
Dohwa
South KoreaMember of AOA
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
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
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
Known For
My Husband is a Bird Brain
2026 · Lead role
AOA (group)
2012 · Main dancer
Keywords
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?
Is Im Dohwa still a member of AOA?
What is Im Dohwa doing now?
Is Im Dohwa dating anyone?
What is Im Dohwa's age and birthday?
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