Who is Do-A?ALICE Main Rapper Profile (2024 Update)

Do-A, ALICE's main rapper and former ELRIS member, has announced her departure from IOK Company as her exclusive contract expires in May 2024. This marks a significant turning point in her seven-year journey in the K-pop industry.

Formerly known as Bella, she began her career with ELRIS's debut in June 2017, showcasing her talents not only as a rapper but also as a vocalist. During her time with the group, she participated in various projects, including the survival show MIXNINE where she ranked 18th, and recorded the soundtrack "Love" for the drama "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People."

Do-A's evolution from her debut days to her current status, exploring her artistic journey, personal achievements, and the impact she has made as ALICE's main rapper. Readers will discover how this 25-year-old artist, known affectionately as the group's "mother," has shaped her identity in the K-pop industry.

Early Life and Pre-Debut Journey

The journey to becoming a K-pop idol initially requires intense dedication and preparation. In South Korea, where approximately one million aspiring idols pursue their dreams, the path to stardom demands exceptional commitment.

Childhood and Education Background

Like many aspiring K-pop artists, preparation for idol life begins with fundamental skill development. Specifically, successful trainees focus on refining their abilities in multiple areas:

Vocal training and pitch control
Dance fundamentals and choreography
Basic Korean language skills
Stage presence development

Training Period and Preparation

The training period represents one of the most challenging phases for aspiring idols. Furthermore, trainees typically face monthly evaluations to assess their progress. Subsequently, these evaluations determine whether a trainee can continue their journey toward debut.

Auditioning for Hunus Entertainment

In 2017, Hunus Entertainment, established in 2014, opened its doors to new talent through global auditions. The company, which subsequently acquired Stardom Entertainment and CT Entertainment, provided a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their abilities.

The audition process at Hunus Entertainment, similar to other agencies, involves multiple stages of evaluation. Initially, candidates must demonstrate their skills in singing, dancing, or rapping. Meanwhile, the agency looks for individuals who not only possess talent but additionally show potential for growth and development.

The competition proves particularly intense, considering that approximately 70% of Korean students express interest in becoming celebrities. Consequently, agencies like Hunus Entertainment maintain rigorous selection criteria to identify standout talent among numerous applicants.

Debut Era as ELRIS's Bella

Under the stage name Bella, Choi Yoon-ah made her mark in the K-pop industry as ELRIS debuted on June 1, 2017. The group's name carried special meaning, standing for "Excellent Lovely Rainbow Innocent Sister".

Joining ELRIS in 2017

Bella's journey with ELRIS began with their first EP "We, First," which featured five tracks. Her role as the main rapper and lead vocalist showcased her versatility as a performer. Moreover, she recorded the OST "That's Love" for the drama "Rebel: Thief who Stole the People" in May 2017.

MIXNINE Competition Experience

After all, her talents extended beyond group activities when she participated in YG's survival show MIXNINE. In fact, while she didn't secure a spot in the final lineup, she made a notable impression by:

Ranking 18th overall
Being voted as "Best Style" on the show
Gaining valuable performance experience

Early Career Highlights

Bella's early career showed promising growth through various activities. In 2018, she collaborated with fellow member Hyeseong for the OST "Single Heart" from the drama "Rich Man".

The group continued to evolve, and accordingly, released their digital single "Miss U" in November 2019. This period established Bella's foundation as a versatile performer, setting the stage for her future transformation into Do-A.

Evolution as ALICE's Main Rapper

A significant transformation marked the group's journey in April 2022, as ELRIS underwent a complete rebranding to become ALICE.

Rebranding from Bella to Do-A

The transformation extended beyond the group's name, as IOK Company announced that Bella would adopt the stage name Do-A. This change coincided with fellow member Hyeseong's transition to Yeonje, signaling a fresh chapter in their musical journey.

Development of Rap Style

Indeed, Do-A's dedication to her craft manifested through her consistent practice of writing rap lyrics, which she maintained as a regular hobby. Her commitment to developing her skills as ALICE's main rapper showed through her:

Continued focus on rap composition
Regular practice of lyric writing
Dedication to perfecting her craft

Songwriting Contributions

Nevertheless, her journey with ALICE faced challenges. In March 2023, Do-A took a temporary break from group activities due to health concerns. Eventually, on May 3, 2024, she announced through an Instagram post that her exclusive contract with IOK had concluded, marking the end of her chapter with ALICE.

Throughout her time with the group, Do-A maintained her position as main rapper while simultaneously contributing as a lead vocalist. Notably, her dual role demonstrated her versatility as an artist, although she occasionally expressed difficulty in learning new choreography.

Performance and Artistic Style

Rather than following conventional K-pop rap styles, Do-A has developed her distinctive approach to hip-hop performance within the K-pop framework. Her artistic journey reflects the evolution of Korean idol rap, which draws inspiration from both Eastern and Western musical traditions.

Signature Rap Techniques

Do-A's rap style emphasizes rhythmic diversity and strong connection to bass lines, certainly evident in her performances. Her technique incorporates several key elements:

Movement emphasis and duration control
Hold emphasis for impact
Precise rhythmic timing
Bass-synchronized delivery

Stage Presence Analysis

Besides her technical prowess, Do-A's stage presence demonstrates careful attention to performance dynamics. She employs strategic movement patterns and spatial awareness during performances. Her approach to stage presence focuses on creating full sensory experiences for audiences, incorporating both visual and auditory elements to enhance her performances.

Musical Influences

The foundation of Do-A's musical style stems from the merger of traditional Korean music with contemporary Western genres. Her artistic development reflects the broader evolution of K-pop, which combines elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.

As a hip-hop enthusiast, Do-A dedicates significant time to writing rap lyrics, therefore developing her craft through consistent practice and refinement. Her appreciation for rapper Yezi has helped shape her approach to performance, while maintaining her unique identity within ALICE's musical framework.

Through her performances, Do-A demonstrates the importance of both technical skill and emotional connection, creating performances that resonate with audiences across different musical preferences. Her commitment to developing both her rap technique and stage presence has established her as a notable figure in the contemporary K-pop landscape.

Personal Life and Public Image

Behind the powerful stage presence, Do-A's off-stage persona reveals a notably different side of her personality. Known affectionately as the 'mother' of the group, she demonstrated a nurturing presence that contrasted with her fierce performance style.

Off-stage Personality

Do-A's maternal instincts and emotional sensitivity shaped her role within ALICE. Surprisingly, she earned recognition as the member who cries most easily, showcasing her vulnerable side. Her personality traits included:

Strong emotional awareness
Nurturing attitude toward members
Natural leadership qualities
Genuine care for group dynamics

Relationships with Members

Undoubtedly, Do-A's motherly nature influenced her relationships with fellow ALICE members. Her supportive presence became especially evident in March 2023, when she and Yeonje took a temporary break from activities. The group's management noted that both members needed "sufficient rest to regain their stability".

Social Media Presence

Throughout her career, Do-A maintained an active presence on social media platforms, primarily Instagram. Her engagement with fans remained consistent until the conclusion of her contract. Significantly, she chose Instagram as the platform to announce her departure from ALICE, making a heartfelt post on May 2, 2024.

Her social media approach reflected her authentic personality, sharing both professional achievements and personal moments with fans. This transparency helped build a strong connection with her audience, making her final announcement more impactful for her followers.

The decision to step away from ALICE marked a significant transition in Do-A's career path. Her departure announcement through social media demonstrated her commitment to maintaining direct communication with fans even during major career changes.

FAQS

Here are some frequently asked questions about Do-A's career and journey with ALICE:

Q: Why did Do-A take a break from ALICE activities in 2023? First, Do-A visited doctors regarding health concerns that required immediate attention. Based on medical advice, she needed time to rest and recover. The decision came after thorough discussions between Do-A and IOK Company management.

Q: How did Do-A develop her rap skills? Essentially, Do-A's rap development followed the typical K-pop training pattern. Similar to other idol rappers, she focused on proper pronunciation, rhythm control, and flow development. She primarily practiced writing lyrics as a regular hobby to enhance her skills.

Q: What makes Do-A's rap style unique? Her rap style emphasizes these key elements:

Clear pronunciation and rhythm control
Bass-synchronized delivery
Strategic movement patterns
Emotional expression through lyrics

Q: How did the transition from ELRIS to ALICE affect Do-A's career? Generally, the rebranding marked a significant shift in her artistic direction. The name change from Bella to Do-A coincided with the group's evolution, offering her opportunities to showcase enhanced rap skills and stage presence.

Q: What led to Do-A's departure from IOK Company? Third, following her health-related hiatus in 2023, Do-A made the decision not to renew her contract with IOK Company. The company announced that ALICE would continue activities as a five-member group until further notice.

Q: How does Do-A approach rap writing? Notably, she maintains a consistent practice of writing lyrics. Her approach typically involves focusing on proper pronunciation of Korean words, maintaining rhythm, and ensuring the flow fits naturally within songs.

Q: What role did Do-A play in ALICE's group dynamics? Similarly to her on-stage presence, Do-A served as a maternal figure within the group. She demonstrated strong emotional awareness and provided support to fellow members throughout their journey together.