: Elly (discovered as an underground rapper), Dami (already an AB trainee), along with former JYP trainees Hani, Jeonghwa, Yuji, and Na Hae-ryung. Although the group was scheduled to make their debut in January 2012, these plans were postponed until February after Elly sustained a leg injury during rehearsals.

Release of debut single 'Holla'

EXID finally made their long-awaited debut on February 16, 2012, with the release of their first digital single album titled "Holla". This debut release featured two songs: "I Do" and the title track "Whoz That Girl". The group's first public performance took place on the popular music program "M Countdown," followed by appearances on "Music Core" and "Inkigayo".

Despite modest beginnings, their debut single "Whoz That Girl" managed to peak at number 36 on the Gaon Singles Chart and ultimately sold 840,000 digital copies. Na Hae-ryung participated as a lead dancer and sub-vocalist during this brief period with the group, contributing to their debut performances throughout February and March.

Departure from EXID and reasons behind it

Nevertheless, Na Hae-ryung's journey with EXID proved remarkably brief. On April 30, 2012—merely two months after their debut—AB Entertainment officially announced that three members would be departing from the six-member group. Along with Na Hae-ryung, members Dami and Yuji (sometimes spelled "Yuzi") would also be leaving.

The company provided varying explanations for their exits. According to official statements, Dami and Yuji were leaving to focus on their academic schedules, whereas Na Hae-ryung's departure was attributed to her desire to pursue an acting career. Other sources suggest she left specifically to focus on completing her education.

This sudden restructuring occurred just as EXID had concluded promotions for their debut album. After these departures, the group quickly regrouped by adding two new members: Solji (a former member of vocal duo 2NB) and Hyelin (who had actually been considered for EXID's original lineup). This revised five-member configuration would go on to release their first EP "Hippity Hop" with the lead single "I Feel Good".

For Na Hae-ryung, this departure marked only a temporary pause in her K-pop career, as her next musical chapter would soon begin with another group formed from familiar faces.

Rising with BESTie: A New Chapter

Following her departure from EXID, Na Hae-ryung's musical journey took a promising turn when she signed with YNB Entertainment in 2013. This move set the stage for what would become her most recognized chapter in K-pop history.

Formation of BESTie with former EXID members

In a remarkable twist of fate, Na Hae-ryung reunited with two fellow former EXID members—Hyeyeon (previously known as Dami) and Uji—at YNB Entertainment. The trio, who had previously left EXID for various personal reasons, found themselves together once more with a fresh opportunity. Hyeyeon and Uji had departed EXID to complete their studies, while Na Hae-ryung had left to focus on her acting career.

YNB Entertainment added a fourth member, Song Dahye, to complete the quartet. Dahye was notably the only member without previous group experience. The newly formed four-member group was named BESTie (베스티), stylized as "BESTie" in English. This reunion created a unique situation in K-pop where former members of one group essentially reformed under a new name with slight personnel changes.

Debut single 'Pitapat' and public reception

BESTie officially debuted on July 11, 2013, with the release of their first single "Pitapat" (두근두근) and its accompanying music video. The music video featured special appearances by Jo Kwon and comedian Yoo Se-yoon. The title "Pitapat" referred to the sound of a beating heart, embodying the excitement of newfound love.

The debut song was crafted by an impressive team of producers. Super Changddai, known for creating hits like "I Hate You" (2PM), "Sad Song" (Baek Ah-yeon), and "It Hurts" (Huh Gak), composed the track. Moreover, Will Simms and Tom Havelock, who had previously produced Girls' Generation's hit "I Got A Boy," also contributed to the production.

BESTie held their debut live performance on KBS "Music Bank" on July 12, 2013, just one day after their single release. This was followed by appearances on other music shows, helping to establish their presence in the competitive K-pop scene.

The group maintained momentum by releasing their second digital single "Love Options" on October 16 of the same year, followed by a Christmas-themed single titled "Zzang Christmas" in December. Their productivity continued into 2014 with the release of "Thank U Very Much" on February 28.

Role in the group: Lead dancer and visual

Within BESTie's structure, Na Hae-ryung occupied several key positions that showcased her talents and appeal. She served as the group's lead dancer, vocalist, visual, and held the position of maknae (youngest member). Standing at approximately 168 cm (5'6"), she brought both height and presence to the group's visual dynamic.

Her role as the visual meant she was considered the member whose appearance best represented Korean beauty standards—an important marketing position in K-pop groups. Furthermore, she was regarded as the "Face of the Group," often featuring prominently in promotional materials.

Beyond her official positions, Na Hae-ryung's personality traits—described as cute, natural, charming, and friendly—complemented her performance abilities. Among BESTie members, she appeared most frequently on variety shows, utilizing her natural charisma and previous acting experience to increase the group's visibility in broader entertainment contexts.

BESTie’s Journey and Disbandment

Throughout their active years, BESTie carved out a distinct identity in the crowded K-pop landscape, building upon their promising debut with "Pitapat" in July 2013. The group's journey, though relatively brief, featured several noteworthy moments that showcased Na Hae-ryung's talents alongside her bandmates.

Group activities and music releases

BESTie maintained steady momentum after their debut, releasing their second digital single "Love Options" in October 2013, which demonstrated their musical growth. The catchy track was accompanied by a vibrant music video that highlighted their synchronized choreography and energetic performance style. In December of the same year, they embraced the holiday spirit with the seasonal single "Zzang Christmas."

Their productivity continued into 2014 with the February release of "Thank U Very Much," followed by their first EP "Hot Baby" in May, which featured the title track "Excuse Me." This mini-album marked an important milestone as their first physical release beyond digital singles. In 2015, the group released "I Need You" in May and "Excuse Me" in July, expanding their discography with diverse musical styles.

Perhaps the most significant release in their career came with "Love Emotion," a mini-album featuring the title track "Mamacita." This 2016 release represented their final comeback before gradually fading from the public eye.

Popularity and media appearances

Throughout their active period, Na Hae-ryung and her BESTie colleagues participated in various media activities to build their fanbase. The group appeared on music shows like "M Countdown," "Music Bank," "Show Champion," and "Inkigayo" to promote their releases. Beyond music performances, they increased their visibility through variety show appearances, with Na Hae-ryung in particular being recognized for her engaging personality.

The members capitalized on their individual strengths to raise the group's profile. While Uji became known for her powerful vocals through appearances on singing competitions, Na Hae-ryung leveraged her acting background to secure guest spots on various programs. This strategic approach to promotion helped them maintain relevance in a highly competitive industry.

Disbandment and member exits

Despite their efforts, BESTie never achieved the breakthrough success that might have cemented their longevity in the industry. By 2018, signs of the group's dissolution became apparent. Their social media accounts fell inactive, and members began pursuing individual activities without group promotions.

The most telling indication came in April 2018 when Dahye announced her departure from YNB Entertainment upon contract expiration. This effectively marked the beginning of BESTie's quiet disbandment, as no official statement was ever released confirming the group's end. In fact, the company's silence regarding the group's status left many fans in a state of uncertainty for months.

Na Hae-ryung, meanwhile, shifted her focus back to acting, building upon her previous experience. She began appearing in television dramas and web series, effectively transitioning away from idol life toward a career that would ultimately prove more sustainable for her. The informal nature of BESTie's disbandment reflects a common pattern in K-pop where groups sometimes fade away rather than formally announce an end.

Transition to Acting: Na Hae Ryung’s Second Act

With her background as a child actress before entering the K-pop scene, Na Hae-ryung's return to acting seemed like a natural progression after BESTie's activities slowed down. Her combination of idol presence and acting experience made her an appealing candidate for various drama roles, allowing her to build a solid second career in the entertainment industry.

Early drama roles and web series

First and foremost, Na Hae-ryung leveraged her previous acting experience to secure roles in several web dramas—a growing format in South Korean entertainment. Among her early projects after pivoting from idol activities was the web series "9 Seconds - Eternal Time," where she showcased her ability to connect with younger audiences. Consequently, she began building a portfolio that highlighted her versatility beyond singing and dancing.

Throughout this transition period, she balanced smaller supporting roles with more prominent appearances, gradually rebuilding her acting credentials. Na Hae-ryung particularly excelled in youth-oriented productions, where her experience as an idol gave her natural charisma on screen.

Breakthrough performances in KBS and SBS dramas

As her acting career gained momentum, Na Hae-ryung secured roles with major broadcasting networks KBS and SBS—a significant achievement for any actress transitioning from the idol world. Her first lead television role came in 2016 as Jung Kkot-nim in the KBS drama "My Mind's Flower Rain," marking a substantial step forward in her acting career.

The distinction between her idol persona and acting identity became increasingly apparent through these performances. Undoubtedly, her experiences in the structured environment of K-pop helped her adapt to the demanding schedules of drama filming. Na Hae-ryung's broadcasting network appearances helped solidify her credibility as a legitimate actress rather than simply an idol trying acting.

Notable roles in 'Hi! School: Love On' and 'My Lovely Girl'

Among Na Hae-ryung's most recognized acting projects were two productions that allowed her to showcase her emotional range:

• Hi! School: Love On - In this KBS fantasy romance drama, she portrayed a supporting character alongside lead actors Kim Sae-ron, Nam Woo-hyun, and Lee Sung-yeol. The school setting allowed her to connect with younger viewers while demonstrating her acting skills in a genre popular with K-drama fans.

• My Lovely Girl - This SBS romantic drama starred Rain and Krystal Jung in the lead roles, with Na Hae-ryung taking on a supporting part that further expanded her acting repertoire. Given that the drama centered around the music industry, her real-life experience as an idol added authenticity to her performance.

These roles represented important milestones in Na Hae-ryung's acting journey, establishing her presence in mainstream Korean television beyond her identity as a former member of BESTie and EXID. Above all, these performances demonstrated her commitment to developing her craft as an actress, setting the stage for future opportunities in both television and film.

Filmography Highlights: Movies and Web Dramas

Beyond her K-pop career, Na Hae-ryung's filmography reveals her enduring presence in Korean cinema and digital content. Her acting portfolio spans nearly two decades, beginning long before her idol days and continuing after her transition from the music scene.

Key movie appearances: 'Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield', 'To Catch a Virgin Ghost'

Na Hae-ryung's film career began as a child actress in the historical comedy "Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield" (황산벌, Hwangsanbeol) in 2003. Directed by Lee Joon-ik, this film portrays the Battle of Hwangsanbeol between Baekje and Silla in the 7th century. She portrayed Kaebaek's older daughter in this production, which became the 8th most attended film of 2003 with 2,835,000 tickets sold nationwide. The movie's popularity ultimately led to a sequel titled "Battlefield Heroes," released in 2011.

In 2004, she appeared in "Sisily 2 km" (internationally released as "To Catch a Virgin Ghost"), playing a childcare graduate student. This horror-comedy, directed by Shin Jung-won in his directorial debut, follows a gang that steals a diamond and escapes to a small town named Sisily, where they encounter deceitful villagers with dark pasts. The film blends genres effectively, with one reviewer noting it "mixes horror film and tough guy clichés into a cross genre picture that has strong echos of such films as 'Shaun of the Dead' or 'Army of Darkness'".

Her filmography additionally includes a role in the 2010 film "Nice Shorts," where she appeared in a segment titled "Girl".

Web dramas: '9 Seconds - Eternal Time', 'Love Ward No. 25'

In 2015, Na Hae-ryung took on lead roles in two web dramas for Naver TV Cast. First, she starred as Yoo So-ra in "9 Seconds - Eternal Time," a fantasy romance consisting of seven 15-minute episodes. The story revolves around a young photographer named Yoo Chan (Lee Joo Seung) who is losing his eyesight but refuses to let this dampen his passion for photography. When he meets transfer student So-ra (Na Hae-ryung), they discover a magical camera that can freeze time. This poignant series received positive reviews for delivering "a surprisingly solid emotional punch" despite its short runtime.

Concurrently, she starred as Na Sa-rang in another web series titled "Love Ward No. 25". Both productions showcased her ability to carry lead roles in the increasingly popular web drama format, demonstrating her appeal to digital-native audiences while building her credentials as a versatile actress outside the idol sphere.

These film and web drama roles highlight Na Hae-ryung's range as a performer, from historical comedies to fantasy romances, establishing her presence in Korean entertainment well beyond her K-pop identity.

Recent Developments and Name Change

After several years away from the spotlight, 2023 marked a significant turning point in Na Hae-ryung's entertainment career as she embraced a new professional identity and direction.

Signing with OSR Entertainment in 2023

September 2023 represented a milestone in Na Hae-ryung's career trajectory when she officially signed an exclusive contract with OSR Entertainment. This strategic move came after approximately four years of reduced public visibility. Evidently, this new partnership signaled her intention to reestablish herself in South Korea's entertainment landscape after the quiet dissolution of BESTie. The timing of her signing with OSR Entertainment suggested a carefully planned comeback strategy, allowing her to reinvent herself while building upon her existing acting credentials.

Rebranding as Han Da Ra

Along with her new agency affiliation, the former idol announced she would henceforth be known professionally as Han Da Ra. This name change represented more than a simple rebranding—it symbolized a decisive career pivot, creating clear separation between her idol past and acting future. Certainly, adopting a new stage name is a practice sometimes employed by performers seeking to signal a fresh chapter in their careers or establish a distinct professional identity.

This transformation from Na Hae-ryung to Han Da Ra allowed her to distance herself from her K-pop persona while honoring her roots as an actress. Interestingly, she had initially begun her entertainment journey as a child actress before transitioning into the idol world, making this name change somewhat of a professional homecoming.

Future plans in acting

Under her new identity as Han Da Ra, she immediately demonstrated her commitment to acting through a special appearance in the drama "The Escape of the Seven," portraying the character Hong Sa-ra. This role, even as a special appearance, affirmed her focus on building her acting portfolio. In essence, her contract with OSR Entertainment appears specifically designed to support her exclusive focus on acting projects, suggesting a deliberate strategy to develop her career in this direction.

As Han Da Ra continues establishing herself under this new professional identity, her past experience in both film and television provides a solid foundation. Her background spanning child acting, idol training, and previous drama roles positions her uniquely in the competitive Korean entertainment landscape as she moves forward with this career reinvention.

Fun Facts and Personal Interests

Beyond the spotlight of her K-pop career and acting roles, Na Hae-ryung's personal life reveals a multifaceted individual with diverse interests that complement her public persona.

Hobbies: Cooking, skateboarding, biking

Off stage, Na Hae-ryung embraces an active lifestyle that balances creativity with physical activity. She consistently lists cooking, skateboarding, and biking among her favorite pastimes. Instead of typical idol hobbies focused solely on appearance maintenance, her interests reflect a genuine passion for both culinary arts and outdoor activities. Most impressively, skateboarding stands out as her specialty, showcasing her athletic side alongside her performing talents. This unique combination of hobbies distinguishes her from many female idols of her generation who typically mention shopping or makeup as primary interests.

Special skills and variety show appearances

Throughout her career with BESTie, Na Hae-ryung emerged as the group's variety show specialist, appearing on entertainment programs more frequently than any of her bandmates. Her natural camera presence—likely honed through years of child acting—made her an ideal representative for the group in these formats. Interestingly, this comfort in variety settings helped maintain BESTie's public visibility even during periods between musical comebacks. As such, her contributions extended beyond singing and dancing, positioning her as a crucial promotional asset for the group.

Ideal type and personality traits

Described by fans and media as cute, natural, charming, and friendly, Na Hae-ryung's approachable personality aligns perfectly with her public image. These traits served her well both as an idol and actress, allowing her to connect authentically with audiences across different entertainment spheres. Unlike some idols who project carefully manufactured personas, her consistent character across platforms suggests these qualities reflect her genuine nature. Even as she transitioned away from idol life toward acting, these personality characteristics remained evident in her interactions with fans and media appearances.