When THIS 2000-born and former female idol debuted, she was initially loved for her innocent image - not until she became a broadcast jockey (BJ).

What happened?

Ex-DIA Somyi Confesses She Became BJ To Support Living After Group's Disbandment

On the March 28th broadcast of Channel S' "Attack on Sister," former DIA Somyi revealed the heartbreaking reason she decided to become a BJ after the group's disbandment in 2022. 

Somyi expressed her concerns and worries on the show, saying:

"I've been working as a BJ for a year now, and I'm being criticized a lot for being an idol.

After the group (DIA) disbanded, I ended my exclusive contract and chose BJ for an internet broadcasting channel as my new job, but I've been suffering from criticism and malicious comments because it is a platform with many adult broadcasting."

Somyu debuted in DIA as an additional member in 2017 and became the youngest of the group. The team is mostly known for its innocent and flower-like concepts; thus, some of her fans expressed disappointment when she became a BJ.

"My exclusive contract (with the agency) ended and I'm no longer a celebrity. (As a BJ), I react when I receive star balloons, and when I wear sexy clothes, I react while in sexy clothes. I also do broadcasts casually."

With this sudden image change, Somyi revealed that she chose her new job because her other jobs after leaving DIA weren't enough to support their living, not to mention that their family was also in a tight financial situation.

"After leaving, I worked as a shopping mall model, did a part-time job in a café and became a beauty brand model. But with that income, it can only cover my living expenses. However, I was not in a situation where I could do that because of my poor family situation.

Somyi continued:

"I worked hard during DIA, but I couldn't cross the break-even point, so I received 700,000 won (540 USD) of monthly allowance from my parents. My father currently runs a jjamppong store in Jeju Island during the day, and even that is not enough, so he works as a chef at a small hotel in the evening.

Since my mother took a break from her career after childbirth, there is a limit to contract workers, so she's been looking for a factory job. They only have 5 million won (3.85k USD) in hand, and even that, I have to pay off my father's debts while doing business."

Ahn Somyi, who chose BJ's job to pay back the money, quickly explained:

"Being a BJ lets you receive your payment every week. The highest amount I received was about 20 million won ($15.34k). But that's when I earned the best; thus, it's not constant."

Despite this, she was able to save money to support both herself and her family at the age of 23.

Somyi Reveals How Malicious Comments Took Toll on Her Mental Health + E-Cigarette Issue

As the broadcast went on, Somyi also opened up about the malicious and hateful comments she has been receiving. Recently, she was also called out for using e-cigarettes.

"I recently posted a picture of smoking an e-cigarette on my personal SNS. It was never a picture of recommending or encouraging the use of cigarettes. I posted it because I thought it came out pretty, but someone said in the comments, 'I'm falling out of love with you.' This is why I replied with 'it's not your concern whether I smoke or not' but I was criticized when articles about it were released."

The "Woowa" singer then revealed that she has been suffering from mental disorders.

"I have been receiving psychiatric counseling for a long time. Bipolar disorder is severe, I also have an anxiety disorder and panic disorder."

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Written by Eunice Dawson.