Dayoung has opened up about the determination and hard work behind her solo debut, revealing that she secretly traveled to Los Angeles after her agency initially rejected the idea of her becoming a solo artist. The singer shared her story during the June 10 episode of Radio Star, where she appeared alongside guests including Park Joon-hyung, Jonathan Yiombi, and Jung Il-young.
Reflecting on her solo debut song Body, Dayoung expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response it received. “The reaction was really good. Winning first place on music shows felt like a dream.”
The singer revealed that friends living in Los Angeles frequently sent her videos showing the song being played in local restaurants. She even learned that people were filming dance challenges to the track in public parks. According to Dayoung, the success of “Body” eventually led to invitations to major summer music events, including Waterbomb.
Despite the eventual success, Dayoung admitted that her path to a solo career was anything but easy. After renewing her contract, the idol said her agency promised to support activities she wanted to pursue. However, when she proposed a solo debut, the idea was quickly rejected.
She recalled that the K-pop industry at the time was highly competitive, with successful female soloists such as Hwasa, Nayeon, and Sunmi dominating the market. “The company told me to be realistic,” s he explained.
Rather than giving up, Dayoung decided to prepare on her own. For two years, she dedicated herself to learning every aspect of music production and performance. “After finishing variety show recordings, I studied songwriting and composition. I also learned English, vocals, and dance.” The WJSN member revealed that she spent years quietly building the skills she believed she would need as a solo artist.
One of the biggest surprises from Dayoung’s story was her secret trip to Los Angeles. She told her company that she planned to spend three months resting in Jeju Island. Instead, she boarded a flight to LA to pursue her musical ambitions. Initially, Dayoung struggled to make connections. “I contacted famous producers directly, but nobody replied.”
Her breakthrough came thanks to fellow singer Eric Nam, who helped introduce her to producers in the city. Those collaborations ultimately led to the creation of “Body,” the song that would become the foundation of her solo career.
Dayoung also revealed the dramatic physical transformation she underwent while preparing for her debut. Driven by her dream of becoming a global pop star, she gradually lost 12 kilograms over the course of a year. “I worked hard with the dream of becoming a world-class pop star.” She explained that she lost approximately one kilogram per month and found that the weight loss significantly improved both her dancing and singing. “I felt much lighter when dancing and more comfortable when singing.”
After completing the song, Dayoung presented “Body” to her agency. According to the singer, the atmosphere within the company changed completely after executives heard the track. What began as a dream that was initially rejected eventually turned into a successful solo debut, proving that persistence and preparation can sometimes change even the most skeptical minds.
Dayoung’s story has resonated with fans, who praised her determination to pursue her goals despite obstacles, ultimately transforming a rejected idea into one of the biggest milestones of her career.
Sources: Daum | 스타투데이
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