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Ah Young
Ah Young
from Wikipedia

Cho Ah-young (Korean조자영; born May 26, 1991), better known by her stage name Ah Young (아영), is a South Korean singer and actress, as well known as a member of the South Korean girl group Dal Shabet.

Key Information

Early life

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Ah Young was born on May 26, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea. She attended Dongduk Women's University and majored in entertainment.

Career

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2011–2012: Career beginnings

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Ah Young made her official debut through the release of Supa Dupa Diva with Dal Shabet on January 3, 2011.[1]

On February 28, 2011, Ah Young made a cameo, with Dal Shabet, in the hit KBS drama Dream High, as a student of Kirin High School.[2] Ah Young and Dal Shabet later appeared in the movie Wonderful Radio as the fictional girl group 'Corby Girls'.[3]

Ah Young also participated in Dal Shabet's reality shows Sweet Sweet Story and Cool Friends, as well as their YouTube series Shabet on Air.

2013–present: Acting roles

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It was announced on January 9, 2013, that Ah Young would be making her first solo drama appearance in KBS' Ad Genius Lee Tae-baek.[4] She played Gong Sun-hye, a secretary for the advertisement firm 'GRC'. Her character received media spotlight for her eccentric personality, as well as her unique sense of fashion.[5]

Ah Young was revealed to have joined the cast of the SBS historical drama Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love on March 14, 2013.[6] She played the recurring character Princess Myeongan, who is known for displaying a cute sense of humor throughout the palace.

On May 22, 2013, Ah Young was added to the cast of the movie No Breathing. She played the character Se-Mi, a high school student who dreamed of becoming a famous singer.[7] No Breathing marks Ah Young's first solo appearance in a big-screen film.

On September 9, 2013, Ah Young was confirmed to be joining the cast of the movie 58 – The Year of the Dog as the character Geum Hong.[8][unreliable source?] The movie was released in 2014.

In November 2013, Ah Young landed her first leading role in Naver TV's web drama Someday, playing the character Lee Ji-eun.[9][unreliable source?]

It was revealed on June 13, 2014, that Ah Young had been cast in the MBC drama Diary of a Night Watchman as the recurring character Hong Cho-hee.[10]

In November 2014, Ah Young was cast in a lead role in MBC's drama Love Frequency 37.2, playing the character Jung Sun-hee.[11][unreliable source?]

In October 2016, Ah Young was cast in a support role in SBS's drama Our Gap-soon, playing the Gap-dol's colleague Kim Young-ran.[12][13][14][15]

In December 2017, Ahyoung joined SidusHQ after her contract with Happy Face Entertainment ended.[16] With a change of label, her future activities with Dal Shabet remains in discussion.[17]

Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role Other notes
2012 Wonderful Radio Corby Girls (with Dal Shabet) Supporting role
2013 No Breathing Se-mi Supporting role
2014 58 The Year of the Dog Geum Hong Main role

Television series

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Year Title Role Other notes
2011 Dream High Kirin Student Cameo, ep. 16
2013 Ad Genius Lee Tae-baek Gong Sun-hye
Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love Princess Myeongan
Someday Lee Ji-eun
2014 12 Years Promise Park Moo-hee
Diary of a Night Watchman Hong Cho-hee
Love Frequency 37.2 Jung Sun-hee
2016–2017 Our Gap-soon Kim Young-ran
2018 Through the Waves[18] Oh Bok-shil KBS TV Novel
2019 Best Chicken Moon So-dam

Discography

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Original soundtrack

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Year Song Album
2013 "Your Meaning" Someday OST

Collaborations

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Year Song Other performer(s)
2013 "Kuulkuk" DIS BOYZ

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cho Ja-young (Korean: 조자영; born May 26, 1991), known professionally as Ah Young (아영), is a South Korean singer, dancer, and actress. She is best known as the vocalist and visual of the Dal Shabet, debuting on January 4, 2011, with the single "Supa Dupa Diva" under Happy Face Entertainment. Ah Young transitioned into acting in 2013, making her drama debut in the KBS2 series as Gong Seon-hye. Following Dal Shabet's hiatus in 2019, Ah Young continued her career as a solo artist and actress, appearing in supporting roles in notable works such as the film (2013), where she played Se-mi, and the tvN drama (2021) as a national team coach. She also starred in main roles in dramas like Fall in Mulberry (2019) and the film Workplace Picnic Goal (2022). In July 2024, Ah Young signed an exclusive contract with TotalSet to expand her activities as a versatile entertainer, following previous affiliations with SidusHQ and iAA Entertainment. In August 2025, she reunited with Dal Shabet members Serri, Woohee, and Subin for a special performance at the CassCool Festival, marking the group's first stage together in several years.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Cho Ah-young, known professionally as Ah Young, was born on May 26, 1991, in , . As the younger sibling in her family, she has an older brother born in 1987. Her father is Catholic, with the baptismal name John, though further details about her parents' professions remain private. Growing up in , Ah Young developed early interests in performance-related activities, including dancing and watching movies. She also pursued a unique hobby of studying Greek and , reflecting a curiosity for classical narratives alongside her artistic inclinations. These pursuits highlighted her creative side during her pre-fame years, though specific family dynamics regarding encouragement for such interests are not publicly detailed. During high school, she performed in the musical in 2008, gaining early experience in musical theater. Prior to her entertainment debut, Ah Young attended high school alongside future Dal Shabet member Jiyul, fostering early connections within the local scene. She briefly worked as a model for about a year and participated in fashion shows, gaining initial exposure to public performance environments in .

Academic pursuits

Ah Young attended high school in . She enrolled at , majoring in Broadcasting Entertainment within the College of Performing Arts. The department's curriculum combined theoretical courses in media and content creation with intensive practical training in acting, broadcasting, and stage performance, equipping her with essential skills for a in . This academic focus directly influenced her development as a vocalist and performer, providing structured training and opportunities to hone stage presence that proved vital leading into her professional debut. While pursuing her studies, Ah Young balanced coursework with the demands of her emerging music career, ultimately earning her and applying her learned expertise to group activities and solo endeavors.

Career

2011–2012: Dal Shabet debut and early ventures

In early 2010, Ah Young was recruited by Happy Face Entertainment through a university audition alongside fellow members Serri and Jiyul, marking her entry into the K-pop industry. She was positioned as the lead rapper, vocalist, and visual of the six-member girl group Dal Shabet, roles that highlighted her rapping skills, vocal range, and striking appearance in promotional materials. Dal Shabet debuted on January 4, 2011, with their first mini-album Supa Dupa Diva, featuring the title track of the same name, a high-energy song produced by E-Tribe. Ah Young contributed prominent rap verses in the track, delivering lines such as "Ajjilhaji nan jeongmal meotjin girl," which added a confident edge to the group's performance during their debut stage on on January 6. As the visual, she was frequently showcased in the music video and teaser images, emphasizing the group's glamorous "diva" concept. Following their debut, Dal Shabet continued promotions with their second mini-album Pink Rocket on April 14, 2011, and third mini-album Bling Bling on August 11, 2011, both of which featured Ah Young's rap sections and helped build the group's fanbase through vibrant choreography and music show appearances. The group also participated in reality programs, including Sweet Sweet Story on KukiTV and Cool Friends on SBS MTV in 2011, where Ah Young engaged in lighthearted challenges and behind-the-scenes content that showcased her personality and group dynamics. Ah Young's initial acting ventures began in 2011 with a as a Kirin High School student alongside in the final episode of the KBS2 drama . In 2012, the group collectively portrayed the fictional idol group Corby Girls in the film , providing Ah Young with her first on-screen role in a feature movie. Dal Shabet's rookie success culminated in several awards that year, including the Best Rookie award at the 2011 Bugs Music Awards and the Popularity Award at the 19th Republic of Korea Entertainment News Awards, where Ah Young's energetic rap performances and visual appeal were key to the group's dynamic stage presence.

2013–2017: Acting expansion and peak group promotions

In 2013, Ah Young expanded her career into with supporting roles in several high-profile television dramas, marking her transition from idol singer to multifaceted entertainer. She portrayed Gong Sun-hye, a character involved in the world, in the KBS2 series , which aired from January to March and focused on the competitive industry. Later that year, she took on the role of Myeongan, the younger sister of the male lead, in the SBS historical drama Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love, a 24-episode series centered on the life of Joseon-era concubine Jang Ok-jung. Ah Young also led the Naver TV web series Strange Day (also known as An Unfamiliar Day), a three-episode fantasy drama about a time-traveling to 1928 , where she played the female protagonist navigating historical events. Her film debut came with the supporting role of Se-mi, a aspiring singer and friend to the lead character, in the sports drama , released in October 2013 and depicting competitive swimming rivalries. The following year, Ah Young continued building her acting portfolio while maintaining active promotions with . In the MBC drama (also known as Night Watchman's Journal), which aired from July to September 2014, she played Hong Cho-hee, a supportive figure in a narrative involving royal guards combating threats. She achieved her first lead role as Jung Sun-hee, a radio DJ entangled in romantic mishaps, in the JTBC Love Frequency 37.2, a six-episode that premiered in November 2014. On the film front, she portrayed Geum Hong, the lover of poet , in the biographical drama 58: The Year of the Dog, released in 2014 and exploring the life of the famous Korean poet during Japanese colonial rule. Concurrently, reached a promotional peak with the release of their seventh mini album B.B.B in January 2014, featuring the title track "B.B.B (Big Baby Baby)," a hit where Ah Young delivered prominent lead vocals alongside her rap duties, contributing to the group's energetic stage performances across music shows. From 2015 to 2017, Ah Young's acting endeavors gained further momentum alongside 's sustained group activities under Happy Face Entertainment. She supported the SBS weekend drama Our Gap-soon, which ran from January 2016 to September 2017, by playing Kim Young-ran, a character in the slice-of-life story of a woman reclaiming her dreams after 18 years. During this period, promoted their eighth mini album Joker in April 2015, with the title track showcasing the group's mature concept through playful yet seductive , where Ah Young highlighted her vocal range in key sections. The group's efforts maintained visibility through music broadcasts and fan events, building on earlier successes like the 2012 mini album Hit U. In late 2017, specifically on December 14, Happy Face Entertainment announced that Ah Young, along with members Serri and Subin, would not renew their contracts, concluding her tenure with the agency after years of dual career pursuits.

2018–2023: Solo acting focus during group hiatus

In December 2017, Ah Young signed an exclusive contract with SidusHQ to prioritize her acting career while remaining a member of . This transition aligned with her growing interest in drama roles, allowing her to pursue independent projects as the group's promotions diminished. Her debut under the agency was the lead role of Oh Bok-shil in the KBS2 daily drama Through the Waves (2018), where she depicted a determined young woman navigating family separation and personal growth in post-Korean War Korea. Ah Young built on this momentum with a series of supporting roles that showcased her range across genres. In Best Chicken (MBN, 2019), she portrayed Moon So-dam, the ambitious ex-girlfriend of a chef navigating the competitive food industry. In 2019, she starred in the lead role of Han Seung-ah in the Olleh TV web drama Fall in Mulberry. The following year, she appeared as the younger version of the matriarch Lee Jin-sook in tvN's family-centric series My Unfamiliar Family (2020), highlighting themes of hidden secrets and reconciliation within a long-married couple. In 2021, she played a national youth team coach in SBS's sports drama Racket Boys, supporting the narrative of rural teenagers pursuing badminton excellence and personal development. In 2022, she starred in the main role in the film Workplace Picnic Goal. These performances emphasized her ability to embody multifaceted supporting characters, from romantic interests to authoritative figures. Meanwhile, entered an indefinite hiatus around 2019 after several members' contracts with Happy Face Entertainment expired, shifting focus to solo endeavors with no full-group music releases, though members occasionally reunited for events. Ah Young's agency affiliations evolved during this time; following her stint with SidusHQ through early 2021, she signed briefly with iAA Entertainment, where she concentrated on auditioning for varied supporting roles to sustain her acting trajectory. This period underscored her resilience in transitioning from idol group dynamics to individual acting pursuits amid industry changes.

2024–present: Agency transition and reunion activities

In July 2024, Ah Young signed an exclusive contract with the entertainment agency TotalSet, marking a shift to prioritize her endeavors following years focused on solo projects. TotalSet highlighted her "charming visuals, impressive skills, and abundant talent" in their official statement announcing the partnership. Throughout 2025, Ah Young's acting activities remained selective under her new agency, though no lead roles were reported during this period. Dal Shabet, on hiatus since 2019 after their final group promotions, saw renewed interest in early 2025 when leader Serri posted on in , reflecting on the group's 14th debut anniversary and teasing the possibility of a full reunion amid shared photos with members Subin, Woohee, and Ah Young. This sparked fan speculation and set the stage for official developments. In August 2025, the group announced a partial reunion, with Serri, Ah Young, Woohee, and Subin performing together for the first time in seven years at the CassCool Festival on August 23 at Seoul Land in . The setlist featured like "Supa Dupa Diva" and "Joker," delivering a high-energy that celebrated their second-generation legacy and evoked strong audience responses. Post-reunion, Ah Young has emphasized sustaining her acting trajectory, with her Instagram account (@a_young91) actively documenting ongoing pursuits in both music and performance as of November 2025, including behind-the-scenes glimpses and fan interactions. No major solo music releases have been announced, aligning with her agency's focus on versatile entertainment opportunities.

Filmography

Films

Ah Young's entry into cinema occurred through a group cameo in the 2012 romantic comedy , directed by Lee Han, where she appeared alongside her bandmates as the fictional idol group Cobi Girls (also spelled Corby Girls). This brief role served as an introduction to film for the group, appearing in a story about a former pop star turned radio DJ, and highlighted the intersection of idols with mainstream cinema. She received her first solo film credit in 2013's sports drama , portraying Se-mi, the supportive friend of the female protagonist (played by Girls' Generation's Yuri) who harbors dreams of becoming a professional singer amid the competitive world depicted in the film. Directed by Jo Yong-sun, the movie explores themes of rivalry and perseverance in youth athletics, marking Ah Young's initial step into individual acting roles shortly after her group's debut. In 2014, Ah Young took on a more dramatic part in the historical film 58: The Year of the Dog (also known as Dilkusha), directed by , where she played Geum Hong, the lover of the renowned modernist poet during the turbulent 1958 period in Korea. She described feeling a strong sense of responsibility toward the character, emphasizing the role's emotional depth in portraying a figure tied to literary history. Ah Young made a cameo appearance in the 2015 comedy Three Summer Nights. She had a bit part in the 2016 film Kim's Dilcusha: Life Goes On. In 2022, she starred in the main role in the Workplace Picnic Goal. As of November 2025, she is set to appear in a supporting role as Hye-jin in the upcoming The Other Side.

Television and web series

Ah Young began her acting career in television with minor cameo appearances shortly after her debut with . In 2011, she appeared as a Kirin High School student in the KBS2 drama , marking her first on-screen role alongside her group members. This brief guest spot in episode 16 highlighted her early entry into the industry while balancing idol activities. By 2013, Ah Young transitioned to supporting roles in major broadcasts, showcasing her versatility in ensemble casts. She portrayed Gong Sun-hye (also spelled Kong Sun Hye), a bookkeeper and secretary at an advertising firm, in the SBS series , her first credited drama role that allowed her to explore comedic elements. Later that year, she played Princess Myeongan (also spelled Princess Myung An) in the historical drama Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love on SBS, a period piece that demanded nuanced emotional delivery in a competitive royal setting. These appearances demonstrated her growing presence in mainstream television, with roles that supported larger narratives while gaining her recognition beyond music. Ah Young's career advanced to lead and notable supporting parts in the mid-2010s, reflecting increased complexity in her character portrayals. In the 2013 web drama Someday (also known as An Unfamiliar Day or Strange Day) on Cast, she took her first leading role as Lee Ji-eun, a modern woman encountering a time-traveler from the past, blending romance and fantasy in a short-form series. This was followed by her performance as Hong Cho-hee in the 2014 MBC historical (also known as Night Watchman's Journal), where she depicted a resilient palace maid amid supernatural intrigue. That same year, she played Park Moo-hee, Moo-chul's younger sister, in the JTBC drama Wild Chives and Soy Bean Soup: 12 Years Reunion (supporting role). She led as Jung Sun-hee in the OCN Love Frequency 37.2 MHz, playing a radio DJ navigating love and career challenges, which earned praise for her natural chemistry and timing. By 2016–2017, she embodied Kim Young-ran in the SBS family drama Our Gap-soon, a multifaceted character dealing with personal growth and relationships, solidifying her reputation for heartfelt supporting leads. In later years, Ah Young's television roles emphasized mature, layered characters across diverse genres. She starred as Oh Bok-shil in the 2018 KBS2 daily drama Through the Waves (also known as TV Novel: Waves, Waves), portraying a determined woman facing life's hardships in a coastal setting. In 2019, she appeared as Moon So-dam in the MBC sitcom Best Chicken, bringing humor to a quirky family business story. That year, she also starred in the main role as Han Seung-ah in the drama Fall in Mulberry. Her role as young Lee Jin-sook in the 2020 tvN family ensemble My Unfamiliar Family explored generational dynamics and self-discovery, contributing to the series' critical acclaim. In 2021, she guest-starred as national youth team coach Cho A-yeong in multiple episodes of the SBS sports drama Racket Boys, adding inspirational depth to the coming-of-age narrative. In 2022, she appeared as Joo Soo-jeong in the tvN special O'PENing: XX+XY. Over more than 15 projects spanning 2011 to 2022, her roles evolved from peripheral cameos to central figures with intricate emotional journeys, underscoring her adaptation to serialized television and web narratives.

Discography

Dal Shabet contributions

Ah Young joined as a core member at the group's debut, contributing her skills as sub-vocalist and visual to their musical output from 2011 onward. She debuted on January 4, 2011, with the group's first mini-album Supa Dupa Diva, where she delivered distinctive vocal lines in the title track, adding to the upbeat sound. Throughout Dal Shabet's active years, Ah Young participated in ten mini-albums and one full-length album, showcasing her vocal talents across a range of concepts from cute to mature. Key releases included the mini-albums Pink Rocket (2011), Bling Bling (2011), Hit U (2012), Have, Don't Have (2012), Be Ambitious (2013), B.B.B (2014), Joker is Alive (2015), Naturalness (2016), and Fri. Sat. Sun. (2016), as well as the full album (2012). In these works, her vocal sections often provided contrast to the melodic choruses, helping define the group's versatile style. Signature tracks highlighted Ah Young's vocal contributions, particularly in "B.B.B (Big Baby Baby)" from the 2014 mini-album of the same name, where her lines infused a playful yet confident edge, and "Joker" from the 2015 mini-album, blending harmonious lines to amplify the song's quirky pop-rock vibe. Her role as sub-vocalist was evident in live performances on music shows like M Countdown, where she anchored dynamic stages for debut tracks and comebacks, including energetic renditions of "Supa Dupa Diva" and "Bling Bling" that emphasized synchronized choreography and her charismatic presence. As the group's visual, Ah Young's styling choices—often featuring bold, feminine outfits—enhanced promotional visuals and stage aesthetics, contributing to Dal Shabet's image of approachable yet alluring performers. In group dynamics, her sub-vocalist position allowed her to bridge vocal elements, fostering balanced set pieces during promotions. Following the group's hiatus, Ah Young reunited with members Serri, Subin, and Woohee for a special performance at the 2025 CassCool Festival on August 23, where they delivered a setlist of including "Supa Dupa Diva" and "Joker," reigniting fan interest in their shared musical legacy.

Solo and collaborative works

Ah Young's musical output outside of Dal Shabet has been limited to select original soundtrack singles and collaborations, reflecting her multifaceted career that increasingly prioritized from 2018 onward. Her debut solo vocal release came in 2013 with the OST single "Your Meaning" for the web drama Someday, a cover of Sanulrim's classic where she provided featured vocals alongside Just and tied the track to her acting role as Lee Ji-eun. That same year, she ventured into hip-hop with a feature on DIS BOYZ's "Kuulkuk" from their Frick My Shit Part.01 project, delivering verses that highlighted her rhythmic versatility in a genre-blending track. In 2018, Ah Young contributed to the OST for the Wave, Wave with "Baramgaebi" (Part 3) and "Meotjjaengi Agassi Kungjjak" (Part 5). Ah Young has not released any full-length solo albums, instead contributing sporadically through performances that occasionally showcased her singing abilities. Since the group's hiatus, her focus has shifted to , with no new solo musical projects announced as of November 2025.

References

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