Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Kahi

Kahi, born Park Ji-young on December 25, 1980, in , , is a South Korean singer, dancer, actress, and choreographer best known as the former leader and main dancer of the girl group After School from its debut in 2009 until her departure in 2012. She began her entertainment career in the early 2000s as a backup dancer for prominent artists including and , showcasing her exceptional dance skills that later became a hallmark of her performances. Kahi made her solo debut in February 2011 with the single album Come Back, You Bad Person, during her time with After School, and released subsequent works such as the 2013 mini-album Who Are You? featuring the title track "It's Me," which highlighted her vocal and choreographic talents. After leaving After School, she pursued acting roles in musicals like the Korean adaptation of Bonnie & Clyde in 2014, where she portrayed the lead character Bonnie. In her personal life, Kahi married entrepreneur Yang Joon-moo, CEO of Incase Korea, in a private ceremony in Hawaii on March 26, 2016; the couple has two sons, with their first child born in October 2016. Following a period of financial challenges after her group activities, including a five-year relocation to with her family from 2018 to 2023, Kahi returned to in 2023 to focus on and , opening a in 2025 to train aspiring performers. In 2025, she appeared on reality shows such as "The Return of Superman" and served as a special MC on "Couple Palace 2". Her multifaceted career has established her as an influential figure in , particularly for her contributions to training, as seen in her role as a mentor on the 2016 survival show .

Early life

Childhood and family background

Kahi, born Park Ji-young, entered the world on December 25, 1980, in , , as the third of four siblings. From birth, she was raised primarily by her maternal grandparents due to her mother's postpartum herniated disc, which prevented adequate caregiving; this arrangement lasted until Kahi was three years old, fostering an emotional distance from her parents that persisted throughout her early years. In a candid on June 16, 2025, during an episode of the program New Beginnings CBS, Kahi opened up about the severe that defined her childhood, including pervasive domestic within the . She recounted witnessing her authoritarian father violently assaulting her mother, once leaving blood on the bed, and experiencing daily physical beatings herself from both parents and siblings using objects like belts, hangers, hoses, and sticks. Kahi described her home not as a but as a "survival battlefield" or "survival zone," where fear and violence overshadowed any sense of safety, leading her to sometimes sleep at to evade returning. These revelations underscored the neglectful and abusive dynamics that shaped her formative environment. Amid these hardships, Kahi discovered her passion for dancing at age 16, sparked by exposure to music and , which provided an outlet for expression and eventually steered her toward the .

Education and early dance training

Kahi graduated from Sunnae High School in , where she began self-training in by imitating moves from music videos during her high school years. Following her father's wishes, she initially attended a rural college but dropped out shortly after due to a lack of interest in academics, preferring to pursue her passion for instead. She later enrolled at Seokyeong University in 2012 as a , majoring in Theater and , and eventually earned a in the field.

Career

Pre-debut as dancer and S.Blush (2000–2007)

In 2000, at the age of 19, Kahi began her professional career as a backup dancer after auditioning successfully through a connection introduced by a friend. She was selected as the main dancer for DJ Doc's hit single "Run to You," marking her entry into the industry and leading to three years of consistent backup work for prominent artists. Over the following years, Kahi expanded her role, performing as a backup dancer for major acts including , Se7en, and Wheesung, which honed her skills and built her reputation as a seasoned performer. By 2007, she had accumulated over seven years of professional experience, establishing herself as a reliable and influential figure in South Korea's dance scene before transitioning to group activities. In 2005, Kahi joined CJ Music and became a member of the Korean-American S.Blush, where she served as the leader and main dancer. The group, which included members like , prepared for a U.S. market entry, involving relocations between and the for training and promotional efforts focused on international appeal. S.Blush released their debut and only digital single, "It's My Life," in February 2007 as a test for potential U.S. success, but the group never officially debuted in . The track climbed to No. 2 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in May 2007, rising from No. 38 after 10 weeks, highlighting brief international recognition. However, due to investment shortages and lack of a clear activity plan from the agency, the group disbanded later that year with no further releases or promotions.

After School membership and leadership (2008–2012)

In late 2007, following the disbandment of her previous group S.Blush, Kahi joined as a , where she underwent rigorous preparation for her debut. She officially debuted as a member of After School on , 2009, performing the group's "AH!" from their debut New Schoolgirl during their first stage on MBC's Music Core. This marked the start of After School's unique "graduation system," inspired by school enrollment, with Kahi positioned as a key figure in the group's formation and creative direction. Kahi assumed the leadership role in After School shortly after debut in 2009, guiding the members through early challenges including lineup changes, such as the departure of original member later that year. As leader, she managed group dynamics, mentored younger members, and played a central role in developing , leveraging her extensive prior experience as a backup dancer and choreographer from her pre-debut years. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing After School's reputation for powerful, synchronized performances and concept versatility, helping the group transition from rookie status to mainstream success. During her tenure, Kahi participated in After School's subunits, including A.S. Red in 2011, alongside Jungah, , and , where they released the single "In the Night Sky" as part of the dual-unit project with A.S. Blue. Although not a member of —the subunit formed in 2010 with Raina, , and Lizzy—Kahi supported the group's broader activities, including hits like Orange Caramel's "Magic Girl" and "Why," which contributed to After School's diverse musical output. Key main group releases under her leadership included the Because of You (2009), the full-length album Virgin (2011), and the chart-topping single "Bang!" (2011), in which Kahi served as and main dancer, delivering standout performances that highlighted her dynamic stage presence. In February 2011, Kahi made her solo debut with the mini-album Come Back, You Bad Person, releasing the title track during her ongoing activities with After School. In January 2012, announced Kahi's impending graduation from After School to focus on solo endeavors, with her final activities culminating in 2012 during promotions for the single "Flashback" and the encore Playgirlz Tour concert on June 17. This departure was part of the group's amid shifting lineups, allowing newer members to take center stage while Kahi prepared for her individual career under the same agency. Her exit marked the end of an era for After School, but her foundational contributions as leader solidified the group's legacy in second-generation .

Solo debut and Pledis era (2012–2015)

After graduating from After School in June 2012, Kahi focused on her solo career under , leveraging her leadership experience from the group to enhance her individual performances on stage. Her first major solo release following the graduation was the mini-album Who Are You? on October 10, 2013, which included the "It's Me" featuring American rapper . The song blended dreamy synth sounds with funky grooves and elements, showcasing Kahi's versatile dance style and charismatic presence, and it marked her return to music after a hiatus dedicated to acting and variety activities. In parallel with her music endeavors, Kahi made her acting debut in the drama Dream High Season 2 in 2012, portraying the supporting role of Hyun Ji Soo, a talented instructor at High School of Art. This role highlighted her expressive abilities beyond music, drawing on her real-life expertise to bring authenticity to the character's performances. She followed this with a lead role as Shim in the 2013 drama Because We Haven’t Broken Up Yet, a that explored themes of lingering relationships, further establishing her presence in the field during her Pledis tenure. Kahi also actively participated in variety programming to connect with audiences, competing on season 3 of in 2012 where she and her partner secured second place, demonstrating her professional dance prowess in a competitive format. Additionally, she made multiple guest appearances on Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend throughout 2013, delivering reinterpreted covers of classic tracks that emphasized her and stage command. Despite these activities, no full-length album was released during this period, as her efforts centered on mini-releases and multimedia projects. Her time with Pledis concluded in January 2015 when her exclusive contract expired after a decade with the agency, allowing her to pursue independent ventures thereafter. Pledis expressed support for her future endeavors, noting her significant contributions as one of their flagship artists.

Independent activities and challenges (2016–2020)

Following her departure from Pledis Entertainment in early 2015, Kahi signed with Bonboo Entertainment to pursue independent management of her career as a solo artist, dancer, and actress. This transition marked a shift toward greater autonomy, building on her established solo foundation from the Pledis era. During this period, family priorities limited her public activities, but Kahi maintained visibility through selective professional engagements. In 2016, she served as the lead dance trainer for Mnet's survival program Produce 101 season 1, guiding female trainees in choreography and performance skills alongside vocal trainer JeA of Brown Eyed Girls and rap trainer Cheetah. She reprised the role for Produce 101 season 2 in 2017, focusing on male trainees and contributing to the evaluation of their dance routines. These positions highlighted her expertise in choreography, extending her influence to mentoring emerging artists without a full-scale solo comeback. Additionally, she made a notable variety show appearance on MBC's Radio Star in July 2017 (episode 534), joining former idols Lee Hyori, Chae Ri-na, and Narsha for discussions on their careers and personal lives. Kahi later reflected on the challenges of this period in a February 2025 , describing severe financial hardships after leaving After School, including a complete lack of support that left her at "rock bottom." Despite these setbacks, she drew on personal resilience and faith to navigate the instability, eventually establishing a in as part of her recovery. This era underscored the difficulties of transitioning from group prominence to independent sustainability in the entertainment industry.

Recent projects and comebacks (2021–present)

In 2021, Kahi participated in the reality survival show , a tvN program that provided former idols who had taken hiatuses for motherhood with an opportunity to return to performing. The show, which premiered on December 10, 2021, featured Kahi alongside other artists such as of and of Jewelry, culminating in the formation of the temporary project Mamadol (M.M.D). M.M.D debuted with the digital single "WooAh HIP" on January 27, 2022, produced by RBW's and Seo Young-bae, marking Kahi's return to group activities after years of independent work. The group disbanded shortly after on February 4, 2022, following the show's finale. Kahi continued her media presence with a guest appearance on the variety show on March 26, 2022, where she teamed up with and members Mimi and for a special "X-Man" segment, showcasing her skills in a playful challenge format. Throughout 2023 and 2024, she maintained involvement in , contributing to projects and workshops that highlighted her expertise as a veteran performer, though specific collaborations remained low-profile amid her focus on personal endeavors. In 2025, Kahi opened the KISECREW Dance Academy in to train aspiring performers, marking a new chapter in her career focused on and . On August 11, 2025, she released a of After School's hit "BANG!" titled "BANG! (2025 Ver.)" on her personal YouTube channel 가희바이브 KahiVibe, reinterpreting the 2010 track with updated vocals and styling as part of a series revisiting her group's discography. This release followed similar covers of songs like "Because of You" and "AH," shared earlier in August 2025, signaling a nostalgic resurgence in her solo output. She credited recent projects like with aiding her professional rebound, emphasizing a gradual stabilization through selective media engagements. As of November 2025, Kahi operates independently, with ongoing activity hinting at possibilities for future solo releases or dance-focused collaborations.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Kahi met her husband, Yang Joon Moo, a businessman and CEO of Incase , through mutual acquaintances in early 2016, after which they dated for three months before deciding to marry. The couple wed in a private ceremony in on March 26, 2016. On October 3, 2016, Kahi gave birth to their first son, named Noah (Yang No-ah), at a hospital in Seoul's Gangnam district. Their second son, Si On (or Shion), was born on June 16, 2018, also in Seoul, following a challenging pregnancy that required an emergency C-section. In 2019, the family relocated to , , where they lived for five years. They returned to in 2024 and now reside in , where Kahi has balanced her career in entertainment with motherhood, often sharing family moments through public appearances on variety shows and posts featuring supportive family photos. As of 2025, no reports of or separation have surfaced, with the couple marking nearly a decade of marriage.

Health, financial struggles, and public disclosures

Following her departure from After School in 2012, Kahi encountered significant financial hardships, including instability in income and lack of support from her agency, which left her unable to sustain herself adequately during the mid-2010s. These challenges marked what she described as her "lowest point," exacerbating feelings of isolation and mental exhaustion while living in . In a February 2025 interview, she revealed coping with loneliness by getting drunk alone, highlighting the depth of her emotional struggles at the time. Kahi has also publicly linked her adult mental health issues to childhood trauma rooted in domestic abuse within her family. In a June 2025 disclosure, she detailed being physically beaten with belts, hangers, and cords by her father, an authoritarian figure whose failed business led to further family tension, and witnessing her mother's severe abuse, including blood-soaked incidents that forced Kahi to sleep at school to avoid returning home. These experiences left her with persistent feelings of loneliness and a craving for love, influencing her emotional well-being into adulthood. No major physical health issues, such as chronic illnesses, have been reported in her public disclosures. By 2025, Kahi had achieved recovery through , which provided her strength during her period, and by processing her past emotionally, expressing gratitude toward her parents despite the . This personal growth coincided with a career revival, including her return to in 2024 to open a , signaling renewed stability. Her has further contributed to this sense of emotional grounding.

Discography

Extended plays

Kahi transitioned from her role in After School to solo endeavors with the release of her debut , marking a shift toward showcasing her individual artistry in music and performance. Her first solo EP, Come Back, You Bad Person (Korean: 돌아와 나쁜 너), was released on February 14, 2011, by . The four-track project featured the title song "Come Back, You Bad Person," a number that highlighted Kahi's charismatic stage presence and vocal delivery, produced with contributions from Pledis in-house teams. Kahi also participated in the development, drawing from her as a dancer and instructor. The EP received positive attention for its mature concepts and debuted at number 6 on the Gaon Album Chart, establishing her viability as a solo performer. Following a period focused on acting and group activities, Kahi issued her second EP, Who Are You?, on October 10, 2013. This five-track release centered on themes of self-empowerment and identity, with the lead single "It's Me" (featuring ) blending and elements to emphasize confidence and allure. Kahi co-choreographed the title track's performance, incorporating her signature sensual yet powerful dance style. The EP debuted at number 13 on the Gaon Album Chart and sold 2,824 physical copies in its debut month, reflecting sustained interest in her solo work.) In , a titled Who Are You? & Come Back You Bad Person was released by on March 26, peaking at number 201 on the . Kahi has not released additional extended plays since 2013, instead channeling her creative energies into singles, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes production roles, where she continues to influence and artist development in the industry.

Singles

Kahi's singles began with her debut release under , marking her transition from group activities to individual artistry. Her first , "Come Back, You Bad Person," was released on February 14, 2011, as the from her debut mini-album. The track highlighted her signature skills and received attention for its bold visuals. Following her graduation from After School, Kahi's second solo single, "It's Me," arrived on , 2013, as the title track from her second mini-album Who Are You?. This upbeat track emphasized themes of independence and self-empowerment, with lyrics asserting personal identity and allure, complemented by a vibrant featuring dynamic dance breaks. It peaked at number 45 on the Gaon Digital Chart, marking a notable solo release and demonstrating her enduring appeal as a performer.

Collaborations and features

Kahi's early collaborations highlighted her versatility as a vocalist and dancer within the Pledis Entertainment label. In 2008, she provided rap vocals and appeared in the music video for Son Dam Bi's debut single "Bad Boy" from the mini album Mini Album Vol.1, while also serving as the singer's dance instructor, contributing to the track's choreography and performance style. This feature marked one of Kahi's initial guest appearances, showcasing her dynamic stage presence alongside the lead artist. Throughout 2009 and 2010, Kahi continued to lend her talents to other artists' projects. She was featured on One Two's "," delivering backup vocals and participating in the music video, which emphasized her rhythmic delivery and dance skills. Similarly, in 2010, she contributed vocals to Suki's "One Love" from the album The First Experience, where her performance added depth to the track's ensemble arrangement. These features underscored Kahi's role in supporting emerging acts through vocal harmonies and choreographed sequences. In 2011, Kahi participated in the charity project Happy Pledis, collaborating with labelmates including Son Dam Bi and After School members on tracks like "Winter Story." Her contributions included lead vocals and dance elements in the ensemble performances, aimed at raising funds for charitable causes. This release highlighted her ability to blend into group dynamics while maintaining her signature energetic style. Kahi's most recent musical collaboration came in 2021 through the reality show Mama The Idol, where she joined the project girl group Mamadol (M.M.D), consisting of former idols who are mothers. As a key member, Kahi provided harmony vocals and led dance sections in ensemble tracks, including the debut single "WooAh HIP" released on January 27, 2022. Her choreography input and vocal ad-libs were pivotal in the group's high-energy performances, earning praise for revitalizing her career post-motherhood.

Songwriting credits

Kahi's songwriting contributions highlight her multifaceted role in the K-pop industry, extending beyond performance to creative lyricism that often draws from personal experiences and group dynamics. During her tenure as leader of After School, she co-wrote the lyrics for "When I Fall" in 2009 and "With U" in 2010. Her solo endeavors allowed for more intimate expression, as seen in her lyrics for "Slow", "Sinister", and "Hey Boy" from the 2013 EP Who Are You?. She also received credit for "Please Come Back" from her 2011 debut EP. Overall, Kahi's verified songwriting credits span approximately 5-7 tracks across her discography, primarily focused on lyrics rather than composition, with activity tapering off after 2013 as she pursued acting and mentorship roles.

Filmography

Television dramas

Kahi made her acting debut in television with a brief guest appearance in the romantic comedy You're Beautiful in 2009, portraying a member of the fictional idol group Before School in the series premiere episode. This minor role marked her initial foray into scripted television, leveraging her background as a prominent K-pop idol and dancer from After School. In 2012, she took on a more substantial supporting role as Hyun Ji Soo, a strict and talented instructor at Art High School, in the musical drama , appearing across all 16 episodes. The character, known for her charismatic yet competitive personality and frequent clashes with the school's principal (played by ), allowed Kahi to showcase her real-life expertise in while exploring dramatic tensions within the idol training environment. This performance highlighted her transition from performer to actress, building on her idol experience to portray a mentor figure navigating professional rivalries and personal ambitions. Kahi's next role came in 2013 with the web drama Because We Haven't Broken Up Yet, where she starred as Shim , a reserved grappling with the loss of her former lover and struggling to open up emotionally, particularly to her colleague who harbors feelings for her. As the female lead in this six-episode series opposite , she delivered a nuanced portrayal of and , demonstrating growth in dramatic depth beyond her dance-centric persona. Her experiences in variety shows, which honed her on-camera presence, contributed to her increasing comfort in roles. Overall, Kahi's drama work has emphasized supporting and lead characters rooted in emotional complexity, reflecting her evolution from to multifaceted entertainer without pursuing major leading roles in mainstream broadcast series.

Variety and reality shows

Kahi made notable appearances in various variety and reality programs, often leveraging her expertise as a dancer and performer to mentor others or showcase her skills. In 2016, she served as the dance trainer on Mnet's survival show Produce 101, where she guided a group of aspiring female trainees through rigorous choreography sessions, emphasizing discipline and precision despite challenges with some participants' performances. Her role highlighted her no-nonsense approach to training, drawing from her own experiences as a former idol leader, and she later reflected on the emotional connections formed with standout trainees like Chungha and Kim Sohye during reunions. In 2021, Kahi participated as a contestant on tvN's Mama The Idol, a reality competition designed for former female idols who had stepped away from the spotlight due to motherhood. As a leader in the show, she demonstrated her enduring dance prowess through performances and covers, ultimately helping form the project girl group M.M.D (MamadoL) alongside members like Park Jung-ah. The program allowed her to reconnect with her performing roots, revealing vulnerabilities about balancing family life with a comeback, and she expressed gratitude for the support from former After School colleagues. Kahi continued her variety engagements with a guest appearance on JTBC's Knowing Bros in March 2022, alongside M.M.D bandmates Park Jung-ah, Oh My Girl's Mimi, and Seunghee, where the group showcased dance routines and shared humorous anecdotes from their idol careers. The episode emphasized her charismatic personality and leadership, blending lighthearted banter with demonstrations of her signature moves. In 2025, she appeared on interview segments discussing her career trajectory, including financial hardships post-After School and personal growth through motherhood, providing deeper insights into her resilience as an artist. In 2025, Kahi made a on KBS2's Study and Play in episodes 5 and 6, joining with her sons Yang Noah (third grade) and Yang Si-oon to participate in school-themed activities, highlighting family bonding and .

Stage and performances

Musicals

Kahi made her musical theater debut in April 2014 with the Korean adaptation of Bonnie & Clyde, portraying the lead role of Bonnie Parker. Her performance, alongside ZE:A's Hyungsik, was praised for blending her dance prowess with dramatic intensity in the outlaw romance narrative. The production ran successfully in , highlighting her transition from idol to stage actress. Later in November 2014, she starred as Sandra in All Shook Up, a jukebox musical featuring Elvis Presley songs, where she showcased her vocal and dance skills in ensemble numbers. Reviewers noted her energetic presence added vibrancy to the comedic romance plot. In 2015, Kahi appeared in two musicals: as Gabrielle in Cinderella (September), contributing to the fairy tale's magical choreography, and as Sara in Murder Ballad (November), a rock musical where her role involved intense emotional and musical delivery in a noir thriller setting. Kahi returned to the stage in June 2019 for , playing Alaura Kingsley, a in the neo-noir comedy. Her portrayal emphasized sultry vocals and precise movements, earning acclaim for commanding the stage in the jazz-infused production. Throughout her involvement in five musicals from 2014 to 2019, Kahi's stage presence—rooted in her dance background—remained a consistent strength, enabling her to excel in roles requiring both technical precision and emotional intensity.

Concerts and live appearances

Kahi served as the lead performer and main dancer for After School's live concerts and tours from 2009 to 2012, showcasing the group's signature synchronized choreography and high-energy performances across . The group's first major international tour, the Playgirlz Tour, took place in starting in April 2012, featuring sets with hits like "Rip Off," "Super Sexy," and "," where Kahi's dynamic stage presence was central to the production. This tour concluded with an encore at on June 17, 2012, marking Kahi's final appearance with After School before her graduation from the group. Following her departure from After School, Kahi focused on her solo career, promoting her second mini-album Who Are You?, released on October 10, 2013, through music show appearances and events in , highlighting her evolution as a solo artist with powerful vocals and intricate dance routines for the title track "It's ME." In 2021, Kahi debuted as a member of the project Mamadol (M.M.D), formed through the reality show . The group's debut stage aired on Mnet's on January 27, 2022, performing their single "WooAh HIP," and Kahi participated in special live covers during promotional appearances that year. In 2025, Kahi made notable live appearances covering After School's "BANG!" in updated performances at fan events and TV specials, drawing on her foundational role in the original choreography to captivate audiences with refreshed interpretations. These stages, including a full fancam-recorded set at a opening reunion event, underscored her enduring influence in dance.

Awards and nominations

Music awards

Kahi, as the leader of After School from 2009 to 2012, contributed to the group's early recognition in the music industry, including several awards that highlighted their innovative dance performances and rookie status. In 2009, After School received the Rookie of the Month award at the 34th Digital Music Awards for their single "," acknowledging their breakthrough debut as a dynamic . The group continued to earn accolades for their musical achievements, winning the Rookie Award at the 19th in 2010, which celebrated their rapid rise and impact on the scene during their formative years. Additionally, After School was honored with the New Artist of the Year 2009 at the 1st Music Awards in 2010, recognizing their international appeal and successful entry into the Japanese market with songs like "" and "Because of You." Following her departure from After School, Kahi's solo music career, beginning with the 2011 single album Come Back, You Bad Person, did not result in major award wins at prominent ceremonies like the Mnet Asian Music Awards, though her performances were praised for their choreography and stage presence. Her 2013 comeback with Who Are You? and "It's Me" similarly garnered attention but no verified music award victories.

Acting and performance awards

Kahi earned recognition for her acting debut in the 2012 KBS2 drama Dream High 2, where she portrayed a choreography teacher at Kirin Art School, showcasing her real-life dance expertise in a performance-driven role. In 2010, she received the New Star Award at the for her emerging presence in variety and performance segments, highlighting her versatile talents beyond music. Her dance prowess, honed as After School's leader and , was celebrated in the group's innovative stage productions, though specific individual honors for choreography remain tied to group achievements.