THE BLACK LABEL’s much-anticipated co-ed K-pop group, ALLDAY Project, is already under intense scrutiny just hours after its official lineup announcement. While the group initially sparked excitement for its fresh, diverse talent and rare co-ed format, attention quickly shifted to controversy surrounding one of its members, Tarzzan.
Unveiled on June 8, ALLDAY Project comprises five members: Annie Moon, Bailey, Jo Woochan (formerly associated with HYBE’s Trainee A), Youngseo (a finalist in ILLIT‘s lineup), and Tarzzan, also known as Lee Chaewon. The group was poised to make waves in the industry with its unique composition and the momentum built from THE BLACK LABEL’s prior debut group, MEOVV. However, controversy emerged almost immediately following the announcement.
The backlash centers on Tarzzan’s repeated use of braided hairstyles that hold cultural significance in Black communities. Images from both his personal Instagram and official teasers for ALLDAY Project show him wearing styles like cornrows and box braids, which many consider culturally appropriative when adopted without understanding or respect for their origins. Critics emphasized that this isn’t an isolated styling decision, but rather a pattern in Tarzzan’s past appearances, including his feature in NJZ’s (NewJeans) “Supernatural” music video.
As discourse intensified across social media platforms, some fans expressed disappointment, saying their initial enthusiasm for the group had turned into hesitation or disinterest due to the insensitivity of the imagery. Others called for THE BLACK LABEL to address the issue and take accountability for the group’s styling and cultural awareness.
The controversy deepened further when netizens pointed out that Tarzzan follows Tory Lanez on Instagram. Lanez, a Canadian rapper, was convicted in 2023 for felony charges related to the high-profile shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. While following an artist online doesn’t necessarily indicate support, the timing and nature of Lanez’s conviction have led many to question Tarzzan’s judgment and social awareness. Fans have labeled the act as careless at best, and outright offensive at worst, igniting further debate about whether such behavior should be overlooked in a debut idol.
As ALLDAY Project inches closer to its official debut, THE BLACK LABEL now faces mounting pressure to respond. Many fans are watching closely, not only for the group’s musical direction but also for how the company will address growing concerns around cultural respect, representation, and responsibility.