ALLDAY PROJECT Drama: Cultural Appropriation Allegations Before Debut

Introduction

Before they could even debut, ALLDAY PROJECT has sparked a social media storm. The highly anticipated co-ed K-pop group is scheduled to debut on June 23, 2025, but they’re already in hot water—Tarzzan is being accused of cultural appropriation for his braided hairstyle in a teaser photo, while Annie Moon is under fire for alleged chaebol privilege and resurfaced personal videos.

The backlash is loud, divisive, and global. With hashtags like #TarzzanOut and #ChaebolPrivilege trending, the K-pop world is watching to see whether this controversy will sink the ship before it sails.

Tarzzan's Braided Teaser Sparks Uproar

On June 14, ALLDAY PROJECT released teaser photos of its members, and it didn’t take long for fans to zero in on Tarzzan’s hairstyle—tight cornrow braids. K-pop watchdog communities on Reddit, TikTok, and YouTube immediately called out the look as cultural appropriation, comparing it to Black hairstyles historically stigmatized yet borrowed by Asian idols without context.

"So it’s okay when K-pop idols wear braids, but not when Black kids do it at school?" asked one Redditor.

Fueling the fire, fans unearthed Tarzzan’s old social media follows, which included controversial rapper Tory Lanez—further escalating backlash.

Screenshots quickly circulated:

• Tarzzan's teaser on Koreaboo (+10 engagement)
• Threads from r/kpopcringe and r/unpopularkpop (+10 Reddit shares)
• An Instagram Reel compilation titled “Tarzzan Needs to Go” (+50k views)

Some fans are defending Tarzzan, claiming the style is simply a concept. Others argue that ignorance is no longer excusable in 2025.

Annie Moon and the Chaebol Criticism

Meanwhile, fellow group member Annie Moon, previously known for her socialite status in Seoul, is being criticized for what netizens call "chaebol idol privilege." Resurfaced Facebook clips from 2018 show Annie Moon at elite fashion events and allegedly mocking other idols who had to “train for years in dorms.”

Koreaboo and IndiTimes reports confirm that Annie is the granddaughter of the former CEO of a leading Korean conglomerate. Fans have expressed frustration at the industry's widening class divide.

“Talent isn’t enough anymore—you need a last name,” wrote a user on YouTube.

This echoes growing concerns in K-pop about accessibility, elitism, and performative hardship—themes that are increasingly hard to ignore.

Netizens React: Split and Spirited

The controversy has gone global, with international fans chiming in:

• "ALLDAY hasn't even dropped a track and they’re already problematic. That’s a record."
• "We’re not canceling anyone—we’re educating. But they better address this."

#ALLDAYPROJECT, #TarzzanOut, and #ChaebolIdol were all trending in Korea, the Philippines, and even the U.S.

Conclusion: Debut or Derailment?

As K-pop fans push for accountability, ALLDAY PROJECT has a choice: remain silent, or address the controversy head-on. The days of sweeping scandal under the rug are over. Cultural sensitivity, transparency, and humility are no longer optional—they’re expected.

Whether ALLDAY PROJECT survives the storm or becomes a cautionary tale will depend on what they do next.

"K-pop isn’t just global in reach—it’s global in responsibility."