Facts About Kim Doyeon: From IOI to Weki Meki Stardom

Standing tall at 173 cm (5'8"), Kim Doyeon has captivated fans with her remarkable presence in the K-pop industry since her debut. Initially gaining recognition as a contestant on MNET's survival show Produce 101, she secured the 8th position in the finale, subsequently debuting as a member of the project girl group I.O.I on May 4, 2016.

Following I.O.I's disbandment in January 2017, Doyeon transitioned to Weki Meki, debuting on August 8, 2017, with their first mini-album "Weme" and the title track "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend". Despite her young age, this multi-talented idol has established herself as a singer, actress, and model for prominent brands like Maybelline New York. In addition to her professional achievements, Doyeon maintains friendships with several industry stars including BLACKPINK's Jennie and Red Velvet's Yeri. From her pre-debut days to her recent ventures, this article uncovers 17 fascinating facts about Kim Doyeon that even dedicated fans might not know.

Her Cheerleading Captain Days

Before captivating audiences on stage, Kim Doyeon demonstrated impressive leadership qualities throughout her school years. During elementary school, she served as class president, later becoming vice president in middle school. These early leadership roles foreshadowed her future success in the entertainment industry.

Doyeon early leadership

Notably, Doyeon's natural leadership abilities shone most brightly in her cheerleading career. For three consecutive years, she dedicated herself to cheerleading, eventually rising to the position of captain. Under her guidance, the squad achieved remarkable success, winning a national title. This early accomplishment revealed her capacity to lead others effectively while performing under pressure.

Kim Doyeon pre debut activities

While attending Guri Girl's High School, Doyeon continued her cheerleading journey as captain of the school team. Her tall stature and striking visual appearance made her stand out whenever she performed on the field. Although some sources suggest she may have been part of a cheerleading club called "Ubiquitous" during her second year of middle school, this information comes from less reliable documentation.

Doyeon's pre-debut path took a significant turn in May 2016 when she transferred to Seoul School of Performing Arts alongside fellow future I.O.I member Choi Yoojung. At this point, it remains unclear whether she continued cheerleading at her new school, as her focus likely shifted toward her impending idol career.

How cheerleading shaped her stage presence

The discipline, coordination, and performance skills Doyeon developed through cheerleading undoubtedly contributed to her capabilities as an idol. Cheerleading requires precise movements, synchronization with team members, and the ability to project energy and confidence—all essential qualities for K-pop performances.

Furthermore, her experience leading a national championship team likely fostered resilience and composure under pressure. These qualities would prove valuable throughout her journey from Produce 101 contestant to I.O.I member and ultimately as a standout performer in Weki Meki.

The Produce 101 Breakthrough

January 2016 marked a pivotal moment in Kim Doyeon's career as she participated in Mnet's reality-survival program "Produce 101". Representing Fantagio Entertainment alongside fellow trainee Choi Yoo-jung and three other company trainees, Doyeon quickly gained attention for her remarkable visuals and performance abilities.

Doyeon's ranking and debut

Throughout the competition, Doyeon consistently impressed both judges and viewers with her skills. Her efforts culminated in securing the 8th position in the show's finale on April 1, 2016. This achievement guaranteed her a spot in the final eleven-member project group I.O.I under YMC Entertainment.

As a result of her success, Doyeon officially debuted as an I.O.I member on May 4, 2016, with the group's first mini-album "Chrysalis" and title track "Dream Girls". The group was designed as a temporary project with a predetermined one-year promotion period.

Training period before I.O.I

Prior to her participation in Produce 101, Doyeon had undergone significant preparation as a trainee. According to reliable sources, she trained for approximately 1 year and 5 months before entering the competition. This relatively short training period compared to many K-pop idols highlights her natural talent and quick adaptability.

Throughout her training, she honed her singing and dancing skills while developing the stage presence that would later captivate audiences. Her dedication during this period laid the foundation for her successful debut.

Impact of Produce 101 on her career

The exposure Doyeon received on Produce 101 proved transformative for her career trajectory. Specifically, she earned the affectionate nickname "Little Jun Ji Hyun" during the show's production due to her resemblance to the famous actress Jun Ji Hyun.

Beyond immediate recognition, the program created a solid fanbase that would follow her from I.O.I to her future endeavors. The connections formed during the show, particularly with Choi Yoo-jung who would remain her groupmate in subsequent projects, proved invaluable.

Years after her appearance, the impact of Produce 101 remains evident. In 2021, Doyeon and her fellow I.O.I members celebrated their 5th debut anniversary with a special reunion livestream called "Yes, I Love It!".

Debuting with I.O.I

After securing her place in the final lineup of Produce 101, Kim Doyeon's dream of becoming an idol finally materialized with I.O.I's official debut. The group quickly established themselves as pioneers of the "Produce" legacy that would shape K-pop for years to come.

I.O.I debut timeline

On May 4, 2016, I.O.I made their highly anticipated debut with the mini-album "Chrysalis" and title track "Dream Girls". The following day, the group held their debut stage on Mnet's M Countdown, performing both "Dream Girls" and "Knock Knock Knock". Simultaneously, they hosted their debut showcase and fan meeting at Jangchung Gymnasium in Seoul.

Throughout their brief but bustling promotional period, the group released multiple singles including "Hand in Hand," a remake of the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics theme song. Nevertheless, their most significant achievement came when they received their first music program trophy as a complete group for "Very Very Very" on Show Champion on October 26, 2016.

Kim Doyeon and I.O.I subunit

In June 2016, YMC Entertainment announced a special unit group consisting of seven I.O.I members. Kim Doyeon was selected alongside Lim Na-young, Chungha, Zhou Jieqiong, Kim So-hye, Choi Yoo-jung, and Jeon So-mi to promote the group's second album. This subunit released "Whatta Man (Good Man)" on August 9, 2016.

For Doyeon, the subunit activities represented a shift toward a more mature concept. Moreover, though her overall vocal parts decreased in the unit compared to full group promotions, the girl crush concept introduced in this unit garnered significant praise. Interestingly, she remains the only member who participated in the chorus for all three of I.O.I's major promotions.

Short-lived but impactful

Despite their growing popularity, I.O.I's predetermined contract length meant their journey together would be brief. On November 5, 2016, YMC Entertainment confirmed the group would disband on January 31, 2017. Shortly before disbanding, they released their final song "Downpour," a ballad written and co-produced by Seventeen's Woozi.

From January 20-22, 2017, I.O.I held their farewell concert titled "Time Slip – I.O.I" at the same venue where they had their debut showcase. Afterward, members returned to their respective agencies, with Doyeon heading back to Fantagio alongside Choi Yoo-jung to prepare for their next chapter.

Transition to Weki Meki

Following the disbandment of I.O.I on January 29, 2017, Kim Doyeon immediately began preparations for her next career phase. Together with former I.O.I teammate Choi Yoojung, she traveled to the United States to film their reality show "Dodaeng's Diary in LA," which aired on TVING. This marked the beginning of her transition from a temporary project group member to a permanent idol position.

Weki Meki debut date

On May 1, 2017, Fantagio Music officially announced that Doyeon, alongside Yoojung, would debut in a new girl group. Consequently, on June 4, she was formally introduced as the fifth member of Weki Meki. The group officially debuted on August 8, 2017—exactly six months after I.O.I's disbandment—with their first mini-album "Weme" and title track "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend".

Doyeon Weki Meki role

Within Weki Meki, Doyeon held several prominent positions that showcased her versatility. She served as:

Lead Dancer
Lead Vocalist
Visual
Center

These positions highlighted her all-around capabilities and striking appearance. As the visual and center of the group, Doyeon often occupied the middle position in choreographies and promotional materials, utilizing her model-like proportions and stage presence developed from her cheerleading background.

Challenges post-I.O.I

The transition from a nationwide-voted project group to a regular idol group presented unique difficulties. After debuting with Weki Meki, the group struggled to maintain the same level of public attention that I.O.I had enjoyed. Additionally, Doyeon faced personal challenges balancing her idol image with individual growth.

"In my early 20s, I think I was in a sort of transitional phase, very unsure of myself. As a girl group idol, there are certain expectations of how you should appear to the public. I wanted to meet those expectations, but I slowly struggled to keep up," Doyeon explained.

Unfortunately, Weki Meki experienced long periods of inactivity, particularly after their November 2021 comeback. Ultimately, after seven years together, Weki Meki officially disbanded on August 8, 2024.

Her Role in WJMK

In mid-2018, a unique project group emerged from an unprecedented collaboration between two K-pop companies. Starship Entertainment and Fantagio Music joined forces to create WJMK, a special four-member unit blending talents from their respective girl groups.

WJMK concept and members

On May 2, 2018, the formation of WJMK was officially announced. The name "WJMK" (우주미키) stands for "Wuju Meki," combining elements from both parent groups—Cosmic Girls (WJSN, also known as Wuju Sonyeo) and Weki Meki. The quartet featured:

Seola (WJSN)
Luda (WJSN)
Yoojung (Weki Meki)
Doyeon (Weki Meki)

The project embraced a "cutie crush" concept, releasing promotional images throughout May 2018 with vibrant color schemes. This concept effectively merged the cute charm of WJSN with the girl crush energy of Weki Meki, creating a fresh aesthetic.

Doyeon's collaboration with WJSN

For Kim Doyeon, this collaboration marked her first official project beyond Weki Meki after I.O.I's disbandment. Interestingly, her vocal tone complemented those of Seola and Luda, creating harmonious blends throughout their single. This synergy demonstrated Doyeon's adaptability in working with artists outside her regular group.

The project reunited Doyeon with her former I.O.I teammate Choi Yoojung, preserving their popular dynamic while introducing them to new collaborative partners from WJSN.

Reception of 'Strong'

WJMK officially debuted with "Strong" (짜릿하게) on June 1, 2018. The song, described as a "hip hop dance track with a unique flute melody and refreshing sound perfect for summer", featured lyrics about confidently approaching someone you like.

Critics offered mixed reviews. Some praised the track as "catchy to a fault" with "unflagging energy", ideal for summer playlists. Others noted it was "incessantly bright" but lacked distinction from similar girl group offerings. Several reviewers highlighted Yoojung's rap as particularly impressive, giving the song momentum and breaking its repetitive structure.

Despite having promotional activities, "Strong" didn't chart on the Korean music charts, remaining WJMK's only release as they returned to their original groups afterward.

Acting Debut in 'Short'

In November 2017, Kim Doyeon ventured beyond her musical career with an exciting announcement—her first official acting role. On November 8, officials confirmed the Weki Meki member would play the female lead in the upcoming web drama "Short". This marked a significant career expansion, though she had previously made a brief special appearance in SURPRISE U's debut web drama "Idol Fever".

Doyeon's first drama role

In "Short," Doyeon portrayed Yoo Ji Na, a character with beauty, intelligence, and athletic talent. Her character's backstory involved quitting figure skating due to an injury and studying abroad before returning to Korea for a girl group audition. Essentially, the drama followed Kang Ho Young (played by Kang Tae Oh), who begins short track speed skating at the suggestion of a prestigious coach.

The four-episode OCN sports drama aired in January 2018, with support from several prestigious organizations including the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning and the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games Organizing Committee. Yet contrary to some reports, Kim played a lead role rather than a supporting one.

Behind the scenes of 'Short'

On set, Doyeon faced the challenges of first-time acting while maintaining her idol responsibilities. Behind-the-scenes photos revealed the cast braving cold winter conditions, warming themselves with canned coffee and hot packs during outdoor filming.

Indeed, lighthearted moments emerged between takes. In one memorable instance, co-star Kang Tae Oh attempted the Weki Meki introduction sign but failed, prompting Doyeon to burst into laughter when she noticed his mistake. The pair still managed to have fun posing as short track speed skaters between scenes.

Reception and reviews

In retrospect, Doyeon expressed candid thoughts about her acting debut. "In my first project, I struggled a lot with acting for the very first time, and I felt a lot of pressure," she admitted in a later interview. "I was so stressed about it that I was unable to enjoy it, and I think that really came across in my acting, so I have a lot of regrets".

Meanwhile, viewers praised the drama's filming techniques, particularly how they captured the racing scenes. One reviewer noted, "The way that they film the guys racing on ice was so interesting... I feel like flying, I feel so light. I was totally immersed". Others appreciated the perfectly paced storytelling within the four-episode format.

Ultimately, this experience led Doyeon to approach acting more thoughtfully. "For now, I want to approach acting slowly, instead of rushing into it," she reflected, setting the stage for her future acting endeavors.

Her Web Drama Appearances

Building upon her acting experience in "Short," Kim Doyeon explored more diverse roles in 2020 through back-to-back web dramas that showcased her evolving talents. These productions offered her opportunities to develop her acting skills in different genres beyond her previous sports drama.

Pop Out Boy! and Single & Ready to Mingle

After making her acting debut in 2018, Doyeon waited nearly two years before taking on her second role in "Pop Out Boy!" (also known as "Boy and Girl Straight Out of a Cartoon"). This fantasy romance web drama, based on a popular webtoon, premiered on June 25, 2020, airing Thursdays and Sundays on Playlist's YouTube channel. In it, she portrayed Han Sun Nyeo, a high school student who encounters Chun Nam Wook (Kim Min Kyu), a manhwa character who mysteriously enters the real world.

Just months later, Doyeon starred alongside her Weki Meki bandmate Choi Yoojung in "Single & Ready to Mingle" (previously titled "Melo, Not Solo"). This romantic comedy centered on two college students with zero dating experience who move into a co-ed share house with three men. The web drama premiered on KT Seezn on October 13, 2020, before releasing on KOK TV's YouTube channel on October 20.

Doyeon's acting growth

Between "Short" and these projects, Doyeon reflected deeply on her approach to acting. Regarding her debut performance, she candidly admitted, "I struggled a lot with acting for the very first time, and I felt a lot of pressure. I was so stressed about it that I was unable to enjoy it".

For "Pop Out Boy!", she adopted a different mindset: "I think I'm much more relaxed now compared to back then, so I want to enjoy the process of taking on the new challenge of acting". This shift in perspective allowed her to connect better with her character, noting, "The character of Han Sun Nyeo is kind of aloof and doesn't like cheesy things... I thought I was well-suited to the character".

Fan reactions

Doyeon's performance in "Pop Out Boy!" earned positive reviews, with viewers praising her realistic expressions and lively acting. Her chemistry with co-star Kim Min Kyu was particularly well-received, with him stating, "Kim Doyeon has such a great personality and she really kept the atmosphere lively on set".

Likewise, "Single & Ready to Mingle" garnered favorable reactions for its natural acting and well-balanced comedy and romance. One reviewer commented that "nothing is exaggerated" and praised the cast's authentic performances. Through these web dramas, Doyeon established herself as a promising actress capable of handling both fantasy romance and contemporary comedy genres.

Her Cameos in Major K-Dramas

Beyond her lead roles in web dramas, Kim Doyeon expanded her acting portfolio with strategic cameo appearances in mainstream television productions. These brief yet impactful roles helped establish her presence in the broader Korean entertainment landscape.

Be Melodramatic and Jirisan

In August 2019, Doyeon made a memorable cameo appearance in JTBC's romantic comedy drama "Be Melodramatic." She portrayed a gorgeous, popular girl group member who also worked as an actress—a character not far from her real-life persona. Her episode aired on August 10, fitting perfectly into the show's narrative about three women in their thirties navigating love and life.

Two years later, Doyeon appeared in the high-profile tvN drama "Jirisan," starring Jun Ji-hyun and Ju Ji-hoon. In this series, she portrayed the teenage version of Jun Ji-hyun's character, Seo Yi-kang. Her appearance showcased her in an entirely different light as a young ranger effortlessly overtaking others in her group.

Doyeon's versatility

These cameos highlighted Doyeon's range as an actress. In "Be Melodramatic," she embodied a character with "top celebrity demeanor," showcasing her ability to portray confidence and charisma. Conversely, her role in "Jirisan" required a more nuanced performance, depicting a character dealing with mountain-related trauma and complicated relationships.

Certainly, these appearances demonstrated her growing comfort with diverse characters. Unlike her earlier role in "Short," where she admitted feeling pressured, these cameos allowed her to showcase more natural performances within established productions.

Notable cameo moments

In "Be Melodramatic," Doyeon's character interacted with Han Joo (Han Ji-eun) and Jae Hoon (Gong Myung), "bending them to her every will" with her celebrity status. The scene played into the show's satirical take on the entertainment industry.

Similarly, in "Jirisan," she portrayed an emotionally complex scene where Yi-kang confronts Dae-jin about letting her parents die, culminating in tears that showcased her emotional range. In another notable moment, her character declares she won't quit but instead "stay with the mountain," foreshadowing the adult character's dedication.

Her Musical Debut in 'Anna X'

The curtain rose on a new chapter in Kim Doyeon's artistic journey when she made her theatrical debut in the play "Anna X" at LG Art Center Seoul in January 2025. The sellout performance marked her transition from screen to stage, showcasing her evolving versatility as an entertainer.

Doyeon's theater transition

Kim Doyeon began preparing for her theatrical debut in mid-December 2024. To hone her acting skills specifically for the stage, she studied abroad in the UK for two months. "As soon as I read the script, I knew I wanted to do it. It wasn't a difficult decision. I wanted to do theater and was curious about stage acting," Doyeon explained about her decision to pursue this new medium.

Unlike her previous acting experiences where she admitted feeling pressured, Doyeon approached theater with enthusiasm. "I didn't specifically want to challenge a new field. I just love acting and naturally wanted to take on projects," she revealed. Her experience as a girl group member proved beneficial, as she noted, "As a member of Weki Meki, I have a lot of experience performing on stage in front of audiences. So, being on stage as an actress felt natural and familiar".

Role of Anna

In "Anna X," Doyeon portrayed Anna Sorokin, a real-life figure who disguised herself as wealthy German heiress "Anna Delvey" to defraud New York's elite. The character uses social media and charm to gain trust, attention, and ultimately scam her way through high society. Surprisingly, Doyeon found connections with her character, stating, "Anna has a strong conviction and passion for her dreams... I also enjoy working and have a desire to achieve fulfillment in my work".

The performance demanded exceptional stamina and focus, as "Anna X" was a two-person drama requiring continuous dialogue for 100 minutes. Nonetheless, Doyeon impressed audiences with her clear diction, emotional range, and ability to distinctly portray her character.

Why it's a career milestone

This theatrical debut represented a significant expansion of Doyeon's artistic repertoire. Despite being her first stage performance, she "led and dominated the stage, adding convincing power to the play". Furthermore, the experience yielded tangible improvements in her craft. "While doing 'Anna X', I felt my pronunciation improved. I didn't specifically practice it, but needing to project my voice to distant audiences naturally trained my vocal delivery".

Critics praised her "natural stage presence, precise articulation, and emotional depth", noting she "perfectly captures Anna's fear, desperation, and relentless ambition". The successful three-month run, which concluded on March 16, firmly established Doyeon's credentials beyond idol performances and screen acting.

Her OST Contributions

Throughout her career, Kim Doyeon has lent her voice to multiple original soundtracks, showcasing her vocal abilities beyond her group activities. Her contributions to drama soundtracks have allowed fans to experience different facets of her musical talents.

OSTs for dramas

In April 2025, Doyeon released "Midnight Sky" for the soundtrack of the drama series "Heesu in Class 2". This track perfectly captured youthful romance with her tender vocals conveying the uncertainty and eagerness of love. Markedly, she also starred in this drama as the character Choi Ji Yu.

Previously, she collaborated with fellow Weki Meki member Yoojung for "Again and Again" (자꾸만) as part of the "Single & Ready to Mingle OST Part 1" in 2020. Further back in 2018, she participated in "Love Diamond" alongside Elly and Suyeon for the "Gangnam Beauty OST". During her I.O.I days, she contributed to "I Love You, I Remember You" for the popular drama "Moonlovers".

Doyeon's vocal highlights

Beyond drama soundtracks, Doyeon demonstrated her versatility through other musical collaborations. Significantly, she was featured in LONG:D's single "All Night," released on December 14, 2017. Her discography additionally includes contributions to "My Lover Is Far Away" for "The Song of Korean" EP.3 in 2020.

Her vocal style is characterized by a lovely, tender quality that effectively conveys emotion, particularly evident in her recent "Midnight Sky" release where her voice perfectly captures the sweetness and turbulence of youth romance.

Fan-favorite tracks

Among her diverse musical contributions, several have resonated strongly with fans. "Buy some matches," featured in "안데르센 명작동화 뮤지컬" (Original Musical Soundtrack) in 2017, showcases a different side of her vocal abilities.

Other notable tracks in her catalog include "Letter of Restoration," "I Wish," and "Feel Good" from 2017, alongside "Dream High" from 2016. Each release highlights Doyeon's growth as a vocalist, from her early I.O.I days through her Weki Meki years and into her current solo ventures.

Her Friendship with BLACKPINK’s Jennie

Beyond her professional achievements, Kim Doyeon has formed meaningful connections within the K-pop industry, most notably her friendship with BLACKPINK's Jennie. Their bond serves as a testament to the genuine relationships formed behind the glamorous facade of the entertainment world.

How they met

The friendship between Kim Doyeon and Jennie reportedly began in early 2017, shortly after I.O.I's disbandment. Both idols crossed paths at fashion events, given their mutual involvement with cosmetic brands—Doyeon represented Maybelline while Jennie worked with Chanel. Their shared interests in fashion and beauty naturally facilitated their connection.

Interestingly, their age proximity—with Jennie born in 1996 and Doyeon in 1999—helped foster their relationship despite belonging to different groups. Both idols have mentioned appreciating each other's authentic personalities amidst the competitive industry environment.

Public appearances together

Throughout the years, fans have spotted the duo at various events. Undoubtedly, their most notable public appearance occurred at Seoul Fashion Week 2018, where photographers captured them chatting animatedly in the front row. Subsequently, they were seen dining together at an upscale restaurant in Gangnam during summer 2019.

On social media, Doyeon occasionally features in Jennie's Instagram stories, particularly during casual gatherings with their wider circle of idol friends. Correspondingly, Jennie has expressed support for Doyeon's acting projects by attending her drama premieres.

Why fans love their bond

Fans cherish this cross-group friendship for several reasons. Primarily, it represents genuine connection in an industry often portrayed as excessively competitive. Additionally, their friendship demonstrates how female idols support each other regardless of company affiliations.

Their contrasting yet complementary personalities—Jennie's chic confidence alongside Doyeon's elegant warmth—create a dynamic fans find endearing. Generally, their interactions reveal mutual respect and admiration rather than the competitive tension sometimes presumed between popular female idols.

Furthermore, their shared experiences navigating the demands of idol life while pursuing individual passions in modeling and acting have evidently strengthened their bond over the years.

Her MBTI and Personality Shifts

Throughout her time in the spotlight, Kim Doyeon has experienced several shifts in her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality classification. Unlike static characteristics, MBTIs frequently evolve based on life experiences and environmental factors.

MBTI types over time

Kim Doyeon's personality type has fluctuated between several classifications. According to reliable sources, her MBTI has changed between ESFJ, ISFJ, and ESTP-T. In contrast, some profiles have listed her as ISTP-A. Most recently, both Soompi and Kpop Fandom identify her MBTI personality type as ESFP. This variability demonstrates the fluid nature of personality assessments, especially given the demanding and ever-changing environment of the K-pop industry.

What it reveals about Doyeon

These personality shifts offer fascinating insights into Kim Doyeon's multifaceted character. Her ESFP designation (her most consistently reported recent type) characterizes her as spontaneous, energetic, and enthusiastic — qualities that align perfectly with her vibrant stage presence. As an ESFP, she joins fellow idol Bae Jinyoung from CIX in embodying this personality type known for making life exciting for those around them.

Her previous ESFJ/ISFJ tendencies suggest a caring, supportive nature, whereas her ESTP/ISTP phases point toward practical problem-solving abilities. Above all, these shifts reveal Doyeon's adaptability — a crucial trait for thriving in the entertainment industry's constantly changing landscape.

How fans relate

Given these personality fluctuations, many followers find Doyeon more relatable and authentic. In essence, her MBTI journey mirrors what many young adults experience as they navigate different life phases. Fans often comment on how her personality evolution reflects their own experiences with changing MBTI results.

In reality, the variability in Doyeon's MBTI results serves as a reminder that personality isn't rigidly defined. Even more, it offers fans multiple ways to connect with different aspects of her character — from her energetic performances to her thoughtful interactions with fellow members. This complexity ultimately enhances her appeal, making her relatable to a broader spectrum of fans.

Her Unique English Names

Like many Korean students learning English, Kim Doyeon adopted Western names during her school years, yet her choices reveal interesting facets of her personality and pop culture interests. Throughout her educational journey, Doyeon selected names that resonated with her evolving identity, creating another layer to her fascinating pre-debut story.

Isabelle and Sharpay

During her elementary school years, Kim Doyeon went by the English name "Isabelle" (sometimes documented as "Isabella"). This elegant name, meaning "pledged to God" or "devoted to God" in its original form, complemented her poised demeanor even at a young age. Interestingly, as she entered middle school, Doyeon switched to a completely different English name—"Sharpay". This distinctive choice stands out among typical English names adopted by Korean students, who ordinarily select more common names like Emma, Grace, or Amy.

Why she chose them

Admittedly, little information exists about why Doyeon initially selected "Isabelle" for her elementary school days. Regarding "Sharpay," however, the inspiration came directly from popular Western media. According to a 2021 Soompi interview, Doyeon named herself after Sharpay Evans, the iconic character from Disney's "High School Musical" franchise. Naturally, this selection reflects her affinity for Western entertainment during her formative years.

Fun stories behind the names

Frankly, the most fascinating aspect of Doyeon's name choice lies in her connection to Sharpay Evans. The character, portrayed by Ashley Tisdale, embodies confidence, ambition, and dramatic flair—qualities that presently define Doyeon's stage presence as well. According to reliable sources, Doyeon "loved the character so much" that she wanted to embody Sharpay's energy. This admiration for a bold, theatrical personality provides early hints of Doyeon's own aspirations in entertainment.

The evolution from "Isabelle" to "Sharpay" also parallels her journey from a reserved student to the confident performer who would later captivate audiences on Produce 101. Henceforth, these English names became meaningful chapters in Kim Doyeon's pre-debut narrative, showcasing her connection to global pop culture even before her emergence as a K-pop star.

Her Ideal Type and Dating Rumors

Amidst her rising career, Kim Doyeon's personal life has naturally attracted public interest, particularly regarding her romantic preferences and relationships. As with many K-pop idols, her personal life occasionally becomes the subject of media speculation.

Park Seo-joon as ideal type

Kim Doyeon has openly expressed her admiration for popular actor Park Seo-joon. In fact, she specifically mentioned that she "really loved his character in 'She Was Pretty'". This preference aligns interestingly with Park Seo-joon's own ideal type description, as he values "conversation" as the foremost quality he looks for in a partner. He also appreciates individuals who can empathize with others, stating, "Without having peace of mind, I think empathizing with others would be difficult".

Kim Doyeon and Lucas rumors

In 2018, Doyeon participated in the popular television show 'Law of the Jungle' for their Sri Lanka episode alongside NCT's Lucas. Both idols were selected not only for their visual appeal but also for "their spirit as newcomers in the entertainment industry, and their enthusiasm for comedy". During filming, they supported each other through challenging jungle conditions, creating a bond that sparked dating speculation.

To clarify, despite their evident chemistry on screen, reliable sources confirm that Doyeon and Lucas "remained as friends after their guest appearances in the show". Their relationship was purely professional, with "no special feelings between them".

Her views on relationships

Currently, Doyeon is focused on expanding her artistic horizons rather than pursuing romantic relationships. According to industry sources, she is "currently single and is more focused on widening her spectrum". This dedication to her career has been evident throughout her transition from idol to actress.

Notably, in February 2024, Doyeon found herself amidst dating rumors with actor Gong Myung, which both parties promptly denied. Her agency Fantagio clarified that "they were merely close as seniors and juniors from the same agency".

Interestingly, Doyeon shares a particularly close friendship with fellow Weki Meki member Yoojung, whom fans affectionately nicknamed "the married couple". Yoojung herself described their relationship as one where they "have each others' backs no matter what, regardless of gender".

Modeling for Maybelline and More

Kim Doyeon's striking visuals propelled her into the modeling world, establishing her as a sought-after face for major brands and publications. Just one month after I.O.I's disbandment, she achieved a significant milestone in her career beyond the music industry.

Doyeon magazine features

Kim Doyeon graced numerous prestigious magazine covers throughout her career. In 2020, she appeared in Singles' May issue, showcasing a series of bright colored and exquisite pictures. Her full pictorial and interview were featured both in the physical magazine and on its mobile platform. Throughout the same year, she participated in a photoshoot with Cosmopolitan magazine, discussing her beauty routines, makeup styles, and hobbies.

Notably, she appeared in a stunning photoshoot for W KOREA, where photographers captured her beauty illuminated by natural sunlight. Subsequently, she posed for Marie Claire Korea's June 2025 issue, further cementing her status as a fashion icon.

Kim Doyeon photoshoot highlights

Throughout her modeling career, Doyeon consistently impressed with her ability to transform in front of the camera. Her shoots typically highlighted her distinctive facial features and gripping gaze that quickly captivated viewers. For W KOREA, photographers emphasized how she "lit up with her beauty lit by the rays of the sun," drawing light to herself while highlighting the clothes.

Her photoshoots for Vogue Korea plus Naver x Dispatch dancer series further showcased her versatility, allowing her to express different facets of her personality through various concepts.

Brand endorsements

On February 3, 2017, Fantasio Music announced that Kim Doyeon would represent Maybelline New York. This achievement placed her alongside international models like Gigi Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, and Adriana Lima. A Maybelline representative specifically cited her ranking as 8th place among "2017 Most Influential Fashionistas Among Teens".

Initially, she modeled for Maybelline's 'Femme Concealer' product. Thereafter, she appeared in advertisements for the brand's Play Brow Studio line. Beyond Maybelline, Doyeon expanded her portfolio by modeling for Lilybyred and becoming an ambassador for Bobbi Brown Korea, establishing herself as a versatile presence in the beauty industry.

Her Signature Finger Guns and Fashion Sense

Beyond her musical and acting talents, Kim Doyeon has become known for her distinctive personal touches, including her signature gestures and impeccable fashion sense that set her apart from her peers.

Kim Doyeon finger guns origin

The playful finger guns gesture became a trademark move for Kim Doyeon during her performances and fan interactions. This distinctive signature move typically appears during her photo sessions and fan meetings, adding a touch of charisma to her already captivating presence. From time to time, she incorporates this gesture into choreographies, making it instantly recognizable to fans. In particular, her execution of the finger guns—with one hand or both—has become a fan-favorite moment at various events.

Doyeon's fashion evolution

Within Weki Meki, Doyeon has earned recognition for having "the best fashion sense" and being "the most interested in fashion" among members. Her style journey gained significant momentum when she appeared on Vogue's "8 Teen Style Stars Set to Rule 2017" list, an impressive accolade that launched her fashion career before she had even turned 18.

Remarkably, Doyeon is considered "one of the emblematic figures of fashion among the artists of Kpop". Korean media has identified her as a "real little Parisian in the heart of Seoul," highlighting her sophisticated approach to style. In an interview following a photoshoot for a magazine's 100th commemorative issue, Doyeon revealed her winter style preferences: "It should be warm and pretty in the winter. I like to wear coats rather than long parkas".

Why fans adore her style

Fans appreciate Doyeon's fashion sensibilities for their accessibility alongside their sophistication. Her "relaxed and relatable approach to fashion" sets her apart from other idols with model-like features. Throughout her career, she has participated in prestigious fashion events, including digital collection unveilings for luxury brands like Fendi, Max Mara, and Miu Miu in 2021.

Her endorsement portfolio underscores her fashion credibility, featuring collaborations with Burberry, Prada, Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry. This versatility, ranging from casual everyday looks to high fashion, explains why fans continue to find inspiration in her evolving style journey.