On the afternoon of December 20, 2025, the South Korean music industry gathered at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul for the prestigious Melon Music Awards (MMA).
Among the many highlights of the evening, the crowning of the Rookie of the Year stood out as a significant milestone for the next generation of K-pop.
The award was presented by rising actors Bae Hyun Sung and Jung Ji So, who revealed that the honor belonged to ALLDAY PROJECT.
This win solidifies the group’s position as one of the most promising acts of 2025, capping off a debut year filled with explosive growth and critical acclaim.
For the members, this trophy represents the culmination of years of rigorous training and the realization of their collective dreams.
Gratitude to The Black Label
Taking to the stage for their acceptance speech, the members of ALLDAY PROJECT were visibly moved by the recognition.
Member Woo Chan led the group in expressing their sincere gratitude to the visionaries behind their success.
He specifically thanked Teddy, the legendary producer and CEO of The Black Label, as well as producer Vince, for their guidance and mentorship.
ALLDAY PROJECT (Credit: Pinterest)
He also extended his thanks to the visual team, the planning team, and the entire staff at the agency who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to facilitate their debut.
Woo Chan vowed that this award would serve as a catalyst for the group to work even harder and continue their upward trajectory in the industry.
Heartfelt Tributes to Family and Fans
The emotional weight of the evening was further amplified by the presence of the members’ families in the audience. Member Tazan shared a deeply personal message that touched the hearts of many viewers.
“Our parents came to watch us today. I love you,” he said, holding back tears.
He credited the group’s success to the “sacrifice and love” of their ten parents, noting that their unwavering support was the foundation upon which the group stands today.
The members also made sure to mention their dedicated fandom, Day One, attributing the award to the fans’ constant support and enthusiasm.
“Thanks to Day One, we were able to receive such a wonderful award,” Woo Chan added, emphasizing the bond between the group and their supporters.
Setting a New Standard for Rookies
ALLDAY PROJECT’s win at the MMA 2025 is a testament to the high production standards and artistic direction of The Black Label.
Since their debut, the group has been praised for their distinct sound and high-performance capabilities, often being cited as a “monster rookie” group.
Their victory in such a competitive category—presented at one of the “Big Three” year-end award shows—indicates a strong market presence and a high level of digital streaming success on the Melon platform.
This award sets a high bar for their future releases and places them in the same lineage as previous iconic Rookie of the Year winners who went on to become global superstars.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the Rookie of the Year trophy in hand, ALLDAY PROJECT is poised for an even bigger year in 2026.
The group recently released an official performance video for their track “LOOK AT ME,” which has already garnered significant attention for its intricate choreography and charismatic delivery.
As they transition from rookies to established artists, the industry will be watching closely to see how they evolve their musical style and expand their global reach.
For now, the members and their families are taking a moment to celebrate a hard-earned victory at the Gocheok Sky Dome, a night that will undoubtedly remain a core memory in the history of ALLDAY PROJECT.
In a move that perfectly blends nostalgia with modern global pop culture, YG Entertainment has officially announced a groundbreaking collaboration between the world-renowned girl group BLACKPINK and the iconic 90s digital pet brand, Tamagotchi.
The announcement, made through the agency’s official social media channels, has sent shockwaves of excitement through the BLINK fandom.
This collaboration aims to bring a “BLACKPINK twist” to the beloved pocket-sized virtual pet, allowing fans to interact with a stylized version of the group’s aesthetic in a way that pays homage to the retro tech trend.
The project is seen as a strategic intersection of high-fashion K-pop branding and the enduring appeal of collectible, interactive merchandise.
Launch Details and Accessibility
Fans won’t have to wait long to get their hands on this exclusive collectible. The BLACKPINK x Tamagotchi collaboration is scheduled to officially launch on December 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM KST.
The product will be available via KakaoTalk Gift, making it highly accessible to the domestic South Korean market, which frequently utilizes the platform for limited-edition celebrity merchandise.
YG Entertainment also provided a direct purchase link within the KakaoTalk store, where early previews of the final product were showcased.
This streamlined approach to the release ensures that fans can secure their units as part of their year-end holiday shopping, further driving the “giftable” appeal of the collaboration.
Design Aesthetics and “90s Recreation”
The collaborative product is being marketed as an “iconic recreation of the 90s,” featuring design elements that mirror BLACKPINK’s signature “pink and black” color palette and edgy, chic branding.
While specific gameplay details are still being unveiled, the preview indicates that the physical device itself will be a must-have accessory for collectors.
This isn’t just a simple branding exercise; it’s an immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between the group’s digital presence and their physical merchandise.
By tapping into the “Y2K” trend that has dominated fashion and music recently, BLACKPINK and Tamagotchi are creating a product that appeals to both older fans who grew up with the devices and younger fans who appreciate the retro-cool aesthetic.
BLACKPINK and Tamagotchi (Credit: YouTube)
Explosive Fan Reactions
The online reaction to the news has been overwhelmingly positive, with social media platforms buzzing with anticipation.
Many BLINKs are viewing the release as a perfect “birthday” or “holiday” present, with several fans noting that the timing of the release aligns perfectly with their year-end bonuses or gift-giving traditions.
The high level of engagement suggests that the collaboration will be an immediate sell-out success, further proving the incredible market power of the BLACKPINK brand across different product categories.
The Start of a New Product Series?
Industry insiders and fans alike are speculating that this Tamagotchi release might just be the beginning of a broader “BLACKPINK series” of interactive tech products.
YG Entertainment has hinted at a long-term strategy to expand the group’s footprint in the lifestyle and hobby sectors.
As the group continues to dominate the music charts, their expansion into high-concept merchandise like this collaboration serves to deepen the connection between the artists and their global community.
For now, the focus is squarely on the December 23rd launch, a day that will surely see thousands of virtual “BLACKPINK pets” finding new homes around the world.
