WJSN Dayoung Profile: Hidden Facts About The Cosmic Girls Star

Dayoung stands out as one of the rare K-pop idols from Jeju Island, bringing her unique island charm to the popular girl group WJSN (Cosmic Girls). Despite being one of the younger members, born on May 14, 1999, she has earned the nickname of dorm "mom" due to her caring nature and exceptional cooking skills.

Furthermore, WJSN Dayoung has impressed fans with her remarkable talents since the group's debut on February 25, 2016. Notably, she serves as a lead vocalist in the 10-member ensemble and has demonstrated incredible dancing abilities, effortlessly performing "MoMoMo" at double speed without any trouble. Beyond her role in Dayoung KPOP activities, she achieved victory on "King of the Masked Singer" as "Brachiosaurus," showcasing her exceptional vocal prowess.

Dayoung’s Basic Profile

WJSN's vibrant energy comes in part from Kim Dayoung, one of the group's key vocalists with a distinctive presence. As fans continue to discover more about this talented performer, her basic profile reveals interesting details about the person behind the stage persona.

Full name, birthday, and zodiac sign

Kim Dayoung (김다영 in Korean) represents one of the younger members in the WJSN lineup. Born on May 14, 1999, she entered the world under the steadfast sign of Taurus. This astrological placement aligns well with many aspects of her personality that fans have observed throughout her career - particularly her reliability and determination.

Her birth in the final year of the 1990s places her among the younger generation of K-pop idols who debuted in the mid-2010s. As a Taurus, Dayoung exhibits many classic traits associated with this earth sign: practicality, dependability, and a grounded nature that serves her well in the sometimes chaotic entertainment industry.

Height, weight, and blood type

In terms of physical statistics, Dayoung has a petite frame typical of many female K-pop idols. She stands at 161 cm (5'3") tall and maintains a weight of approximately 45 kg (99 lbs). These measurements reflect the standard idol physique cultivated through careful diet and exercise regimens common in the industry.

While her blood type might seem like an unusual detail to Western fans, blood type carries cultural significance in South Korea and Japan, where many believe it can indicate personality traits. In Korean entertainment, this information is commonly shared with fans who are interested in these traditional associations.

Dayoung maintains her physique through various fitness activities, although she balances this with her known love for food and cooking. Her dedication to physical health supports her energetic performances and demanding schedule as both a vocalist and dancer within WJSN.

MBTI and social media handles

Additionally, like many K-pop idols today, Dayoung has shared her MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) personality type with fans. This psychological classification system has become extremely popular in South Korea, with idols and fans alike discussing their types and compatibility.

For connecting with fans, Dayoung maintains an online presence across several platforms. Her social media accounts offer glimpses into her daily life, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal interests outside of her group activities. These digital windows allow fans to feel connected to their favorite idol between official appearances and comebacks.

Dayoung's online content often showcases her bright personality and caring nature, reinforcing her nickname as the group's "mom" despite her younger age. Through these platforms, she shares both professional updates and personal moments that help fans feel closer to the real person behind the idol image.

The combination of these profile elements - from basic physical statistics to personality indicators and social presence - creates a fuller picture of WJSN's Dayoung beyond just her performances on stage. For dedicated fans of dayoung wjsn, these details add depth to their appreciation of her artistry and contributions to the group.

Early Life in Jeju Island

The island origins of WJSN's beloved vocalist began in the picturesque landscapes of Jeju. Born Im Da-young on May 14, 1999, her formative years on this southern Korean island played a crucial role in shaping the resilient performer fans know today.

Growing up in Jeju

Dayoung's childhood unfolded on Jeju Island, specifically in what was formerly known as Bukjeju-gun, now part of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. This region is renowned for its distinct cultural identity that differs significantly from mainland Korea, complete with its own unique dialect. Jeju Island's beautiful natural landscapes provided the backdrop for her early years, and she later showcased her connection to her roots by demonstrating her fluency in the distinctive Jeju dialect during various television appearances.

As one of the relatively few K-pop idols with genuine Jeju Island roots, Dayoung carries a piece of the island's heritage into her career. The island's influence remains evident in her occasional use of regional expressions and her deep connection to her hometown, even after years in Seoul's entertainment industry.

Family background and childhood

Behind Dayoung's bright stage presence lies a childhood marked by considerable hardship. Her parents operated an eel restaurant on the island when she was young. Nevertheless, family circumstances changed dramatically when her parents divorced in 2006 when she was still very young. According to her own accounts on television, her father had accumulated substantial debt—approximately 1.2-1.3 billion won (equivalent to about 1-1.1 million USD)—unfortunately registered under her mother's name.

Following the divorce, her mother shouldered the responsibility of running the eel restaurant alone to support the family. In a remarkable twist, Dayoung herself cannot eat bear eel despite her family's business.

Perhaps the most challenging moment came in 2007 when a devastating typhoon struck Jeju Island. Their home was half-immersed in water after the sewer system became clogged with leaves. Displaying remarkable courage for a child, Dayoung spent an entire day scooping water while swimming until the water level reduced to her ankles. She even called emergency services (119) for assistance and received relief goods.

School life and transfer to Seoul

Dayoung's educational journey began at Namkwang Elementary School in Jeju. She continued her studies at Jeju East Girls' Middle School before making a significant life change. During her first year of middle school, Dayoung transferred to Bangbae Middle School in Seoul, marking her transition from island life to the bustling capital city.

This move represented more than just a change of schools—it was a pivotal step toward her future career. After relocating to Seoul, she eventually enrolled in the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), an institution known for educating numerous future K-pop idols. She successfully graduated from SOPA on February 9, 2018.

The journey from Jeju Island to Seoul embodies Dayoung's determination to pursue her dreams regardless of obstacles. Her island background provides a unique dimension to her identity within WJSN, connecting her to a heritage that relatively few idols share. Through overcoming family challenges and geographical transitions, Dayoung developed the resilience that serves her well in the demanding K-pop industry.

Debut and Rise with WJSN

After relocating to Seoul, Dayoung's path to stardom began with her determined pursuit of a musical career, ultimately leading to her becoming an integral part of one of K-pop's most distinctive girl groups.

Joining Starship Entertainment

Dayoung's professional journey began with an appearance on the competitive show K-Pop Star, though her time there was brief as she didn't advance beyond the third round. This early setback merely redirected her path rather than ending it. Subsequently, she was scouted and cast as a trainee under Starship Entertainment, where she dedicated herself to rigorous preparation for four years. This extended training period helped her develop the performance skills and vocal techniques that would later become her trademark in WJSN.

Throughout her training, Dayoung worked diligently to overcome the challenges faced by many aspiring idols. The intensive four-year training regimen at Starship shaped her abilities in dancing, singing, and stage presence—essential elements for her future role in a dynamic girl group.

Debut with Cosmic Girls in 2016

Dayoung's persistence paid off when she was officially revealed as a member of WJSN (Cosmic Girls) on December 10, 2015, specifically as part of the group's Wonder Unit. The group—a collaborative project between Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment—officially debuted on February 25, 2016, with their first mini album titled "Would You Like?".

The debut showcased two title tracks: "MoMoMo" and "Catch Me", with the group performing their debut stage on the February 25th episode of M Countdown. Initially, WJSN consisted of twelve members, but the lineup expanded in July 2016 when I.O.I's Yoo Yeon-jung joined the ensemble.

In August 2016, Dayoung, alongside several WJSN members (Seola, Exy, Soobin, Eunseo, Cheng Xiao, and Yeoreum), participated in a project unit called Y-Teen in collaboration with Monsta X. This special unit served as CF models for KT's phone fare service and released various entertainment content.

Originally a thirteen-member group, WJSN underwent changes over the years, eventually becoming a ten-member ensemble after Xuanyi, Cheng Xiao, and Meiqi departed in March 2023.

Her role as lead vocalist

From the beginning, Dayoung has served as one of WJSN's lead vocalists, a position that perfectly utilizes her distinctive talents. Her vocal contributions have been essential to the group's musical identity across their discography.

Music critics and fans alike have noted several distinguishing qualities in Dayoung's vocals:

Unique tonal quality: Her unrivaled tone has maximized the charm of Cosmic Girls' songs
Technical strength: Her solid vocal projection and wide range allow her to handle various genres
Performance stability: Her stable singing abilities enhance live performances

Beyond the main group, Dayoung has expanded her musical presence through participation in WJSN's subunits. She represents the zodiac sign Taurus within the group's cosmic concept and is also a member of the Wonder Unit and WJSN Chocome.

Her consistent growth as a vocalist over nearly a decade with WJSN has prepared her for new horizons in her career. Indeed, after nine years of group activities, Dayoung has accumulated sufficient experience and confidence to embark on solo endeavors, marking an exciting new chapter in her artistic journey.

Hidden Talents and Skills

Beyond her official role as a lead vocalist, Dayoung possesses numerous hidden talents that showcase her versatility as an entertainer. These skills have not only enhanced her contributions to WJSN but have as well endeared her to fans who appreciate her multifaceted abilities.

Cooking with Eunseo

Among WJSN members, Dayoung stands out as one of the most accomplished cooks, frequently partnering with groupmate Eunseo to prepare meals for the other members. Their culinary partnership extends beyond casual cooking at the dorm, where they often collaborate on meal preparation.

Dayoung's cooking prowess earned her recognition in more formal settings as well. In 2016, she participated in MBC's Chuseok Special "Idol King of Cooking" alongside senior labelmate Soyou. Surprisingly, she advanced to the finals by defeating Fei, another idol known for cooking skills, even impressing notoriously harsh judge Kim So-hee.

However, Dayoung's relationship with cooking has evolved over time. In content from 2020-2021, her "99 Kitchen" segments on Wujju Tape revealed what fans described as a "cooking black hole". She admitted becoming increasingly frustrated with herself, which temporarily diminished her enthusiasm for cooking.

Dancing at 2x speed

In the realm of performance, Dayoung demonstrates remarkable physical control and stamina. Most impressively, she can dance WJSN's debut song "MoMoMo" at twice the normal speed without any apparent difficulty. This challenging feat, showcased on Weekly Idol Episode 234, highlights her exceptional dancing abilities.

Her dance skills extend even further—Dayoung has performed three-fold speed dances on variety shows, underlining her precision and adaptability. Within WJSN, she contributes significantly to their reputation for excellence in Random Play Dance challenges.

Unique vocal tone and live stability

Dayoung's greatest strength lies in her consistent vocal stability during live performances. Since debut, she has maintained reliable live vocals, combining her distinctive tone with growing technical skills to create compelling performances.

Her vocal capabilities include:

Solid vocal projection across a wide range
Versatility across various musical genres
Unique vocal color that enhances WJSN's songs

Surprisingly, Dayoung's talents extend beyond traditional singing—she once performed a rap section entirely by herself during a duet with fellow member Dawon on IDOL RADIO. She likewise tackled rap portions during an appearance on King of Masked Singer, demonstrating her adaptability.

Playing triangle and tambourine

In addition to her major talents, Dayoung possesses quirky musical abilities that add to her charm. She can play both the triangle and tambourine, modest instrumental skills that nonetheless showcase her musical versatility and willingness to contribute in unexpected ways.

These instrumental abilities, coupled with her dancing prowess and vocal talents, paint the picture of a well-rounded performer who embraces opportunities to develop diverse skills. Even as her career has evolved, Dayoung continues building on these foundational talents, strengthening her position as an adaptable and multifaceted entertainer within the competitive K-pop landscape.

Dayoung’s Personality and Nicknames

Despite her status as one of the younger members in WJSN, Dayoung's natural character traits have earned her a distinctive place within the group dynamic. Her personality shines through both on camera and behind the scenes, revealing why she's become a fan favorite over the years.

Why she's called the 'mom' of the dorm

Dayoung's maternal instincts emerge clearly in her daily interactions with fellow members. Even as one of the younger idols in the group, she often takes charge of domestic responsibilities, primarily cooking and caring for others. Her exceptional culinary skills make her a natural caretaker in the dorm setting.

Moreover, she consistently displays protective behaviors toward her unnies (older members), checking on their wellbeing and ensuring everyone feels comfortable. This maternal instinct extends to practical matters—she frequently reminds members about schedules and obligations, keeping the group organized. These nurturing qualities have naturally earned her the endearing title of "dorm mom" despite her younger age.

Aegyo machine and mood maker

Within WJSN, Dayoung serves as the group's quintessential "aegyo machine." Her natural cuteness and willingness to perform aegyo (cute gestures and expressions) on command have become her trademark. Unlike many idols who might feel self-conscious, she embraces these moments with genuine enthusiasm.

Consequently, she functions as the group's reliable mood maker, capable of lifting spirits during challenging times. Whether during lengthy practice sessions or tiring promotional activities, Dayoung's positive energy remains constant. Her laugh—often described as contagious—brightens the atmosphere wherever she goes. This ability to maintain optimism, coupled with her natural aegyo, makes her essential to the group's harmonious dynamic.

Nicknames like Dayomi, Poppy, and more

Throughout her career, Dayoung has accumulated several affectionate nicknames from both members and fans:

Dayomi: A cute diminutive form of her name that highlights her adorable personality
Poppy: Referencing her resemblance to the animated character, particularly her bright energy
Day-Day: A playful shortening used primarily by fellow members
Vitamin: Earned through her consistent ability to energize those around her

These nicknames reflect different facets of her multidimensional personality—from her cuteness to her refreshing energy. Each moniker captures an aspect of what makes her distinctive within WJSN and beloved by fans worldwide.

TV Shows, Dramas, and Variety Appearances

Throughout her career, Dayoung has established herself as a versatile entertainer by expanding her presence beyond WJSN's musical activities. Her natural charisma and entertainment sense have opened doors across multiple media platforms.

Notable variety shows and radio hosting

Dayoung's unparalleled entertainment sense has made her a welcome presence on numerous variety programs. She has appeared on popular shows including "City Fisherman," "Hundred Years' Guests," "Water Girls," and "Battle Trip". Her appearances on "Running Man" (Episode 402) further showcased her variety skills.

Beyond television, she ventured into radio hosting with "AvenGirls," where she communicated with listeners through various approaches, demonstrating her unique charm as an audio show host. This role allowed her to connect with fans in a more intimate setting compared to traditional variety programs.

Her variety resume extends to appearances on "Amazing Saturday" alongside fellow member Luda, plus appearances on "Knowing Brothers" multiple times throughout her career. Essentially, these opportunities helped solidify her reputation as one of WJSN's strongest variety performers.

Acting roles in 'Love Revolution' and 'True Beauty'

In 2020, Dayoung made her acting debut in the digital drama "Love Revolution," portraying Oh Ah Ram, the athletic and easy-going best friend of female protagonist Wang Ja Rim. Her personality reportedly aligned well with the character, making for a natural transition into acting. The drama adaptation of a popular webtoon featured Dayoung alongside Park Ji Hoon, Lee Ruby, and The Boyz's Younghoon.

Subsequently, she made a noticeable cameo in episodes 15 and 16 of the popular K-drama "True Beauty". In this appearance, she portrayed idol ChaeNi, for whom the main character Ju Gyeong (played by Moon Ga Young) worked as a makeup artist trainee. Her performance in both roles demonstrated promising acting abilities, suggesting potential for future dramatic endeavors.

Participation in 'King of Masked Singer'

Among her most memorable television appearances was her participation in MBC's "King of Masked Singer" in February 2020, where she performed as "Brachiosaurus". Impressively, Dayoung advanced to the third round of the competition, becoming the only WJSN member to progress that far on the show at that time.

During her run, she defeated contestants in earlier rounds with performances including Choi Yong Joon's "Perhaps that was Love". Her journey concluded when she faced reigning champion Sonorous 18 (later revealed as Nangrang 18-se) in the final round, where she received 27 points against the champion's 72.

After her elimination, Dayoung expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I really, really wanted to appear on the show, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to sing here today".

Health, Fitness, and Personal Growth

Beyond the glitz of stage performances, Dayoung's personal journey includes significant health challenges and physical transformation that have shaped her resilience both on and off stage.

Overcoming autoimmune disease

In April 2021, Dayoung faced a serious health setback when she was hospitalized after her condition deteriorated due to an autoimmune disorder. Starship Entertainment released an official statement explaining that following medical advice, she would need to take a break from group activities to focus on recovery.

This health crisis revealed the vulnerability beneath her energetic public persona. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body's defense system mistakenly attacks its own cells instead of protecting them from foreign invaders. In such conditions, the immune system releases proteins called autoantibodies that target healthy cells. The specific type of autoimmune disorder affecting Dayoung wasn't publicly disclosed.

After receiving proper medical care and adequate rest, she eventually stabilized and returned to activities with WJSN, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of health adversity.

Pilates and visible abs

More recently, Dayoung has impressed fans with her physical transformation. On MAMAMOO Moonbyul's YouTube show "Moonbyulida," she revealed a stunning 12kg weight loss achieved through a comprehensive approach combining diet, exercise, and body care.

At the center of her fitness regimen is consistent Pilates practice, which she regularly documents on her Instagram account. This exercise method helps tone muscles and sculpt the body by engaging fat tissue to fuel muscles with oxygen and energy. The results speak for themselves through her noticeably defined abs.

Her nutritional approach supports her physical training, with several key components:

Daily consumption of Greek yogurt, which contains approximately 11g of protein per 100g
Morning oatmeal rich in protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients
Balanced overall diet that complements her workout routine

Her picky eating journey

Despite her healthy diet now, Dayoung has navigated challenges with food selectivity. Like many who experience picky eating, she has shown a tendency to avoid certain foods or food groups. Interestingly, despite her family owning an eel restaurant during her childhood, she herself cannot eat bear eel.

Food selectivity often develops through lack of exposure or negative experiences with certain foods. Through gradual exposure and trying different preparation methods, many overcome such limitations.

For Dayoung, her journey with food preferences represents a broader pattern of personal growth. By expanding her palate and embracing nutritious options like Greek yogurt and oatmeal, she has transformed not just her physical appearance but as well her relationship with food. This evolution parallels her artistic growth, reflecting a holistic approach to self-improvement across all aspects of her life.

Lesser-Known Facts About Dayoung

Beneath Dayoung's public persona lies a collection of fascinating tidbits that even dedicated fans might find surprising. These lesser-known aspects reveal the multifaceted nature of this WJSN star beyond her stage performances.

Her dream WJSN unit

When asked about potential subunit combinations within WJSN, Dayoung revealed her ideal trio would consist of herself, Yeonjung, and Seola. This dream combination would likely showcase powerful vocal synergy given Yeonjung's renowned singing abilities alongside Dayoung's distinctive tone. This particular unit configuration has yet to materialize officially, yet remains a tantalizing possibility for future WJSN projects.

Getting an excavator license

Perhaps the most unexpected addition to Dayoung's resume is her qualification as a licensed excavator operator. In a truly groundbreaking move, she obtained a small excavator license (for machines under 3 tons) in October, documenting the entire process on YouTube channel 'Workman' in their 'Workdol' content series. This unusual skill led to her historic appointment as the first-ever idol global ambassador for HD Hyundai's construction machinery brand DEVELON.

Following her certification, she demonstrated practical application of these skills by working part-time at a farm, operating the heavy machinery herself. After completing challenging tasks including moving compost and digging waterways, she jokingly remarked that she had "secured her retirement future".

Failed fansign attempt as a fan

In a relatable moment of fandom, Dayoung once attempted to attend a WJSN fansign event as a regular fan—ironically failing to secure a spot. This experience gave her newfound respect for fans who successfully navigate the competitive process of obtaining fansign tickets, creating a unique connection with her supporters.

Her love for seaweed soup and dried snacks

Dayoung has expressed her desire to prepare miyeok-guk (seaweed soup) for fans' birthdays, showing her nurturing nature. This traditional Korean dish carries special cultural significance as it's customarily eaten on birthdays and contains beneficial nutrients including calcium, iodine, fiber, omega acids, and vitamins B1 and B3.