Annie, Daughter of Shinsegae Chairman, Embarks on Idol Journey Despite Challenges

Annie (문서윤), the daughter of Shinsegae Group's Chairman Jeong Yoo-kyung, has made her debut as a member of the mixed-gender idol group ALLDAY PROJECT. Her story of perseverance contrasts sharply with her privileged background, capturing the public's attention as a 'real-life idol'.

Recently, Annie hosted a live broadcast on her social media, engaging with fans while cooking and sharing her daily life. During the stream, a voice was heard saying, "The chairman is coming in now," causing a stir. Annie continued the broadcast without showing any signs of surprise or embarrassment, leading to reactions online such as, "This feels like a real chaebol life," and "Can we really watch this live?"

However, her path to becoming an idol was far from easy. On June 23, she officially debuted with ALLDAY PROJECT, a group launched by The Black Label, featuring members Tarzan, Woochan, Bailey, and Youngseo. The journey to her debut took a staggering ten years.

In a pre-debut documentary, Annie revealed the strong opposition she faced from her family, including her mother, Jeong Yoo-kyung. When she first expressed her dream of becoming a singer, the response was, "That's nonsense," which she described as her "first heartbreak".

As she entered high school, the opposition intensified, but Annie remained determined. Her mother eventually set a condition: if Annie got accepted into college, she would persuade the rest of the family. From that point on, Annie recalled, "I gave up sleep and focused on my entrance exams." She ultimately succeeded in gaining admission to Columbia University, an Ivy League institution, breaking through her family's barriers. "My mom didn't think I would actually get in; she thought I was just someone who danced all day," she shared, highlighting the effort and desperation behind her glamorous facade.

Netizens have shown their support, commenting, "Even a chaebol daughter goes through the same trainee struggles," and "A case proven by talent," acknowledging her dedication.

Meanwhile, ALLDAY PROJECT, led by YG's chief producer Teddy, has garnered global attention right after their debut, marking the arrival of a rookie who is recognized for their skills and story rather than just their background.