Dawn (rapper)

In this Korean name, the family name is Kim.

Dawn
Dawn in July 2022
Born	Kim Hyo-jong (1994-06-01) June 1, 1994 (age 30) Hwasun-gun, South Korea
Other names	E'Dawn
Occupations	Rapper singer-songwriter
Musical career
Genres	K-pop hip hop
Instrument	Vocals
Years active	2015–present
Labels	Cube P Nation At Area[1]
Formerly of	Pentagon Triple H United Cube
Korean name
Hangul	김효종
Hanja	金曉鐘
Revised Romanization	Gim Hyo-jong
McCune–Reischauer	Kim Hyochong
Stage name
Hangul	던
Revised Romanization	Deon
McCune–Reischauer	Tŏn

Kim Hyo-jong (born June 1, 1994), known professionally as Dawn (formerly E'Dawn), is a South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter. Dawn is best known as a former rapper and songwriter of the South Korean boy band Pentagon,^[2] releasing nine EPs in both Korean and Japanese before his departure from Cube Entertainment in 2018.^[3] Dawn also participated in the group Triple H alongside (then) bandmate Hui and labelmate Hyuna for the release of two EPs.^[4]

Dawn made his solo debut on November 5, 2019, releasing the single "Money".^[5]

Career

2016–2018: Cube Entertainment, Pentagon, and Triple H

Dawn debuted on July 10, 2016, under the name of E'Dawn, with the group Pentagon under Cube Entertainment as a dancer and rapper. The group was formed through a variety show called Pentagon Maker. Despite E'Dawn being eliminated from the program, he was added to the group's final lineup alongside Yan An and Shinwon.^[6] E'Dawn contributed to the group's debut EP, Pentagon, as a songwriter, writing lyrics for the tracks "Lukewarm" and "Organic Song", as well as contributing music to the latter.^[7] He would continue to write songs and music for the group (including "Runaway" and "Shine") until his departure.^{[8][9][better source needed]}

On April 4, 2017, it was announced that E'Dawn would be debuting in a new group called Triple H alongside bandmate Hui and labelmate Hyuna, and the trio would be starring in a new show called Triple H Fun Agency.^[10] The group made their debut on May 1, 2017, with the EP 199X. E'Dawn once again contributed as songwriter, writing all tracks including the lead single "365 Fresh".^[11][12] The album reached #4 on the Gaon Album Chart and #10 on the Billboard World Albums Chart.^[13][14] The group released a follow-up EP, Retro Futurism, in 2018. E'Dawn contributed to the lyrics and music for the lead single "Retro Future" alongside the other three tracks on the album.

After E'Dawn announced his relationship with Hyuna in August 2018, Cube Entertainment announced he would be absent from Pentagon's upcoming EP, Thumbs Up!, though he would still be credited as songwriter for "Naughty Boy" and "Skateboard".^[15][9] On September 13, it was announced that Cube had terminated E'Dawn's and Hyuna's contracts, citing that they were unable to maintain trust with them.^[16] E'Dawn's departure from Cube and Pentagon was officially confirmed on November 14, 2018.^[17]

2019–2022: P Nation, debut as Dawn and Dawndididawn

On January 23, Psy announced via Instagram that E'Dawn had signed a contract with his new label, P Nation, alongside Hyuna.^[18] On October 18, it was announced that E'Dawn would be redebuting as a soloist under the name "Dawn", with new single "Money" on November 5.^[5]

On April 29, 2020, he was a part of the Old X New (Original Television Soundtrack) album for the 본격연예 한밤 (Late Night E-News) show, with the song "그건 너 (It's You)".^[19]

In September 2020, it was announced that Dawn will make a comeback with his first EP Dawndididawn, which was released on October 9, 2020.^[20][21] The title track "Dawndididawn (던디리던)" featured fellow P Nation artist Jessi.^[22]

On March 3, he was a part of Demian's new song "Love%".^[23]

On September 9, Dawn and Hyuna collaborated to release their duet EP 1+1=1.^[24]

On June 7, 2022, it was announced that Dawn would be attending the J-Rim Super Nova Festival with Hyuna, taking place on July 2–3, 2022.^[25]

On June 8, 2022, Psy, the head of his agency P Nation, released a teaser image announcing Dawn's return on June 16, 2022, with the digital single "Stupid Cool".^[26]

2023–present: At Area and Narcissus

On August 29, 2022, P Nation announced that Dawn would be leaving the company after deciding not to renew his contract.^[27] On January 30, 2023, Dawn had signed a new contract with the hip hop label, At Area.^[1]

On September 15, 2023, Dawn released his EP Narcissus, with two lead singles "Star" and "Heart".^[28]

Personal life

Relationship

On August 2, 2018, Dawn revealed that he has been in a relationship with Hyuna since May 2016.^[29] Their engagement was announced on February 3, 2022.^[30] In November 2022, Hyuna posted on her Instagram account that the couple had separated.^[31]

Military service

On October 12, 2023, Dawn announced that he was fulfilling his military mandatory service as a social service worker.^[32]

Discography

See also: Pentagon discography and Triple H (band) § Discography

Extended plays

Title	Details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR [33]
Dawndididawn	Released: October 9, 2020 Labels: P Nation Formats: Digital download, streaming Track listing "Dawndididawn" (featuring Jessi) "Still" (featuring Crush) "Tantara" "Butterfly" "Ordinary Night"	—	—
Narcissus	Released: September 15, 2023 Labels: At Area Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Star" (featuring 10cm) "Heart" "I Don't" "Fallin'" (featuring pH-1) "Seasons" (featuring Gemini) "Memory" (featuring Kim Sa-wol) "Lullaby" "Abyss"	50	KOR: 2,484[34]
Collaboration
1+1=1 (with Hyuna)	Released: September 9, 2021 Label: P Nation Formats: CD, digital download	13	KOR: 14,824[35]
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Singles

Title	Year	Peak chart positions				Album
		KOR Circle [36]	KOR Hot [37]	SGP [38]	US World [39]
"Money"	2019	—	—	—	11	Non-album singles
"Dawndididawn" (던디리던) (featuring Jessi)	2020	—	—	—	13	Dawndididawn
"Ping Pong" (with Hyuna)	2021	101	45	23	10	1+1=1
"Stupid Cool"	2022	—	—	—	—	Non-album singles
"Dear My Light" (빛이 나는 너에게)	2023	16	—	—	—
"Star"		—	—	—	—	Narcissus
"Heart"		—	—	—	—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

As featured artist

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
		KOR Down. [40]
"Purple" Hyuna feat. Dawn	2017	—	Following
"Party, Feel, Love" Hyuna feat. Dawn	2021	148	I'm Not Cool
"Love%" Demian feat. Dawn		—	A Blue not Blues
"Ride For Me" DeVita feat. Dawn	2023	—	Naughty
"Attention" Gemini feat. Blasé and Dawn		—	Love Sick
"Vanilla Sky" Devine Channel feat. Dawn		—	The Dawn of the Black and Ivory
"I" (아이) Park Bom feat. Dawn		17	Non-album single
"IG" GroovyRoom feat. Jay Park, Vince, Gemini, and Dawn	2024	84	At H1gher

Television soundtracks

Year	Title	Album	Show	Ref.
2020	"그건 너 (It's You)"	Old X New	본격연예 한밤 (Late Night E-News).	[41]
2023	"우리 사라져도 (Even if we disappear)"	My Demon OST Part 4	My Demon	[42]

Composition credits

All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database, unless otherwise noted.^[43]

Title	Year	Artist	Album	Lyricist	Composer	Arranger
"Find Me"	2016	Jinho, Hongseok, Shinwon, Yan An, Dawn	Non-album single
"Wake Up (Intro)"		Pentagon	Pentagon
"Lukewarm" (미지근해)
"Organic Song" (귀 좀 막아줘)
"Lose Yourself" (풀러)			Five Senses
"Stay Crazy" (정신 못 차려도 돼)
"Sunflower" (바라기)	2017	Triple H	199X
"365 Fresh"
"What's Going On?" (꿈이야 생시야)
"Girl Girl Girl"
"Never" (Nation's Sons (국민의 아들))		Produce 101 season 2	35 Boys 5 Concepts
"To Universe" (소중한 약속)		Pentagon	Ceremony
"Nothing"
"Spectacular" (스펙터클 해)
"Purple" (보라색) (with Dawn)		Hyuna	Following
"Like This"		Pentagon	Demo_01
"It's Over"
"One More Night" (오늘까지만)
"Get That Drink" (멋있게랩)
"When I Was in Love" (설렘이라는건)
"Lift Off"		Wooseok, Dawn	Non-album single
"Violet"		Pentagon	Demo_02
"Runaway"
"All Right"
"Pretty Boys"
"Trust Me"	2018	Yuto Adachi, Wooseok, Dawn	Non-album single
"Off-Road"		Pentagon	Positive
"Shine" (빛나리)
"Think About You" (생각해)
"Do It For Fun" (재밌겠다)
"Nothing I Can Do" (보낼 수밖에)
"Let's Go Together" (함께 가자 우리)
"Young & One"		United Cube	One
"Feeling" (느낌)		Triple H	Retro Futurism
"Retro Future"
"Show Me"
"Naughty Boy" (청개구리)		Pentagon	Thumbs Up!
"Skateboard"
"Money"	2019	Dawn	Non-album single
"Money (OnlyOneOf ver.)"	2020	OnlyOneOf	Non-album single
"Dawndididawn" (던디리던) (featuring Jessi)		Dawn	Dawndididawn
"Still" (가마니) (featuring Crush)
"Tantara" (딴따라)
"Butterfly" (호랑나비)
"Ordinary Night" (펑소와 똑같은 밤)
"Deep Dive"	2021	Hyuna & Dawn	1+1=1
"Ping Pong"
"XOXO"
"I Know" (우린 분명 죽을 만큼 사랑했다)
"Love%" (featuring Dawn)		Demian	A Blue Not Blues
"I'm Not Cool"		Hyuna	I'm Not Cool
"Party, Feel, Love" (featuring Dawn)
"Nabillera" (나빌레라)	2022	Hyuna	Nabillera
"Bad Dog"
"Stupid Cool"		Dawn	Non-album single
"Dear My Light" (빛이 나는 너에게)	2023		Non-album single
"Star" (featuring 10cm)			Narcissus
"Heart"
"I Don't"
"Fallin'" (featuring pH-1)
"Seasons" (featuring Gemini)
"Memory" (기억) (featuring Kim Sa-wol)
"Lullaby" (놓고 갈게)
"Abyss"

Filmography

Television series

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2016	Spark	Dexter	Cameo

Television shows

Year	Title	Notes	Ref.
2016	Pentagon Maker	Contestant	[44]
2017	Triple H Fun "Agency"	Variety show about Triple H.	[10]
2023	Alien HoHwiHyo"	Mockumentary starring comedian Lee Jinho, GroovyRoom's Lee Hwi-min, and Dawn.	[45]

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination

Award ceremony	Year	Category	Nominee(s) / Work(s)	Result	Ref.
MAMA Awards	2023	Best Vocal Performance Solo	"Dear My Light"	Nominated	[46]
		Song of the Year		Nominated

References

1. Lee, Hye-mi (January 30, 2023). "던, 그루비룸 레이블 앳 에어리어와 전속계약" [Dawn signs an exclusive contract with Groovy Room Label at Area] (in Korean). TV Report. Retrieved January 31, 2023 – via Naver.
2. "[ET-ENT기획] 2017년이 기다린 아이돌 스타". Naver News. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
3. "[단독] '현아♥' 이던, 펜타곤 나온다…큐브와 전속계약 해지".
4. Kim, Won-gyeom (April 4, 2017). "현아 '뉴 트러블메이커'는 3인조 '트리플 H'…펜타곤 합류". SportsDonga (in Korean). Retrieved November 3, 2019.
5. "현아·던, 11월 5일 동시 솔로 컴백 확정 "각자 신곡으로 활동" [공식입장]". Naver. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
6. Lee, Ho-yeon (October 4, 2016). "[팝업뮤직]'큐브 비밀병기' 펜타곤, 10인조라 더 완전한 데뷔". Herald POP (in Korean). Retrieved October 10, 2016.
7. "Pentagon 'Pentagon' EP".
8. Naver Vibe album credits:
   • "Pentagon'Five Senses' EP".
   • "Pentagon 'Ceremony' EP".
   • "Pentagon 'Demo_02' EP".
   • "Pentagon 'Shine' EP".
9. "네이버 뮤직 :: Thumbs Up! - 펜타곤". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved November 5, 2018.
10. Jeong, An-ji (April 4, 2017). "'트리플H 흥신소' 현아, '트리플H' 전 과정 공개…19일 첫 방송 [공식]". Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved June 23, 2017.
11. "365 FRESH". Melon (in Korean). Retrieved May 18, 2017.
12. Herman, Tamar (May 2, 2017). "HyunA-Fronted Triple H Releases Controversial Suicide-Themed '365 Fresh' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
13. "2017년 18주차 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
14. Herman, Tamar (July 19, 2018). "Triple H Stir up Trouble In 'Retro Future' Music Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved August 15, 2018.
15. "Pentagon Release Frog-Themed 'Naughty Boy' Music Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
16. "큐브 "현아-이던 퇴출, 신뢰 회복 불가능"(공식입장 전문)" (in Korean). Newsen. September 13, 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
17. "큐브 측, "펜타곤 이던과 전속 계약 해지 합의"". sedaily. November 15, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
18. "'싸이와 전속계약' 현아♥이던 "태국서 둘이 휴가중…기분 묘해"". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved November 3, 2019.
19. "던이 재해석한 이장희 '그건 너', 29일 음원으로 공개". 이데일리 (in Korean). April 29, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
20. "DAWN 1st Mini Album '던디리던'". September 29, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2020 – via Twitter.
21. "DAWN 1st Mini Album '던디리던'". September 30, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2020 – via Twitter.
22. Genius English Translations – DAWN (KOR) ft. Jessi - Dawndididawn (English Translation), retrieved November 16, 2020
23. "[bnt화보] 데미안 "어릴 적 관계적 결핍 컸지만 갖은 노력 끝에 얻은 무탈한 삶 소중해"". m.bntnews.hankyung.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 16, 2021. Retrieved March 3, 2021.
24. "현아♥던, 9월 9일 듀엣 컴백…새 앨범 '1+1=1' 로고 모션 공개". Xports News (in Korean). August 31, 2021. Retrieved August 31, 2021.
25. Kim, Won-gyeom (June 7, 2022). "'제이림 슈퍼노바 페스티벌' 현아‧던 참여…'빌보드 1위' 24k골든-DJ 리햅까지 초호화 라인업" [Hyuna and Dawn participated in the 'Jlime Super Nova Festival'... 'Billboard No. 1' 24k Golden - Super luxurious lineup from DJ Rehab] (in Korean). spoTV News. Retrieved June 7, 2022 – via Naver.
26. Yoon, Sang-geun (June 8, 2022). "던, 1년 8개월만 솔로 컴백 확정..피네이션 6월 첫 주자[공식]" [Dawn confirmed solo comeback after 1 year and 8 months... First runner in June of P-Nation [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Retrieved June 8, 2022 – via Naver.
27. Park, Sang-hu (August 29, 2022). "현아·던, 싸이 품 떠난다 '피네이션과 전속계약 만료" [Hyuna and Dawn leave Psy's arms 'exclusive contract with P-Nation expires'] (in Korean). JTBC. Retrieved August 29, 2022 – via Naver.
28. Ahn, Taehyun (September 5, 2023). "던, 15일 새 음반 '나르시스' 발매…5개월만의 컴백" [Dawn releases new album 'Narcissus' on the 15th... Comeback after 5 months] (in Korean). news1. Retrieved September 10, 2023 – via Naver.
29. 현아·펜타곤 이던, 당당한 열애 인정 "2년째 열애중, 속이고 싶지 않아". Sedaily (in Korean). August 3, 2018.
30. Kim Na-young (February 3, 2022). "현아♥던, 결혼 임박…6년 열애 끝 공개 프러포즈 "MARRY ME?" [Hyuna♥Dawn, getting married imminently... Public proposal after 6 years of dating “MARRY ME?”] (in Korean). MK Sports. Retrieved February 3, 2022 – via Naver.
31. Hwang Hye-jin (November 30, 2022). "청혼까지 했는데..현아 던, 6년만 결별 "좋은 동료로 남기로"[종합]" [I even proposed marriage...Hyunah Dawn, after 6 years of separation "I decided to remain as a good colleague" [Comprehensive]] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved November 30, 2022 – via Naver.
32. Jang, Woo-young (October 12, 2023). "던, 오늘(12일) 사회복무요원 대체복무 시작 "아쉬운 마음" [전문]" [Dawn begins alternative service as a social worker today (12th), “I feel regretful” [Full text]] (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved October 12, 2023 – via Naver.
33. Peak Circle Chart Album Chart Ranking:
    • "1+1=1 – Week 37 of 2021 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
    • "Narcissus – Week 38 of 2023 Album Chart". Circle Chart (in Korean). Korea Music Content Industry Association. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
34. "Circle Album Chart – Week 38, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 28, 2023.
35. 2021년 09월 Album Chart [September 2021 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 7, 2021.
36. Peak Circle (formerly Gaon) Digital Chart ranking:
    • "Ping Pong". September 19–25, 2021. Retrieved September 30, 2021.
    • "Dear My Light". May 7–13, 2023. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
37. Peak K-pop Hot 100:
    • "Ping Pong" (in Korean). September 25, 2021. Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved September 21, 2021.
38. "RIAS Top Charts". Archived from the original on September 21, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
39. "World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
    • "Money". Billboard. November 16, 2019.
    • "Dawndididawn". Billboard. October 24, 2020.
40. Peak chart positions on the Circle Download Chart:
    • "Party, Feel, Love": "2021년 05주차 Download Chart" [Download Chart on Week 5, 2021]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
    • "I": "Download Chart: Week 47, 2023". Circle Chart. November 19–25, 2023. Archived from the original on December 3, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
    • "IG": "Download Chart: Week 30, 2024". Circle Chart. July 21–27, 2024. Archived from the original on August 1, 2024. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
41. "던이 재해석한 이장희 '그건 너', 29일 음원으로 공개" (in Korean). April 29, 2020. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
42. Choi, Jeong-ah (December 9, 2023). ‘던 (DAWN)’, SBS 금토드라마 ‘마이 데몬’ OST 가창 ['DAWN', SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'My Demon' OST singing]. sportsworldi.com (in Korean). Retrieved July 20, 2024.
43. "Songs Registered Under DAWN (던) (10012814)". Korea Music Copyright Association (in Korean). Retrieved July 20, 2024.
44. "지니 : 음악, 그리고 설레임" (in Korean). www.genie.co.kr. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
45. "'에이리언 호휘효' 이진호x휘민x던, MC 출격" (in Korean). April 25, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
46. Grein, Paul (October 19, 2023). "Seventeen, Jung Kook, Stray Kids & Jisoo Lead Nominations for 2023 MAMA Awards (Full List)". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 20, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.

External links