Who is Chanmi Now? The Truth Behind AOA Star's Transformation to Im Do-hwa

Chanmi, the former youngest member of the successful K-pop group AOA, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. After departing from FNC Entertainment in May 2024, she embarked on a new chapter in her entertainment career under the name Im Do-hwa.

The journey of Kim Chanmi, who debuted with AOA in 2012, reflects a story of evolution and reinvention. In fact, her group's single "Heart Attack" became one of the most downloaded songs of 2015, marking a high point in her K-pop career. Currently, with an estimated net worth of $1 million in 2025, Im Do-hwa has shifted her focus to pursuing a full-time acting career, landing roles in projects like "Lookism" and participating in shows such as "Queendom Puzzle."

The Evolution of Kim Chanmi to Im Do-hwa

Born in Gumi, South Korea, Im Do-hwa's journey began on June 19, 1996. Initially known as Kim Chan-mi, her early life was shaped by significant family dynamics, including her parents' divorce during her elementary school years. Subsequently, she and her two sisters, Kyung-mi and Hye-mi, were raised solely by their mother, who managed a hair salon.

Early life and debut as AOA's Chanmi

From an early age, Do-hwa displayed a natural inclination toward performing arts, enrolling in dance classes and showcasing her talents on the streets of Gumi. Her path to stardom took an unexpected turn when, during her high school years, her mother entered her in a supermodel pageant. Additionally, a scout from FNC Entertainment noticed her potential and convinced her to become a trainee.

The significance behind the name change

The decision to change her name from Kim Chan-mi to Im Do-hwa in April 2022 marked a pivotal moment in her career. Moreover, this transformation went beyond mere professional rebranding – it represented a deeply personal tribute to her mother, Lim Cheon Suk. Her mother's remarkable story of resilience, notably running a hair salon that became a haven for troubled youth, profoundly influenced this decision.

Personal journey of self-discovery

The evolution from Kim Chan-mi to Im Do-hwa reflects a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. During challenging times, particularly while promoting with AOA, her mother demonstrated unwavering support, traveling daily from Daegu to Seoul. This dedication resulted in significant personal cost, with her mother losing nearly 80 pounds due to the constant travel and worry.

The name change symbolizes more than a new identity – it represents Do-hwa's desire to forge her own path in the entertainment industry. Following her appearance on "Girl's Re:verse" under the name Do-hwa, she expressed her commitment to using this name for all future activities. This transformation signifies her determination to shape her own narrative while honoring her mother's influence on her life and career.

Breaking Free from AOA's Shadow

The aftermath of AOA's bullying controversy in July 2020 marked a significant turning point in Chanmi's career path. The group entered an indefinite hiatus, forcing members to explore individual directions.

Life after AOA's hiatus

After three challenging years post-debut, Chanmi faced a period of severe depression. Nevertheless, rather than succumbing to career pressures, she chose to channel her unexpected free time into professional development. "I was suddenly forced to take a break," she reflected on this period.

Redefining her public image

Although initially uncertain about her future direction, Chanmi began taking acting lessons to broaden her skillset. Her transition into acting proved challenging, as she faced numerous rejections in auditions. Regardless, her persistence led to several breakthrough roles:

Appeared in "The Second Husband" (2021)
Starred in "The Birth of a Nation" web drama
Featured in the film "Refresh" as Hyun Joo

Challenges faced during transition

The path to reinvention came with significant obstacles. Specifically, Chanmi grappled with concerns about her career longevity, stating, "I'm worried about growing old as an idol". Furthermore, financial instability added to her anxieties, as she experienced periods without steady income while maintaining high expenses.

The support of her mother, Lim Cheon Suk, proved crucial during this challenging phase. Upon discovering Chanmi had disappeared from her company residence, her mother made daily trips from Daegu to Seoul for two months, consequently losing almost 80 pounds from the stress and travel. This unwavering support helped Chanmi overcome her struggles, ultimately leading to her declaration, "I'm okay now, mom".

Through these challenges, Chanmi emerged stronger, expanding her presence in the entertainment industry. Her appearances on variety shows like "It's Okay Because We're Family" and "Are You At Home?" demonstrated her versatility beyond idol life. This period of transformation laid the groundwork for her eventual rebranding as Im Do-hwa, marking a new chapter in her entertainment career.

Im Do-hwa's Acting Journey

Stepping into the entertainment industry's acting realm, Im Do-hwa marked her debut with the lead role in the 2016 web drama "What's Up With These Kids?" portraying Geum Hyera. Her acting journey gained momentum straightaway through cameo appearances in prominent dramas like "Father Is Strange" and "SKY Castle".

Notable drama and film appearances

Im's portfolio expanded significantly with diverse roles across multiple platforms. Her first major film breakthrough came with "A Different Girl" in 2021, where she portrayed Ji Yeon, a character speaking in dialect. Indeed, her performance showcased stable acting skills and natural transitions in facial expressions. Her filmography includes:

"Refresh" (2022) as Hyeonju
"When Our Love Remains as a Scent" (2023) - Supporting role as Ayoung
"The Second Husband" (2021) - Special appearance
"Brain Works" (2023) - Supporting role as Cherry

Development as an actress

The path to establishing herself as a credible actress began with her participation in "I Am An Actor" in 2017, where she secured first place. This victory led to her role in the film "Lookism". Accordingly, her acting repertoire expanded with appearances in various web dramas, including "Love Formula 11M" (2019) as Jiyoon and "The Genome Romance" (2020).

Current acting projects

Presently, Im Do-hwa has ventured into theater, undeniably marking a new milestone in her acting career. On February 20, 2024, she was cast in the comic noir play "The Killer is Coming". In this production, she embodies the character of Ban Hana, the boss's lover who develops feelings for Myeong-gu. Her previous theater experience in "Why Did You Come To My House" earned high praise for her sensitive emotional acting and improvisation skills.

The upcoming noir play is scheduled to premiere at Daehak-ro Art Forest 2 starting March 8, 2024. Additionally, she has secured a leading role in the film "Changhon: Night of Salvation" as the character Sua, demonstrating her continued growth in the industry.

Reality Show Comebacks

Reality television offered Im Do-hwa fresh opportunities to showcase her talents beyond traditional entertainment platforms. In January 2023, she ventured into the virtual world through GIRL'S RE:VERSE, a groundbreaking survival show by Kakao Entertainment.

Experience on Girl's Reverse

The innovative format allowed contestants to perform through virtual avatars, essentially masking their real identities. Under the avatar name "Dohwa," she competed among 30 female artists. Despite her early elimination in the preliminary vocal round, the experience proved transformative. "The virtual world gave me freedom to create performances that truly reflected my preferences," she reflected.

Queendom Puzzle journey

Soon after, Im Do-hwa joined Queendom Puzzle, a competition show featuring 28 contestants from various K-pop groups. Her performances throughout the show demonstrated remarkable versatility:

Collaborated with the "i DGA Team" for a charismatic dance performance
Secured victory in multiple rounds, primarily in the 7 vs 7 Team Battle and Re-mix Battle
Advanced through intense eliminations, ultimately placing 14th with 229,076 points in the final episode

Impact on career direction

The reality show appearances marked a pivotal shift in Im Do-hwa's professional trajectory. Coupled with her previous experiences, these shows provided platforms to explore her artistic identity beyond the constraints of group activities. Her participation in Queendom Puzzle alongside established artists from groups like Cherry Bullet, Rocket Punch, and Weki Meki helped solidify her position as a solo performer.

The freedom to express herself authentically through these shows proved instrumental in shaping her new identity. "In group activities, the focus was on collective strengths, but these shows allowed me to emphasize my individual talents," she noted. This period of exploration analogous to her broader journey of reinvention, as she continued to establish herself independently in the entertainment industry.

Personal Growth and Transformation

The physical and emotional demands of K-pop stardom shaped Im Do-hwa's approach to self-care and personal development. Her weight fluctuated between 5 to 6 kilograms during promotional periods, leading her to develop a unique wardrobe strategy of purchasing clothing in multiple sizes.

Mental health and self-discovery

The pressures of the entertainment industry primarily affected Im's mental well-being. Studies indicate that approximately 30-49% of first-generation Korean-Americans report depression symptoms, with only 17% seeking professional help. Im's experience reflects this broader cultural context, as she faced challenges while maintaining her public image.

Relationship with former AOA members

The dynamics with former AOA members became complex after the group's bullying controversy. After the incident, Im unfollowed certain members on social media. The situation intensified when former member Mina expressed disappointment in Im's behavior, noting how she would "criticize Shin Jimin unni in front of me, but behind me, she would soothe Shin Jimin unni".

New personal branding strategy

Im's rebranding journey centered on authenticity and professional growth. After leaving FNC Entertainment, she discovered newfound freedom from large label constraints. Her strategic approach to personal development included:

Embracing acting opportunities beyond idol expectations
Developing a distinct identity separate from AOA
Building genuine connections with audiences through reality shows

Overall, Im's transformation extended beyond mere name changes. The decision to adopt her mother's surname, Lim, symbolized a deeper connection to her family roots. Her mother's daily commute from Daegu to Seoul during challenging times strengthened their bond, becoming a cornerstone of Im's resilience.

The entertainment industry's demanding nature shaped Im's perspective on mental health. Generally, Korean celebrities avoid seeking psychiatric or psychological counseling due to concerns about public image. Hence, Im's journey represents a broader conversation about mental health awareness in the K-pop industry, where many artists face similar challenges without adequate support systems.

Life After FNC Entertainment

After fifteen years with FNC Entertainment, May 22, 2024, marked a significant milestone as Im Do-hwa announced her departure from the agency. The decision came as her exclusive contract reached its natural conclusion, opening doors to new possibilities in her entertainment career.

Reasons for departure

The departure from FNC Entertainment primarily stemmed from Do-hwa's desire to explore fresh challenges in the industry. Having joined the agency at age 15, she expressed profound gratitude for the company's long-standing support. Evidently, the decision aligned with a broader pattern, as she was the last AOA member to leave the agency.

Managing an independent career

Thereafter, Do-hwa embraced the challenges of managing her career independently. She actively sought collaborations with producers and directors, specifically using the term 'PD' in her search for new opportunities. Currently, she maintains a YouTube channel where she hosts a K-pop interview series, demonstrating her adaptability in the digital space.

New opportunities and partnerships

Post-FNC, Do-hwa's career has expanded in multiple directions. Her recent accomplishments include:

Starring in films "A Different Girl" and "Refresh"
Securing a role in the KBS2 drama "Brain Works"
Participating in "Queendom Puzzle" as an independent artist

The transition to independence has simultaneously allowed Do-hwa to explore the entertainment industry without the constraints of a large label. Ultimately, this freedom has enabled her to shape her own narrative and pursue diverse opportunities across various entertainment sectors.

The entertainment veteran's approach to career management reflects a broader industry trend, where artists increasingly take control of their professional trajectories. Through this transition, Do-hwa has maintained her connection with fans while forging new partnerships and exploring creative ventures that align with her artistic vision.

FAQS

Fans and industry observers frequently seek answers about Im Do-hwa's remarkable career evolution. Here are the most commonly asked questions about the multifaceted entertainer:

What is Im Do-hwa's current net worth? As of 2025, Im Do-hwa's estimated net worth stands at USD 1.00 million.

Why did she change her name from Kim Chanmi? In April 2022, she legally changed her name to honor her mother's family name, reflecting a deep personal connection and gratitude for her mother's unwavering support throughout her career.

What are her physical statistics? Im Do-hwa stands at 166 cm (5'5") and maintains a weight of 47 kg (103 lbs).

How did her career begin? Primarily discovered while dancing at a basketball game during her second year of middle school, Im's journey in entertainment began unexpectedly.

What are her notable achievements since leaving AOA? Currently, her accomplishments include:

Ranking fourteenth overall in Queendom Puzzle
Participating in Girls Reverse under the alias "Dohwa"
Establishing herself as an independent artist after departing FNC Entertainment

What is her personality like off-stage? Certainly known for her vivacious nature, Im has some unique characteristics. She occasionally talks while sleeping and sleepwalks. Additionally, she demonstrates a profound love for animals, particularly cats, and owns a cream longhair cat named Ian.

What is Im Do-hwa's ideal type? According to her own words: "I like people who have their own little worlds. It's okay if he's a bit unconcerned about me. A man who can join me in what I like. If he doesn't like chocolate, I won't force it on him, but then I don't think I would be with him in the first place".

What languages does she speak? Firstly, she is fluent in Korean, and has shown proficiency in basic Japanese through various variety show appearances.

How does she maintain her fitness? Finally, as a former idol and current actress, Im maintains her fitness through regular dance practice and has been involved in a personal dance performance project called "Look at Mi".

This comprehensive FAQ section addresses the most common queries about Im Do-hwa, providing insights into both her professional journey and personal life. Her story continues to inspire fans and aspiring entertainers alike, demonstrating the power of persistence and personal growth in the entertainment industry.