Allday Project’s Meteoric Rise: A New Era for Co-Ed K-Pop
In a K-pop industry dominated by single-gender groups, the debut of Allday Project—a five-member co-ed team—has sent shockwaves through the music world. Launched on June 23, 2025, under The Black Label and helmed by renowned producer Teddy Park, Allday Project’s debut single “Famous” not only topped domestic charts within days but also made a significant impact globally. Their rapid ascent is rewriting the rules for what a rookie group can achieve, and their success is sparking renewed interest in the potential of mixed-gender acts in K-pop.
Breaking Records: Chart Success at Lightning Speed
Allday Project’s debut was nothing short of sensational. Within just four days of release, “Famous” soared to No. 1 on Melon’s Top 100 chart, the fastest for any fifth-generation K-pop debut. The group achieved a rare “Perfect All Kill” (PAK), simultaneously topping all major Korean music platforms—including Melon, Genie, Bugs, Flo, and Vibe—within two weeks of their debut. Their second title track, “Wicked,” also made a strong showing, entering Melon’s Top 100 at No. 63 and climbing steadily.
On the international front, “Famous” debuted at No. 94 on the Billboard Global 200, a remarkable feat for a rookie act. The group’s music videos and performance content quickly trended on YouTube, with the “Famous” MV surpassing 2.5 million views in just 16 hours and reaching No. 1 on YouTube Korea’s Trending chart. The “Wicked” performance video also trended globally, ranking No. 6 on YouTube’s U.S. trending chart and No. 5 in Brazil.
Industry observers have taken note of the group’s digital power. On Spotify, “Famous” racked up over 900,000 streams, while “Wicked” surpassed 400,000 within the first week. The group’s rapid digital dominance is a testament to their broad appeal and the effectiveness of their global-first strategy.
Who Are Allday Project? Meet the Members Behind the Buzz
Allday Project’s lineup is as diverse as it is talented, featuring two male and three female members, each with a unique background that adds to the group’s allure:
- Annie (Moon Seo-yoon): The granddaughter of Shinsegae Group chairwoman Lee Myung-hee and daughter of Shinsegae Department Store president Jeong Yoo-kyung, Annie’s debut has drawn significant media attention. Despite her family’s initial opposition, Annie pursued her passion for music, even studying art history at Columbia University to gain their support. Her journey has become a symbol of determination and ambition in the face of societal expectations.
- Youngseo: Once part of the final lineup for ILLIT on the survival show “R U Next?”, Youngseo left the group just before debuting, sparking speculation about her next move. Her decision to join Allday Project has proven fortuitous, as she now stands at the forefront of a new K-pop wave.
- Bailey: A prodigious choreographer, Bailey began her professional career at 14 in the U.S. and has worked with top acts like Red Velvet, Lisa, and Taeyang. Her experience as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson and her choreography credits for viral K-pop hits have made her a respected figure in the industry.
- Woochan: Gaining fame as the youngest-ever contestant on “Show Me the Money 6” at age 12, Woochan later debuted as a soloist and was once rumored to be part of Big Hit Music’s next boy group. His rap skills and stage presence add depth to the group’s musical identity.
- Tarzzan: Known in fashion and music circles as a model and performer, Tarzzan has appeared in music videos for NewJeans and (G)I-DLE and graced the pages of fashion magazines. His visual appeal and dance skills round out the group’s dynamic image.
The group’s diversity is not just in background but also in artistic contribution. All members participated in writing “Wicked,” working alongside global hitmakers and The Black Label’s in-house producers, further cementing their reputation as multi-talented artists.
Challenging K-Pop Norms: The Significance of a Co-Ed Group
Allday Project’s debut is particularly notable because co-ed groups have been a rarity in K-pop for over a decade. The last major breakthrough came with Koyote in the early 2000s, and while groups like KARD have kept the concept alive, they have not achieved mainstream commercial success. The K-pop industry’s focus on cultivating intense fan-idol relationships—often built on pseudo-romantic fantasy—has traditionally favored single-gender groups, especially boy bands, which attract the majority of paying fans.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun explains:
“In K-pop, it’s incredibly important to stir emotions like pseudo-romance or girl crush. With coed groups, fans may speculate about members dating each other, which is considered taboo in the K-pop scene. That’s why Allday Project appears to be targeting the global market more than the domestic one—perhaps sensing an opportunity for coed acts abroad.”
Industry insiders suggest that Allday Project’s strategy is to focus on digital streaming and international touring rather than physical album sales, which are typically driven by dedicated fandoms. The group’s members are all adults, with the oldest debuting at 23, signaling an intentional move toward a mature, global audience.
Their music also breaks from the “easy listening” trend that has dominated K-pop in recent years. “Famous” features heavy synthesizer basslines, guitar riffs, and a blend of rap and melody that brings urgency and edge. “Wicked” fuses Brazilian funk, trap, R&B, and drill, with each member’s individuality shining through in both sound and performance.
Viral Momentum: Pre-Debut Hype and Global Appeal
Even before their official debut, Allday Project was generating significant buzz. The pre-release music video for “Famous” went viral, amassing millions of views and topping YouTube’s trending charts in Korea, the U.S., and Brazil. The group’s bold cyberpunk visuals and confident lyrics—declaring themselves stars even before fame—resonated with a global audience hungry for something new in K-pop.
The group’s performance videos for “Wicked” further fueled their rise, with both the “Movie Set” and “Basement” versions trending on YouTube and earning praise for their innovative choreography. Bailey’s expertise as a choreographer and the group’s co-ed composition allowed for fresh, dynamic routines that set them apart from their peers.
Allday Project’s social media presence has also contributed to their rapid growth. Their official accounts on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have attracted a diverse international following, and their behind-the-scenes content offers fans a glimpse into the group’s creative process and personalities.
Industry Impact: A Turning Point for Co-Ed K-Pop?
The success of Allday Project is prompting industry experts to reconsider the viability of co-ed groups in the modern K-pop landscape. Historically, mixed-gender acts like Roo’Ra, Cool, and Sharp were popular in the 1990s, but the trend faded as the industry shifted toward highly segmented fandoms and gender-specific marketing. Allday Project’s breakthrough suggests that the digital era—with its emphasis on streaming, social media, and global reach—may be more conducive to the success of co-ed groups.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun notes:
“There’s potential here to spark a buzz among listeners who aren’t already part of boy or girl group fandoms. Allday Project could offer something fresh as a coed group in today’s oversaturated K-pop landscape.”
An industry insider from a major agency adds:
“It’s not really about whether there have been coed groups or not. These members, regardless of their debut year or gender, have strong individuality. That’s what’s interesting. Who’s to say a mixed-gender group can’t work now? It’s been 30 years of K-pop—bands are back. Maybe it’s time for coed groups to shine again, too.”
The group’s creative direction, described as “without bias” by The Black Label, is not confined by traditional K-pop frameworks. Their music, visuals, and performances are designed to appeal to a broad audience, prioritizing artistry and individuality over formulaic idol marketing.
What’s Next for Allday Project?
With their debut singles “Famous” and “Wicked” still climbing charts and their performance videos continuing to trend, Allday Project is poised for a busy promotional cycle. The group has already made appearances on major music shows, where their stage presence and energetic choreography have drawn praise from both fans and critics.
Looking ahead, Allday Project is expected to focus on international promotions, leveraging their global appeal and digital momentum. Their active involvement in songwriting, choreography, and creative direction suggests that future releases will continue to push boundaries and challenge industry norms.
The group’s success is also likely to inspire other agencies to experiment with co-ed formats, potentially ushering in a new era of diversity and innovation in K-pop. As the industry evolves, Allday Project stands as a testament to the power of bold ideas, talented individuals, and the ever-expanding reach of Korean pop music.
In Summary
- Allday Project, a five-member co-ed group under The Black Label, debuted on June 23, 2025, and quickly topped major Korean music charts with their single “Famous.”
- The group achieved a “Perfect All Kill” on domestic platforms and debuted at No. 94 on the Billboard Global 200, signaling strong international momentum.
- Members Annie, Youngseo, Bailey, Woochan, and Tarzzan bring diverse backgrounds in music, dance, fashion, and entertainment, contributing to the group’s unique appeal.
- Allday Project’s success challenges the K-pop industry’s preference for single-gender groups and suggests a renewed potential for co-ed acts in the digital era.
- The group’s viral pre-debut content, innovative music, and global-first strategy have set new standards for rookie debuts in K-pop.
- Industry experts believe Allday Project could spark a new wave of co-ed groups and greater diversity in the K-pop landscape.
