Shinsegae Heiress Annie Debuts With Allday Project Group

In a surprising turn of events that has captured the attention of both the K-pop industry and the public, Annie, the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Chairman Jung Yong-jin and granddaughter of Chairwoman Lee Myung-hee, is set to debut as a member of the new mixed-gender idol group ALLDAY PROJECT. This development marks a notable moment in the world of K-pop, where the emergence of a fourth-generation chaebol family member as a singer has sparked widespread interest and conversation.

Annie’s journey into music was anything but straightforward. According to a recent documentary video released on the ALLDAY PROJECT’s official YouTube channel, Annie revealed that her passion for singing ignited at the tender age of seven after watching the music video for "Lollipop" by iconic groups 2NE1 and Big Bang. "A new world opened up for me," she said, describing the profound impact the music had on her young mind. From that moment, she was determined to pursue a career as a singer.

However, her family, particularly her mother Jung Yong-jin, initially opposed her ambitions. Annie recounted asking her mother casually, "Mom, what if I become a singer?" to which her mother laughed it off, saying, "Oh, that's not going to happen." A few years later, when Annie expressed her dream more seriously, her mother responded with a firm "Absolutely NO." Annie described this rejection as her first "heartbreak" in life, a poignant moment that underscored the difficulty of choosing a path so different from the expectations of her affluent family.

Despite this opposition, Annie's mother eventually offered a conditional support: if Annie could get accepted into university, she would help persuade the rest of the family to support her singing aspirations. Annie took this challenge seriously, worked hard, and succeeded in gaining university admission. This milestone paved the way for her to pursue her dream more openly.

Understanding the skepticism surrounding her debut, Annie acknowledged the doubts about her sincerity. "People will think I'm not sincere about this path, and I'll receive a lot of suspicion, so I think I need to show more to prove how desperate this dream is," she said. Her determination to prove herself has only intensified as the debut date approached.

The group ALLDAY PROJECT, produced by the renowned Teddy under The Black Label, consists of five members: Annie, Taz, Bailey Seok, Woochan, and Youngseo. This mixed-gender group has already made waves with the pre-release of their debut single "FAMOUS" on June 16, 2025, just a week before their official debut on June 23.

The music video for "FAMOUS" quickly garnered attention, amassing over 540,000 views within just three hours of release. Critics and listeners alike praised its powerful beat, characterized by heavy synthesizer bass and guitar riffs, which set it apart from typical K-pop offerings. The rap parts by Taz and Annie stood out for their depth and impact, while Youngseo's sharp vocals added a distinctive flavor. The lyrics, brimming with confidence and aspiration, include lines like, "All eyes follow me / But we ain't even famous / I'm different from the root / Can't hide it," emphasizing the group's boldness and unique identity.

Bailey's dance break in the latter half of the music video drew particular acclaim, showcasing his exceptional skills honed in the United States. The group's choreography, highlighted in a separate video emphasizing finger movements as a signature point, has also been well received, adding to the anticipation for their upcoming performances.

The visual presentation of the music video complements the group's dynamic energy, featuring metallic textures and scenes involving sports cars, motorcycles, and elevators, creating a captivating and high-quality viewing experience. The video was directed by Legend Film, a team known for working on notable projects such as aespa's "Armageddon," IVE's "Haechi," BOYNEXTDOOR's "Earth, Wind & Fire," and SEVENTEEN's "HOT."

The members themselves bring diverse backgrounds to the group, with Taz known as a dancer and model, Bailey recognized for his dance prowess, Woochan having competed on "Show Me The Money," and Youngseo having been part of the debut lineup for the group I'llit. This blend of talents and experiences contributes to the group's distinctive sound and performance style, which many believe sets them apart in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Public reaction to Annie's debut has been mixed, reflecting the complex feelings surrounding a chaebol heir stepping into the entertainment industry. Some have questioned whether she is merely indulging in a privileged hobby, while others admire her courage and dedication to pursue a challenging career path despite her comfortable background. Comments range from skepticism — "Do we really have to watch a chaebol's idol debut?" — to support — "Annie's actions are bold. She could just live comfortably, but she chose this path. I will support her."

Regardless of the varied opinions, Annie's story is one of determination, resilience, and a desire to break free from expectations. As she and ALLDAY PROJECT prepare to make their official debut on June 23, the music industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this unique blend of talent and background translates into success on the global stage.

With a debut single that has already captured attention and a member whose personal journey adds depth to the group's narrative, ALLDAY PROJECT is poised to make a significant impact. Will Annie's sincerity and hard work win over skeptics? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the arrival of this chaebol idol adds a fascinating new chapter to the ever-evolving story of K-pop.