Dal Shabet Members in 2025: Where Are They Now?

Dal Shabet debuted on January 3, 2011, with their catchy single "Supa Dupa Diva" under Happy Face Entertainment, quickly establishing themselves as a promising force in the K-pop industry. Initially formed by E-Tribe, the six-member girl group released one full-length album and ten extended plays throughout their career, showcasing their musical evolution and versatility.

Despite rumors of disbandment around 2023, the group surprised fans when they reunited in 2025. Currently, Dal Shabet members Subin, Woohee, Serri, and Ah Young are set to perform at the CassCool Festival on August 23, 2025, giving their fandom "Darling" another chance to see them together. In fact, their chart success has been impressive, with singles like "Supa Dupa Diva," "Pink Rocket," "Bling Bling," "Hit U," "Mr. Bang Bang," "Be Ambitious," "B.B.B," and "Joker" all reaching the top twenty on the Gaon Digital Chart.

The Rise of Dal Shabet (2011–2013)

Debut with Supa Dupa Diva

Created by producer duo E-Tribe under Happy Face Entertainment, Dal Shabet (달샤벳) stormed onto the K-pop scene as the first idol group to debut in 2011. Their first extended play "Supa Dupa Diva" dropped on January 4, 2011, with the title track serving as their introduction to the music world. The original six-member lineup consisted of Serri, Ah Young, Subin, Jiyul, Kaeun, and Viki.

The group's official debut stage occurred on January 6, 2011, on M! Countdown, where they immediately captured attention with their energetic performance. "Supa Dupa Diva" exceeded expectations, topping numerous real-time charts during its promotional period. Their debut song later earned recognition from industry peers, being voted the second most addictive song of 2011 with the second most popular choreography.

Music critics noted that Dal Shabet successfully carved out a unique identity from the beginning. Their sound was described as having a "retro-spunky feel" that balanced cuteness and sexiness while presenting themselves in a "funky, unique way".

Early hits and growing popularity

Following their successful debut, Dal Shabet quickly returned with their second mini-album "Pink Rocket" on April 11, 2011. The concept, dubbed "rocket girls," showcased a more elegant and feminine side to the group. Promotions began on April 14 on M! Countdown and continued until May 30.

By August 2011, Dal Shabet was ready for their next comeback. On August 11, they released their third mini-album "Bling Bling," which marked a significant step forward in their musical evolution. Taking influence from 80's synth-pop, the track helped ground their bubbly sound with their strongest melody yet. The song broke into the top ten on the Gaon chart, becoming their most successful release at that point.

Their momentum continued into 2012 with their fourth mini-album "Hit U" on January 27. This release represented a dramatic shift in concept, moving from their colorful, cute appearance to a darker, fiercer image. The change paid dividends as the album topped the physical portion of the Gaon chart, securing Dal Shabet's first number one album.

Dal Shabet reached another milestone on June 6, 2012, with the release of "Bang Bang," their first full-length album. Later that year, they continued their string of hits with their fifth mini-album "Issji Eobsji" (Have, Don't Have) on November 13.

First controversies and media attention

While rising in popularity, Dal Shabet also faced their first major controversy. At the 2011 SBS Gayo Daejun on December 29, they performed a special stage with boy group B1A4. The choreography required physical contact between members of both groups, which upset some B1A4 fans who subsequently spread malicious rumors about Dal Shabet. The situation escalated to the point where police had to intervene, confirming that the rumors were false.

Serri, who became the group's leader after Viki's departure, was particularly targeted by these rumors. She initially addressed the issue on social media, specifically mentioning B1A4's fanclub name (Bana), which further inflamed tensions. The situation worsened after B1A4 fans allegedly hacked Dal Shabet's website in January 2012, and Serri eventually issued a formal apology.

Further controversy arose in June 2013 with their sixth mini-album "Be Ambitious." The lyrics were deemed unsuitable for public broadcast due to sexual content and required changes before television promotions. Subsequently, on July 1, 2013, men's rights group "Man of Korea" filed an injunction to ban distribution of "Be Ambitious," claiming it degraded both women and men. The situation was resolved after the two parties reached an "amicable agreement".

Throughout these early years, Dal Shabet demonstrated remarkable resilience, consistently evolving their sound and image while navigating the challenges of the competitive K-pop industry.

Line-up Changes and New Beginnings (2012–2015)

Viki's departure and Woohee's addition

The first major lineup shift for Dal Shabet occurred on May 23, 2012, when Happy Face Entertainment announced that Viki, the group's original leader and rapper, would be departing to pursue a solo career. This unexpected change came shortly after the group had achieved their first #1 album with "Hit U".

To fill the void left by Viki's departure, the company introduced Woohee, a longtime trainee under Happy Face Entertainment, the very next day. Born in 1991, Woohee was the same age as fellow members Ah Young and Jiyul. Her academic background included studies as a broadcast entertainment major at Dong-ah Institute of Media and Art. The agency highlighted her outstanding vocals and dance skills as key factors in her selection.

Upon joining Dal Shabet, Woohee expressed mixed emotions: "I'm excited to be joining Dal Shabet, a group that I've always liked. But I'm also worried because I'm not sure if I'll be able to fill in Viki's shoes". After Viki's departure, Serri took over as the new leader of the group, a role she would maintain throughout the remainder of Dal Shabet's active years.

First full album and concept shifts

On May 27, 2012, Happy Face Entertainment revealed that the group's upcoming release would be their first full-length album titled "Bang Bang". The album dropped on June 6, 2012, with "Mr. Bang Bang" serving as the title track. Prior to the release, the group held a showcase at CGV M Cube in Cheongdam, Seoul.

This period marked significant concept shifts for Dal Shabet. After experimenting with a darker image for "Hit U" earlier in 2012, they continued to evolve their musical identity through subsequent releases. The group had previously expressed, "We're glad to have been able to show a different image than our previous ones with this comeback. We'll be using the experience gained from our fourth mini-album for our next album".

Toward the end of 2012, Dal Shabet began focusing on the Japanese market, making their Japanese debut with the single "Hard 2 Love" on November 3. This was promptly followed by their first Japanese album "The Best" the next day, showcasing their international ambitions.

Jiyul and Kaeun's exit

After four years together, another significant change came on December 8, 2015, when Happy Face Entertainment announced that both Jiyul and Kaeun would be leaving the group as their contracts expired at the end of December. The announcement came after what was described as "a long discussion" between the members and the company.

According to official statements, Jiyul planned to pursue a career in acting, while Kaeun expressed interest in moving into the fashion industry. Both members shared heartfelt handwritten letters via the group's official fan club website, expressing gratitude and apologizing to fans.

Jiyul wrote, "As an end can work as a new start, I hope you won't be too upset about my departure since I will appear again in various fields," whereas Kaeun expressed, "I'm really sorry to inform this sudden news. I am planning to pursue my career in the area of fashion, in which I had much interest from the past".

With these departures, Dal Shabet transitioned from a six-member group to a quartet consisting of Serri, Ah Young, Woohee, and Subin. The company announced that the newly configured group would make a comeback in early 2016, marking yet another chapter in their evolving story.

The Final Comebacks (2016–2017)

Naturalness and Fri. Sat. Sun

After transitioning to a four-member group, Dal Shabet kicked off 2016 with their ninth mini-album "Naturalness" on January 5. The release achieved impressive international recognition, ranking #1 on Japan's Tower Record Charts and 4th on China's YinYueTai charts. The group's musical evolution earned them the prestigious "Asia's Best 3 New Artist" award at the 2016 Japan Golden Disc Awards.

Originally planning to release just a single in summer 2016, Happy Face Entertainment ultimately decided to postpone the comeback until fall to develop a more substantial mini-album instead. This strategic decision culminated in the release of Dal Shabet's tenth mini-album "Fri. Sat. Sun" on September 29, 2016, alongside the music video for the title track.

The five-track EP marked the group's first comeback in eight months. Produced by renowned hitmaker Shinsadong Tiger alongside Monster Factory and Samuel Ku, "Fri. Sat. Sun" served as an upbeat weekend party anthem. The group celebrated with a showcase on September 28 and kicked off music show promotions on M!Countdown the following day.

Participation in The Unit

In August 2023, Happy Face Entertainment announced that Subin would participate in KBS's idol reboot show "The Unit," a program designed to give lesser-known idols another chance at the spotlight. However, this plan changed suddenly as overseas commitments in Thailand and other countries prevented her participation.

Consequently, on September 7, the agency revealed that Serri and Woohee would replace Subin on the show. "The Unit" premiered its first episode on October 28, 2017, featuring approximately 200 idols competing for spots in two unit groups.

Throughout the competition, Serri and Woohee showcased their talents alongside contestants from groups like SNUPER, Boyfriend, DIA, and LABOUM. Woohee particularly impressed viewers and judges, ultimately ranking 7th place and securing a position in the final female group UNI.T. Serri, meanwhile, finished in 23rd place.

Contract expirations and hiatus

The group faced a significant turning point on December 14, 2017, when Happy Face Entertainment announced that Serri, Subin, and Ah Young had decided to leave the agency after their contracts expired. In their official statement, the company explained: "They will be leaving Happy Face Entertainment to show more charms they have that they could not show while being Dal Shabet members".

Importantly, the agency clarified that these departures did not mean Dal Shabet was disbanding. They stated, "All the members are currently discussing openly about Dal Shabet, and we will let fans know when details are set". Happy Face Entertainment additionally committed to managing Serri through the completion of "The Unit".

Almost exactly one year later, on December 5, 2018, Woohee's contract with Happy Face Entertainment also expired. This development left no Dal Shabet members under the company's management, effectively placing the group on indefinite hiatus. Despite this uncertain status, the door remained open for future activities, with no official disbandment announcement ever made.

Serri (세리): The Leader’s Journey

As the steadfast leader of Dal Shabet, Park Hye-ri—professionally known as Serri—has navigated the ever-changing landscape of K-pop with remarkable resilience. Her journey from idol group leader to multi-faceted entertainer illustrates the evolution many first-generation K-pop idols experience in their careers.

Early days in Dal Shabet

Serri stepped into the spotlight as Dal Shabet's leader during their 2011 debut. Initially, she assumed leadership responsibilities after Viki's departure, guiding the group through their formative years. Throughout Dal Shabet's active promotional periods, Serri showcased her talents as a vocalist and dancer, particularly shining in performances of their hit tracks like "B.B.B (Big Baby Baby)" and "Someone Like U."

During these early years, Serri developed her reputation for reliability and stability—qualities that would later define her post-idol career. Her leadership style emphasized group cohesion and professional growth, helping Dal Shabet maintain their presence in the competitive K-pop market despite changes in membership and musical direction.

Post-group activities and solo career

Following Dal Shabet's transition from active promotions to individual pursuits, Serri embarked on a diverse solo career path. Unlike many idols who focus exclusively on solo music, she expanded her horizons across various entertainment sectors. Her approach demonstrated remarkable adaptability—a trait necessary for longevity in the fast-paced Korean entertainment industry.

Serri maintained her musical identity while simultaneously building her personal brand through social media engagement and variety show appearances. This strategic diversification allowed her to remain relevant even as the K-pop landscape dramatically shifted toward newer generation groups.

YouTube and modeling ventures

Recognizing the importance of direct fan communication, Serri established a significant online presence through her YouTube channel. Her content strategy balanced lifestyle vlogs, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal updates that maintained her connection with longtime Dal Shabet supporters while attracting new followers.

Furthermore, her modeling career flourished through collaborations with fashion brands that aligned with her personal aesthetic. Unlike her more vibrant idol image, Serri's modeling work often embraced a sophisticated, mature style that reflected her growth as an artist. These ventures proved particularly valuable during periods when traditional entertainment opportunities became limited.

Her social media savvy translated into brand partnerships and endorsement deals, creating additional revenue streams beyond traditional performance-based income—a crucial career development for idols transitioning to post-group careers.

Recent performances and reunions

Perhaps most significantly, Serri has remained the driving force behind Dal Shabet's continued existence as a group identity. Her January 2025 expression of interest in another group reunion highlighted her ongoing commitment to the Dal Shabet legacy.

The 2019 "Be Ambitious" exhibition represented a pivotal moment for both Serri and Dal Shabet, bringing together all six members to celebrate their shared history. As the group's leader, Serri played an instrumental role in coordinating this special event for their fandom.

Though each member has pursued individual paths, Serri's leadership continues to manifest through her efforts to maintain group bonds and create opportunities for Dal Shabet to reconnect with their audience. This balanced approach—nurturing both individual growth and group identity—exemplifies the maturity she brings to her role as Dal Shabet's leader even years after their active promotion period.

The dedication Serri demonstrates toward Dal Shabet's legacy illustrates how her leadership extends beyond their active years, establishing her as a cornerstone of the group's enduring presence in K-pop history.

Ah Young (아영): From Idol to Actress

Jo Ja Young, professionally known as Ah Young, has established herself as one of Dal Shabet's members who successfully transitioned from idol life to a thriving acting career. Born on May 26, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea, the multi-talented performer has evolved from her K-pop roots into a respected actress with an extensive filmography.

Role in Dal Shabet

At the inception of Dal Shabet in 2011, Ah Young held multiple positions within the group as lead rapper, vocalist, and visual member. She debuted alongside her bandmates on January 3, 2011, with their first EP "Supa Dupa Diva," which quickly topped many real-time and music station charts throughout its promotional period. Her distinctive presence contributed to Dal Shabet's appeal, adding both vocal talent and visual charm to the group's performances.

Throughout her time with Dal Shabet, Ah Young balanced group activities with her growing interest in acting. Even as the group underwent concept changes and lineup shifts, she remained a consistent presence until her contract with Happyface Entertainment expired in December 2017. Importantly, this departure from the agency did not constitute leaving the group itself, as she still participated in Dal Shabet's activities afterward.

Transition to acting

Ah Young's acting journey began gradually with small roles before fully committing to this career path. Her first cameo appearance came in 2011 with the hit KBS drama "Dream High," where she appeared as a student of Kirin High School. However, her official acting debut occurred in January 2013 when she was cast in KBS' "Ad Genius Lee Tae Baek" as Gong Sun Hye, a secretary at an advertising firm.

Before this role, Ah Young thoughtfully informed fans through Dal Shabet's official fan website, expressing both excitement and concern about her first significant acting venture: "I feel a lot of pressure because it's my first time to do acting...But, I'll do my best to not let you down". This candid communication demonstrated her commitment to bringing fans along on her career evolution.

Notable dramas and film appearances

After her debut role, Ah Young steadily built an impressive acting portfolio across various genres. Her filmography includes:

• Television Dramas: "Jang Ok Jung" (2013) where she portrayed Princess Myeong An, "Night Watchman's Journal" (2014), "Our Gap Soon" (2016-2017), and "TV Novel: Waves, Waves" (2018) where she secured her first lead role as Oh Bok Shil in a 143-episode drama.

• Films: While making smaller appearances in "Wonderful Radio" (2012), she took on a more substantial supporting role in "No Breathing" (2013) as Se-Mi, a high school student aspiring to become a singer.

By 2020, she had expanded her repertoire with roles in "My Unfamiliar Family" and appeared as a National Youth Team Coach in "Racket Boys" (2021), showcasing her versatility across different character types.

Current agency and projects

Ah Young's career path has involved several agency changes, each marking a new chapter in her professional development. After departing Happyface Entertainment in December 2017, she signed with SidusHQ, a prominent agency known for representing established actors like Kim Yoo Jung, Jang Hyuk, and Kim Woo Bin.

Subsequently, she moved to iAA Entertainment in July 2021 before finding her current professional home with TotalSet in July 2024. Upon joining TotalSet, Ah Young expressed her enthusiasm: "I am delighted to announce this new beginning with such a supportive agency. I aim to convey energy to the public through my consistent hard work. Please watch with anticipation".

TotalSet reciprocated this optimism, stating: "We have signed an exclusive contract with actress Ahyoung, who possesses a charming visual, impressive acting skills, and abundant talent. We are committed to fully supporting her as she continues to shine as a versatile entertainer". This partnership signals a promising new phase in her acting career as she continues to build on her already substantial body of work.

Woohee (우희): The Performer Who Never Stopped

Bae Woo-hee represents Dal Shabet's resilience and versatility, maintaining an active career across multiple entertainment fields even as the K-pop industry rapidly evolved around her. Throughout her journey, she has seamlessly transitioned between group activities, project units, acting roles, and solo endeavors—earning her reputation as a performer who truly never stopped.

Joining after Viki's exit

On May 24, 2012, Woohee was officially introduced as Dal Shabet's newest member following the departure of original leader Viki. Her integration into the established group came with considerable pressure, yet she quickly proved her value. Dal Shabet released her first teaser video on June 1, 2012, with her official debut following on June 6 through the group's first full-length album Bang Bang.

Unlike many replacement members in K-pop groups, Woohee rapidly became an essential part of Dal Shabet's identity. Her addition coincided with the group's musical evolution, allowing her to contribute to defining their sound during subsequent releases. Essentially, she became so integral to Dal Shabet that newer fans often didn't realize she wasn't an original member.

Success in The Unit and UNI.T

In 2017, amid uncertainties about Dal Shabet's future, Woohee joined KBS's idol competition show "The Unit: Idol Rebooting Project" alongside fellow member Serri. This decision came after careful consideration, as she initially hesitated about participating. "At first, I hesitated about appearing on 'The Unit.' I was in a complex situation because of the problem with Dal Shabet's contract," she revealed.

Her perseverance paid off when she secured seventh place among female contestants in February 2018, earning a spot in the project girl group UNI.T. Remarkably, after extensive discussion, she was selected as the group's leader. About this responsibility, Woohee expressed, "I'm grateful to the members who believed in me and chose me as the leader. As much as I'm grateful, I'll pay more attention and work harder".

UNI.T officially debuted on May 18, 2018, with their first mini-album Line and promoted until their disbandment on October 12, 2018, following their second mini-album release Begin with the End.

Acting and fan meetings

Parallel to her idol career, Woohee developed an impressive acting portfolio. She made her acting debut in 2013 through the SNS drama "Infinite Power" as Han Su-ja. Her filmography expanded to include the horror film "The Tunnel," SBS's "The Time I've Loved You," and the web drama "Number Six," where she portrayed Eun Kyung, a character secretly in love with BTOB's Minhyuk's character.

Additionally, Woohee contributed to several OSTs, including:

"Towards Tomorrow" for "Infinite Power" (her first solo track)

After departing Happy Face Entertainment in December 2018, Woohee signed with Fly Up Entertainment in January 2019 to focus on acting. She later moved to Never Die Entertainment in August 2021, further cementing her commitment to her acting career.

In July 2022, Woohee connected with fans through her solo fan meeting titled "Between Us" held at the Unexpected Theater in Seongbuk District, Seoul.

Recent festival appearances

Even as her individual activities flourished, Woohee has maintained her identity as a Dal Shabet member. "The members are in different agencies, but Dal Shabet hasn't disbanded," she firmly stated in an interview. "Sometimes, we fight and swear, but we never break up. We have a good relationship like we're really sisters".

This commitment to the group was evident when she participated in Dal Shabet reunions, most notably the 2019 "Be Ambitious" exhibition and mini-concert with all six members. Her ongoing connection with her groupmates illustrates how deeply she values these relationships beyond professional obligations.

By 2025, Woohee's multifaceted career continues to evolve, showcasing how persistence and adaptability remain crucial for long-term success in the Korean entertainment industry.

Kaeun (가은): Life Beyond the Stage

Cho Ka Eun's journey with Dal Shabet illustrates a complete transformation from K-pop idol to fashion entrepreneur. Her story represents how some idols successfully craft fulfilling lives away from the entertainment spotlight while maintaining meaningful connections with their artistic roots.

Time with Dal Shabet

Kaeun debuted as Dal Shabet's main rapper and vocalist when the group launched on January 6, 2011, with their first mini-album "Supa Dupa Diva". Throughout her tenure, she contributed significantly to the group's early discography and image development. At 172 cm tall (5'8"), she stood out visually among the members.

Alongside her musical talents, Kaeun consistently displayed interest in fashion and style throughout her years with the group. Her hobbies reportedly included modeling and reading fashion magazines, foreshadowing her eventual career direction. Throughout her four-year stint with Dal Shabet, she built a foundation of performance skills while quietly nurturing her passion for the fashion industry.

Departure and marriage

In December 2015, Kaeun made the significant decision to leave Dal Shabet as her contract with Happyface Entertainment expired. She shared this news through a heartfelt letter via the group's official fan club website, explaining: "I'm really sorry to inform this sudden news. I am planning to pursue my career in the area of fashion, in which I had much interest from the past".

Her post-idol journey took a meaningful personal turn when, on June 23, 2018, Kaeun married her longtime non-celebrity boyfriend in Seoul. Her husband, four years her senior, became her business partner as well as life partner. At the time of their marriage, the couple already operated a clothing company together, demonstrating how effectively she had transitioned from entertainment to entrepreneurship.

The wedding itself became a mini Dal Shabet reunion, as her former groupmates—Serri, Subin, Ah Young, Woohee, and even fellow former member Jiyul—attended the ceremony. In a touching display of their enduring bond, the Dal Shabet members performed their debut song "Supa Dupa Diva" at her wedding and previously participated in her bridal shower photo shoot.

Reunion participation in 2019

Certainly the most surprising chapter in Kaeun's post-Dal Shabet story came in September 2019, when she rejoined her former groupmates for a special reunion. After nearly four years away from the group, she participated in Dal Shabet's "Be Ambitious" photo exhibition and mini-concert held in Seoul from September 29 to October 5.

During this event, both Kaeun and Jiyul explicitly introduced themselves as Dal Shabet members, signaling that their departure from the company hadn't severed their connection to the group identity. This reunion sparked considerable discussion about the group's potential activities as a complete six-member lineup.

The exhibition, named after the group's sixth mini-album, allowed fans to experience nostalgic moments while also supporting a good cause, as a portion of the profits went toward helping children with cancer. For Kaeun, this participation represented a meaningful way to honor her artistic beginnings while maintaining her new life beyond the entertainment industry.

Subin (수빈): The Creative Force

Park Su-bin has evolved from being Dal Shabet's maknae to becoming a multifaceted creative powerhouse in the Korean music industry. Unlike her groupmates who pursued various entertainment paths, Subin distinguished herself through her exceptional musical production talents alongside her performing career.

Maknae and main vocalist

As Dal Shabet's main vocalist and youngest member (born February 12, 1994), Subin brought both vocal prowess and height to the group—standing at 173.8 cm (5'8.5"). Affectionately nicknamed the "Giant Baby," she balanced her idol career with education at Hanlim Arts High School before majoring in Theater at Konkuk University.

In May 2014, Subin's career temporarily paused after a serious van accident in Busan. According to relief center representatives, "the van was overturned and completely wrecked". She ultimately underwent surgery for her injuries but recovered to continue her musical journey.

Solo music as DALsooobin

Subin pioneered a unique path among Dal Shabet members by debuting as a soloist in May 2016 with her single "Flower"—remarkably both written and produced by herself. After parting ways with Happy Face Entertainment in December 2017, she signed with KeyEast in February 2018 and adopted the stage name DALsooobin.

Throughout her solo career, she released distinctive works including "Katchup" (March 2018) and "Hookah" (July 2022), the latter being entirely self-produced. Her versatility expanded even further as she adopted the DJ name SUVIN in 2023 when signing with A2Z Entertainment.

Producer and fashion icon

Beyond her performing career, Subin established herself as a prolific K-pop music producer with an impressive portfolio spanning 12 years. "I made over 200 songs in Korea," she states in her professional profile. Her production credits include work for major acts like EXO-CBX, FTIsland, SF9, MONSTA X, IZ*ONE, and ASTRO.

Her creative vision additionally extended to fashion, maintaining modeling contracts and developing a distinctive visual identity that complemented her musical innovations.

2025 updates and public appearances

April 2025 marked a significant new chapter in Subin's career when she debuted as a member of the EDM girl group OSDS with their digital single "Bluetooth". Furthermore, she reunited with Serri, Ah Young, and Woohee for Dal Shabet's performance at the 2025 CassCool Festival on August 23—their first group promotion in seven years.

Earlier that year in January, she had expressed her wish for continued collaboration, sharing news of the members' latest reunion discussing potential projects together. This ongoing connection with Dal Shabet demonstrates Subin's commitment to honoring her roots even as she continues to expand her artistic horizons.

Viki (비키): The Original Leader

Gang Eun Hye, better known as Viki, marked the beginning of Dal Shabet's journey as their original leader before unexpected career shifts altered her path. Standing at 172 cm tall, this former Star Empire trainee brought considerable experience to the newly formed group in 2011.

Role in early Dal Shabet

Viki served as Dal Shabet's foundation, holding multiple crucial positions—Leader, Main Rapper, Main Dancer, and Vocalist—when the group debuted on January 3, 2011, with "Supa Dupa Diva". Interestingly, she narrowly missed debuting with Nine Muses after training at Star Empire Entertainment, ultimately finding her place in Happy Face Entertainment's new girl group. Her leadership guided Dal Shabet through their initial months in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Departure and solo career

In May 2012, merely 16 months after debut, Viki unexpectedly announced her departure from Dal Shabet. Through a heartfelt handwritten letter to fans, she explained, "I will be concluding my activities as a member of the group with our Yeosu schedule as my final participation". Happy Face Entertainment clarified that Viki would "pursue her solo career" after "getting some rest". Her final performance with Dal Shabet took place at the 2012 Yeosu Expo on May 27.

Acting in indie and adult films

Following her departure, Viki rebranded herself as Baek Da-eun and signed with MBK Entertainment, though this relationship ended in 2016. Her entertainment career took an unexpected turn toward film, with her debut in 2014's "A Pharisee" followed by "Nice Sister-In-Law" (2015) and eventually adult-oriented productions "P.S. Girls" and "Challenge Game" in 2016. Distressingly, Viki later revealed she had been deceived by her acting agency into participating in these erotic films. Subsequent legal action revealed the agency was operating unlawfully.

Current status in 2025

After the controversy with her former agency, Viki maintained a significantly lower profile in the entertainment industry. Unlike most former Dal Shabet members, she did not participate in the group's 2019 "Be Ambitious" reunion exhibition, creating distance between her early idol career and later professional endeavors.

Dal Shabet's Legacy and Future

Throughout their journey, Dal Shabet has carved a unique position within second-generation K-pop, known for their adaptability across cute, sexy, and mature concepts while maintaining musical consistency.

Reunion events and fan support

The group's first official reunion occurred at their 2019 photo exhibition "Dal Shabet - From 2011" in Seoul, which included a mini-concert for dedicated fans. Darlings (their fandom) have remained exceptionally loyal, organizing streaming parties for the group's anniversary each January and funding billboard advertisements in Seoul. This unwavering support culminated in the sold-out CassCool Festival appearance in August 2025.

Statements from members

In recent interviews, all members have expressed similar sentiments regarding Dal Shabet's status. Ah Young mentioned, "We're simply on hiatus, not disbanded." Correspondingly, Subin affirmed, "Being Dal Shabet is part of our identity that will never change." Woohee added, "Our group chat remains active almost daily." Essentially, their bond transcends professional obligations.

What's next for the group?

Albeit challenging due to different agency commitments, the members hint at possibilities beyond occasional festival appearances. In light of their 15th anniversary approaching in 2026, Serri revealed plans for a potential documentary and commemorative album featuring unreleased songs from their vault. Presently, discussions with potential distributors are underway, signaling that Dal Shabet's story continues to evolve.