“I Had No Other Choice But Adult Streaming” Ex-DIA Ahn Somyi’s Comeback Sparks Divided Reactions

“I had no choice.” With this tearful confession and a bold comeback declaration, former girl group DIA member Ahn Somyi is once again in the spotlight — and public opinion is sharply divided.

Ahn Somyi has recently signed an exclusive contract with Moden Berry Korea, signaling her return to the entertainment industry. Her agency has announced a strong stance against malicious comments and false rumors, and has vowed legal action against the controversial YouTube channel Garo Sero Institute, which claimed she had a personal relationship with PocketDol Studio CEO Kim Kwang-soo.

While her legal battle is making headlines, so is her past — particularly her stint as an adult streaming BJ (Broadcast Jockey) on a platform known for provocative content. Ahn Somyi first joined DIA in 2017 but stopped group activities in 2019 and officially left in 2022. Since 2021, she had been active on an adult live streaming platform, wearing revealing outfits and making risqué comments during broadcasts — a sharp contrast to DIA’s innocent image.

In 2023, Ahn Somyi appeared on Channel S’s Attack of the Sisters, where she explained her reasons for becoming a BJ. “My father failed in business five times,” she said, adding that she continued to receive monthly allowances from her struggling parents even after her debut. “BJ work pays weekly. When my parents needed a large amount of money, I once sent them around 50 million KRW,” she revealed, holding back tears. “I just want to receive love instead of hate. I’ve been doing my best in my own way.”

While some netizens sympathized with her situation, others questioned her choices:

“Was adult streaming really the only way to earn money?”
“This feels like a media play.”
“Everyone has hardships, but not everyone takes that path.”

There are precedents of BJs transitioning to idols — for instance, QWER members Chodan and Magenta were once Twitch streamers known for sexy dances and revealing outfits. Although they initially faced backlash, their consistent music releases and rising popularity have helped shift public perception. However, Ahn Somyi’s case may prove more difficult, as her platform was explicitly adult-focused.

Online reactions to her comeback are divided. Some fans are cheering her on, while others remain skeptical, citing her past as an adult streaming BJ. As anticipation and scrutiny grow, only time will tell if Ahn Somyi can successfully reclaim her place in the entertainment world.