In K-Pop, winning your first Daesang is meant to be a career-defining milestone, a moment that cements a group’s legacy and sends fans into pure celebration. For ALLDAY PROJECT (올데이프로젝트), however, what should have been a triumphant high point instead sparked a wave of controversy.
What began as a glittering night of music and awards quickly turned into a storm of online speculation, fueled by a single viral clip that many fans claim says it all. While countless fans applauded the co-ed group’s achievement, a growing number of netizens have questioned whether their victory was truly earned.
The group attended the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards on 14th November, where their energetic performance initially won over the crowd. However, their victory soon eclipsed the performance itself. Alongside receiving the IS Rising Star Award, ALLDAY PROJECT clinched the prestigious Grand Honor’s Choice, making it their very first Daesang (Grand Award) only 144 days after debut. Yet, rather than applause, the announcement drew scepticism that has since spiralled across social media.
Much of the backlash centres around member Annie (애니), whose family lineage has been thrust into the spotlight. As the great-granddaughter of the founder of Samsung Group, the idol is a fourth-generation chaebol heir, and critics argue that the group’s win may have been influenced by her family background. Despite the group’s popularity and strong debut numbers, many netizens insist that the award was “undeserved” and “purchased”.
Fuel was added to the fire when a recent clip circulating on TikTok and Twitter was labelled “proof” by those convinced the award was fixed. In the viral video, members Tarzzan (타잔), Bailey (베일리), Woochan (우찬), and Youngseo (영서) immediately turn towards Annie upon hearing their name announced as winners. Their collective reaction, interpreted by some as surprise, others as suspicion, has intensified discussions about whether Annie played a role in securing the win.
Although ALLDAY PROJECT boast one of this year’s most successful Korean debut tracks with their chart-topping single “FAMOUS”, sceptics remain unconvinced that their achievements are purely merit-based. The group’s sudden success continues to be overshadowed by allegations of nepotism, with online commentators predicting that Annie’s family ties will follow her and the group for years to come.
Whether the controversy will fade or escalate remains uncertain. For now, ALLDAY PROJECT must navigate both newfound acclaim and mounting scrutiny as they attempt to prove that their rise to the top is built on talent, not privilege.
Watch the viral clip here:
@stuckinalimbo “this one as well??” #adp #alldayproject #viral #fyp
