A K-pop hiatus with a very different reason
In a move that has instantly set her apart from the usual idol hiatus headlines, ALLDAY PROJECT member Annie (Moon Do-Yoon) is pressing pause on group activities — not due to health or controversy, but to return to university.
The idol, widely known as a billionaire heir and an Ivy League student, will be stepping away temporarily to focus on her studies at Columbia University during the Spring 2026 semester.
Why Annie is taking a break from promotions
According to reports from TenAsia, Annie will resume classes at Columbia around January 20, after completing a previously approved leave of absence. She is majoring in Art History and Visual Arts, and sources say she plans to dedicate herself fully to academics until the semester concludes in May 2026.
During this time, Annie will remain in the United States, marking a rare case where an active K-pop idol temporarily exits promotions for higher education rather than industry-related reasons.
ALLDAY PROJECT to continue as a four-member unit
With Annie away, ALLDAY PROJECT will continue promotions as a four-member group, with Tarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseo carrying on scheduled activities. The group’s management has clarified that this is strictly a temporary arrangement, and Annie is expected to rejoin once her semester wraps up.
The remaining members are reportedly focusing on new music production, alongside exploring individual projects during this period — keeping the group’s momentum alive despite the lineup adjustment.
Wrapping commitments before campus life
Before heading back to New York, Annie has been busy tying up loose ends. She is currently completing advertising shoots and photo schedules, ensuring her professional commitments are in place before she switches back to student mode.
Once these obligations are finished, she will depart for the US to resume campus life — swapping stage lights for lecture halls once again.
The story behind Annie’s Ivy League journey
Annie’s academic background has long intrigued fans. She is the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Group chairwoman Chung Yoo-kyung, and her journey into K-pop was anything but conventional.
Industry insiders have previously noted that Annie devoted herself intensely to academics to earn her family’s approval, particularly from her mother, who was initially opposed to her entering the entertainment world. Her acceptance into Columbia University ultimately became a turning point — allowing her to pursue both higher education and her dream of becoming an idol.
About ALLDAY PROJECT
ALLDAY PROJECT is a five-member co-ed group produced by TEDDY. The group officially debuted last year with the single FAMOUS, quickly drawing attention for its global image and unconventional lineup.
Final Words
Annie’s decision to step away for her studies adds a refreshing chapter to the K-pop narrative — one where education and idol life coexist, rather than compete. While fans will miss her presence on stage for a few months, her planned return keeps anticipation alive.
For now, ALLDAY PROJECT moves forward as four — and Annie heads back to campus, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected hiatus stories are also the most inspiring.
