Youngseo, a former HYBE trainee, shared her struggles with self-doubt after leaving ILLIT before debut. The 19-year-old is now set to debut with THE BLACK LABEL’s co-ed group ALLDAY.
Youngseo trained for years under HYBE’s subsidiaries but left ILLIT before their debut. She recently revealed her fears about being “too old” to become a K-pop idol. Fans have criticized HYBE for her sudden exit and the challenges she faced afterward.
In a new video by ALLDAY PROJECT, Youngseo explained how she kept a low profile while rumors swirled about her joining other groups. She said, “There were rumors like ‘I think Youngseo’s gonna show up here’ every time there’s news of a new team debuting.”
After leaving HYBE, Youngseo worried her age would stop her from debuting. She took matters into her own hands by sending dance and singing clips to companies. Her efforts paid off when THE BLACK LABEL selected her for their new group.
“I had been with one company for so long, and when I finally left, I was a bit old for an idol,” she shared. Her comments sparked discussions about age pressure in K-pop, where many idols debut as teenagers.
Fans expressed anger at HYBE’s subsidiary BELIFT LAB, blaming them for Youngseo’s struggles. One fan wrote, “Belift is just evil. Youngseo had to DM labels herself to get another chance.” Others praised her determination to keep pursuing her dream.
Youngseo was part of HYBE’s survival show R U Next? and ranked second, earning a spot in ILLIT. However, she left the group in January 2024. Details about her departure were not publicly disclosed, leading to fan speculation.
THE BLACK LABEL, a subsidiary of YG Entertainment, announced ALLDAY PROJECT in June 2025. The co-ed group includes five members and will debut on June 23 with their single album “Famous.” Youngseo is the youngest member, or “maknae,” of the group.
Netizens reacted strongly to Youngseo’s story. One tweet read, “19-year-old Youngseo thinking she was too old to debut is now debuting as the maknae. Thank you for not giving up.” Many highlighted the unfair age standards in the industry.
K-pop fans often debate the pressure on young trainees. Many groups debut with members as young as 14-16, while older trainees face difficulties. Youngseo’s case has brought attention to this ongoing issue.
Before joining THE BLACK LABEL, Youngseo trained under Source Music and was part of the pre-debut team NTeam. She later joined BELIFT LAB and competed on R U Next? Her long training period added to her worries about age.
Despite the challenges, Youngseo’s story has inspired fans. Her proactive approach—reaching out to companies directly—shows her dedication. Many hope her debut with ALLDAY will mark a successful new chapter.
ALLDAY PROJECT is one of the few co-ed groups in K-pop, making their debut highly anticipated. The group includes members Annie, Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo. Their unique concept has already drawn attention.
Youngseo’s journey reflects the harsh realities of the K-pop industry. Trainees often spend years preparing for debut, facing uncertainty and competition. Her openness about her struggles has resonated with many aspiring idols.
Fans continue to support Youngseo as she prepares for her debut. Her story highlights the need for change in how the industry views age and opportunity. Many hope her success will pave the way for others in similar situations.
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