Annie, Daughter of Shinsegae’s Jung Yoo-kyung, Reveals Her Struggle: ‘My Mom Was Absolutely Against Me Becoming a Singer’

An Unexpected Idol Dream: Annie’s Early Inspiration

Did you know that Annie, the eldest daughter of Shinsegae’s Jung Yoo-kyung, was first captivated by K-pop at just 7 years old? She recalls the moment she stumbled upon 2NE1 and BIGBANG’s ‘Lollipop’ music video, describing it as a shock that opened a whole new world for her. This encounter planted the seed for her dream to become a singer, a dream that would later face enormous resistance from her own family. Annie’s story is not just about chasing stardom—it's about breaking through the expectations set by her chaebol background and forging her own path in the K-pop industry.

Facing Family Opposition: The First Heartbreak

When Annie first told her mother, Jung Yoo-kyung, about her dream, she was met with laughter and disbelief. Her mother dismissed the idea, saying it was impossible. Even after several years, when Annie brought up her desire again with more seriousness, her mother’s answer was a firm ‘Absolutely No.’ Annie describes this moment as her first real heartbreak. For many Korean idols, family opposition is a common hurdle, but for Annie, whose family name is synonymous with luxury and business, the pressure was even greater. This cultural context is important for global fans to understand: in Korea, family reputation and expectations often weigh heavily on career choices, especially for those from prominent backgrounds.

The Turning Point: A Deal with Her Mother

By the time Annie reached her final years of high school, the family’s opposition only intensified. Yet, Annie’s determination never wavered. Her mother finally offered a compromise: if Annie could get into university, she would help persuade the rest of the family. Annie threw herself into her studies, sacrificing sleep and leisure, and eventually succeeded in gaining admission. Her mother later admitted she never expected Annie to actually make it. This episode highlights the lengths Korean youth often go to in order to prove their seriousness, especially when pursuing non-traditional careers like music.

Proving Herself: Annie’s Drive and Sincerity

Annie is well aware of the skepticism she faces—not just from her family, but from the public as well. She acknowledges that many people doubt her sincerity, assuming her background made things easy for her. However, Annie insists that she has to work even harder to prove her genuine passion for music. She’s determined to show her authenticity through her actions and performances, not just her words. For international fans, this is a reminder that K-pop idols often have to fight against both external and internal prejudices, regardless of their origins.

ALLDAY PROJECT: A New Kind of Co-Ed Group

Annie’s group, ALLDAY PROJECT, is already drawing attention for its unique setup as a co-ed idol group—a rarity in the current K-pop landscape. Produced by The Black Label, known for their star-studded roster and high-quality music, ALLDAY PROJECT is set to debut with their single ‘FAMOUS’ on June 23, 2025. The group’s teasers, behind-the-scenes content, and Annie’s personal story have generated buzz across Korean media and international fan communities. Their pre-release track, also titled ‘FAMOUS,’ will drop on June 16, giving fans an early taste of their sound and style.

Cultural Insight: The Weight of Legacy in Korean Entertainment

For global readers, Annie’s journey offers a deeper look into the cultural dynamics of Korea’s entertainment industry. In a society where family legacy and social status are highly valued, breaking away from the expected path is both bold and risky. Annie’s story resonates with many young Koreans who dream of creative careers but face parental resistance. Her willingness to share her struggles publicly has sparked discussions on social media and blogs, with many praising her courage and authenticity.

Fan Reactions and Community Buzz

Online communities and blogs have been abuzz with reactions to Annie’s debut. Some fans express admiration for her determination, while others remain skeptical, questioning whether her background gave her an unfair advantage. However, the majority seem to agree that Annie’s openness about her struggles makes her relatable. International fans are particularly interested in how Annie will use her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges. The anticipation for ALLDAY PROJECT’s debut continues to grow, with fans eager to see if Annie and her group can redefine what it means to be an idol in 2025.

Looking Ahead: Annie’s Message to Aspiring Artists

Annie’s story is a powerful message to anyone dreaming of a career in music or the arts: perseverance and sincerity matter, no matter your background. By sharing her journey, Annie hopes to encourage others to pursue their passions, even in the face of doubt and opposition. As ALLDAY PROJECT prepares for their debut, all eyes are on Annie—not just as a chaebol heiress, but as a new voice in K-pop determined to prove herself on her own terms.