Exclusive: Dayoung On Her Music Reaching Desi Fans: “The Fact That Someone In India Can Listen To Music I Made…”
The K-pop idol talked about her growing fanbase in India, navigating fame and negative comments, and her latest collaboration.
Dayoung has firmly established herself as one of Korea’s most popular soloists, with her music consistently winning over listeners. From one release to the next, her songs continue to make waves, and her recent collaboration with Jay Park has taken that buzz even further. In an exclusive interview, we spoke to the singer about her growing fanbase in India, navigating fame and negative comments, and her latest collaboration. Read on for more!
1. You have so many fans in India who love your work! What would it mean to you to perform for your Indian fans, and is a visit to India something we could see happening in the future?
A: “I would absolutely love to go! Even though I haven’t had the chance to meet them in person yet, I’m incredibly grateful, and honestly amazed, that there are fans in India, so far away, who seek out my music, watch my videos, and send me messages of support. One of the most amazing things about making music is realising that my songs can reach someone across languages and distance. The fact that someone all the way in India can listen to music I made in Korea, sing along to it, and seek out my performances still feels incredibly special to me.
DAYOUNG says meeting her Indian fans in person would feel very different from connecting with them online. She especially looks forward to exchanging energy with the audience through singing, dancing, eye contact, and live performances, and believes experiencing their support in person would be unforgettable.
“I would also love to experience India itself, its culture, its music, and the energy of the fans there. I can’t share any specific plans for a visit at the moment, but if I get the opportunity, I would absolutely love to go to India, meet everyone in person, and share my music and performances with you. I really hope there comes a day when I can return all the love you’ve sent me online through a live performance. And when that day comes, I hope everyone will be ready to have an amazing time together!”
2: You’re everywhere on everyone’s feeds right now! But along with all the love, fame can bring harsh opinions that feel overwhelming. How do you protect your peace and handle that noise?
A: “First of all, I’m truly grateful that so many people recognise me and take an interest in my music and what I do. I also think it’s only natural that as more attention comes your way, you hear a wider range of opinions.”
At first, she paid attention to every reaction, but she gradually accepted that she cannot receive positive feedback from everyone. Now, she focuses her energy on what she can control, including making better music, giving better performances, and making the best choices she can.
“I also read a lot of messages from my fans. When someone tells me that my song helped them get through a difficult day, that watching my performance inspired them to take on a new challenge, or that seeing me gave them more confidence, I actually gain so much strength from those words. Whenever I think, “What I do can give someone this kind of energy,” it helps me refocus on what I need to do.”
The K-pop idol says she has been reminding herself that how she sees herself matters more than how others see her. Loving what she does and believing in her path helps her stay less affected by outside noise. Although she still has difficult days, she tries to reconnect with the feeling she had when she first fell in love with music and performing.
“In the end, I think the best answer I can give is not through words, but through my next song and my next performance.”
3. Your collab with Jay Park was amazing and went totally viral! Can we expect more collaborations down the line, and who is at the top of your dream list to work with next?
A: “Absolutely! I think a completely different kind of energy comes out when I work with another artist compared to when I’m making music and preparing a performance on my own. Sometimes, working with another artist naturally brings out expressions, vocal colours, or new moods that I never would have discovered by myself.
That was definitely the case when I worked with Jay Park. When my own colour met his, we were able to create a new kind of atmosphere that I don’t think I could have created on my own, and I also learned so much throughout the process.
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What I especially love about collaborations is that neither artist has to give up their own identity. Instead, when two artists come together while keeping their own unique colours, an entirely new third colour can emerge. That’s why I would love to continue working with all kinds of artists in the future, without limiting myself by genre or nationality.”
First Published: September 24, 2026 5:50 PM
