D1

D1 (DKB): DKB’s Co-Leader, Main Dancer, and Center

D1 is a co-leader, main dancer, main vocalist, and center of the South Korean boy group DKB under Brave Entertainment. Born Jang Dong-il on February 15, 1998, in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, D1 was the second member revealed when DKB’s lineup was announced in late 2019. If you’ve been wondering what makes D1 such a key part of DKB’s stage presence, here’s everything worth knowing.

Early Life and Path to Debut

D1 originally enrolled at the Korean Academy of Arts but ultimately dropped out to focus on becoming an idol. Coming from Sokcho, a coastal city in Gangwon Province, he grew up with a passion for songwriting, choreography, and soccer — interests that carried directly into his role in DKB today. His childhood dream, fittingly, was to become either an athlete or a magician.

Debut and Leadership Role in DKB

D1 debuted with DKB on February 3, 2020, as part of the group’s first mini album Youth. As one of DKB’s centers and co-leader alongside E-Chan, he’s played a central role in eras like The Dice Is Cast, Rebel, Autumn, and Urban Ride. His combination of strong vocals, sharp dancing, and acrobatic skill has made him one of the group’s most versatile performers.

Personality and Nickname

Fans affectionately call D1 the “Elvan Egg” — a nod to a stone-plate cooked egg that’s firm on the outside but soft in the middle, which D1 himself has said describes his personality well. His motto, “If you don’t walk today, you’ll run tomorrow,” reflects the discipline that’s carried him from a dropped-out art school student to one of DKB’s most reliable leaders on stage.

D1’s Role Today

Since DKB’s 2023 reorganization into an eight-member group following Teo’s departure, D1 has continued as co-leader, guiding the group through the Hip, Urban Ride, and Emotion eras, as well as DKB’s expanding world tour schedule across Asia, North America, and Europe. To learn more about the group he leads, check out the profiles for fellow members E-Chan and GK.