Somyi/ Ahn Som Yi (ex. DIA)
In the dynamic realm of K-pop, DIA Somyi's narrative stands out as both captivating and complex. Her career began with her debut in the girl group DIA and transitioned through various phases, including her role as a broadcast jockey. Somyi's journey is marked by her resilience and adaptability to the shifting sands of the entertainment industry, reflecting broader themes such as the pressures young artists face, the impact of social media, and the challenges of redefining one's identity after life as a pop idol.
Somyi, born Ahn Som Yi on January 26th, 2000, in Changwon, South Gyeongsang-do, South Korea, has shown a profound affinity for music from a young age, particularly in singing trot songs, which are known for their expressive vocal style. Her academic path in music at the Seoul High School of Performing Arts further honed her skills, preparing her for the complexities of a music career.
Her entry into DIA on April 5, 2017, alongside Jueun, marked a significant turn in her career, with their debut occurring shortly after on April 19, 2017, with the album YOLO. This introduction to the K-pop industry was just the beginning of her journey.
Stage Name: Somyi (솜이)
Birth Name: Ahn Som Yi (안솜이)
Birthday: January 26th, 2000
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Height: 167 cm (5’6″)
Weight: 48 kg (105 lbs)
Blood Type: A
Sub Unit: BCHCS
Instagram: @somsom_o0o
Youtube: 안솜이
Tiktok: @somsom_o0o
Occupation
Singer, BJ
Group debut
April 19, 2017 (DIA)
August 22, 2017 (BCHCS)
Years active
2017–2022
Agency
Hotple Entertainment (2023)
MBK Entertainment (2017–2022)
Associations
DIA
BCHCS
The Unit
Somyi’s Profile
Personal Information
Somyi, originally named Ahn Som Yi, is a South Korean broadcast jockey and former singer, notably recognized as a former member of the girl group DIA and its sub-unit BCHCS. Her journey in the music industry commenced with her official debut in DIA on April 19, 2017, following her announcement as a new member on April 5, 2017. Somyi's educational background includes a major in Practical Music from the School of Performing Arts (SOPA), from which she graduated on February 15, 2019.
Professional Background
Somyi's professional career in DIA was marked by her participation in the group's second studio album, YOLO, and continued with her involvement in the BCHCS sub-unit during the release of Love Generation on August 22, 2017. Despite her active participation in the group, she did not join the promotions for DIA's sixth EP, Flower 4 Seasons, in 2020, signaling a shift in her career trajectory. On January 9, 2022, it was announced that Somyi had left DIA and terminated her contract with PocketDol Studio due to health reasons, transitioning to a career as a broadcast jockey. In 2023, she further expanded her digital presence by signing with Hotple Entertainment and starting to stream on TikTok, indicating her adaptability and continued relevance in the entertainment industry.
Rise to Fame
In February 2015, MBK Entertainment announced its plans to debut a new girl group, initially involving a reality survival program to select members. However, by June, the company opted for an internal selection process, finalizing a lineup that included Yebin, Eunice, and Jenny, alongside previously announced members. This group, named DIA, officially debuted on September 14, 2015, with their album "Do It Amazing".
Joining DIA
Somyi's entry into DIA marked a significant chapter in her rise to fame. Officially joining the group in April 2017, she debuted with the release of DIA's second studio album, "YOLO". Her addition was seen as a strategic move by MBK Entertainment to infuse new talent and vitality into the group.
Early Achievements
Somyi's early achievements with DIA included her participation in the sub-unit BCHCS, which was introduced to showcase diverse talents within the group. Her involvement in BCHCS began with their participation in DIA's third mini-album, "Love Generation", released in August 2017. This opportunity allowed her to display her vocal and performance skills, contributing significantly to the album's success and her personal popularity.
DIA Tenure
During her tenure with DIA, Somyi participated in the release of several impactful albums and singles that marked significant milestones in her career and the group's history. DIA, formed by MBK Entertainment, debuted on September 14, 2015, with their album "Do It Amazing" which featured the lead single "Somehow". This debut was followed by a series of albums including "YOLO", released on April 19, 2017, which contained the hit single "Will You Go Out With Me?".
Albums and Songs
Somyi's musical contributions during her time with DIA included participation in the group's first mini-album "Happy Ending", released on June 14, 2016, which featured the track "On the Road". The group's creativity continued with the release of "Love Generation" on August 22, 2017, showcasing a diverse range of tracks like "Can't Stop". Each album release allowed Somyi to display her evolving artistic skills and contributed to the group's growing popularity.
Live Performances
Live performances were a crucial aspect of Somyi's career with DIA, providing her with platforms to connect with fans and showcase her talents. The group performed at various concerts and music shows, enhancing their presence in the K-pop industry. These live events not only boosted the group's visibility but also allowed Somyi to hone her performance skills in real-time, further solidifying her role within the group and the broader music community.
BCHCS Sub-Unit
In September 2016, DIA introduced a novel concept by splitting into two subgroups, BinChaenHyunSeuS (BCHCS) and L.U.B, to explore different musical styles and themes. The BCHCS sub-unit, comprising members Eunice, Huihyeon, Yebin, and Chaeyeon, embarked on this new venture with the release of a Harry Potter-themed album titled Spell, featuring "Mr. Potter" as the lead single. This strategic move allowed each subgroup to release songs independently, showcasing their unique talents and expanding DIA's musical diversity.
Role in The Sub-Unit
Within BCHCS, each member brought distinct vocal and performance skills, contributing to the sub-unit's identity and success. The formation of BCHCS not only highlighted individual talents but also strengthened the group's cohesion by allowing members to take on roles that suited their strengths, thereby enhancing their overall artistic expression.
Major Projects
The major project undertaken by BCHCS was their participation in the album Love Generation. This album marked a significant phase in their career, allowing them to further define their musical style and reach. The involvement in such projects helped BCHCS to establish a more pronounced presence within the larger K-pop industry, demonstrating their capability to handle diverse musical concepts and themes.
Reality Show Appearance
The Unit Participation
DIA's Yebin and Somyi decided to join KBS's 'The Unit' after a series of discussions with their group members and a comprehensive conversation with their agency. The decision was supported by other DIA members, particularly Huihyeon and Jung Chaeyeon, who had previously participated in survival shows and provided valuable advice. They emphasized the personal growth and public exposure that could be gained from such experiences. Somyi initially felt apprehensive about participating in 'The Unit,' but was encouraged by the support and advice from her agency and fellow group members.
Outcome and Experience
Despite the challenges, both Yebin and Somyi entered the show with the intention to grow and learn, regardless of their final rankings. Their journey on 'The Unit' was cut short for Somyi, who had to leave the show after the fourth episode due to health concerns. The experience, although brief, was impactful for Somyi, who had hoped to become a "happy virus" for the audience, spreading joy and showcasing DIA's music. The support from DIA members and their fans was crucial, providing them with the courage to face the intense competition.
Departure from Music Industry
Announced Departure
PocketDol Studio announced on January 9 that DIA member Somyi had terminated her exclusive contract with the label and parted ways with the group. The studio cited health reasons as the primary cause for her departure.
Reasons and Reactions
Following her exit from DIA, Somyi transitioned to a new career as a broadcast jockey under the pseudonym "Chomyi" on the adult content platform, PandaTV. This shift was driven by financial necessities, such as helping her parents pay off their debts. Despite trying various jobs, including working at a mall, serving as a waitress, and modeling, she struggled with inconsistent and insufficient income. The decision to become a broadcast jockey was influenced by the potential to earn a significant income, as successful BJs can make millions per month.
The change in her career path, however, has not been without its challenges. The demanding schedule of streaming has led to sleep deprivation, and there are strict penalties for tardiness or absence from scheduled streams. Her new career choice has also sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some understand her need for financial stability, others feel betrayed, expressing disappointment and frustration over her shift to content that starkly contrasts with her previous idol image. A fan expressed deep disappointment, noting how they had supported her through fan meetings and collected her memorabilia, only to feel let down by her current activities.
New Endeavors as a Broadcast Jockey
Transition to BJ
After terminating her exclusive contract with her agency, Somyi began a new chapter as an online broadcast jockey, adopting the pseudonym "Chom-yi". She transitioned to this role in November of the previous year and chose PandaTV, a platform known for its significant adult content, as her primary broadcasting platform. Despite various speculations among fans regarding the nature of the platform, Somyi continues her personal broadcasts without taking a particular stance on the matter.
Current Work and Popularity
In her current role as a broadcast jockey, Somyi engages with her audience by showcasing a variety of content, including singing, fashion, and mukbang . This diverse range of activities helps her maintain a connection with her followers, providing entertainment and interaction through her streams on PandaTV. Her adaptability in content creation reflects her ongoing popularity and ability to engage a dedicated viewer base despite the controversies surrounding her career shift.
Personal Insights
Personality
Somyi's public persona was significantly impacted by allegations against the CEO of her management company, which she claimed involved sexual assault. However, CCTV footage and subsequent investigations revealed inconsistencies in her statements, showing her interacting normally with the CEO, which contradicted her initial claims. These events painted a complex picture of her character, involving a mixture of vulnerability and controversy.
Challenges Faced
The legal and public challenges Somyi encountered were profound. Her accusations led to a detailed scrutiny of her actions and statements, which were eventually found to be inconsistent with the evidence presented, such as CCTV footage and text messages . This situation highlighted the difficulties faced by individuals in her position, navigating the complexities of public accusation and legal proceedings in the entertainment industry. The court's findings and the public reaction underscored the intense scrutiny and pressure public figures often endure in high-profile cases.
DIA SOMYI 박지윤 - 성인식 (Cover) | (Performance ver.)
Conclusion
On January 9, 2022, it was revealed that Somyi had parted ways with DIA and terminated her contract with PocketDol Studio due to health reasons. The following years were tumultuous for Somyi, marked by her attempt to navigate serious allegations against a company executive. In January 2024, she filed a complaint alleging sexual assault, which led to a controversial trial. The prosecution argued that the accusations were false, citing CCTV footage showing no apparent distress during her interactions with the accused. On March 21, 2024, the court found the evidence insufficient and the claims not credible, resulting in Somyi's conviction and a sentence of one year and six months for making false accusations. This period in her life underscores the complexities and pressures faced by individuals in the public eye, highlighting the severe consequences of legal and public scrutiny.
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