From Zero Income Idol To Star Soloist— Former EXID Member’s Incredible Journey To Success

Singer Kang Hye Yeon was once known by her idol name, Dami after she debuted with the iconic second-generation girl group EXID. But her career trajectory took a different turn than that of her bandmates as she shifted gears to trot music.

The 34-year-old singer has already completed six years in trot music, earning herself fame and fans like being a K-Pop idol could never. Kang debuted as a member of EXID in February 2012 and participated in the group’s first digital single album, Holla. But only two months later, she left the group. EXID’s then-agency AB Entertainment stated her wish to pursue further education as the reason for the departure.

Kang endured a difficult period before her debut with EXID, working various part-time jobs for two years while she was a trainee. So, leaving the group was not an easy decision for her. But a year later, she re-debuted in another group, BESTie.

Though this new group was acknowledged for its members’ talents, a long hiatus and member departures took a toll on its growth. Eventually, their agency faced severe financial difficulties, and BESTie had to disband. Kang left the idol industry permanently after that.

Such an abrupt end to her idol career had Kang worried about her future, but she decided to switch lanes and start again as a trot singer. In 2021, she shot to prominence as a rising trot star after appearing on TV Chosun’s Miss Trot competition and finished in 8th place. Thanks to her bubbly appearance and singing skills, Kang quickly cemented her place in the industry.

Since then, she has successfully released her first full-length album and has been holding solo concerts, achieving great success as a trot singer. While the public has been witness to her second heyday, Kang’s past struggles as an idol were barely known to anyone. In February this year, when she appeared in an MBN music show competition, she shared some of the struggles she endured as an idol girl group member.

Kang recalled that she had no income while she promoted as an idol and got deep into debt.

“My parents supported me a lot. When I was in a girl group, I had no income, so my debt exceeded 100 million KRW at the last accounting.”

— Kang Hye Yeon

She added, “My parents sacrificed their youth for me, so I want to return the favor,” touching the hearts of the viewers.

While EXID eventually became one of the representative girl groups of their generation, Kang’s journey had other plans. It stands as a testament to the saying, “If it’s meant to be, it will be!”