‘I couldn’t have survived’: Dami Im on how she got through ‘tumultuous’ times
Dami Im has spoken out after a ‘tumultuous’ time she went through as a pop star, and how her husband helped her through it.
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Pop star Dami Im and her psychologist husband Noah Kim, who are now expecting their second child, have revealed the secrets to their happy marriage.
Who are they?
Dami Im, 36
Profession: Musician
Noah Kim, 41
Profession: Psychologist
Married: 12 years
Children: Harrison, 2, and a baby due mid this year
Noah
How did you meet?
I came to Australia when I was 19 as a student. I wanted to connect with the Korean community for support and to build relationships with others. I met Dami for the first time at the local Korean community church, and she was 13 years old when I first saw her.
What was the first thing you noticed about her?
We were both very young, so I didn’t see her as someone I could date. I had to return to South Korea due to health issues caused by working too many hours. When I came back aged 23, I saw her differently. I noticed her beautiful appearance – not as the young girl I’d known, but as a woman.
When did you know it was love?
At the time, I was very self-conscious about my situation as a cleaner, factory worker and waiter, surviving as an international student. One day, after finishing my factory shift, I picked her up in my old Holden Barina. I hadn’t realised her friends were nearby, but she ran to me with a big smile and hugged me. I worried she might feel ashamed of me in front of her friends, but she was genuinely happy to see me. In that moment, I promised myself to love and support her with all my heart.
What was your standout date?
After her Eurovision success when we decided to visit Uganda with Compassion to meet our sponsored children.
What is the most romantic thing she has done for you?
I was struggling with my studies, and impostor syndrome kicked in, making me want to give up. Then she started writing a song and invited me to sit with her at the piano. She said, “I wrote this song for you; I want you to listen.” As soon as I heard the first verse, I started crying. The song, Superhero, is on her album. Because of it, I found the strength to finish my studies and become a psychologist.
Who puts the bins out?
Me. I take pride in doing it as part of my role as a husband.
What is the secret to a happy relationship?
Cherishing the good memories that have strengthened our bond and brought us together on this journey. It’s easy to let those moments fade with time, but I make an effort to reflect on them and keep them close to my heart.
What do you argue most about?
Since we have our beautiful child, Harrison, most of our arguments are on parenting – different ideas on how to provide support.
What do you find the most annoying about each other?
Well, she leaves almost everything for me to clean, ha.
Who does the most cooking?
We share the cooking equally.
What is the trait you like most about her?
Her genuineness and kindness toward me, her encouragement and calmness, and her professionalism as a musician which I find incredibly sexy.
When were you the most vulnerable in your relationship?
It was probably after Harrison was born. Not knowing what to do made it incredibly challenging for both of us to navigate together.
How has having kids affected you both?
It’s helped us grow and mature together. Raising our child brings so many joyful and happy moments that have strengthened our bond, but it’s also taught us the importance of living for others.
Dami
How did you meet?
At church.
What was the first thing you noticed about him?
His brightly bleached, brassy hair. It was the early 2000s and I thought it looked striking.
When did you first know it was love?
We started dating five years after we’d met. He was working three jobs and he fell really sick one time with the worst fever. I knew then that I wanted to support him and be there for him for the rest of our lives.
What was your most standout date?
Our first trip to India when we went over to meet our sponsored children with the charity Compassion. I started sponsoring my child in India when I was 17 and when we began dating I convinced Noah to do the same. He said one day we should get married and visit them together which we did after I won the X-Factor and became an ambassador for the charity.
What is the most romantic thing he has done for you?
For my first birthday together, I was feeling sick so he came over to drop off some presents as well as a jar of mixture with honey and lemon pieces so I could make tea with it to help soothe my cold. I thought that was so romantic!
What is the toughest thing you’ve had to overcome together?
After my whirlwind Eurovision experience, I was in the process of leaving my management and label and was going through the most tumultuous time. If Noah wasn’t there to support me in every way, I couldn’t have survived.
What is the secret to a happy relationship?
Always putting the other person first and being considerate.
Who puts the bins out?
When he proposed to me, Noah promised that he will always put the bins out and he’s kept his word.
What is the thing you argue most about?
He cares more about what other people think of us whereas I really don’t care sometimes. It’s something we negotiate on.
What do you find the most annoying about him?
Noah always leaves about a quarter of a drink which annoys me.
Who does the most cooking?
Half and half.
What is the trait you like most about him?
He always puts me and the family first.
How has having kids affected you both?
It’s made us work together as a team even more! Seeing him be such an amazing dad has made my love for him grow deeper.
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