Chaebol Idol Directly Addresses Allegations Of Special Treatment In Debut
Annie, a member of rookie girl group ALLDAY PROJECT and granddaughter of Shinsegae Group matriarch Lee Myung Hee, has addressed speculation that her debut was handed to her on a silver platter.
In a recent appearance on the YouTube variety show Salon Drip 2, Annie candidly discussed her trainee journey and firmly denied rumors of preferential treatment due to her chaebol background. When host Jang Do Yeon asked if she had been scouted because of her standout visuals or family status, Annie denied it and claimed that she had personally auditioned for The Black Label.
She went on to share that she had trained for four years, much of it remotely while studying abroad.
“I took classes online, filmed evaluation videos every week, and sent them in for feedback. Whenever I came back to Korea during breaks, I’d go to the company like it was my full-time job.”
Despite ongoing chatter surrounding her family ties, Annie emphasized that her path to debut was paved with persistence and effort, not privilege.
The episode also gave fans a glimpse into the close bond between the members. Annie shared that she often invited the team over to her house during late-night practice sessions, especially when ordering food to the company felt awkward.
Annie made headlines earlier this year as the eldest daughter of current Shinsegae president Jung Yoo Kyung and granddaughter of the Samsung family lineage. She officially debuted in June as part of ALLDAY PROJECT, a multinational group under The Black Label. As public interest in “chaebol idols” grows, Annie’s comments are being praised by fans who appreciate her honesty and work ethic.
