DAHLIA (달리아) is a multi-national, multi-genre quartet under LUDIC COMPANY. The group consists of Choi Sanha, Lei Zhang Wei, Park Ji-Hoon, and Kenji Yang. The group was formerly known as the SM Entertainment quartet trainee project, 'WHITE SWAN'. They debuted with their single, 'Hijo De La Luna', on October 31st of 2019. Their first mini album, 'DAY-LIA', was released in February of 2020. DAHLIA is known for the multi-genre discography, shared center positions, and members with various talents.

Sanha during the 'Same Scent' MV teaser in 2022.

Zheng Wei during the 'DAHLIA REWIND: Reacting to Us' in 2023.

Ji-Hoon performing 'Tiger Inside' in 2020.

Kenji during DAHLIA's first online concert, 'DAHLIA MOON', in 2020.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Origin | Seoul, South Korea

Genres | Pop, Dance Pop, EDM, Classical, Contemporary, and More

Years Active | 2019 - Present

Labels | LUDIC COMPANY

Associated Acts | N/A

Website | dahlia.officiallc.com

PRE-DEBUT: WHITE SWAN

The floral named group was not always DAHLIA. They were known as the rebellious trainee project, WHITE SWAN. At the start, the quartet was not guaranteed a debut. From Sanha and Ji-Hoon to Kenji and Zheng Wei, the four came together to form a group that we would fun in breaking a few minor rules.

Sanha was the first member to join the project, having his mind set on making music with whatever he can. 

Ji-Hoon, who became known as the trainee 'power vocal', was the most wanted for the project and he was very excited to join. Meeting Sanha, the two would sing and make songs all day and night. Sometimes, the staff would have to forcefully cut off their music.

Zhang Wei was a trainee who easily charmed others with his vocals and visuals, smoothly made his way into the project. He was the fourth and final member.

Kenji was already under SM as a songwriter-in-training, he's helped in writing a few of the most popular K-pop songs like NCT U's 'Make A Wish', Red Velvet's 'Queendom', and aespa's 'Black Mamba'. During a late night at SM, he was singing by himself while working on a song when he was 'caught' by a staff member. Kenji was encouraged to join 'WHITE SWAN' and with little hesitation, he did.

CHANGES: FROM WHITE SWAN TO DAHLIA, MAKING A NAME

Although the quartet didn't have an issue while at SM, they were not guaranteed a debut even after they gained attention when they started to make an online presence. 

The group, with Sanha's persistence, left SM and made their way to anyone who would gave them an opportunity, that 'who' being Park Mieru. With their pre-debut popularity online and Kenji's songwriting, they were easily accepted after they were allowed to audition as four.

As they made their way towards debut, WHITE SWAN wasn't a name they saw fit anymore. Deciding on a short name with various meanings, DAHLIA was their first and last choice.

Deciding to keep their debut a secret, but keeping up their online presence, Kenji, Zheng Wei, and Ji-Hoon took to their personal Instagram accounts. Meanwhile, temporarily making their official group account 'TOBLOOM', to play off on the floral name. 

Kenji started going live on YouTube and Instagram often, getting to introduce himself, play music, and putting a face to the name of the multiple songwriting credits.

Ji-Hoon and Zheng Wei covered and danced to various songs together, they were later nicknamed 'Pikachu Energy Duo'. 

Sanha decided to keep to himself until their debut. However, you can often see him in the background of the members' videos. He said he enjoyed watching them do whatever they wanted.

DEBUT: HIJO DE LA LUNA AND DAY-LIA

On October 31st of 2019, DAHLIA debuted with their ethereal single, 'Hijo De La Luna'. It went viral for the classical and slow tempo, making some changes to the common theme in boy groups.

In February of 2020, when their first mini-album 'DAY-LIA' was released, it gave their fans and locals whiplash. It included their debut single, but also included some more up-beat and dance-inducing songs.

DAHLIA made a name for themselves as the multi-genre quartet.

TRIVIA

- 'Hijo De La Luna' was entirely written by Kenji and Ji-Hoon. Zheng Wei and Sanha came up with the tittle.

- DAHLIA, although they talk about it less now, said they enjoyed being at SM. They're nicknamed 'SM's Lost Sons'.

- Zhang Wei was the original leader during their 'WHITE SWAN' era. However, he didn't like being the leader and thought Sanha was better for the position (it helped him get out of his shell too). 

- Ji-Hoon was named one of LUDIC COMPANY's best vocalists shortly after debut.

Learn more about DAHLIA