Daisy Yoo Jung Ahn: Inside the Life of Former MOMOLAND Star

Daisy momoland was not originally meant to be part of the popular K-pop girl group despite participating in their formation show. Initially eliminated from "Finding Momoland," she was surprisingly added to the lineup on March 28, 2017, marking the beginning of her unexpected journey in one of South Korea's notable girl groups.

What happened to Daisy from Momoland became a major topic in 2020 when she made headlines with serious allegations against her management company. The Canadian-Korean idol, who lived in Vancouver for 11 years, claimed that the survival show that formed MOMOLAND was rigged and stated that MLD Entertainment demanded 940 USD for her contract termination. Furthermore, her personal life gained attention when news broke about Daisy and Yunhyeong from iKON dating in February 2019.

Born in Seoul on January 22, 1999, Daisy Yoo's career spans beyond her time as MOMOLAND's main rapper and lead dancer. Before joining the group, she was a JYP trainee who nearly participated in "Sixteen," the show that formed TWICE.

Daisy Yoo Jung Ahn: Basic Profile

Behind the stage name Daisy stands Yoo Jung Ahn (유정안), a multi-talented artist whose identity encompasses more than just her time with MOMOLAND. Her professional moniker "Daisy" (데이지) has become recognizable in the K-pop industry, particularly during her tenure as the group's main rapper and lead dancer.

Stage name and real name

Yoo Jung Ahn adopted "Daisy" as her stage name when she joined MOMOLAND. The contrast between her flowery stage name and her birth name showcases the duality often present in K-pop idols' public and private identities. Her Korean name is written as 유정안 in Hangul, which she has maintained across her professional endeavors both during and after her time with the group.

Birthdate and zodiac sign

Born on January 22, 1999, in Seoul, South Korea, Daisy celebrated her 25th birthday in 2024. Regarding her zodiac sign, there appears to be some conflicting information in various sources. While some profiles list her as a Capricorn, others identify her as an Aquarius. This discrepancy likely stems from her birthdate falling near the cusp between these two signs. Additionally, her blood type is O, a detail commonly shared in K-pop idol profiles as it holds cultural significance in South Korea.

Nationality and languages spoken

Daisy possesses dual nationality as both Canadian and Korean. This bicultural background stems from having lived in Canada for approximately 11 years, specifically Vancouver, which significantly shaped her linguistic abilities. As a result of her international upbringing, she speaks both Korean (her native language) and English with fluency. This bilingual capability proved to be an asset during her idol career, allowing her to communicate effectively with international fans.

Social media presence

After departing from MOMOLAND, Daisy eventually established her own social media presence, marking a new chapter in her public life. In early 2022, eagle-eyed fans noticed she had created an Instagram account, approximately two years after leaving the group. Her Instagram handle, @daisiesforyu, cleverly incorporates her stage name with a personal touch. Her first post featured her in a black top and denim skirt with a chic half-ponytail, captioned "daisies for yu all" alongside two heart emojis.

Beyond Instagram, Daisy maintains a presence across multiple platforms. She can be found on Twitter under the handle @_daisiesforyu, though some sources reference an earlier account @daisymmland. She has also established a YouTube channel named "Daisy Yu 유정안" and a TikTok account with the username @daisiesforyu. Through these platforms, she has reconnected with fans who supported her throughout her journey in the entertainment industry.

Following her departure from MOMOLAND, her social media debut was met with enthusiastic support from fans who had been following her career trajectory. She responded with gratitude, thanking supporters for sticking by her throughout challenging times, demonstrating the mutual appreciation between the artist and her fanbase.

Early Life and Education

Daisy Yoo's formative years unfolded across two distinct cultural landscapes, shaping her into the bilingual artist who would later join one of K-pop's notable girl groups. Her dual-national identity began early, setting the foundation for her eventual career in the entertainment industry.

Childhood in Seoul and Canada

Yoo Jung Ahn began her life journey in Seoul, South Korea, where she was born on January 22, 1999. However, her childhood took a significant turn when her family relocated to Vancouver, Canada. In fact, Daisy spent approximately 11 years of her formative years in Canada, immersing herself in Western culture and the English language. This extended stay abroad proved influential in her development, notably in her acquisition of fluent English skills.

Upon reaching the age of 13, Daisy returned to her birthplace of South Korea. This return marked a pivotal transition period, as she needed to readapt to Korean society and educational systems while carrying her Canadian experiences with her. This bicultural background would subsequently become an asset during her time with MOMOLAND, especially when communicating with international fans.

Schools attended

Once back in South Korea, Daisy pursued her education through several institutions. She began her academic journey at Lira Elementary School, which served as her introduction to the Korean educational system after her time in Canada. Following her elementary education, she continued on to Aju Middle School, further solidifying her reintegration into Korean society.

For her high school education, Daisy attended Jamil High School, with some sources specifically identifying it as Jamil Art High School. This suggests a potential early focus on artistic studies that may have helped prepare her for her future entertainment career. She officially completed her high school education on February 9, 2018, which occurred after she had already debuted with MOMOLAND.

University degrees and majors

Contrary to what one might expect from an active idol, Daisy did not pause her academic pursuits after joining MOMOLAND. She continued her education at the prestigious Ewha Womans University, one of South Korea's most renowned institutions for higher education. At Ewha, she focused her studies on the Apparel Industry, gaining specialized knowledge in fashion and clothing design.

Not content with just a bachelor's degree, Daisy furthered her educational achievements by obtaining a master's degree in Cooperative MBA from Sungkonghoe University. This advanced business degree demonstrates her interest in the managerial and business aspects of the industry, perhaps indicating aspirations beyond performing.

It's worth noting that there is some contradictory information regarding her education. One source with very low reliability suggests she studied Culinary Arts/Chef Training from 2016-2017 and Finance at Azusa Pacific University from 2009-2013. However, given the timeline inconsistency (she would have been only 10 years old in 2009) and the low reliability rating of this source, this information appears inaccurate compared to the more consistent reports from higher-rated sources.

Training Years and Pre-Debut Journey

Before ascending to K-pop stardom, Daisy Yoo's path to becoming an idol was marked by several unexpected turns, beginning with her training at one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies.

Time at JYP Entertainment

Daisy's journey in the entertainment industry began long before MOMOLAND, when she joined JYP Entertainment as a trainee. JYP, known for producing successful acts like Wonder Girls, 2PM, and GOT7, provided her with valuable industry experience and training. The company's rigorous training system undoubtedly shaped her performance skills, albeit for a relatively short period.

Nonetheless, her time at JYP was significant enough to be mentioned across multiple sources, indicating it was a formative chapter in her development as an artist. This period helped her build the foundation of performance skills that would eventually make her suitable for a main dancer position in her future group.

Almost joining SIXTEEN

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Daisy's pre-debut story was her near-participation in the survival show "SIXTEEN". This Mnet-produced program ultimately formed the globally successful girl group TWICE. Had Daisy's career path unfolded differently, she might have potentially debuted alongside members like Nayeon, Jeongyeon, and Tzuyu.

Remarkably, Daisy left JYP Entertainment shortly before "SIXTEEN" began filming. This timing suggests she was likely considered as a contestant but chose a different path. This decision fundamentally altered her career trajectory, steering her away from what could have been an entirely different outcome in the K-pop industry.

Participation in Finding Momoland

Following her departure from JYP, Daisy eventually found herself participating in another survival show—"Finding Momoland" in 2016. This program, created by Duble Kick Entertainment (later renamed MLD Entertainment), aimed to form a seven-member girl group through competitive elimination rounds.

Contrary to what might be expected from her eventual membership in MOMOLAND, Daisy was actually eliminated during the show. At the time, this seemed to mark the end of her journey with the group before it had even begun.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Daisy later revealed in a 2020 KBS interview that despite her elimination, the company had other plans. According to her testimony, "The day that I didn't make the final team, the agency called me and told me that regardless of the audition results, I will make the final team". She claimed the company informed her that "all the arrangements had been made".

Consequently, approximately six months after MOMOLAND's official debut, Daisy was added to the lineup on March 28, 2017. This unconventional entry into the group raised few eyebrows at the time, but would later become central to serious allegations about the show's integrity.

In the same 2020 interview, Daisy made the explosive claim that "Finding Momoland" was rigged. She alleged that MLD Entertainment had predetermined her placement in the group regardless of the competition's outcome. These allegations cast a shadow over not just her own journey, but the entire formation process of MOMOLAND, ultimately contributing to the controversies that would later surround her departure from the group.

Joining MOMOLAND: The Unexpected Debut

The unexpected twist in Daisy's K-pop journey materialized in early 2017, overturning what viewers of "Finding Momoland" had witnessed. Indeed, what appeared to be the end of her group aspirations after elimination would soon reveal itself as merely a temporary setback.

Being added after elimination

Unlike traditional paths to idol stardom, Daisy's entry into MOMOLAND came through an unconventional backdoor. Although she participated in the survival show "Finding Momoland," she was ultimately eliminated from the competition. Yet, behind the scenes, MLD Entertainment (formerly Duble Kick Entertainment) had different plans for her career trajectory.

In a startling revelation years later, Daisy disclosed that on the very day of her elimination, the agency contacted her and requested a meeting for the following day. During this meeting, company representatives informed her that "regardless of what happened in the eliminations," she was going to join the group. They instructed her to wait until after the first album promotions were completed before making her debut with MOMOLAND's second album, "Wonderful Love".

This peculiar arrangement remained hidden from public knowledge until January 2020, when Daisy participated in a KBS News 9 interview where she alleged that the survival show had been manipulated. According to her testimony, her inclusion in MOMOLAND had been pre-decided by the company, essentially rendering the elimination process a staged formality for her case.

Official debut date and first single

After months of waiting in the wings, Daisy officially joined MOMOLAND on March 28, 2017, approximately four months after the group's original November 2016 debut. Her addition came alongside another member named Taeha, expanding the original seven-member configuration.

Daisy made her formal debut as MOMOLAND's new main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist with the release of their single album "Wonderful Love". This milestone marked the beginning of her public career with the group, just as she had been told during that pivotal post-elimination meeting.

Initial fan reactions

The initial response to Daisy's addition demonstrated the complexities of K-pop fandom dynamics. Some devoted followers of the original lineup expressed confusion about the sudden expansion, henceforth questioning the authenticity of the survival show that had formed the group. Others welcomed the new talent and performance energy she brought to MOMOLAND.

What fans couldn't have known at the time was that Daisy would receive her first statement of accounts in 2017, revealing that she owed nearly 70 million KRW (approximately ₩65,899,912) to the company. This debt stemmed from the production costs of "Finding Momoland" - a show from which she had been eliminated. As Daisy later explained, "I heard that the costs of that were split amongst all of the members".

Her revelation provides a glimpse into the financial burdens placed on K-pop trainees, even those who technically didn't survive the elimination process. "My dream was to debut in an idol group, and I paid off that debt because I thought it was normal for idols to do that," she confessed in her KBS interview.

KBS subsequently confirmed with MLD Entertainment that indeed all MOMOLAND members had paid "tens of millions of KRW" in production costs related to the survival show.

Her Role and Highlights in MOMOLAND

Upon officially joining MOMOLAND in 2017, Daisy quickly established herself as an integral member of the group, bringing her unique talents and personality to the nine-member lineup. Her unexpected addition proved valuable as she took on significant responsibilities within the group's dynamic.

Main dancer and lead rapper

First and foremost, Daisy assumed multiple official positions within MOMOLAND's structure. She served as the main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist, a combination that highlighted her versatility as a performer. Standing at 162 cm (5'3¾") and weighing 44 kg (97 lbs), her physique complemented her dancing abilities, allowing her to execute intricate choreography with precision.

Her appointment as main dancer demonstrated the company's confidence in her technical abilities, likely developed during her time as a JYP trainee. Simultaneously, her lead rapper position showcased her rhythm and flow, essential for MOMOLAND's catchy, high-energy tracks. This dual specialty made her a standout performer during the group's promotional activities.

Daisy made her official debut as MOMOLAND's new main dancer, lead rapper, and vocalist with their single album "Wonderful Love", where she immediately demonstrated the skills that earned her these positions. Her performance abilities contributed significantly to the group's evolving image and sound.

Notable performances like 'BAAM'

Throughout her time with MOMOLAND, Daisy participated in several notable performances that showcased her talents. One of the most recognizable was the group's hit song "BAAM," which became a signature performance piece for the group. The choreography allowed Daisy to display her dancing prowess, with synchronized movements that highlighted her main dancer capabilities.

Even after her departure, the impact of these performances remained evident. In 2022, MOMOLAND returned to Manila and performed "BAAM", a song that many fans still associate with the group's original lineup that included Daisy.

Roommates and friendships in the group

Living together is a common practice for K-pop groups, and Daisy shared living quarters with two other members. According to a Celuv TV Interview, Daisy, Ahin, and Jane shared a room, creating a close-knit subgroup within the larger MOMOLAND family. These living arrangements naturally fostered deeper connections among the roommates.

In contrast to these roommate relationships, other members had different arrangements. For instance, JooE and Nancy shared a room, creating another subset within the group's dynamics. These living situations often influenced the interactions and chemistry displayed during public appearances and performances.

Over time, the bonds formed during training and promotion periods typically develop into significant friendships. In Daisy's case, her relationships with other members would eventually be tested by the controversies surrounding her hiatus and subsequent departure from the group in 2020, which altered the trajectory of both her career and MOMOLAND's composition.

Public Attention and Dating Rumors

Valentine's Day 2019 brought more than just chocolates and flowers for Daisy from MOMOLAND—it delivered her straight into the center of a K-pop dating scandal that would fundamentally alter her career trajectory.

Yunhyeong and Daisy relationship

In a surprising development on February 14, 2019, Korean media outlets reported that Daisy and iKON's Song Yunhyeong had been dating for approximately three to four months. The news quickly spread throughout the K-pop community, with an insider commenting that "they don't get to see each other much, because they are both busy. Nevertheless, they very much adore one another. They make a great couple".

The revelation came at a time when idol dating remained a sensitive topic in the industry. Traditionally, dating scandals could have serious repercussions on an idol's career, primarily due to fan expectations of idols maintaining an "available" image. For many fans, this Valentine's Day announcement came as an unexpected shock, given both artists were at crucial points in their respective group careers.

Agency responses and media coverage

What truly made this situation extraordinary was the conflicting official responses from the two management companies involved. MLD Entertainment, Daisy's agency, explicitly confirmed the relationship, stating: "After checking with Daisy, we have confirmed that she and Song Yun Hyeong have been dating for the past 3 months".

In stark contrast, YG Entertainment, representing Yunhyeong, swiftly denied the dating rumors with their statement: "They did have feelings for each other, and met up a couple of times. Nonetheless, it is not true that they are dating". This contradictory messaging from two major entertainment companies created substantial confusion among fans and media alike.

Years later, Daisy would claim in a TikTok video that she had actually wanted to deny the dating rumors but felt pressured by company representatives. According to her account, she was taken to an off-site office where someone she referred to as "John" allegedly used manipulative tactics, saying things like "what if there are photos?" and warning her that evidence "is only gonna look bad for the girl".

Impact on her public image

The fallout from this dating controversy was immediate and significant. Shortly afterward, Daisy stopped promoting with MOMOLAND. Though MLD Entertainment officially attributed her absence to "health and personal reasons", Daisy would later assert that the dating scandal contributed directly to her removal from group activities.

In a remarkable turn of events, the dating controversy became intertwined with Daisy's subsequent claims about the "Finding Momoland" show being rigged, creating a complex narrative that damaged both her public image and relationship with her management company. The situation became increasingly complicated when she later claimed her exit from the group was not voluntary but rather a forced dismissal.

The dating scandal proved to be a critical turning point in Daisy's career, marking the beginning of her estrangement from both MOMOLAND and her management company. It serves as a compelling example of how personal relationships in the K-pop industry can sometimes carry professional consequences that extend far beyond the romance itself.

Controversy and Departure from MOMOLAND

March 2019 marked the beginning of a tumultuous period for Daisy that would ultimately lead to her permanent departure from MOMOLAND. Following her absence from the group's comeback that month, few could have predicted the series of revelations and disputes that would unfold over the next year.

Hiatus and exclusion from promotions

After MOMOLAND's March 2019 comeback, Daisy was noticeably absent, with the company citing "personal reasons" for her hiatus. What wasn't public knowledge at the time was that Daisy had expressed her desire to resume activities with the group as early as May 2019. Instead of welcoming her back, MLD Entertainment repeatedly advised her to continue resting, telling her, "No, it would be good if you rested".

For eight consecutive months, Daisy remained sidelined from all group activities despite her requests to return. This extended absence fueled speculation among fans about her status within the group. The situation deteriorated further when Daisy requested termination of her contract, at which point MLD reportedly demanded an astronomical 1.1 billion won (approximately $943,330) as a penalty for breach of contract.

Claims about show rigging

In January 2020, Daisy made explosive allegations in an interview with KBS, claiming that the survival show "Finding Momoland" had been manipulated. She stated, "The day that I didn't make the final team, the agency called me and told me that regardless of the audition results, I will make the final team". Moreover, she revealed that she had been told "all that arrangements had been made".

Another startling revelation concerned finances—Daisy disclosed that after debuting in 2017, she received her first statement of accounts showing debt of nearly 70 million won for 2016, a period when she wasn't even part of the group. This debt allegedly represented her share of the "Finding Momoland" production costs, which all members were required to pay.

MLD Entertainment's response

MLD Entertainment vehemently denied Daisy's accusations, issuing an official statement that declared, "There was no manipulation of votes or other fraudulent actions regarding member selection". The company attempted to explain Daisy's addition to the group by stating that their CEO "saw Daisy's potential and recommended she stay as an agency trainee".

Regarding the production costs, MLD confirmed that payment was "included in the exclusive contract" and had been "agreed upon by the members and their parents". The agency additionally claimed that "Daisy's mother has threatened the agency multiple times" and suggested she had "taken further malicious action because we did not respond to those threats".

In July 2022, Daisy finally addressed fans directly during a TikTok livestream, emphatically stating, "Guys, for the love of God, I did not leave. I was fired. Fired! Okay?" This declaration contradicted the narrative that her departure had been mutual or of her own choosing.