DAMI’s Evolution: MINX, Dreamcatcher, and Solo Debut

Photo: DAMI’s Instagram account, @00ld_ami

DAMI’s beginnings in the K-Pop industry looked completely different from her newly launched solo career, which began on October 31. Before growing into her role as the main rapper in Dreamcatcher, she debuted in the cute and bubbly girl group MINX. She evolved from MINX’s endearing youngest member into Dreamcatcher’s cool rapper, and now into a solo artist creating her own songs. 

MINX

Dreamcatcher originated as a separate group 11 years ago using a contrasting concept . On September 22, 2014, the five-member girl group MINX debuted with the single “Why Did You Come To My Home.” The group consisted of JiU, Siyeon, Sua, Yoohyeon, and Dami. Not yet embracing Dreamcatcher’s rock sound, MINX shows their colors with a bubbly mix of EDM, hip-hop, and electro house. With the music video’s saturated colors and the group’s tomboy-like clothing, “Why Did You Come To My Home” takes on a concept far from what their future fans became familiar with.  

MINX had only one comeback in their first EP Love Shake, which remade the 2012 Dal Shabet track of the same name. This 2015 release features standard summer K-Pop fare through a typical bubblegum pop and EDM combination. During her time in MINX, Dami took on the adorable maknae role, one expected to show off plenty of aegyo. This time was cut short when MINX silently took a break that resulted in the group reorganizing. Happyface Entertainment, which rebranded to Dreamcatcher Company in 2019, announced in November 2016 that they would create a new group “with an unexpected music style and genre.”

Dreamcatcher

Dami’s concept shifted alongside Dreamcatcher’s when they made their debut on January 13, 2017. With Dreamcatcher’s addition of Handong and the new maknae Gahyun, Dami shed her previous image. While Dami only showed one short rap verse in their debut track, “Chase Me,” many of her future rap portions would grow into memorable sections. In 2018’s “You and I,” Dami looks tough as she swings around a staff during her part. “I’m a geek, the big paradox,” from Dami’s rap verse in 2020’s “Boca,” also grew into a fan favorite. 

She also contributed to some songs through lyric-writing, composition, and arrangement. She participated in all three areas first with “Scar,” a B-side off Nightmare - Escape THE ERA in 2018. When the Dreamcatcher members received solo tracks in 2022’s [Apocalypse : Save us], Dami also got involved in writing, composing, and arranging “Beauty Full.” This punk rock song, which sounds like it traveled from the 2000s, came with a brighter, playful image. However, Dami’s solo dreams would not continue with DREAMCATCHER COMPANY—in March 2025, Dami did not renew her company contract but wanted to remain part of the group. 

Solo Debut

As an independent artist, DAMI decided to make her solo debut on October 31 with the single “Chequered Flag (feat. YOOHYEON).” DAMI requested Yoohyeon to feature the song after thinking her voice suited its guide vocals.. DAMI participated in a lyric-writing course and a song camp to refine her ideas before this debut. In addition to co-writing and co-composing the song, DAMI worked on the concept and design elements. Her efforts led to a dubstep song about racing towards one’s dreams.* 

DAMI moves towards the chequered flags, which wave in the air during racing events when cars cross the finish line. The hard EDM drop makes this song a surprise. Additionally, this song includes a satisfying contrast with DAMI’s low-toned raps and Yoohyeon’s higher pitched vocals. While “Chequered Flag (feat. YOOHYEON)” does not come with a music video, the song gets adrenaline pumping by its instrumental alone.  

*Note: lyrics from the English captions in the official visualizer video.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan