Allday Project, Double Black Label’s First Co-ed Group, Reaches Melon No. 1 Just 4 Days After Debut

Allday Project, the first co-ed K-pop group under the Double Black Label, climbed to the top of Melon’s “TOP 100” chart just four days after its debut on the 23rd. This marks the fastest time a fifth-generation new debut single has reached number one, signaling strong global momentum. The group consists of five members: Annie, Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo. Each member brings unique experiences and strengths. Annie comes from a prominent family and has worked as a model and influencer. Tarzzan is a model and performer who has appeared in music videos for NewJeans and (G)I-DLE. Bailey is a producer who contributed to the choreography for the viral hits of aespa and Red Velvet. Woochan became famous as the youngest participant in a survival program. The debut single features two title tracks: “FAMOUS” and “WICKED.” “FAMOUS” rose rapidly after entering the Melon chart and reached number one, while its music video achieved the rare feat of topping both YouTube Trending Videos and Trending Songs simultaneously—a very unusual outcome for a new group. The second title track, “WICKED,” also made it onto Melon’s “TOP 100” daily chart and secured first place on YouTube Trending Videos. Allday Project has drawn attention as the first new co-ed K-pop group in eight years. Historically, co-ed groups such as Roo’Ra, Cool, and Sharp dominated South Korea’s music scene in the 1990s but faded from the mainstream after the shift toward gender-separated systems in the 2010s. Currently, only Koyote and Kard are active co-ed groups. Led by Teddy Park, the producer of Team, the Double Black Label designed Allday Project “without prejudice,” aiming for a creative direction that avoids traditional K-pop frameworks. “FAMOUS” is characterized by “hypnotic hip-hop rhythms and spoken-word style lyrics,” with a structure that “prefers attitude and repetition over traditional melodies and choruses.” This unconventional approach helped it gain rapid global popularity. Music critic Im Hee-yoon analyzed that while 1990s co-ed groups thrived during an era centered on popular music and heavy TV exposure, today’s multi-platform environment focuses on passionate engagement through social media. However, he suggested the Double Black Label might be targeting another niche, noting it “could be a long-term strategy aimed at audiences who like K-pop performances and music but don’t want to support just one specific idol.” An official from a major entertainment company also expressed optimism, saying, “It’s not about whether there were co-ed groups or not; what’s interesting is that these members possess strong personalities regardless of their debut year or gender. With bands returning after 30 years of K-pop history, co-ed groups might be able to shine again as well.” Allday Project’s successful debut indicates that the K-pop market is ready to embrace diverse group compositions and musical experimentation. Expectations among industry insiders and fans are high for the musical evolution this group will showcase in the future.