Latest news with #ShinsegaeGroup
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meet Annie: The billionaire heiress who picked K-Pop over power suits
Ever wondered what it's like to walk away from guaranteed wealth to chase your dreams? Annie from All Day Project knows exactly what that feels like. As the daughter of Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yoo-kyung, she could have easily stepped into a cushy corporate role worth millions. Instead, she chose the uncertain, demanding world of K-pop. During Mnet's 'Live Wire,' Annie opened up about her unconventional journey. "Rather than feeling burdened, I want to show more musically and performance-wise to change that perception in a positive direction," she explained when asked about being called "the chairman's daughter." The 10-Year Battle for Her Dreams Annie's path to stardom wasn't handed to her on a silver platter. She spent 10 years convincing her family to let her pursue music. The compromise? She had to get into an Ivy League university first. So she did - Columbia University, proving she could excel academically while never giving up on her musical aspirations. This wasn't about rebellion; it was about proving her commitment. In a country where academic achievement matters enormously, Annie satisfied her family's expectations while keeping her dreams alive. Her mother's love for Big Bang (she memorized every accessory in the "Fantastic Baby" music video) eventually helped bridge the gap between family expectations and entertainment industry dreams. Living Between Two Worlds Today, Annie navigates a unique duality. She's simultaneously a chaebol heiress and a struggling idol trying to prove herself. "Wherever I go, people talk about being 'the chairman's daughter,' and naturally, it's something I have to handle," she admitted with refreshing honesty. Unlike typical idol stories, Annie doesn't hide her privilege or manufacture struggles. She acknowledges her advantages while working twice as hard to earn respect through talent. Her All Day Project teammates - Woochan with his "Show Me The Money 6" background, Tarzan with American hip-hop influences, Youngseo as a former YouTube creator, and Bailey as a lifelong choreographer - each bring different stories, making their group feel authentically diverse. Redefining Success on Her Terms Annie's approach offers a new template for privileged youth entering competitive industries. Instead of expecting special treatment, she's asking for the chance to be judged by her artistic contributions rather than her family's wealth. Her mature handling of public scrutiny shows she's not running from her background but using it as motivation to work harder. In an industry where manufactured personas dominate, Annie's straightforward honesty feels revolutionary. She's proving that authenticity trumps carefully crafted backstories, creating a more relatable narrative for young audiences who appreciate genuine over manufactured struggle.
Korea Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Shinsegae chief to head Asia unit of Trump-linked network: sources
Chung Yong-jin, chair of South Korean retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group, is likely to lead the Asia division of the Rockbridge Network, a donor-backed political coalition closely aligned with US President Donald Trump. According to industry sources on Thursday, Rockbridge, co-founded in 2019 by US Vice President JD Vance and conservative publisher Christopher Buskirk, plans to establish its Asia headquarters in Korea, with additional branches in Taiwan and Japan. Chung will serve as head of Rockbridge Asia, overseeing regional operations from Seoul. Richard Tsai, chairman of Taiwan's Fubon Financial Holdings, will lead the Taiwan division, while Tadashi Maeda, head of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, will chair the Japan branch. Since its founding, Rockbridge has become a powerful behind-the-scenes force in Trump-aligned politics. Its membership includes senior figures from the Trump administration, such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as deep-pocketed tech donors like PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The personal relationship between Chung and Trump Jr., longtime associates who appeared together earlier this year at President Trump's inauguration, is widely seen as a driving factor behind Chung's role in Rockbridge's overseas expansion. While Chung's potential role signals a deeper alignment with Trump-affiliated political and corporate figures, it also coincides with a pivotal moment as Korea transitions to the new administration of President Lee Jae Myung, who took office earlier this month and looks to engage more deeply with the US. The organization is expected to serve as a proxy diplomatic channel to Washington on key issues such as trade and defense, given its central base in Korea, adjacent to key US allies and China amid rising tensions. Chung, however, has yet to formally accept the position, though sources say discussions are in the final stages. 'While nothing is finalized, he is seriously considering the offer,' one source said.
Korea Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Shinsegae chief poised to head Trump-linked network in Asia: sources
Chung Yong-jin, chair of South Korean retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group, is likely to lead the Asia division of the Rockbridge Network, a donor-backed political coalition closely aligned with US President Donald Trump. According to industry sources on Thursday, Rockbridge, co-founded in 2019 by US Vice President JD Vance and conservative publisher Christopher Buskirk, plans to establish its Asia headquarters in Korea, with additional branches in Taiwan and Japan. Chung will serve as head of Rockbridge Asia, overseeing regional operations from Seoul. Richard Tsai, chairman of Taiwan's Fubon Financial Holdings, will lead the Taiwan division, while Tadashi Maeda, head of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, will chair the Japan branch. Since its founding, Rockbridge has become a powerful behind-the-scenes force in Trump-aligned politics. Its membership includes senior figures from the Trump administration, such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, as well as deep-pocketed tech donors like PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The personal relationship between Chung and Trump Jr., longtime associates who appeared together earlier this year at President Trump's inauguration, is widely seen as a driving factor behind Chung's role in Rockbridge's overseas expansion. While Chung's potential role signals a deeper alignment with Trump-affiliated political and corporate figures, it also coincides with a pivotal moment as Korea transitions to the new administration of President Lee Jae Myung, who took office earlier this month and looks to engage more deeply with the US. The organization is expected to serve as a proxy diplomatic channel to Washington on key issues such as trade and defense, given its central base in Korea, adjacent to key US allies and China amid rising tensions. Chung, however, has yet to formally accept the position, though sources say discussions are in the final stages. 'While nothing is finalized, he is seriously considering the offer,' one source said.
Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Chaebol heiress, former Hybe trainee and prodigy rapper: Why Allday Project is going viral
Allday Project's predebut music video 'Famous' hits 2.5 million views in 16 hours, tops YouTube Korea trending charts Allday Project, the first coed K-pop group to debut under renowned producer Teddy Park's The Black Label, is turning heads across the industry — not just for being the industry's first mixed-gender group in eight years since DSP Media's Kard, but for the star-studded resumes and diverse backgrounds of its members. Just 16 hours after releasing the prerelease music video for 'Famous' on Monday, the clip surpassed 2.5 million views on YouTube. It also secured the No. 1 spot on YouTube Korea's Trending chart, overtaking aespa's 'Dirty Work (Performance)' and Plave's 'Hide and Seek,' which ranked No. 2 and No. 3. Globally, the video reached No. 4 on YouTube's US Trending chart and No. 5 in Brazil, demonstrating its international resonance among K-pop fans. The slick cyberpunk visuals of the music video — where spinning accelerates toward the center to express a rising, untouchable energy — play a part in drawing viewers. But much of the buzz stems from the viral interest surrounding the individual members, even before their official debut next week. One reason for the group's spotlight is the presence of Annie, or Moon Seo-yoon, who is the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group chairwoman Lee Myung-hee and the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Group president Chung Yoo-kyung. Annie, 23, opened up about her decision to pursue a K-pop career against her family's wishes in a debut documentary released on the group's official YouTube channel on June 13 — a revelation that made headlines both in Korea and internationally. Another standout member is Youngseo, 19, once confirmed as part of the final lineup for Illit on the television survival show 'R U Next?' in 2023. However, just before her debut, she parted ways with Belift Lab, the agency behind Illit, sparking multiple rumors about her next steps, now culminating in her debut with Allday Project. The third female member, Bailey, 21, is already known in the K-pop scene as a choreographer. She began working professionally at the age of 14 in the US and has choreographed routines for Red Velvet's 'Psycho,' Lisa's 'Money' and Taeyang's 'Vibe.' Her experience includes being a backup dancer for Janet Jackson — further solidifying her credibility. Among the two male members, Woochan is arguably the more familiar name. He appeared on Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 6' in 2017 at just 12 years old, making him the show's youngest-ever contestant and finalist. In 2019, he debuted as a soloist with the single 'Reality Check Time,' showing musical depth beyond his years. He was also once rumored to be part of Big Hit Music's next boy group lineup — the agency behind BTS — but the debut ultimately fell through. The final member, Tarzzan, 22, is already known in fashion and music circles as a model. Since 2022, he has appeared in music videos like I-dle's 'I Do' and NewJeans' 'Supernatural,' while gracing the pages of various fashion magazines. Allday Project is set to officially debut on June 23, with their debut single 'Famous' and the main track 'Wicked.' jaaykim@
Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Chaebol heiress, former Hybe trainee and prodigy rapper: Why Allday Project is going viral
Allday Project's predebut music video 'Famous' hits 2.5 million views in 16 hours, tops YouTube Korea trending charts Allday Project, the first coed K-pop group to debut under renowned producer Teddy Park's The Black Label, is turning heads across the industry — not just for being the industry's first mixed-gender group in eight years since DSP Media's Kard, but for the star-studded resumes and diverse backgrounds of its members. Just 16 hours after releasing the prerelease music video for 'Famous' on Monday, the clip surpassed 2.5 million views on YouTube. It also secured the No. 1 spot on YouTube Korea's Trending chart, overtaking aespa's 'Dirty Work (Performance)' and Plave's 'Hide and Seek,' which ranked No. 2 and No. 3. Globally, the video reached No. 4 on YouTube's US Trending chart and No. 5 in Brazil, demonstrating its international resonance among K-pop fans. The slick cyberpunk visuals of the music video — where spinning accelerates toward the center to express a rising, untouchable energy — play a part in drawing viewers. But much of the buzz stems from the viral interest surrounding the individual members, even before their official debut next week. One reason for the group's spotlight is the presence of Annie, or Moon Seo-yoon, who is the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group chairwoman Lee Myung-hee and the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Group president Chung Yoo-kyung. Annie, 23, opened up about her decision to pursue a K-pop career against her family's wishes in a debut documentary released on the group's official YouTube channel on June 13 — a revelation that made headlines both in Korea and internationally. Another standout member is Youngseo, 19, once confirmed as part of the final lineup for Illit on the television survival show 'R U Next?' in 2023. However, just before her debut, she parted ways with Belift Lab, the agency behind Illit, sparking multiple rumors about her next steps, now culminating in her debut with Allday Project. The third female member, Bailey, 21, is already known in the K-pop scene as a choreographer. She began working professionally at the age of 14 in the US and has choreographed routines for Red Velvet's 'Psycho,' Lisa's 'Money' and Taeyang's 'Vibe.' Her experience includes being a backup dancer for Janet Jackson — further solidifying her credibility. Among the two male members, Woochan is arguably the more familiar name. He appeared on Mnet's 'Show Me the Money 6' in 2017 at just 12 years old, making him the show's youngest-ever contestant and finalist. In 2019, he debuted as a soloist with the single 'Reality Check Time,' showing musical depth beyond his years. He was also once rumored to be part of Big Hit Music's next boy group lineup — the agency behind BTS — but the debut ultimately fell through. The final member, Tarzzan, 22, is already known in fashion and music circles as a model. Since 2022, he has appeared in music videos like I-dle's 'I Do' and NewJeans' 'Supernatural,' while gracing the pages of various fashion magazines. Allday Project is set to officially debut on June 23, with their debut single 'Famous' and the main track 'Wicked.'
