AOA's Dohwa Stuns Fans with Surprise June Wedding Announcement: "I've Met Someone I Want to Walk Through Life With"

A Surprise Wedding Announcement That Shocked K-pop Fans

In an unexpected turn of events that has the K-pop world buzzing, former AOA member Dohwa (previously known as Chanmi) made a surprise announcement on May 8, 2025, revealing her plans to marry this June. The news came as a complete shock to fans and industry insiders alike, as there had been no previous dating rumors surrounding the idol-turned-actress.

Dohwa shared the heartfelt news through her personal Instagram account with a touching message to her supporters: "Hello, this is Dohwa. I have some news I would like to share with everyone who has been watching and supporting me until now. I have met someone I want to walk through the future days with, and we will be getting married this coming June."

The announcement immediately began trending across Korean community sites, with fans expressing both surprise and warm congratulations for the 28-year-old star who has been in the entertainment industry since her debut with AOA in 2012. What makes this announcement particularly noteworthy is how Dohwa managed to keep her relationship completely private in an industry where dating news often leaks to the press.

Who Is Dohwa? The Journey from Chanmi to Im Do-hwa

For newer K-pop fans who might be unfamiliar with her story, Dohwa's journey in the entertainment industry spans over a decade. Born Kim Chan-mi on June 19, 1996, in Gumi, South Korea, she debuted as the youngest member (maknae) of AOA in July 2012 under FNC Entertainment.

Her path hasn't been without challenges. Dohwa was raised by her mother along with her two sisters after her parents divorced during her elementary school years. Her mother ran a hair salon, and Dohwa has mentioned in past interviews that she decided to become an idol partly to help with her family's financial situation.

In 2022, she changed her family name from Kim to Im, following her mother's surname. Then in 2023, after appearing on the reality show "Girls Reverse," she announced that she would be using the name Do-hwa for all future activities, marking a new chapter in her career with a focus on acting.

The rebranding seemed to signal a fresh start, as she left FNC Entertainment in May 2024 after her contract expired. By February 2025, she had signed with Dante Entertainment Management to pursue her acting career more seriously. This wedding announcement marks yet another significant milestone in her personal journey.

The Mystery Fiancé: What We Know So Far

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dohwa's announcement is the mystery surrounding her soon-to-be husband. In her announcement, she described him as "a truly kind and wonderful person who has warmly supported me and stood by my side through all my moments."

She added, "I think I will soon be able to slowly introduce them to all of you," suggesting that fans might get to know more about her partner in the near future. The fact that Dohwa managed to maintain a serious relationship without any dating rumors or paparazzi photos surfacing is remarkable in the Korean entertainment industry, where celebrities' private lives are often scrutinized.

Korean online communities have been buzzing with speculation about the identity of her fiancé. Some fans theorize he might be a non-celebrity, which would explain the lack of public sightings. Others wonder if he could be someone from the entertainment industry who has been careful to maintain privacy. Regardless, the overwhelming sentiment across fan communities has been supportive, with many expressing happiness that Dohwa has found someone who supports her career and brings her joy.

AOA's Legacy and Where the Members Are Now

Dohwa's wedding announcement has naturally sparked renewed interest in AOA and what the other former members are doing now. AOA (Ace of Angels) was one of the leading girl groups of the mid-2010s, known for hit songs like "Miniskirt," "Short Hair," "Like a Cat," and "Heart Attack."

The group had a unique concept at debut, promoting simultaneously as a dance group and as a band (AOA Black). Dohwa was part of both the main group and the sub-unit AOA Cream alongside Yuna and Hyejeong, as well as AOA White with Hyejeong and Seolhyun.

Unfortunately, the group has been inactive since 2019 following internal conflicts and member departures. After a bullying scandal involving former leader Jimin in 2020, the group essentially disbanded as members gradually left FNC Entertainment:

- Jimin left the group and retired from the entertainment industry in July 2020
- Yuna's contract expired in January 2021
- Seolhyun left the company in October 2022
- Hyejeong moved to TH Company in March 2023
- Dohwa announced her departure from FNC in May 2024

Despite the group's complicated ending, many fans still hold fond memories of AOA's contributions to K-pop, and Dohwa's wedding news has brought many former fans (known as "Elvis") together in celebration.

Fan Reactions: Surprise and Support

The announcement came as a complete surprise to fans worldwide, with many expressing shock that there hadn't been even a hint of dating news before the wedding announcement. On Korean community sites like TheQoo, Instiz, Nate Pann, and DCInside, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

One popular comment on TheQoo read: "Wow, not even a dating rumor and suddenly marriage? That's how you do it! Congratulations to our maknae!" Another fan wrote: "She deserves all the happiness after everything she's been through. I hope her husband treasures her."

International fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram have been equally supportive. The hashtag #DohwaWedding began trending shortly after her announcement, with fans sharing their favorite memories of her career and sending congratulatory messages.

Even more touching were the reactions from fans who have followed her since her AOA days. One long-time fan commented: "From Chanmi to Dohwa, we've watched her grow up and reinvent herself. Now she's starting a new chapter as a wife. I couldn't be prouder."

The positive reception demonstrates how Dohwa has maintained a supportive fanbase throughout her career transitions from idol to actress, and now as she prepares for married life.

What's Next for Dohwa: Balancing Marriage and Career

As Dohwa prepares for her June wedding, many fans are curious about how marriage will affect her career trajectory. Having signed with Dante Entertainment Management earlier this year to focus on acting, she appears to be committed to continuing her entertainment career after marriage.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how the Korean entertainment industry and public respond to celebrities' marriages. While there was once significant pressure for female idols to delay marriage or keep it secret for fear of losing fans, more idols and actresses are now openly sharing their relationships and marriages with supportive responses.

Dohwa has already demonstrated her versatility by transitioning from idol to actress, appearing in projects like KBS2's "Brain Cooperation," the movie "When Our Love Leaves a Scent," and "Changhon: Night of Salvation." Her acting career seems to be gaining momentum, and many industry observers believe marriage won't hinder her professional growth.

In her announcement, Dohwa mentioned she would be introducing her fiancé to fans soon, suggesting that she plans to maintain an open relationship with her supporters even as she enters this new phase of life. This transparency marks a refreshing approach in an industry that has historically expected female celebrities to be more guarded about their personal lives.

As June approaches, fans will undoubtedly be eager for more details about the wedding and perhaps a glimpse of the man who captured Dohwa's heart. Whatever comes next, it's clear that Dohwa is embracing this new chapter with the same determination and grace that has characterized her career evolution from AOA's maknae Chanmi to actress Im Do-hwa.