We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Honestly, taking risks has always been scary for me. But over time, I’ve realized that fear usually means growth is on the other side. I’ve been actively pushing myself—both in my career and my music—to lean into those uncomfortable moments. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken recently was going on tour. I don’t have a huge fan base yet, and I had never really performed on outdoor stages before, so it felt like a leap into the unknown. But despite the nerves, it turned out to be one of the most defining and rewarding experiences of my life. As much as I identify as a songwriter and artist, I discovered that I’m truly a performer at heart. That risk reminded me that playing it safe won’t get you far in this industry. Whether it’s financial, emotional, or creative, taking bold steps is necessary if you want to stand out and grow—not just as an artist, but as a person.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is DAHYUN, and my journey as an artist began as a K-pop trainee for three years. That experience taught me so much about music, performance, and discipline—but it was also the most challenging part of my path so far. Being an artist isn’t easy. There’s no one pushing you, no set deadlines. You have to be the one to stay motivated, set your own goals, and follow through—day after day.

One of the hardest but most rewarding parts of this journey has been discovering my identity. As a trainee, I was constantly being molded to fit someone else’s brand. Now, as an independent artist, I have the freedom to create on my own terms—but that also comes with the responsibility of defining who I truly am. It’s still something I’m learning, growing into every day.

What’s helped me the most is songwriting. For me, writing music is like keeping a diary. Every song I release comes from a real experience, a real feeling—whether it’s joy, heartbreak, confusion, or hope. I write about the highest highs and the lowest lows because I want my listeners to feel seen. I want them to know they’re not alone.

Music has this incredible power to connect people—even complete strangers—through shared emotions. Writing sad songs isn’t just about expressing pain; it’s about healing. It’s about saying, “I’ve been there too, and I’m still here.” I want my music to lift people up—to make them feel joy when they’re happy, and to give them strength when they’re struggling. Because I truly believe that if you keep working on yourself and your dreams, no matter how hard it gets, anything is possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of Boston. It’s a calm and peaceful place to live, but there’s not a whole lot to do. That said, there are definitely some gems worth checking out. I’d recommend visiting museums like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and catching a classical performance at Symphony Hall. You also can’t miss the Red Room—it’s a great spot to see both touring artists and local Boston talent perform live. And if you’re a matcha lover like me, definitely stop by Pavement Coffeehouse—they have the best iced matcha lattes in the city. Maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll catch me there grabbing my daily matcha.

As for Seoul, I’d definitely recommend exploring Seongsu—it’s full of trendy cafes and unique clothing shops. If you’re looking for a fun nightlife scene, Hongdae is always a go-to. For a cozy food experience, check out Mukjeon in Apgujeong. They serve amazing traditional Korean pancakes (jeon) with the perfect makgeolli pairing—it’s such a comforting, authentic vibe. Personally though, my favorite spot in Korea is Seocho, especially because it’s near the beach. My grandparents have a beach house just five minutes away, and some of my favorite memories are sitting by the water at night with my guitar, writing songs. Maybe if you’re lucky during the summer, you’ll find me busking in front of the beach. It’s a different kind of peace—totally healing, I promise.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my team, RE1GN Entertainment, for helping me kickstart my music career in such a meaningful way. Their belief in me and constant support have made it possible for me to keep creating and releasing music consistently. I also have to thank my family—none of this would be possible without them. Their unwavering support has shaped me into the artist and person I am today. Between my team and my family, I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by people who truly believe in my vision and push me to keep going.

Website: https://linktr.ee/c.dhyunlee

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.dhyunlee/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdhyunlee/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@c.dhyunlee

Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@c.dhyunlee?lang=en

Image Credits
ctb Media

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.