The KPOP idol who faked her ENTIRE identity...

[@ploopy678]

Hey guys I'm back! Well... to be precise I have actually been posting tons of dance videos on KZbin shorts recently (be sure to check them out if you haven't already 💕), but I'm finally back with a long video! It has been ages but trust me... this story is worth the wait! Thanks to Kloot Box for sponsoring this video! Shop your KPOP subscription box at: www.klootbox.com?aff=270​ (Use Code PLOOPY678 for 5% off!) | instagram.com/klootbox Also wanted to give a shoutout to other awesome videos about Lee Gai: - Midnight Theories: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqWmnmxjjNJ7gbM&ab_channel=MidnightTheories (She goes more in depth into the history of dance troupes like Setorae) - Weekly Weird Kpop: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4u3oJtna6qkjck&ab_channel=WeeklyWeirdKpop (I actually found out about this whole story thanks to this video!)

[@brandoniswhoiam]

I’m ready for part 3 of the Rania/BP Rania/BLACKSWAN saga!

[@Hearin424]

I’m so happy your back!!

[@OriginalGrasshopper]

Welcome back Ploopy!

[@Mr-pn2eh]

Meep Meep

[@carwyn1763]

I am so happy to hear another story from DR Music the saga

[@zacharikurbah6358]

Being in your 20's is not old, people need to stop saying 20's is old, this is the best age to debut as a singer

[@tharntypesdaughter]

Ikr this is what the toxic kpop industry is, anyone in their late 20s is considered old

[@zacharikurbah6358]

@@tharntypesdaughter I know, these stupid b*tches always have this mindset, look at the 1st Gen artists from 1996 to 1999, they're all in their 40's and are still active, Kahi from After School debut at 29, Park Bom and Dara debut at 25, 5/6 T-ara members debut at their 20's Jiyeon was the only teenager at that time, they're still active, artists from 3rd Generation all debut in their 20's, Blackswan all debut in their mid 20's, Youngheun also spoke up about it, they're just people chasing after their dreams, this is why minors should debut at a later age instead in their teenage years, this why I love groups who debut in their 20's

[@lesbianslipknotfan]

@@tharntypesdaughter atp anyone who is 20 and above is old. i’ve seen it

[@SweetforS]

@@lesbianslipknotfan fuck I’m old I just turned 20 a month ago. Honestly it’s sad that I’ve seen 03 and 04 liners saying they are “too old to debut” it’s like girl you just turned 18 a few months ago this should be your prime time where every company is _fighting_ just to have you sign with them. Not aging out of it. That should be for those 25 and older. Anything 23 and under is still young (that’s literally an 00 liner).

[@SweetforS]

@@tharntypesdaughter not even late 20s. I saw someone calling Boynextdoor old 💀. I’m older than every member (by a tad bit) and the eldest are 19 🤡. Maknae is literally 16. What are they asking for? 12 year olds?

[@hzzn]

It's not like Lee Gai was even youthful looking for a 30 year old. They should have simply said she was 25 and ran with it. To say she was 20 and put her next to 16 year olds was just downright begging to be busted.

[@siohunndai]

absolutely, people can be deceived but the public isn't stupid.

[@Bom13]

I came here to write this. They were so, so stupid

[@SweetforS]

Yeah 22 at minimum.

[@Bom13]

@@SweetforS she looked way older than 22 though 😅. That company has a long track record of making the worst decisions

[@Yang_verse]

​@@SweetforS omg hi wav!

[@nvexe8822]

I feel terrible for her. Imagine facing so much ageism when you're only 30, being forced to pose as 20, and then being replaced by a 15yo by the company who put you in this situation...

[@lasciviouspaine]

exactly! it's disgusting behaviour

[@Rjc2k2]

I think the biggest villain here is the company. How long did they think they could keep passing a 30 year old as a 20 year old with sunglasses and makeup for? The whole 7 year contract they were gonna do that? They knew that eventually the jig would be up and they CERTAINLY knew that the public would tear that poor girl apart.

[@SianaGearz]

They probably didn't expect the group to last 3 years. Cash in and cash out.

[@therealgrimreaper68]

People don't get wrinkles at 37-38 anyways, she could pass for being younger with the right skin care routine

[@Octobris]

Woman

[@JustGotALife]

Biggest villain here is korean public who bashed her first group for just appearing in a dance collab with boy group. How fked up in the head they have to be to do this to someone who was just entertaining them.

[@xhiwhee]

​@@therealgrimreaper68 also I think if they gave her a different hairstyle she could also look younger !! The short hair didn't suit her

[@love4trollz]

I feel really bad for Lee Gai she wanted to do this to help her sick father like most ppl wouldn’t do this

[@PinkSoldier2009]

@hannaazam3079 - That could’ve been also an excuse.

[@TP-zm6bo]

pls it was false

[@Danielle.-.]

Is she still active ?

[@Danielle.-.]

@mayu 🎧 ! oh right she is 55 or something now damn

[@kiwiipeachii8980]

@@TP-zm6bo You don't know taht

[@kyliedee6079]

This wasn't her fault, it was the company's idea to lie about her age. She was hardworking. Hope she's living a good life.

[@SianaGearz]

30 is a good age for a dancer. Odds are she just wasn't trained as much in dance as others, with her speciality being vocal, piano and songwriting. They just needed a dancey group they could rush out the door and so that happened.

[@mrjoe5292]

Right? You've got world class footballers playing well into their 30s these days. 30 is within the human prime.

[@xhiwhee]

Also there are a lot of kpop idols near or in their 30s who can do hard, fast pasted choreographys

[@MikaMoonlight]

Yes, definitely this. I'm 28 and very often 15 year olds aren't able to keep up with ME 🤣 That's because I've been a dancer since age 6 and in constant training, that makes the difference

[@SweetforS]

But wasn’t she originally in a dancing group? Lol when she made her first debut in 1988 it was a dance group. But it was probably a different style and I guess once out of practice it could be harder and it’s always a known fact that younger people learn quicker so they probably surpassed her abilities making her look rlly rough around the edges.

[@SweetforS]

@@mrjoe5292 yeah I would say 27/28 is the prime and then everything after that is probably a downwards turn but the slope is slight in the first few years maybe even decade. Once at 40, it starts picking up its speed lol.

[@143szns]

they could've said she was 25 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@ploopy678]

yeah, I guess they were being a bit too ambitious 😂

[@whynot5280]

That’s exactly what I said right before I looked in the comments

[@Ipromiseyounobodyismad]

Or just not lie about her age at all?

[@143szns]

@@Ipromiseyounobodyismad well that's an option 😂 but 25 would've been the most believable

[@torrebrockman8900]

@@Ipromiseyounobodyismad the group might have fell then

[@tellumyort]

I probably have a Western perspective bias, but I respect Lee Gai for this. She reinvented herself 3 times, continued to work in the industry behind the scenes, and only came back to the stage when her company needed her to guide a younger group despite thematically having no business there. In American entertainment ages are always swept under the rug so I put no blame on her. Also I think the tinted glasses even indoors is a cool gimmick.

[@SimsyHazel]

I agree! I don't think it's her fault. I think it's just the company who went too ambitious with her age by calling her a 20 yr old when tbh she looked 25+

[@Omaru1982]

Right the lead singer from E.L.O has worn sunglasses for decades, I'm not even sure I've seen his actual eyes, and I seem to remember the instrument playing half of the pet shop boys also wore glasses he never took off.

[@SweetforS]

It definitely is (the glasses) and I feel like that would’ve been pretty normal in the 90s lol. I mean at least probably in American culture lol. Then again. I wasn’t born until the 21st century so all I can judge by is vague memory of tv shows about the late 80s-early 00s.

[@hwariveee]

I agree,i feel bad for the people who just try again and again and again,come back numerous times just to be flopped and unnoticed by public,it's really not fair.

[@abnormalusername]

Yes, I'm sure this is coming from a place of not caring about kpop the way hardcore fans do, but I would have viewed this as hilarious story if she was not actually removed from the group with that story of being in such dire financial situation. Like, if one of girls in a kpop group I liked lied about her age, I would view it as a little sad and... too ambitious, not a great betrayal that requires her to be fired. But I guess I have different mindset.... And also I am 30 years old.

[@kikithepupper6774]

I highly respect her.. She truly never ever gave up. She's a very strong woman who kept trying her, despite being stomped, put in failure for so many times...

[@sleepyearth]

Word. The way she reinvent herself to debut 3 times is impressive especially during those older eras.

[@sadsadtearsofaclown859]

It’s so crazy how fans will bash any idol above 23, but are upset and outraged when companies debut 15 year olds 🙄

[@phansaxtiger]

Not everyone can be 18 years old at the same debut time lol. They are being unrealistic

[@TheErsu]

Their treatment of Lee Hee Jung is shameful. She should have been celibrated for the work she did prior to Baby Vox, not forced to hide her identity.

[@SweetforS]

I agree. They could’ve been like “we couldn’t find anyone more suitable for or lesser than Lee heejung who was our first artist and has worked very hard for her dreams. Please support her as the new member of baby vox.”

[@acutelilmint8035]

@@SweetforSthe fact she beat other people and got into the group is already an achieve,ent.

[@acutelilmint8035]

@@SweetforScause I mean look at the comments. Women are mean. The people who shame women the most are other women. I agree. Say she was a great personality and beat every other candidate. And look in kpop who are the only people that do tie after their bands kinda die? It’s the idols with very good personalities and entertainment value. I wish they would just drop the age obsession especially for women. U don’t find interesting people like that.

[@SweetforS]

@@acutelilmint8035 well she didn’t bc she was already signed to the agency many years before. Shit was also a lot easier back then. If you had the pretty privilege or some other connections, you’d be a shoe in. Still true now but it’s a LOT harder to debut bc there’s just so much competition now.

[@OfTheSeaKND]

The glasses definitely aged her. She looked younger without them. What a journey her career was.

[@lalastuffandthings]

also not to mention the acctually god awful curly pigtail hairstyle, honestly with no sunglasses and with her hair just down or something imo I think she could've passed as 20

[@mcblinglove]

@@lalastuffandthings i really love her look in the change mv, with the glasses and pigtails it really aged her!! The short hair without glasses, she could actually pass as 25. Those damn glasses are terrible tho😭

[@SweetforS]

Literally 😂

[@internationalmusicacademy2895]

!!!

[@just.sidraa]

@@mcblinglove fr

[@Idktoo5700]

the kpop industry has always been prejudice to the older ones.. I’m lowkey mad about that because why do these companies have to debut literal 14 year olds in a group where they don’t know nothing about this world instead of mature grown ups who have been through life, and can speak for themselves. I feel bad for lee gai I hope she is well though.

[@snooperslooth2795]

You have to blame the fans, not the industry. If there was a demand for 70 year old idols dancing in pigtails, I can guarantee you would see it, but there isn't a demand for that. The entertainment industry will cater to whatever the fans are willing to financially support.

[@ghostofmisao.]

@Snooper Slooth that's not the whole story though, every single kpop fan is not asking for children to debut, the main problem is society's obsessed with youth and believing the younger you are the more valuable/pretty you are.

[@koemjrystal3719]

@@ghostofmisao.Yes, you are so right with society being hyperobsessed with youth. They are not being realistic because you're only in your teens and young adulthood for just 2 decades. We have another 60-70 years of life left, so it baffles me whenever they say a womn is over her prime years once 3 0. The ageism is sickening.

[@staycsprinkles3777]

I think it’s both. Kpop fans keep sending the wrong message by making these groups with minors popular so companies will only cater to demand.

[@SweetforS]

@@snooperslooth2795 but 70 isnt even close to 30. And you can be sure that at least now, in 2023 term, there would be PLENTY of people willing to support a group of say girls aged 22-28 maybe even with an oldest member at 30. Just because there is a huge market for people aged 14-20 doesn’t mean there aren’t others who are themselves in their 20s and older who are looking for groups closer to their age and who can handle mature concepts without it being minors doing things inappropriate for their age. Look at how well mamadol was received and I would’ve loved for it to be permanent or at least last say 2-3 years. Even if the schedules were minimal due to them all being mothers. And look at who some of the most popular ggs have been in the last few years, there’s been a trend: Blackpink a 4 members aged 19-21 at debut, Aespa 4 members aged 18-20 at debut, and now fifty fifty 4 members aged 18-20 at debut. I’m sure if you take that and added a few more years say 18/19 to 23, it would probably still work out. Little by little from there, people wouldn’t even notice debuting 25 years olds bc it would be perceived as “normal”.

[@angelx_mp3]

I feel awful for her she just wanted her dream life with her dad and a singing career

[@tallybarnie5453]

I always knew ageism is a thing but 30s don’t even seem that old? Maybe it’s cause I’m 23 and a lot of my idols are my age or older. Seems sad that she even had to lie about her age or that it mattered that much

[@TuberoseKisser]

People wanted young idols because the industry fanbase is young, it's about relatability and unobtainability when it comes to idols.

[@Niki_thebear]

Well look at Irene or solar or Jin they are much popular individually then groups like Newjeans, Ive or pre debut group Baemon It just shows that now Talent doesn't matter what matters is Visual it's either you're talented or not if you are in your 30 Like Jin, Solar and Irene looks so younger than their age and beautiful for sure And see Chiquita is talented but peoples hate cuz her visual not that they're jealous.

[@bertram5806]

I think it’s the fact that she lied about her age..and she was in a group full of children. I think if she debuted with a group closer to her age maybe 20s-30s people wouldn’t care..however I admit that it’s weird to have a 30 year old women pretending to be 20..in a group full of 16 year olds.

[@tallybarnie5453]

@@Niki_thebear Jin, solar and Irene all look their age. 30 isn’t old

[@hellothere7268]

@@Niki_thebear ​​⁠ the ones u mentioned ARE talented tho? Also they are members of very known groups of course they are popular individually as a result of that. I agree that in kpop visuals play a big role but look at it jin just turned 30 in December last year but got called old and pushing 30 when since he was only 25. Age shaming has been prevalent for him since his debut. I am sure it’s worse for women in the industry but since I am a fan of jin I speak of him only in this context.

[@Jjangbunbun]

Lets normalize ADULTS pursuing their dreams not juveniles who should go to school

[@Ari..0x]

You REALISE that, young people have dreams and they wanna achieve it soon as possible. Also when adults dance and stuff, there are people commenting “I don’t want old ass women and men shaking their ass” when they’re 27-28 yrs olds. If you want to normalize adults pursuing their dreams then what about super junior? Don’t tell me they’re “too old” when they are still ADULTS! Plus adults don’t really tend to have dreams of being idols as they grown up and start giving up and they also don’t work hard like a young person would! And young I mean 14-17 yrs olds are versatile and fast learners, that’s why companies want them.

[@makesparkzfly]

@@Ari..0x27-28 isnt even old …

[@unvitals]

@@Ari..0x Realistically, entertainment companies want younger people because it’ll be easier to manipulate and exploit them. Literally the whole entertainment industry is based off companies taking advantage of their artists & doing whatever they can for revenue.. Children should not be exposed to this kind of business, not even if it’s their dream.

[@Ari..0x]

@@makesparkzflyyeah you say that but not all fans agree including internationally and kstans! IMO even 30 yr olds are completely fine as long as they’re talented enough but not everyone sees it same

[@Ari..0x]

@@unvitals Right I do agree with you but not all companies are alike but ig they do manipulate as I’ve never really experienced it. But I’m just trying to express my point from the comments above how the way they see their view isn’t what everyone sees it!

[@Saktoth]

Sad that they couldn't just debut a generational concept with her as the leader. I mean this is kind of what GOT the beat is now.

[@Octobris]

Dear youth: if you want to cultivate this belief that people in their 30s are old, prepare yourselves for an identity crisis in a decade.

[@maysummers9557]

Very well said

[@howltae]

Seriously

[@SweetforS]

Literally 💀. Cause I’m turning 30 in 9 years and 11 months and umm… yeah no I’m not gunna be old. Just “aged” like a fine wine 🍷

[@123nadeemuu]

Considering that 70 is the life of expectancy these days, 30 is still childhood 💀

[@texasktea]

I'm 32 and trust me I would never be 29 or younger again even if I had the chance.

[@Malenassaura]

Seeing my beautiful Solar and Moonbyul always bring a huge smile on my face. They went against the norm and even debuted a unit after both of them are over 30. Love it for them and for the entire of Mamamoo ❤

[@Solip_i]

During 2nd and 3rd gen, a lot of idols in their 20s and mid 20s used to debut tho! And on the contrary, it was pretty rare to see a minor in a group! Most of the members were in their 20s.

[@nani2155]

I like Baby VOXes music, so I have done some digging myself. Apparently after their disbandment DR Music tried to revive the group under the name Baby Vox re.v, some spin off, the group failed to gain attention and soon disbanded. Apparently Rania was supposed to be the 3rd version of Baby Vox, but DR soon rebranded them as Rania. So we can safely assume that Baby Vox is still alive and now simply goes under the name of Blackswan

[@KpopStan2009]

That's what I noticed as well, Baby Vox never REALLY disbanded

[@dercfts1]

😀😧💀

[@Dervis128]

There's a LOT more to it than that, but that is the gist. I'm a Kpop fan since gen1, and Baby Vox was what got me into Kpop, so I've always kept up with DR Muisc, and yeah. A mess. BlackSwan is essentially the spiritual successor to Baby Vox.

[@rmslefttoe9024]

Damn…

[@eee11111_]

NO WAY THIS RANIA THING GOES TO WAY BEFORE LMAOOOO

[@sighbatsu]

This kinda crazy... the company wanting her to literally act a decade younger as if that would convince anybody - they easily could've said she was 25. But poor Lee Gai finding success after so long only to have it stripped away because of ageism in the entertainment industry.

[@maple855]

Why is ageism so strict🥺

[@lmperfection]

REMEMBER: This video is about ‘ageism’ and ought to challenge viewers prejudice against aging women. What would have been so wrong with being 30? She never would have been allowed to perform. Her lie is completely understandable and I think everyone is way too obsessed with how old she is. How about acknowledging her ambition, talent and successful musical career?! The comments highlight the discrimination that women face and the unfairness of public opinion. Just remember: this discrimination affects all women, not just public figures. We only feel comfortable calling them out because we have silent prejudices that we won’t admit to ourselves. Criticizing celebrities is a safe place to loudly broadcast one’s own prejudice, which we may all be victims of at times.

[@CancerianTarot]

As a 30-year-old... 30 is not old. Not even close. You don't look old or seem old but you're more experienced and harder to control/take advantage of than young, vulnerable teens.

[@OnnaNiSacheAre]

Girl with Blackswan you'll have a never ending story 😭 with all the mess, the videos just writes themselves... just wait until things get messy again lmao its a matter of time

[@brandoniswhoiam]

Just when I thought that it was over!

[@space-age-bachelorman]

she's already done videos on rania/blackswan,, i watched them when she released them but when i rewatched them a couple months later there'd already been a lineup change, and theres been ANOTHER change since 😭😭 its so crazy

[@Niki_thebear]

Black swan is messed up

[@absolutelynotellen]

Honestly, the best option for BlackSwan right now is disbanding tbh especially after all that mess. I want to see them rebrand with new concept and group name and under new agency instead.

[@JustGotALife]

@@absolutelynotellen have you not seen there new song. They're killing it with the new members.

[@av4l4rion]

She's remarkable, because she possibly had the longest career a k-pop idol could have.

[@azimiza1210]

As someone who knew nothing about the early days of Baby VOX, i would say she lookd around 27-29 yo (based on her physical appearance). Tbh, the glasses she wore kinda age her a little more.

[@hzzn]

No one is calling her ahjumma because she looks 27-29. Lee gai literally looked like she could be 35 years old. Nayeon and jisoo are 28. Lee gai looks nothing like them.

[@internationalmusicacademy2895]

!!!

[@jungshook2235]

@@hzzn okay so? she still looks 27-28 for that time, before the way they used makeup focused on their features so they actually look their age, if you look at the average 28 year old in google they wont look like nayeon or jisoo

[@maylinegarcia3357]

I think it would be refreshing to have a kpop/musical group with "older" people, maybe performing music that's reminiscent of the past/their times. There's something about Lee Gai that gives her a different kind of youth. And I think it would be a great way to challenge ageism. I really enjoyed seeing the clips of her performing. Makes me think there might be other adults out there who would want to pursue this dream they might've had as children. It probably wouldn't happen for a number of reasons, but I'd like to think that it could :) If there is a group like this that already exists, please let me know! I would love to check them out.

[@taliak8760]

Refund Sisters is kinda like this… they were a project group with 4 members, one from each generation. I think they only have one song and it’s not reminiscent or nostalgic but it is badass and definitely challenges ageism. You should check it out if you haven’t already!

[@maylinegarcia3357]

@@taliak8760 Just watched it and I really enjoyed it!!! Thanks for sharing :))

[@SweetforS]

⁠​⁠@@taliak8760 mamadol as well but they only lasted 8 days. I kinda hate that they won’t let them stay together. It’s just proving the point that ageism exists even in these cases bc it’s like “aww here fans it’s what you wanted women in their 30s getting to confidently own the stage but… ohh you only get a week of it” as if they are not worthy to have a full time career. Oh well there’s a group named Babys (ironically) that’s debuting in a few days and both members are in their 30s. Wonder what it will sound like.

[@SweetforS]

@@maylinegarcia3357 if you haven’t got the notif from my comment to the other person, read my comment above for more. You could probably also look up groups with the oldest avg age to see if any of em are still active and/or have what you’re looking for.

[@myragingwhormoans]

xeed's members are in their late 20s early 30s. they debuted last year

[@AntonioGG1-9801]

Lee Gai isn’t the bad guy it’s DR Entertainment and K-pop industry in general are the bad guys.

[@ciderspider2476]

If we just accepted 30 year olds being active in the music industry then we wouldn't even have this scandal.

[@vale5889]

i feel sorry for her tbh.. i mean it was wrong to lie but now im worried where she is.. hope she is okay

[@Yoonmisbaby849]

Something very interesting is that DR lied about former member Yumi's age. Making here the third oldest when she was actually the maknae of the group. She also didn't feel respected because she was from the United States and the company didn't take care about her so she left

[@SweetforS]

Not only that but I checked thier profile and two other members are also listed as being 80 liners when both are born in 1979. Waaaay too many lies there.

[@Yoonmisbaby849]

@@SweetforS Oh yeah. Back then in Kpop It was very normal to lie a little bit about your age. Annie from Tashannie who was supposed to be in Fin.K.l confessed that the company wanted to lie about her age when she was only 20...

[@Yoonmisbaby849]

And also. Former NRG told one of my friends that the agency changed his age (I think like 4 o 5 years or even a little bit less or a little bit more)

[@lmperfection]

Lee Gai is amazing. She is like Mulan, who lied about her gender to attempt to help her father, but succeeded in breaking free of society’s oppressive norms regarding a woman’s rights.

[@your.querencia]

honestly i love blackswan’s new lineup (rooting for sriya and the members) and they’re doing pretty good. i mean (i think) they get along usually…and by book knowledge of what kpop is, even though they’re all foreigners, they’re still making korean music, speaking korean and living in korea…so they’re pretty much a kpop grp. hopefully they do well..i’m rooting for them

[@OSunnee]

I feel so bad for Lee Gai she tried so many times but failed☹️

[@Yoonmisbaby849]

Not gonna lie, Lee Gai always seemed so cute 💖

[@inkodotgore4332]

Yg: you're 28 your a bit old yg you should not be talking 50 year old man debuting minors😐✋ the retirement home is down the street.

[@fantasmaghoulical]

LMAOO😭😭😭

[@koemjrystal3719]

Preach it home queen

[@tipennya]

We'll just act like he didn't groom his underage artist for marriage, so of course that girl is too old for his tastes

[@MrNosyNeasy]

@@tipennyaHOLD UP WHAT

[@eardrummed]

True story-- one time when i was 24 a girl came up to me in mall and offered to pay me 300 USD to help her with a girl group she was pitching to a talent agent but her friends had not showed up. I said "What do I have to do" and she said "Nothing, just be nice. I will fo the talking". So as I sat in this awkward interview, they point at me and say Im 14. I was shocked and prayed for them not to take photos or anything. Then she paid me and I left never to see them again. I had nightmares for weeks. 😂😂😂

[@abnormalusername]

I need to know more about this story.

[@igzkzftfjztdfjz]

Okay this is crazy, I'm setting up camp here in hopes that you'll tell us your story haha

[@carmenjuniadventures]

So what happened after that?

[@Tinykooandmikey]

This is why groups like Newjeans debuted. Companies are debuting children thinking that they are “old enough” to debut, but enter Blackpink for example; none of the girls were children when they debuted, and they were perfectly old enough to debut, but not too old. I mean Lisa and Jisoo were 19 and 21 respectively, but no one called them “aunties”, and rightfully so. I feel bad for Heejung because she didn’t deserve to give up for being 30. The fact that she was replaced by a child is not okay. You are exploiting children at this point. If this was not the reason why idols such as Jungkook and Seohyun debuted, then I don’t know what it is anymore. Edit: But wait, there is more. I’m glad Fifty Fifty exists because there is still hope for adults to debut more and more

[@kanamirever]

Jealous so much?

[@happyrainbow4444]

❤

[@rozeh]

but that child turned out to be Yoon Eun-hye (Princess Hours, Coffee Prince) so it turned out ok if not the best.

[@Tinykooandmikey]

@@kanamirever I love Jungkook, but I feel like he had struggles when he was a trainee and during the early years of BTS

[@SweetforS]

@@Tinykooandmikey yeah he said he was basically raised by BTS which makes me think he can’t help but have missed his family. I mean moving away at 13? That’s pretty tough especially when you think about the fact that Bighit ent was basically broke back in those days and the glam scandal happening right around the time of their debut and rookies days definitely didn’t help that.

[@GretchenV95]

Her wearing those glasses and beanies is like scooby-doo wearing a dress and a hat as a ‘disguise’. 💀💀

[@GuranPurin]

The minute I found out she joined DR, I knew her chance at success was over, as someone who has been following Rania/Black Swan since around the Alex Era. That company is a hot mess and I couldn't help but laugh when Ploopy said she's wanting for something to go down before doing a new video on them, LMAO. Yes, something WILL indeed go down sooner rather than later. I wouldn't even be surprised if they actually wanted to throw Lee Gai in Black Swan (assuming she's still in DR, which I do truly doubt is the case, all things considered). I mean, they do need a Korean member at this point. 🤣

[@Clearskies3848]

Well blackswan is actually doing extremely well right now. They have been doing very good to come from a small company with a small fan base. They hit top 10 on several Korean, Indian, and Chinese charts with their song Karma.

[@thethingcalledlisa]

@@Clearskies3848 it’s DR, their groups have been doing well several times and then something stupid happens

[@Clearskies3848]

@@thethingcalledlisa hopefully Dr continued to do better. Ever sense the change in management they have been excelling

[@charyvxg]

Lee Hee Jung is 55 now 😨

[@Erika-xm2mi]

As someone who casually followed Rania since around their debuted, whenever they were close to hitting it big, something happened. And with the constant member changes and rebranding/renaming the group, I'm not surprised they've never hit it big. It's not the girls' fault, it's just an unwritten rule in kpop that groups that undergo lineup changes rarely become successful beyond being one-hit wonders.

[@maapauu4282]

I feel so bad for her, she didn't deserve to be bullied

[@Sanas_Shy_Language]

I’m so happy to see a long format video on this. I have heard about her and done some of my own research in the past but it’s still hard to put together fully.

[@sarahl9398]

Wow..I never knew about this. What a pity that her career never panned out multiple times. I've been a fan of Baby Vox since 2002/2003 in my early teens and can't imagine any prior lineup.

[@Insertname98]

Wasnt it a big shock for you when you found out she was 30?

[@sarahl9398]

@@Insertname98 I mean, I found out through this video and didn't know about Baby Vox when she was briefly in it. I'm pretty desensitized to kpop's ratchetness so I'm not too shocked lol. She did look discernibly older though.

[@Kaito028]

That's one of the things I don't like about K-pop. Debuting kids and retired them in their 30's and late 20's. In my opinion, they should debut people who are above 18 and now also it is hard for me to see idols who are in their 30's fading away from the limelight.

[@bonefishgrill6382]

lol, this is not surprsing at all... Kpops "if she's not a teen, she's not a queen" policy 🤮

[@shikiamabe1290]

of course it's the same company as rania/blackswan...what a hot mess of a company they are tbh this woman seems cool, i actually like the image she created for herself. also i hope that in future there will appear more kpop groups where all members will be well in their 20s(or even 30s) at the time of debut, the ageism in kpop is a serious problem that needs to be fought

[@Zenguin1104]

bro she’s really the victim in this situation~ sad to see

[@raquel1004]

Interesting video! I remember hearing about Lee Gai briefly during a Baby Vox deep dive on the podcast Ask Me About Kpop, but it was great to hear a more in-depth version of her story!

[@NicolasPetrosLanning]

BABY VOX I KNEW IT!

[@kpopluver0494]

Man, this is a crazy story. You always find the most random and interesting things! ❤

[@shatteredshards8549]

It's kind of horrifying...like a train wreck...that DR Music has been playing musical chairs with group members for THIS LONG and still isn't bankrupt.

[@primarytrainer1]

shame that they have to act like 30 is grandma age

[@jeongyeons_honey1942]

BLACKSWAN are definitely improving now which is good the new members and the concept is great. Even though the company is terrible don’t hate on the group their new song and members are really good

[@melodyShaffronICHILLIN_fan]

I really agree with you, but I think both the group and company is doing better

[@stephp3455]

Baby V.O.X. Is iconic for many things and I have to say this is one of them.

[@jinxieunlucky]

DR Music has really been out here mistreating their artists for decades

[@iagreewithyou3478]

How is this company still afloat even after all these failures? I bet they have other shady business that actually generate revenue. And that's scary for their artists. These small companies are largely unmonitored and are most likely to take "shortcuts," which involves having their artists "accompany" some bigwigs.

[@Chris-ot9bk]

@@iagreewithyou3478 it's confirmed that it's because of shady business lol

[@reaverlene]

@@Chris-ot9bk who confirmed it?

[@Chris-ot9bk]

@@reaverlene everybody who worked in DR lol

[@sockjean2967]

The fact they act like she’s 60 or something like there’s so much praise for groups with all adult members especially if they were born in the 90s

[@Yoonmisbaby849]

Thank you for talking about this Queen!

[@alexiesalcantara7342]

I watched the midnight theories version of this and it seems that Lee Gai is struggling at that time she was an idol and she really need work to help her family

[@rainbowow5060]

Awesome video! First generation kpop was really something else😂

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Man, as someone who only has heard the aespa version of "dreams come true," it was really cool to listen to the one from decades before.

[@SadiaIslamShouki]

Lee Gai does look like 30, I am sorry whoever saying she has youth visual and all, that's not true, she clearly does look like 30. It wasn’t her fault, it’s company's fault.

[@palestar828]

This is absolutely sad and horrific that women are only considered attractive when they are younger. Who cares what her age was? If she can perform a song and dance and actually has real talent, then who cares how old or young she is? It's sad how society puts an emphasis on looks and age with women, but men don't have to live up to the same standards. It's honestly disgusting. I would have faked my age and identity too instead of being told that I'm too old to perform my passion/talent.

[@scanspeak00]

I'm new to Kpop and really enjoy these fascinating history lessons. There was a Vietnamese guy I used to work with. Everyone thought he was in his 20s but he was actually 42 so I guess some people can get away with it! Cheers from Melbourne.

[@kyungrix1112]

It's insane how much LYING goes on in the KPOP industry. They keep doing it, they always get caught, but they don't learn the lesson. It's so weird!

[@callmehchibi]

Something I love about your videos is that you don't over exaggerate the pictures for the videos, so when I click on your videos, I know that the title is what I'm clicking on!!! Keep up the great work!

[@AndI0op-]

Hiiii Ploopy, thank you for a new upload we missed you 💞

[@ploopy678]

I've actually been posting more than ever! But I've mostly been posting dance videos on my KZbin shorts! If you haven't seen it yet then be sure to check it out!

[@AndI0op-]

@@ploopy678 ohh right I forgot about those, you did a dance cover for Queencard and spicy right? Well anyways, thanks for another great video 🫶🫶

[@japanizer]

Finally another video of Ploopy. Thanks for the new video. ❤❤❤

[@nottherese]

Dang!!! I feel bad for her too, thank you so much for a well thought out and well researched explanation, this was a fascinating video

[@LadyAyoka]

was just watching some of your dancing shorts wondering, “i hope ploops is doing ok overall.” glad to have another video!

[@mustardstain]

Funny how the age concern doesn't seem to exist when it comes to male idols...

[@lll.24601]

Note, Haebokkae is actually a cover of the song Two of Hearts by Stacey Q, so not really an original song.

[@lasciviouspaine]

tbh after discovering how the industry negatively impacts their mental well-being, i'm in favour of idols keeping their identity secret. it's ESPECIALLY harder on those younger, it's unforgiving

[@youweremymuse]

If youre asking "how did they think this could work?" The answer is DR music. Their stupidity never ceases to amaze me.

[@Chris-ot9bk]

The only thing I'll give DR credit is that they had an amazing eye for talent. Baby Vox, Rania and Blackswan are all top tier groups and I respect him not giving up on her, but dude cannot manage a company and literally let one of the Rania girls move back to her native country without her notifying anybody and them not trying to find her 😭😭

[@galeprimozich702]

She’s a Hero! 30 year old who kept up with 15 year old dancers! She needs a GOLD and DIAMOND CROWN! She is gorgeous, smart and a STAR! in my eyes! 🤩🥳😎

[@IamSkibidiMo]

agreed, i dont get why people see 30 as old too?

[@Amasloth]

Thanks .. totally stanning Lee Gae forever now

[@kiki_davis]

Lee gai debuted more than the izone members. But i do feel sorry for her. She was doing this to pay her father's medical fee

[@aveminnn]

wow. all the stories ive head made it sound like lee gai was the one who came up with the idea and lied about her age TO THE COMPANY but the company was the villain the whole time. the lengths kpop companies will go to just to be sucessful is sickening

[@thatgirl6763]

I feel bad and sorry for her, and the company is definitely not innocent in this like always; I am so sick and tired of them gosh can they just go away.

[@simsimah]

Remember the legendary after school gahee debut at 29

[@akiaraquinn]

I really wish somewhere in the future this ageism thing improve specially towards woman cause yeah we have it waaay worst, it’s no fair how many talent we have lost because of this :(

[@anjallama4986]

Seriously YG? Why does it matter if they want to perform at 28? I guess 28 and up is too old to go to school too. Why does it seem that most Koreans judge based solely on age?

[@cherryblossom7442]

Tbh I'm sick of new kpop fans ageism and discrimination. 30 is young it's not old.

[@horangghaeii]

I crave everyday for ploopy's new posts😫😫 I LOVE YOUR CONTENT 🥹🩷

[@sarahgawn5828]

I literally had a dream last night like this. I had made it though competition style auditions and was set to debut in a girl group. The only problem was the youngest member of the group was 13 and I am 33. So I volunteered to figure out how to pass for 23 With the other 3 members having ages in between. Our debut stage didn’t go bad but it wasn’t great either

[@L.G.127]

She never give up, I have to give it for that

[@Romanianqueen]

Me personally I wouldn't fake my age, just a pseudonym will do. I don't want people finding where I went to school at, who my parents are, siblings, friends, etc.

[@staciii]

Ajumma just means married middle aged woman, not necessarily aunt.

[@MikaMoonlight]

I know you don't mean bad but I hope Blackswan stays with the current line up, I'm really digging it along with their single. I really hope theystay like that.

[@soraka666]

Your videos are so informative and I just realized you’re the same girl who does the Kpop dance cover shorts 😮😮😮

[@viaaa567]

😳😳😳

[@binhanpenrose-do6702]

I’ve continued watching this so I can hear the details. They are so hard on lee heejung and just they kick her out just because of a scandal. Yes she shouldn’t of lied but let’s all stand up for women who are criticized 😢

[@maidberry5129]

i wonder if the other members knew about lee gai's real identity and age?

[@NekoNyan]

Damn. I feel old. Baby VOX were my idols during my childhood. They're legends

[@minthe5812]

I really don’t like how you pray for a downfall on a group like black swan

[@TheDeathOfScene]

The timing is so interesting on this because the MBC show Fantasy Boys announced their line up, and one of the winners, K-Soul, a Chinese trainee, is alleged to have fabricated his birth date several times. On Fantasy Boys it is stated as the year 2000 however fans online have uncovered documents that appear to show that he was actually born in 1995, but has previously stated it was 1997 and 1998. Not sure of the veracity of these docs, but he was also apparently a contestant on Super Idol in 2015, the same show that Cai Xukun, Wumuti, and some other people who are definitely well in their 20s became known from.

[@nimaiiikun]

Before clicking this, I had a feeling it would be about Lee Gai lol. I remember seeing her in the late 90s and thought no way she was in her 20s. Another big debate everyone had was the age of that muscular guy in the group GOD.

[@nenton_old]

Lee Gai re-re-re-re-debuting in Blackswan is a funny thought if you consider that RaNiA was also originally supposed to be the 3rd Generation of Baby V.O.X.

[@x8makes.1teamx]

see, the glasses reminded me of RM at the beginning of BTS, he always wore shades too but with Lee Gai, right off the bat, doesnt fit the age range of 20s... which is fine!!! i just wish they wouldnt have lied

[@09.manishikamehuriya23]

she reminds me of MEM-cho from oshi no ko, I hope things don't go just as bad for her