Double Black Label’s All Day Project Debuts as First New Mixed-Gender Group in 8 Years, Reaching Melon No. 1 Just 4 Days After Debut

The All Day Project under Double Black Label generated massive attention as it officially debuted on June 23. The achievements recorded by this new mixed-gender group, the first of its kind in the K-pop market in 8 years, surpassed industry expectations with its debut single. The project’s first single, “Payamous,” claimed first place on both Melon’s Top 100 chart and its daily chart just 4 days after their debut. This made it the fastest fifth-generation debut single to reach the chart summit. Additionally, the performance video for “WICKED” topped both YouTube’s Trending Videos and Trending Music categories. These results demonstrate the strong global momentum exhibited by the All Day Project. The resurgence of mixed-gender groups holds significant meaning in the K-pop market. Since the 2010s, as K-pop shifted toward gender-separated groups, mixed-gender groups largely disappeared. Although groups like LUV, COOL, and SHARP were popular mixed-gender acts in the 1990s, only KOYOTAE and KARD are currently active. The All Day Project represents the first new mixed-gender K-pop group in 8 years, signaling new possibilities for the market. Teddy, the producer at Double Black Label (best known for BLACKPINK), designed the All Day Project “without prejudice” and did not confine its creative direction to traditional K-pop frameworks. The debut single “Payamous” features “hypnotic hip-hop rhythms and spoken-word style lyrics,” presenting an unconventional structure that “prioritizes attitude and repetition over traditional melodies and choruses.” This experimental approach quickly resonated on global charts. Industry experts are paying close attention to the success of the All Day Project. Music critic Im Hee-yoon noted that while mixed-gender groups reached their peak during the era centered around terrestrial television in the 1990s, today’s multi-platform era focuses on enthusiastic fan engagement through social media. Critic Im stated, “This could be Double Black Label’s long-term strategy aimed at audiences who love K-pop performances and music rather than fans who support specific idols. If executed well, it can spark new conversations.” A representative from a major entertainment company also expressed cautious optimism. They said, “It isn’t important whether mixed-gender groups existed in the past. These members possess strong individuality regardless of their debut year or gender. That’s what’s interesting. If bands have made a comeback in K-pop’s 30-year history, why shouldn’t mixed-gender groups gain attention again?” The members of the All Day Project are Annie, Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo. Annie is a model and influencer with a prominent family background. Tarzzan is a model and performer with strong dancing skills and visuals who has appeared in music videos for NewJeans and (G)I-DLE. Bailey is a producer who contributed to the choreography of viral hits by aespa and Red Velvet. Woochan has significant stage experience, having gained attention through competition programs. The group’s first performance took place on June 29 on MBC’s “Show! Music Core.” In interviews, the members described themselves as “a fantastic team of five unique artists united under one group” and added, “We will go beyond genre and format limits to always present new versions of ourselves with abundant energy.” The debut of this mixed-gender group indicates that K-pop’s diversity is expanding. It sends a signal that traditional K-pop formats based on gender separation and age segmentation are not absolute. It remains to be seen whether the future achievements of the All Day Project will drive new trends in the K-pop market.