1. Overview
Hong Sung-mi (born July 17, 1986), professionally known as Dana, is a prominent South Korean singer, musical actress, and vocal coach. She first gained public attention in 2000 through her appearance in the boy group H.O.T.'s science fiction film Age of Peace. Dana officially debuted as a solo singer in 2001 with her full-length album DANA, followed by Maybe in 2003. After a brief hiatus, she re-debuted in April 2005 as a member of the girl group The Grace, performing and releasing music in both Korean and Japanese. Following the group's indefinite hiatus in 2010, she continued her music career as part of the sub-unit Dana & Sunday in 2011 and later returned as a solo artist in 2016 with the single "Touch You" through SM Station.
Beyond her singing career, Dana has established herself as a versatile actress, making her acting debut in the MBC sitcom Nonstop 3 in 2002 and her musical theater debut as Wendy in Peter Pan. She has since taken on numerous roles in acclaimed musical productions, including Rock of Ages, The Three Musketeers, and Catch Me If You Can. In 2018, she starred in her first reality show, Danalda, which documented her journey through a diet challenge. After 19 years, Dana departed from SM Entertainment in June 2020.
2. Early Life and Education
Hong Sung-mi was born on July 17, 1986, in Seoul, South Korea. She attended Seoul Cheongdam Elementary School and Cheongdam Middle School in Seoul. For her high school education, she studied at Hanam High School. She later pursued higher education at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, where she majored in Chinese language.
3. Career
Dana's career spans over two decades, marked by her diverse activities as a solo singer, a member of a girl group, and an accomplished musical actress.
3.1. Solo Debut and Early Activities (2001-2003)
Prior to her official debut as a solo artist, Dana made her public appearance in 2000 in the 3D film Age of Peace, which featured the popular boyband H.O.T.. She also appeared in Kangta's "Polaris" music video.
Starting her solo career under Lee Soo-man's SM Entertainment label, Dana was quickly dubbed the "next BoA", indicating high expectations for her future in the music industry. In 2001, she released her debut single, "Sesang kkeut kkaji" (세상끝까지Until The End of The WorldKorean), which was a Korean adaptation of "Tell Me No More Lies" by European songwriter Stefan Aberg. This was followed by "Diamond", a pop/dance track that featured Jung Yun-ho (U-Know), who would later become a member of TVXQ.
Her early career also included appearances on various television programs. She gained further recognition through her participation in variety shows such as X-Man and by playing a main role in the MBC sitcom Nonstop 3 in 2002. Dana also appeared in several commercial films (CFs) during this period, including Haitai Confectionery's White Angel in 2001 and 2002, CJ CheilJedang's Petitzel in 2002, Ottogi's 3-minute cooking in 2003, and Sports Today in 2001.
In 2003, Dana released her second album, Maybe (남겨둔 이야기Korean). However, the album did not perform well commercially, leading to her temporary disappearance from the music industry, aside from her participation in SMTown collaboration albums.
3.2. The Grace and Sub-unit Activities (2005-2011)
In 2005, Dana re-debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group The Grace, also known as CSJH The Grace. The group officially debuted in China on April 29, 2005, and in South Korea on May 1, 2005. The Grace actively released and performed music in both Korean and Japanese, producing a total of three studio albums throughout their career. Due to her earlier debut in the Korean music scene, Dana was initially considered the leader of the group, though she later clarified in an interview that each member had distinct roles. For the group's fourth Japanese single, Dana showcased her songwriting talent by composing her solo song, "Sayonara No Mukou Ni" (さよならの向こうにBeyond GoodbyeJapanese).
By 2010, The Grace entered an indefinite hiatus, with members focusing on individual activities. In July 2011, the group returned with a sub-unit composed of Dana and Sunday, known as Dana & Sunday. They released a digital single titled "One More Chance" (나 좀 봐줘Look At MeKorean), followed by "Now You" and the special single "First Americano" later that year.
3.3. Broadcast Appearances
Beyond her musical and acting roles, Dana has made numerous appearances on television, contributing to a variety of shows. In 2003, she served as an MC for iTV's Dana's DMZ (Daily Music Zone). She was a regular cast member on tvN's Opera Star Season 2 in 2012. In 2014, she participated in SBS's reality-documentary show Law of the Jungle in Solomon, alongside figures like Tao of Exo, Lee Gi-kwang of Highlight, and singer Kim Tae-woo.
In 2016, Dana appeared as a contestant on MBC's popular music reality show King of Mask Singer, performing as "Heart Racing Snow Queen" in episodes 41 and 42. That same year, she also made an appearance on MBC's MBC 100-minute Debate and performed at the 2016 DMC Festival with a song titled "Ulleong Ulleong Chejunggye Mabi" (울렁 울렁 체중계 마비Throbbing Throbbing Scale ParalysisKorean).
In December 2018, Dana starred in her first reality show, Danalda, which aired on the Lifetime cable channel. The show documented her personal journey, including a diet challenge she undertook following a breakup and the loss of her close brother. This appearance provided a more personal glimpse into her life outside of her public persona.
On June 24, 2020, it was reported that Dana would be leaving SM Entertainment after a 19-year tenure with the agency. SM Entertainment confirmed her departure, stating that their exclusive contract with Dana had recently concluded and expressed their support for her future endeavors.
4. Musical Theater
Dana has a prolific career in musical theater, having performed in a wide array of productions. She made her musical debut in 2002 as Wendy in Peter Pan.
In 2010, she took on the role of Seo Jang-geum (서장금Korean) in Daejanggeum Season Three (고궁뮤지컬 대장금Royal Palace Musical DaejanggeumKorean). Later that year, she starred as Sherrie Christian in Rock of Ages, performing alongside fellow The Grace member Sunday, Onew of Shinee, and Jay of TRAX. From late 2010 to early 2011, Dana played Constance in The Three Musketeers, a role she reprised from 2013 to 2014. In an interview, she expressed nervousness about a kissing scene with Kyuhyun of Super Junior in the production.
From March to June 2012, Dana was cast as Brenda Strong in the musical Catch Me If You Can, sharing the stage with Kyuhyun, Key of SHINee, and Sunny of Girls' Generation. In September 2013, she starred as the titular character Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde.
Her other notable musical roles include Joy in Robin Hood in early 2015, where she performed alongside Cho Kyu-hyun and Yang Yoseob. From 2015 to 2016, she played Seon in The Great Gatsby Re:Boot (위대한캣츠비 Re:BootKorean). In 2016, she also appeared as Hanjuri in Byeol-i Bichnaneun Bam-e (별이 빛나는 밤에Starry NightKorean).
5. Discography
Dana's discography includes solo albums, singles, and contributions to various compilation albums and soundtracks.
5.1. Solo Albums
| Title | Album details | Sales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dana |
# "Sesang kkeut kkaji" (Until the End of the World) |
>- | Maybe (남겨둔 이야기) |
# "Friend VS Lover" |
>} |
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions (KOR) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Sesang kkeut kkaji" (Until the End of the World) | 2001 | - | Dana |
| "Diamond" | - | ||
| "Maybe" | 2003 | - | Maybe |
| "What is Love?" | - | ||
| "Touch You" | 2016 | 228 | SM Station Season 1 |
Dana has also appeared in several music videos for her solo songs:
- "Sesang kkeut kkaji" (2001)
- "Diamond" (2001)
- "Maybe" (2003)
- "What is Love (Original Ver.)" (2003)
Additionally, she has featured in music videos for other artists, including Bobby Kim's "You Only" (2012), Kim Yu-kyung's "That Person Is" (2012), Monday Kiz's "Cold Coffee" (2012), and Jang Hye-jin's "What My Heart Didn't Know" (2012).
Her contributions to compilation albums include:
| Album | Release Dates |
|---|---|
| Christmas Winter Vacation in SMTown.com - Angel Eyes | December 4, 2001 |
| Summer Vacation in SMTown.com | June 10, 2002 |
| 2002 Winter Vacation in SMTown.com - My Angel My Light | December 6, 2002 |
| 2003 Summer Vacation in SMTown.com | June 18, 2003 |
| 2003 Winter Vacation in SMTown.com | December 8, 2003 |
| 2004 Summer Vacation in SMTown.com | July 2, 2004 |
| 2006 Summer SMTown | June 20, 2006 |
| 2006 Winter SMTown - Snow Dream | December 12, 2006 |
| Billie Jean Look at Me OST | January 24, 2007 |
| Air City OST | May 23, 2007 |
| 2007 Summer SMTown - Fragile | July 5, 2007 |
| 2007 Winter SMTown - Only Love | December 10, 2007 |
| 2011 Winter SMTown - The Warmest Gift | December 13, 2011 |
| Opera Star 2012 Round 1 | February 13, 2012 |
| Opera Star 2012 Round 2 | February 20, 2012 |
| Opera Star 2012 Round 3 | February 27, 2012 |
| SM Best Album 3 | August 10, 2012 |
| To the Beautiful You OST | September 19, 2012 |
| King of Mask Singer: Episode 41 | January 10, 2016 |
| Golden Pouch OST | December 21, 2016 |
5.3. Songwriting and Composition
Dana has also contributed to the music industry as a lyricist and composer.
| Year | Song | Album | Artist | Label | Lyrics | Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Sayonara No Mukou Ni | Juicy Love | Dana | Rhythm Zone | No | Yes |
| 2013 | No More | Pink Tape | f(x) | SM Entertainment | Yes | No |
6. Filmography
Dana has appeared in both films and television series, showcasing her acting versatility.
6.1. Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Age of Peace | Dana | 3D Movie |
| 2015 | Sunshine (설지) | Sulji |
6.2. Television Series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Nonstop 3 | Dana | Sitcom |
| 2011 | Bravo, My Love! (애정만만세) | Byun Dong-woo's blind date | Sitcom, cameo |
| 2012 | Drama Special Series: Amore Mio (아모레미오) | Mi-rae | Special Drama |
| 2016 | Sparkling Little Star (반짝반짝 작은 별) | Multicultural special drama | |
| 2016 | Golden Pouch (황금주머니) | Geum Doo-na | Daily Drama |
7. Awards and Accolades
Dana has received several awards and nominations throughout her career, recognizing her contributions to the entertainment industry.
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Newcomer Award | - | Won |
| 2001 | Best New Female Artist | "Until the end of the World" | Nominated |
| 2003 | Minister Contribution Award | - | Won |
| 2003 | Annual Korean Artist Award | - | Won |
The Newcomer Award was presented by the Entertainment Information Newspaper, while the Minister Contribution Award was given by the Chinese Ministry of Culture. The Annual Korean Artist Award was presented at the MTV Style Awards.
8. Personal Life
On May 4, 2016, during an appearance on MBC's Radio Star, Dana publicly revealed that she had been in a relationship for three years. It was later disclosed that her boyfriend was Lee Ho-jae, a film and music video director. However, on November 6, 2018, SM Entertainment announced that Dana and Lee Ho-jae had ended their relationship.
In December 2018, Dana starred in her first reality show, Danalda, which aired on the Lifetime cable channel. The show provided a candid look into her life, including her diet challenge, which she embarked on after her breakup and the passing of her close brother.
9. Legacy and Impact
Dana's career has left a notable mark on the Korean music and entertainment industry. Her early positioning as the "next BoA" by SM Entertainment highlighted the high expectations placed upon her as a solo artist and underscored her potential to become a leading figure in K-pop. While her solo albums achieved moderate success, her transition into the highly successful girl group The Grace showcased her versatility and ability to thrive in different musical environments.
Her extensive work in musical theater, beginning with Peter Pan in 2002 and continuing with numerous major productions such as Rock of Ages and The Three Musketeers, established her as a respected musical actress. This transition demonstrated her adaptability and commitment to diverse artistic expressions, allowing her to maintain a prominent presence in the entertainment scene even as K-pop trends evolved. Dana's long tenure with SM Entertainment for 19 years also speaks to her enduring career and influence within one of South Korea's largest entertainment agencies.