ALLDAY PROJECT Wins First Daesang After 144 Days — But Their Victory Sparks a Massive K-Pop Controversy
ALLDAY PROJECT’s explosive rise reached a defining moment this week after the co-ed rookie group secured their very first Daesang at the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards (KGMA) on November 14. The group took home Grand Honor’s Choice as well as the IS Rising Star Award, marking one of the most dramatic rookie breakthroughs in recent K-Pop history.
Their Daesang came just 144 days after debut, making them the second-fastest K-Pop act ever to achieve such a major milestone. Only NewJeans reached the feat faster, winning their first Daesang in only 134 days. For many, this should have been a celebratory moment — but the online reaction quickly shifted to controversy.
The group’s win instantly ignited widespread debate across social media platforms. Numerous netizens questioned whether ALLDAY PROJECT had the industry impact, musical influence, or commercial success typically associated with a Daesang winner this early in their career. Much of the criticism centered on member Annie Moon, whose great-grandfather founded Samsung Group. TikTok and X users claimed that her wealthy chaebol lineage played a role in the group’s rapid success, fueling accusations of “industry favoritism.”
One particular moment intensified the controversy. A short video from the awards ceremony went viral after capturing members Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo turning toward Annie immediately after the Daesang announcement. Many viewers interpreted the synchronized reaction as suspicious, suggesting the members already expected the win. The clip has now surpassed 7 million views on TikTok.
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“this one as well??”
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Meanwhile, supporters of ALLDAY PROJECT point to the group’s strong performance metrics. Their debut single “Famous” remains one of the highest-charting tracks in Korea this year, and fans argue that the group demonstrated undeniable public recognition, chart success, and growing fandom momentum — all valid factors for a Daesang win.
The controversy continues to escalate as discussions about nepotism, industry power dynamics, and the criteria behind major award wins dominate social feeds. While the group prepares for upcoming promotions, public scrutiny surrounding their rapid climb now overshadows much of the conversation about their music.
Regardless of the debate, ALLDAY PROJECT’s Daesang marks a historic moment for a rookie group — one that may influence future discussions about award credibility, fairness, and the evolving landscape of K-Pop recognition.
✨ What Do You Think?
Do you believe ALLDAY PROJECT truly earned their Daesang based on merit, or do you think industry influence played a role in their rapid success? Share your opinion — the fandom is already divided!
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