Youngseo’s Unbelievable K-pop Journey: From Nearly Joining NewJeans and ILLIT to Debuting in ALLDAY PROJECT
In June, K-pop witnessed the emergence of a new monster rookie group ALLDAY PROJECT. The group first attracted attention for its rare co-ed format, with both male and female idols debuting together under the direction of Teddy, one of K-pop’s most iconic producers.
But what really sent the public into a frenzy was the inclusion of Annie Moon, the fourth-generation heiress of the Samsung family and granddaughter of the Shinsegae Group chairman. Her entertainment debut made headlines across Korea.
Though met with skepticism at first, ALLDAY PROJECT quickly silenced doubters with their debut track “Famous”. The music video stunned with its luxurious visuals and high-end hip-hop sound.
Only weeks after dropping the song in late June, “Famous” achieved a Real-time All-Kill (RAK) hitting #1 on all major Korean music platforms tracked by iChart. The Black Label’s new act even outpaced NewJeans (“Attention”) and ILLIT (“Magnetic”), breaking records to become the fastest rookie group in K-pop history to score a RAK.
The Common Thread: Youngseo
Interestingly, all three rookie groups that achieved RAKs, ALLDAY PROJECT, NewJeans, and ILLIT, share a surprising connection: Youngseo.
Born in 2005, Youngseo was already a familiar face to K-pop fans long before her debut. In 2019, she began training under Source Music, where she was part of the initial “NTeam” lineup. That group would later evolve into NewJeans under Min Hee Jin’s direction. Youngseo left Source in 2022.
By June 2023, Youngseo resurfaced as a contestant on “R U Next?”, the survival show organized by HYBE to form ILLIT. She stood out for her vocal, dance, and visuals earning a massive fanbase. Ultimately, she ranked #2 and secured a spot in ILLIT’s debut lineup. But just before their official debut, HYBE suddenly announced that Youngseo would no longer debut with the group, leaving fans confused and heartbroken.
Missed Chances or Strategic Moves?
Both NewJeans and ILLIT skyrocketed to success with their debut tracks, breaking records and achieving perfect all-kills across Asia. Many assumed Youngseo had lost her chance.
But in a twist no one saw coming, Youngseo re-emerged as a member of ALLDAY PROJECT, now under The Black Label. Not only is she the youngest member, but she also plays a crucial role in balancing the group’s hip-hop image with her strong vocal presence.
In a group already making waves due to its elite background and polished concept, Youngseo’s presence cements the narrative of her “fated stardom.” Despite missing out on debuting with two of K-pop’s most successful girl groups, she managed to return stronger, sparking rumors that she left ILLIT for a group backed by chaebol (Korean conglomerate) power. While that remains speculation, one thing is certain her career trajectory is one most trainees could only dream of.
With their international flair and elite branding, ALLDAY PROJECT is carving out a space unlike any other rookie group. Fans are already celebrating Youngseo’s decision as a bold and “right choice of civilization.” Yet, this is just the beginning. Whether ALLDAY PROJECT will secure its place in K-pop history remains to be seen.
