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    Dohwa

    Dohwa

    South Korea flagSouth Korea
    Celebrity

    Member of AOA

    singer•actor•model

    Also known as: Chanmi, Kim Chan-mi, Im Do-hwa

    Birthday

    June 19, 1996

    Birth Sign

    Gemini

    Birthplace

    Gumi, South Korea

    Age

    30 years old

    About

    Im Do-hwa (Korean: 임도화; born June 19, 1996) is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actress. Born Kim Chan-mi and known for years as Chanmi, she rose to fame as the main dancer and maknae of the girl group AOA. Since the group's activities wound down, she has reinvented herself as a solo entertainer, legally adopting the name Im Do-hwa in honor of her mother.

    As of 2026, Dohwa is building a solo career that spans music, acting, and variety. Her most notable recent project, My Husband is a Bird Brain, topped global streaming charts in June 2026, proving her ability to lead projects on her own. She maintains an active YouTube channel with over 127,000 subscribers and an Instagram presence that keeps her connected to a devoted fanbase that has followed her since her idol days.

    Early Life & Background

    Born in Gumi, a city in North Gyeongsang Province, Dohwa grew up with a passion for performing. She joined FNC Entertainment as a trainee and spent years in the rigorous K-pop training system, honing her vocals and dance skills alongside future AOA members. Her dedication paid off when she debuted as the group's lead dancer and sub-vocalist in 2012.

    As the youngest member, she was known for her energetic stage presence and sharp choreography. Pre-debut, she also participated in various showcases and evaluations that prepared her for the spotlight. The transition from trainee to idol was demanding, but her dance ability became one of her defining traits.

    Career Growth

    Dohwa debuted with AOA in 2012, and the group quickly rose to prominence with hits like "Miniskirt" and "Heart Attack." Her role as main dancer was central to their choreography-heavy performances. After AOA's activities wound down in the early 2020s, she pivoted to solo work, legally changing her name to Im Do-hwa in 2022.

    In 2026, she led the comedic revenge project My Husband is a Bird Brain, which topped global streaming platforms, marking her biggest solo achievement. She has also appeared in variety shows and pursued acting opportunities, demonstrating versatility beyond music.

    Career Timeline

    2012Debuted as Chanmi with AOA under FNC Entertainment.
    2014AOA released 'Miniskirt', which became a breakthrough hit.
    2016AOA's 'Heart Attack' solidified their status as a top girl group.
    2019AOA released their final group projects.
    2022Legally changed her name to Im Do-hwa.
    2024Officially confirmed name change and rebranding as solo artist.
    2026Led 'My Husband is a Bird Brain', which topped global streaming charts.

    Public Image & Style

    Dohwa's public image has evolved from the energetic maknae of AOA to a more independent and versatile entertainer. Her name change to honor her mother was widely praised, highlighting her family values. In her solo work, she often takes on comedic and lighthearted roles, showcasing a playful side that resonates with fans. She maintains a down-to-earth social media presence, regularly interacting with followers and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her projects.

    Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)

    Im Do-hwa commands a steady, global footprint that has grown significantly since her transition from the energetic maknae of AOA to a versatile solo actress and entertainer. Her career trajectory reflects a successful pivot that has maintained public interest across music, film, and digital media platforms worldwide. Despite this sustained visibility, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated her profile as of August 2026 and determined that she does not currently hold a placement in the published rankings, including the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope lists. This status indicates a strong regional presence and dedicated following without reaching the specific threshold for a ranked position on the global scale at this time. While her fanbase remains active and supportive, particularly through her social media channels where she shares behind-the-scenes content and personal updates, there is no officially documented fandom name specifically for Im Do-hwa. As a former member of AOA, her supporters are largely integrated into the collective group fandom known as AOA Blue, rather than operating under a distinct, standalone identity. The community continues to celebrate her milestones, such as her legal name change and her recent marriage, but these moments are celebrated within the broader context of her individual journey rather than through organized, exclusive campaigns unique to her alone.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    Im Do-hwa's stage name Chanmi was chosen to reflect her "beautiful smile," a trait that defined her cheerful demeanor during her early years as an idol. She is famously fond of spicy food and frequently documents her cooking adventures on her YouTube channel. Her pet dog, Monggu, is a regular fixture in her social media posts, adding a warm touch to her online presence. Dohwa holds a special affinity for the number 7 and maintains an impressive sneaker collection totaling over 50 pairs. Additionally, she finds relaxation in watching horror films, a hobby that contrasts with her often lighthearted public persona. Beyond these personal quirks, two major life events have become central to her modern narrative. In June 2025, she held a private wedding ceremony in Seoul that drew significant attention due to the attendance of former AOA members Seolhyun and Ji-min, signaling a heartfelt reunion among the group's original lineup. Earlier, in 2022, she legally changed her name from Kim Chan-mi to Lim Dohwa to honor her mother, marking a definitive shift toward her new chapter as an actress under Dante Ent Management.

    Family & Personal Life

    Dohwa grew up in Gumi with her mother, who has been a major influence in her life. In 2022, she legally changed her surname to Im in honor of her mother, a decision she made to reflect their close bond. She has not publicly shared details about her father or siblings. She currently lives in Seoul, where she maintains a modest apartment close to her family.

    Notable Connections

    Dohwa is most closely associated with her former AOA groupmates, including Jimin, Yuna, and Hyejeong. Her solo project My Husband is a Bird Brain involved a production team and cast, though specific collaborators are not publicly named. She has also worked with FNC Entertainment as her long-time agency.

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    Dohwa has kept her personal life private, and there are no confirmed public relationships as of 2026. She has never been married and has no reported dating history. In interviews, she has emphasized her focus on her career and family, particularly her mother. As of 2026, she appears to be single, with no public partner.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $5 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Im Do-hwa's net worth is estimated at $5 Million as of 2026. This figure aggregates her earnings from her extensive tenure with AOA, which included music sales, concert tours, and various endorsement deals, alongside her current solo endeavors in acting, hosting, and digital content creation. While precise financial records remain private, her YouTube channel is reported to generate between $10,000 and $20,000 annually through advertising revenue alone. Additional income streams are derived from strategic brand partnerships and paid appearances, reflecting her diversified portfolio as an independent entertainer.

    Awards & Accolades

    No awards registered yet. View awards page

    Known For

    My Husband is a Bird Brain

    2026 · Lead role

    AOA (group)

    2012 · Main dancer

    Keywords

    K-popAOAsingerdanceractresssolo artist

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    singer, actor, model
    Born
    June 19, 1996
    Birthplace
    Gumi
    Gender
    Female
    Birth Sign
    Gemini

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    Kim Chan-mi

    Filmography

    2

    Total

    0

    Film

    2

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did Chanmi change her name to Im Dohwa?
    Chanmi legally changed her name to Im Dohwa in 2022, officially reported in January 2024. She adopted the name in honor of her mother, reflecting a deep personal connection and filial devotion.
    Is Im Dohwa still a member of AOA?
    No. Im Dohwa is a former member of AOA. The group's activities have ended, and she has transitioned to a solo career under her new name.
    What is Im Dohwa doing now?
    As of 2026, Im Dohwa is pursuing a solo career. Her most recent notable project is 'My Husband is a Bird Brain', which topped global streaming platforms in June 2026.
    Is Im Dohwa dating anyone?
    There are no confirmed reports of Im Dohwa dating anyone as of 2026. She has maintained a private personal life with no publicly confirmed relationships.
    What is Im Dohwa's age and birthday?
    Im Dohwa was born on June 19, 1996, making her 30 years old as of 2026. Her birth sign is Gemini.

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