ALLDAY PROJECT 'Wicked' Review: Why This Performance Has 2M+ Dancers Talking

ALLDAY PROJECT burst onto the K-pop scene on June 23, 2025, immediately capturing attention with their unique lineup and bold sound. The co-ed quintet, featuring four rappers and one vocalist, debuted with two tracks - "FAMOUS" and "WICKED" - with the latter quickly climbing to #1 on Melon.

What sets this group apart isn't just their mixed-gender composition, but their unconventional approach to music. Under THE BLACK LABEL, ALLDAY PROJECT brings a fresh spin to K-pop with members Annie, Tarzzan, Baily, Woochan, and Youngseo delivering a cypher-like style that forgoes traditional structure. Their track "WICKED" particularly stands out, packed with what the members describe as "their unique energy" and "individual aspirations".

The Brazilian funk production has garnered mixed reactions from critics, yet dancers across platforms can't stop talking about the performance aspects. From TikTok choreography covers to professional dance crew Kinjaz showing support, "WICKED" has sparked a movement that transcends typical K-pop reception.

What Is 'Wicked' by ALLDAY PROJECT?

"Wicked" represents the bold second release from ALLDAY PROJECT, a groundbreaking co-ed group that emerged from The Black Label's innovative vision for K-pop's future.

Debut Context and Group Background

ALLDAY PROJECT officially entered the K-pop scene on June 23, 2025, with their first single album "Famous". Unlike traditional debuts, this five-member ensemble arrived with considerable industry anticipation due to their unconventional lineup. The group's formation was confirmed on June 6, 2025, when The Black Label announced a co-ed group produced by renowned hitmaker Teddy. That same day, former ILLIT pre-debut member Lee Youngseo was revealed to have signed with the agency. Subsequently, on June 9, The Black Label launched official social media accounts for the group, confirming their upcoming debut. "Wicked" followed as their second title track, showcasing a different facet of their artistic identity while cementing their position as boundary-pushers in the industry.

ALLDAY PROJECT's Concept and Lineup

The group's name reflects their fundamental mission – creating timeless music rather than following fleeting trends. ALLDAY PROJECT describes itself as "a limitless creative project that knows no boundaries", uniting five exceptional artists recognized in their respective fields. The lineup consists of Annie (rapper), Tarzzan (rapper), Bailey (rapper), Woochan (rapper), and Youngseo (vocalist and maknae). Each member brings unique credentials: Bailey Sok is an accomplished choreographer, Youngseo competed on survival show R U Next?, Annie comes from a prominent business family, Woochan appeared on Show Me The Money 6, and Tarzzan studied modern dance at Korea National University of Arts. Together, they aim to "transcend labels and defy expectations" through sophisticated music, daring visuals, and powerful messages.

How 'Wicked' Fits into Their Image

"Wicked" perfectly embodies ALLDAY PROJECT's commitment to creative expression and challenging conventional norms. Released alongside "Famous," the track showcases the group's impressive rapping abilities and features self-written lyrics by all members. The song blends Brazilian funk influences with a cypher format that highlights individual talents while maintaining cohesive group energy. With lyrics written by TARZZAN, WOOCHAN, ANNIE, YOUNGSEO, and BAILEY, "Wicked" represents their collective artistic vision and individual aspirations. Furthermore, the track's bold production aligns with The Black Label's reputation for innovative sound design under Teddy's direction.

Song Structure and Production Style

"Wicked" stands out in the K-pop landscape through its distinctive sound architecture that fuses multiple genres into a cohesive yet experimental track. The song exemplifies ALLDAY PROJECT's commitment to pushing musical boundaries beyond conventional K-pop formulas.

Genre Influences: Brazilian Funk and Cypher Format

At its core, "Wicked" blends Brazilian funk with trap, R&B, and drill elements to create a genre-mashing statement. This experimental beat provides each member space to express their individuality with unapologetic freedom. Annie herself described the track as "a mix of Brazilian funk, R&B, drill, and trap beat blended with each member's unique personality". The song's structure follows a cypher format commonly found in hip-hop, allowing each rapper to showcase their distinct flow and style. This approach creates a dynamic listening experience as the track shifts between different vocal tones and delivery styles throughout its runtime.

Lyric Themes and Repetition

"Wicked" employs repetition as a deliberate stylistic choice, most notably with the word "wicked" itself, which appears 16 times in succession during the refrain. This hypnotic repetition creates an addictive rhythm that drives the song forward. Lyrically, the track focuses on themes of confidence, individuality, and breaking boundaries. Lines like "Wreckin' like I'm demon" and "Show up, posin' threats, all 'em posers breakin' sweats" demonstrate the group's assertive stance. Additionally, the track features multilingual elements with Korean verses interspersed among English lyrics, showcasing the group's global approach.

Hook and Chorus Analysis

The song's hook—"Take your shot / Photoshoot / Pop pop pop / Photoshoot"—serves as the track's centerpiece. This catchy refrain delivers a clever double entendre that works simultaneously as a fashion reference and a harder, more aggressive statement. The chorus repeats this hook before transitioning back to the "wicked" refrain, creating a cyclical structure that reinforces the song's central theme. Moreover, the hook's simplicity contrasts with the complex verses, providing listeners with an accessible entry point into the track's experimental sound. The production, handled by Dominsuk and 24 from THEBLACKLABEL, enhances these elements through sharp, forward-thinking sound design that complements the group's confident delivery.

Performance and Choreography Breakdown

The choreography for "Wicked" emerges as a true standout element, captivating viewers through its technical complexity and visual storytelling.

Choreography Highlights from the MV

The "Movie Set" version of the performance video quickly climbed to No. 6 on the U.S. YouTube trending chart, showcasing the group's international appeal. Professional choreographers have noted the choreography's unexpected "degree of ISOs" (isolations) and highly syncopated movements. The routine features sophisticated sequences including heel twists, ball changes, and shoulder isolations that demand precision timing. Especially impressive are the floor work sections that coincidentally align with lyrics mentioning "floor".

Bailey Sok's Role and Dance Impact

Bailey brings unparalleled credentials to ALLDAY PROJECT as an established choreographer who previously worked with K-pop heavyweights including Taemin, Red Velvet, aespa, and Taeyang. Her extensive background includes choreographing iconic performances like "POP/STARS," "Psycho," and "Savage". In "Wicked," her technical prowess shines through her remarkable flexibility—executing near-perfect 180-degree straddle splits. Although not the sole choreographer, she actively contributes to the group's performance direction and participated in the lyrical composition of the track.

Kinjaz and TikTok Dance Covers

The choreography's infectious appeal has sparked a wave of dance covers across social platforms. Renowned dance crew Kinjaz showed support by performing the routine, consequently amplifying its reach among professional dancers. TikTok has been flooded with #alldayproject and #wicked hashtags, inspiring countless covers and tutorials—including slowed-down 0.75x speed versions for learning.

Stage Presence and Group Dynamics

Despite being a debut act, ALLDAY PROJECT displays remarkable "performance precision" and "stage chemistry". Their performances on MBC Music Core, SBS Inkigayo, and Studio Choom have generated exceptional buzz, with focus cams and dance relay videos gaining particular attention. In essence, the group avoids typical "rookie energy," instead presenting as seasoned performers—an attribute credited to their extensive pre-debut experience in their respective fields.

Public Reception and Critical Response

Since their June 2025 debut, ALLDAY PROJECT's "Wicked" has generated polarized reactions across social media platforms and critical circles.

Fan Reactions on Social Media

"Wicked" quickly established itself as a viral phenomenon, with the performance video's "MOVIE SET" version climbing to No. 6 on the U.S. YouTube trending chart. The two performance videos—"MOVIE SET" and "BASEMENT" versions—alongside the studio dance teaser achieved remarkable rankings of 1st, 3rd, and 4th respectively on YouTube's Trending Videos chart. Social media reactions ranged from enthusiastic praise to critical analysis. One content creator declared, "This got six million views in two days", while another claimed, "I just found my new favorite obsession". Nevertheless, the track's catchiness emerged as a consistent point of praise, with comments frequently noting, "This song definitely has the power to be catchy as hell".

Critic Reviews and Ratings

Critical reception has been decidedly mixed. Initially, music blog TheBlaslist awarded the song a middling 6.5/10 rating, stating: "At some point, a large swath of K-pop's output became 'lame boasts over lamer beats'". Certain critics specifically criticized the repetitive nature of the lyrics, with one reviewer noting disappointment at the song's structure: "I wish I didn't jinx us by saying they were just going to say wicked over and over again". Conversely, other critics expressed admiration for the group's synchronization and praised the production value: "You can just tell the quality is amazing".

Cultural Appropriation Controversy

ALLDAY PROJECT member Tarzzan has faced significant backlash regarding cultural appropriation. A TikTok video featuring Tarzzan and Woochan went viral on X, accumulating over 2.5 million views in just one day. Social media users criticized Tarzzan's appearance, specifically his braided hairstyles and fashion choices. The hashtag #TARZZAN_OUT trended worldwide, with one user commenting: "This guy just walks around as such a brazenly racist caricature". Further controversy arose from his performance style, which some described as cosplaying African American rap culture while simultaneously using terms like "jungle boy".

Comparisons to Other K-pop Debuts

Within the K-pop landscape, ALLDAY PROJECT stands out primarily through their co-ed format. One viewer noted, "It's not often that you see a co-ed group", mentioning CARD as the only comparable ensemble. Regarding chart performance, "Wicked" reached No. 63 on Melon's 'TOP 100' chart, demonstrating strong debut numbers. Alternatively, critics highlighted structural challenges co-ed groups traditionally face in K-pop: "Co-ed groups have historically struggled in the Korean mainstream". Overall, the group's reception seems split between those celebrating their innovative approach and others questioning their artistic authenticity.