WJSN Dayoung Reveals 1.2 Billion Won Debt and Self-Funded Solo Album in the US

On the 23rd, during MBC's 'Omniscient Interfering View,' WJSN member Dayoung opened up about the financial hardships she faced in the past.

Dayoung recalled the difficult times, saying, "At age 13, while appearing on audition programs, I lived alone in a goshiwon. Due to my parents' divorce, a debt of 1.2 billion won was incurred under my mother's name. At the time, due to the influence of Typhoon Nari, water rose up to the waist inside our shop. We were in a situation where we had to swim. My mother just cried beside me. That was the first time I saw my mother cry."

She continued reflecting on her mother, stating, "My mother has been a wonderful woman since she was young. She worked two or even three jobs. She ran a sea eel shop and worked as an insurance agent. She never once said things were hard. She said women from Jeju are just that strong."

She added that she grew up quickly due to her family circumstances, saying, "Realizing the seriousness of the situation, I thought I had to protect my mother. I used to be quite immature, but I suddenly grew up."

Dayoung also revealed her daily routine. Upon waking up at 5 AM, she watches motivational videos, then proceeds with English studies, breakfast, feedback from the company's A&R team, video meetings with a US photographer, and exercise.

Regarding her solo album preparations, she showed great initiative, saying, "It was a contract renewal season. The company said, 'You have sacrificed your own things for 7 years, so after the renewal, we hope you focus on your own dreams.' I expressed my desire to go solo, but they tried to persuade me by saying, 'Since you are doing well in variety shows, why not try that first?' I felt that wouldn't work and left immediately. I needed time to focus on the album, so I said I was going on vacation to Jeju. Then, the very next day, I booked a flight and left for LA, USA. Every day was precious."

She continued, "When I thought about who knows Korea and the US best, Eric Nam came to mind. He introduced me to composers and helped a lot with interpretation. He is truly such a kind person."

Regarding the living expenses in the US, she stated she used her own funds, saying, "Right now, it's no different from bankruptcy. I went independently without telling the company, and the dollar exchange rate was also expensive. It was truly not easy. When I returned, I confessed everything. My goal was to bring a high-quality album that would get approval from the company." The MCs expressed admiration, saying, "This is like a movie."

Dayoung also revealed that ahead of her solo debut, she lost a total of 12kg, at a rate of 1kg per month.