The K-Pop world is buzzing again as the Co-and group of the Black Label label, just debut, Alnday ProjectHe finds himself at the center of a growing conversation on wealth, privilege and power in the idol sector. Much of the spotlight initially landed on the member Annie Moon, who was quickly revealed not to be an ordinary rookie.
Annie is the daughter of Chung Yoo Kyung, president of the division of the department stores of the Shinsegae group, one of the greatest retail empires of Korea. His grandmother is nothing more than Lee Myung Hee, president of Shinsegae and younger daughter of the founder of Samsung Lee Byung Chul, making Annie a fourth generation heir of the most iconic conglomerate of South Korea.
But Annie is not the only Chaebol in the group. The recent photos of the youngest member, Youngseo, have become viral in the Korean online communities, showing it in uniform to the Hall Asia brand, a prestigious international school on the island of Jeju. Known for his amazing lessons-to start from about 30-40 million KRW (about $ 22,000-$ 29,000 USD) per year and reaching over 100 million KRW (about $ 72,000 USD) when he included the dormitory and other school taxes is a well-known paradise for the children of the Elite of Korea.
Reports now suggest that Annie may have also participated in Branksome Hall, further emphasizing the deep roots of the group in wealth and status. This revelation has rekindled the debate on the ascent of “Golden Spoon” idols -Egiovanian artists of ultra-rising families who do not necessarily debut to escape poverty or pursue celebrity, but as another expression of privilege. It is a clear contrast with the stories of Rags-to-criches that once defined the K-Pop narrative.
Critics claim that these backgrounds can create an unfair advantage. For example, Alnday Project He recently obtained a high profile function on the cover of Vogue KoreaDespite having just debuted and without the support of any sponsored luxury brand. Many have seen this as a reflection of the internal connections of the group and financial support.
This is not an isolated case. Narin and Gawon members of the women’s group of The Black Label Mevv They were also connected to wealthy families, further highlighting the growing list of privileged idols of the company.
While some fans praise the group for their visual elements, talents and fresh concepts, others are expressing concerns about the deepening of the division of the class in the sector. “A generation ago, the idols inspired fans with their stories of struggle and perseverance”, A Netizen commented. “Now it seems that everything is on who your parents are.”
AS Alnday Project He gains traction, their journey can continue to challenge the traditional values of the world of idol: unleashing conversations not only on music, but on money, on the merits and on the modern dynamics of power changing K-pop.
Laodong
