The Real Kim Do-yeon: From I.O.I to Weki Meki

From a Produce 101 contestant to Weki Meki Doyeon, Kim Do-yeon has established herself as a versatile performer in the Korean entertainment industry. After ranking 8th in the reality show Produce 101, she debuted with project group I.O.I in 2016, followed by her successful stint with Weki Meki from 2017 to 2024.

In addition to her impressive musical career, Kim Do-yeon has ventured into acting, appearing in notable dramas like "My Roommate Is a Gumiho" and "Jirisan." As of 2025, she continues to expand her horizons with her upcoming big screen debut in "18 Youth" and her first musical role in "Anna X." Following Weki Meki's disbandment in August 2024, she has renewed her contract with Fantagio, signaling an exciting new chapter in her career.

Kim Do-yeon's Early Life and Discovery

Born on December 4, 1999, in Incheon's Bupyeong-gu district, Kim Do-yeon grew up as the youngest of three siblings in a well-educated family. Her parents, both graduates of French Language and Literature, subsequently moved the family to Gangwon-do during her early childhood years.

Family background and childhood

Kim's academic journey began at Baekhap Kindergarten, followed by Pyeongwon Elementary School. During her elementary years, she demonstrated natural leadership abilities, serving as class president. Moreover, her involvement in various talent shows showcased her early inclination toward performing arts.

Her leadership qualities continued to shine at Wonju Girls' Middle School, where she held the position of class president for three consecutive years. Notably, Kim's cheerleading prowess emerged during this period, as she led her squad to a national championship. Subsequently, she attended Sangji Girls' High School, where she further honed her cheerleading skills as team captain.

First steps into entertainment

A chance encounter during her middle school years marked the beginning of Kim's entertainment career when a Fantagio employee discovered her on the street. This serendipitous meeting led to her joining Fantagio i-Teen, a specialized rookie talent development program.

During her training period, which lasted approximately one year and five months, Kim's striking visuals and natural talent caught attention. Her tall stature and distinctive appearance earned her the nickname "Little Jun Ji Hyun". Following her participation in various broadcasting activities, she transferred to the School of Performing Arts Seoul, where she continued her education while pursuing her emerging career in entertainment.

The Produce 101 Journey

In December 2015, Kim Do-yeon entered Produce 101 as a Fantagio trainee with one year and five months of training experience.

Audition preparation

Initially placed in B class after the company evaluation stages, Kim demonstrated her potential through a compelling performance of GFriend's "Glass Bead" alongside fellow trainee Choi Yoojung. Her talent earned swift recognition as she advanced to A class, showcasing rapid improvement throughout the competition.

Key performances

Kim's journey through Produce 101 featured several standout stages that cemented her position as a formidable contestant:

• La Cha Ta Team: As the center for f(x)'s debut song, Kim led her team to victory, securing 1,000 benefit votes

• Bang Bang Performance: Alongside skilled trainees including Kim Chungha and Jeon Somi, she delivered one of the show's most memorable stages

• In the Same Place: Selected as center through team votes, Kim's emotional performance helped secure first place

Rise to popularity

Kim's visual appeal earned her significant recognition, ranking third in the trainee-voted visual ranking. Despite limited screen time throughout the show, her talents spoke volumes. Starting from B class and climbing to A class demonstrated her dedication and growth.

The competition's final episode proved intense as Kim's ranking fluctuated between 7th and 11th place. Ultimately, she secured 8th place in the finale, earning her spot in the debut lineup. This achievement came despite facing challenges with screen time allocation, which paradoxically strengthened her fan base's determination to support her.

The show, which premiered on January 22, 2016, at 22:00 KST, marked the beginning of Kim's journey in the spotlight. Her participation in Produce 101, among 101 trainees from 46 entertainment companies, established her as a promising idol trainee with both visual appeal and performance capabilities.

Debut Success with I.O.I

On May 4, 2016, Kim Do-yeon stepped into the spotlight as a member of I.O.I with their debut EP Chrysalis and title track "Dream Girls". The group, formed through Produce 101, marked a groundbreaking chapter in K-pop history as the first successful project group.

Group dynamics

First thing to remember, I.O.I operated with unique flexibility in their promotional structure. Kim Do-yeon participated in the group's special unit activities, performing alongside six other members for their summer release. The unit showcased their versatility through "Whatta Man (Good Man)," a fresh interpretation of Linda Lyndell's classic hit.

The group's chemistry shone through their various promotional activities. Altogether, their synergy peaked with the release of "Very Very Very," a high-energy track composed by JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, featuring an impressive tempo of 206 BPM.

Notable achievements

I.O.I's impact on the K-pop landscape proved substantial through several milestone achievements:

First music show victory as a complete group on Show Champion with "Very Very Very"
Successful three-day concert series "Time Slip – I.O.I" at Jangchung Gymnasium
Final single "Downpour," personally selected and recorded by all members, written by Seventeen's Woozi

The group's influence extended beyond music shows, consequently leading to appearances on prestigious variety programs like Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend and Knowing Bros. Their final group activity took place on January 25, 2017, filming a commercial for school uniform brand Elite.

After I.O.I's disbandment on January 29, 2017, Kim Do-yeon and fellow member Choi Yoojung embarked on their next adventure, filming the reality show Dodaeng's Diary in LA. Their bond remained strong, as evidenced by their participation in the group's 5th anniversary celebration through a special live stream show "Yes, I Love It!" on May 4, 2021.

Transition to Weki Meki

After I.O.I's conclusion, Fantagio Music announced the formation of a new girl group featuring Kim Do-yeon and fellow I.O.I member Choi Yoo-jung. The group, originally known as i-Teen Girls under Fantagio's rookie development program, transformed into Weki Meki with its official announcement on July 6, 2017.

New group formation

Specifically, Kim Do-yeon was introduced as the fifth member of Weki Meki. The group made their debut on August 8, 2017, with their first mini-album "Weme" and the lead single "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend". The debut proved successful, as their EP sold over 47,000 physical copies, marking the highest sales among girl groups that debuted in 2017.

Changed role and responsibilities

Within Weki Meki, Kim Do-yeon took on multiple crucial positions as Lead Dancer, Lead Vocalist, Visual, and Center. Her versatility shone through various comeback concepts, from teen crush to more mature themes. Furthermore, she participated in special collaborations, such as the WJMK unit with Cosmic Girls members in 2018, releasing the single "Strong".

Building team chemistry

The group's bond strengthened through various activities, particularly their reality show "Weki Meki, mohae?" which aired 60 episodes from February to April 2018. At the same time, they continued releasing music consistently, with notable releases including "Picky Picky," "Dazzle Dazzle," and "Cool".

After all, the group's journey lasted until August 8, 2024, when Weki Meki officially disbanded. In a heartfelt interview, Kim expressed, "I have a lot of regrets after the disbandment of Weki Meki. The other members feel the same way. We worked hard together... while it's disappointing, we now need to pursue our own paths". Nevertheless, her connection with the members remains strong, as evidenced by their attendance at her recent movie premiere.

In November 2024, Kim Do-yeon, along with Choi Yoo-jung, renewed their contracts with Fantagio, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their careers. Their decision to stay with the agency that launched their careers demonstrates their trust in Fantagio's management and vision for their future endeavors.

Evolution as a Performer

Throughout her career spanning multiple groups and platforms, Kim Do-yeon's artistic evolution stands as a testament to her dedication and versatility.

Dance style development

Primarily recognized for her graceful movements and technical precision, Kim's dance abilities gained attention since her early performances. Her long limbs and natural fluidity made complex choreographies appear effortless, especially evident in her legendary "Bang Bang" performance. Her dance prowess continued to evolve, as she mastered increasingly challenging routines and developed her signature style.

Vocal progression

Kim's vocal journey showcases steady improvement, beginning with her participation in group performances. Her capabilities expanded remarkably when she took on chorus parts and center positions in various tracks. Additionally, her involvement in Weki Meki's "I AM ME" album demonstrated her growing confidence as a vocalist, where she actively participated in conceptualizing the group's musical direction.

Stage presence growth

The most significant transformation in Kim's performance career emerged through her recent theatrical debut. As the lead in "Anna X," she exhibited exceptional stage control and expressive depth, especially impressive considering the challenges of a two-person cast. Her theatrical performance earned praise from critics who noted her "steady, convincing performance" and ability to maintain the play's intensity.

Kim's statement about her theatrical experience reveals her mature approach to performance: "Although this is my first play, I don't want to rely on 'being new' as an excuse. I will keep working to deliver a performance that audiences can fully immerse themselves in". This mindset reflects her growth from an idol trainee to a multifaceted performer.

Her recent achievements include:

Leading role in the horror comedy film "Idiot Girls and School Ghost Stories: School Anniversary"
Successful completion of an acting course in England, focusing on physical training
Remarkable stage presence in "Anna X," where she discovered a new sense of connection with live audiences

This evolution culminated in her ability to dominate the stage in different performance contexts, from musical performances to theatrical productions. Her experience studying abroad in England further enhanced her performance capabilities, introducing her to new approaches to physical expression and acting techniques.

Breaking into Acting

Making her acting debut in 2018, Kim Do-yeon stepped into the drama world with OCN's sports series "Short" as Yoo Ji-na.

First drama roles

Her early acting career featured strategic appearances in various productions. Accordingly, she made a memorable cameo in JTBC's "Be Melodramatic" as an idol actress, showcasing her ability to draw from personal experience. Rather than rushing into lead roles, she built her portfolio through carefully selected supporting characters, including Gye Seo-woo in "My Roommate Is a Gumiho".

Significantly, 2021 marked a breakthrough year as she portrayed younger versions of established actresses in two major productions: Honey Lee's character in "One the Woman" and Jun Ji-hyun's role in "Jirisan". These challenging roles demonstrated her versatility and earned critical recognition.

Recent projects

Presently, Kim's acting career has reached new heights with her involvement in multiple film projects. Her first leading role in "Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: School Anniversary" sees her portraying Ji-yeon, a broadcasting club president with aspirations of becoming a film director. The director, Kim Min-ha, praised her performance, noting that "Actor Kim Do-yeon is like an archer who calmly pulls a bow, calmly looks at the target, and accurately hits the target".

Her upcoming works include:

"18 Youth" alongside Jeon So-min, where she plays an 18-year-old high school student
"Michelle" and "Crash" as lead characters
Musical debut in "Anna X" as Anna, beginning January 28, 2025

Acting style

Primarily, Kim's approach to acting emphasizes authenticity and emotional connection. "I keep getting inspiration from inside of me. I always want to do something different from others and become curious, so I look for movies and writings to embody my inspiration". Unlike other actors who might struggle with horror scenes, she maintains composure, stating, "I'm not very scared... Rather, I think it was very fun and exciting".

Her dedication to character development shines through her preparation process. "When there was a difficulty in expressing the character, I asked the director unconditionally. I have a lot of thoughts now, but this is such an innocent friend that I needed to find the simple me of the past and reduce the gap". This commitment to growth has undeniably shaped her evolution from an idol-actress to a respected performer in various genres.

Brand Power and Public Image

Standing among K-pop's most influential fashion figures, Kim Do-yeon's brand power extends far beyond her musical achievements. Her distinctive style and commanding presence have attracted prestigious partnerships across beauty and fashion industries.

Major endorsements

Kim's journey as a brand ambassador began with her selection as the face of Maybelline New York, joining an elite roster alongside international models Gigi Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, and Adriana Lima. Her appointment marked a strategic choice by the cosmetics giant, who recognized her appeal to young audiences pursuing their dreams.

The beauty industry's trust in Kim's influence manifested through several major partnerships:

Maybelline New York's Femme Concealer campaign
Bobbi Brown Korea's "The Radiant Power Fair" campaign alongside Lachiza's Shimizu
Lilybyred beauty endorsements
AKIII CLASSIC fashion collaborations
Burberry campaign, notably continuing despite a wrist injury

Fashion influence

Kim's fashion journey reached an early milestone as the sole South Korean celebrity featured in Vogue's "8 Teen Style Stars Set to Rule 2017". This recognition placed her alongside prominent Western celebrities like Millie Bobby Brown and Sasha Obama, cementing her status as a rising fashion icon.

Her influence in the fashion world stems from a unique approach to style. As a regular at fashion events, Kim has earned recognition as a "Beauty Icon" by Vogue Korea. Her appeal lies in a refreshing combination of model-like features and an approachable fashion sense that resonates with young audiences.

In South Korea's entertainment landscape, where celebrities must maintain impeccable public images, Kim has masterfully balanced authenticity with sophistication. Her winter style preferences, favoring coats over long parkas, reflect her thoughtful approach to fashion. "It should be warm and pretty in the winter," she shared in an interview, demonstrating her practical yet stylish philosophy.

Her fashion choices often showcase a distinctly Parisian influence, earning her recognition as "a real little Parisian in the heart of Seoul". This unique positioning has helped her stand out in the competitive K-pop fashion scene, where visual direction plays a crucial role in an idol's success.

Kim's influence extends beyond personal style to impact broader fashion trends. Her ability to experiment with different looks while maintaining authenticity has made her a trusted voice in the industry. "There are a lot of people in me. It's extreme," she once reflected, highlighting the multifaceted nature of her public persona.

Life After Weki Meki

August 2024 marked a pivotal moment as Weki Meki concluded their journey together. Kim Do-yeon, reflecting on this transition, shared, "I have a lot of regrets after the disbandment. The members feel the same way... That's why it's regrettable, but we all have to go on our separate paths now".

Solo career focus

Primarily, Kim's post-group journey led her to London, where she immersed herself in an intensive acting course. This decision stemmed from a long-held dream of living abroad and expanding her horizons. "Studying abroad was a simple decision. I had wanted to study abroad for several years... I wanted to expand myself and have various experiences and adventures".

The London experience proved transformative, essentially reshaping her approach to performance. Through physical training and new methodologies, Kim discovered fresh perspectives on acting. "I learned that there are no answers in acting. I think it opened a lot of doors for me and acting. I learned that there are new paths and that there are various forms".

New opportunities

Meanwhile, Kim's career trajectory has gained momentum through several significant developments. In November 2024, she renewed her exclusive contract with Fantagio, demonstrating her trust in the agency's vision for her future. Her upcoming projects showcase her expanding repertoire:

Musical debut as 'Anna' in "Anna X" (January 2025)
Lead role in "Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: School Anniversary"
Starring role in "18 Youth" alongside Jeon So-min

Mostly, Kim's current focus reflects a deeper appreciation for her craft. "I want to pour all my accumulated energy into acting, and I want to bear the fruits well someday... At the end of that, I want to get a modifier called 'a trusted actor' someday. That's my most earnest, sincere dream".

The transition period has also strengthened her bonds with former members. Namely, fellow member Choi Yoo Jung's support has been particularly meaningful. "Yesterday, my member Choi Yoo Jung told me some encouraging words... Hearing that support shattered my worries. I realized that I'm doing fine now and will continue to do well step by step".

Looking ahead, Kim maintains a grounded perspective on her journey. "I don't want anything big. I hope it's always the same as now. I'm trying not to give up and keep trying to improve... I want to keep this tension with me. I'm trying to keep looking back on myself. Not grandiose, just as it is now".

FAQS

Curious fans often have questions about Kim Do-yeon's personal preferences and public statements. Here are some frequently asked questions about the multifaceted artist:

Q: What sparked controversy about Kim Do-yeon's food preferences? A: In a social media interaction with fans, Kim expressed her dislike for vegan cafes with a direct statement: "A vegan cafe? Ew, I hate those". This comment generated discussion in online communities, primarily focusing on celebrities' rights to express personal opinions.

Q: How did the public react to her vegan cafe comment? A: The response was mixed but generally supportive. Many netizens defended her right to personal preferences, with comments like "Why is it so bad for her to dislike something?" and "That's just her taste". Indeed, the majority viewed it as a matter of personal choice rather than a controversial stance.

Q: Does Kim Do-yeon face restrictions in expressing her opinions? A: Obviously, as a public figure, Kim's statements attract attention. However, fans have actively supported her right to express thoughts openly, with many questioning "Are celebrities not allowed to express their thoughts in public?".

Q: What distinguishes Kim Do-yeon's approach to public communication? A: Certainly, her straightforward communication style sets her apart. She maintains authenticity in expressing preferences while remaining respectful of diverse viewpoints. This balance has helped her maintain a strong connection with fans throughout her career.

Q: How does Kim Do-yeon handle public scrutiny? A: Based on her responses to online discussions, Kim maintains professionalism while staying true to her opinions. The vegan cafe incident demonstrates her ability to weather minor controversies without compromising her authentic self-expression.

This candid approach to public communication has become a defining characteristic of Kim's persona, occasionally generating discussion but ultimately strengthening her connection with fans who appreciate her honesty.