Nabil Luqman

0f9d2dd4f71434084e2b6094de1865e23abb37bb9f28ca51feeabee679ec9be2

Social

entertainment

kpop

controversy

criticism

comeback

Somyi

credibility

In a move that has caught many by surprise, former DIA (다이아) member Somyi (안소미) is attempting a return to the South Korean entertainment industry. Her comeback, managed by her new agency Moden Berry Korea (MBK), comes after a highly publicised series of controversies, including her imprisonment for making a false accusation against her former management company's CEO.
On 26 April 2025 (KST), MBK officially announced Somyi's re-entry by releasing newly taken profile photographs across their social media platforms. Referring to her as their "new artist," the agency has confirmed that Somyi is actively preparing for her new activities and is currently reviewing various opportunities.
Speaking to entertainment outlet TENASIA, MBK commented, &ldquo;Somyi is an artist who is attracting attention for her consistent growth and distinctive presence. She is now considering a variety of content opportunities and projects that will allow her to show new sides of herself to the public.&rdquo;
Who Is Somyi?
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/7ab306a5d5e066b397156af0d3682ac8e1a4d275b5cab77a89e99fcdf89227eb" />
Ahn Som-yi, known by her stage name Somyi, is a South Korean singer and former member of the girl group DIA, formed by MBK Entertainment. She joined DIA in April 2017 as the group's lead dancer, vocalist, rapper, and youngest member.
Somyi debuted with DIA through their second full-length album YOLO and participated in the sub-unit BCHCS. She gained further recognition by competing in the KBS survival show The Unit, where she ranked 12th in the final lineup. ​
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kDCEm4mkurs" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Throughout her time with DIA, Somyi contributed to various releases, including the single "Seoraksan in October," a duet with fellow member Yebin featured on the Love Generation album. DIA received several accolades during her tenure, such as the Rising Star Award at the 2017 Asia Artist Awards and the Photogenic Award at the 2017 Soribada Best K-Music Awards. ​
An Expanded Role: Behind the Scenes with a New Boy Group
<img src="https://r2.myc.my/229adbd44d0ea682c7c012ad3f1ae1820eb9b3c4e2c18e5196c4e43e4ddf713d" />
Somyi&rsquo;s comeback is not limited to her own musical pursuits. As part of her new journey with MBK, she is set to play a major role in the production of a new boy group, tentatively named Earth Boys. The group is projected to debut sometime in 2028.
According to MBK, Somyi will be heavily involved in multiple aspects of the group&rsquo;s launch, including music production, choreography and performance coordination, concept development, and visual direction. This marks a significant shift for the former idol, moving from performing on stage to working behind the scenes in a creative and strategic capacity.
It remains to be seen whether her experience as a performer will translate into success as a producer and creative director, but MBK appears confident that her understanding of the industry and artistic vision will be valuable assets.
A Troubled Past: From False Allegations to Imprisonment
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/c7c9f3da065aa3cd5f5213a8190ea333d7974ff244fa56e9cb2fa9102612fe4c" />
However, Somyi&rsquo;s return is not without controversy. In February 2024, she was sentenced to 18 months in prison by the Seoul Central District Court&rsquo;s Criminal 2nd Division for filing a false accusation against her former agency&rsquo;s CEO, known in court documents as "Mr. B."
The case began when Somyi accused Mr. B of attempted sexual assault. Initially, her claims led to an official police investigation. However, upon reviewing CCTV footage from the day of the alleged incident, inconsistencies were found between her statements and the recorded evidence. While she claimed she had fled the office in distress, surveillance footage showed her walking calmly around the premises and even embracing the CEO at one point.
Prosecutors suggested that Somyi had fabricated the allegations in an attempt to pressure Mr. B, who was reportedly in a relationship with another woman at the time. They further argued that her behaviour was inconsistent with that of a typical victim and accused her of attempting to manipulate the situation to her advantage.
While Somyi&rsquo;s defence team argued that her judgment was impaired due to alcohol consumption and challenged the notion of a "perfect victim," the court ultimately rejected her claims. The judge stated, &ldquo;The crime of false accusation is a serious offence that can subject an innocent individual to wrongful criminal punishment. The defendant&rsquo;s act of falsely accusing and providing misleading statements to investigative authorities is morally reprehensible.&rdquo;
Release Following Appeal
Following her conviction, Somyi appealed the verdict. In June 2024, the court agreed to suspend her original 18-month sentence for two years, under the condition that she complete 160 hours of community service. Consequently, Somyi was released from prison.
Despite being granted a suspended sentence, public sentiment remained largely critical, with many questioning her credibility and expressing concern over her future activities in the entertainment industry.
Previous Scandal: Transition to Adult Content Broadcasting
&nbsp;<img src="https://r2.myc.my/d2dd7eb7a712a79944d781c2a6b2f36329e1002309ca967be4dc7edef5943bb4" />
Even before her legal troubles, Somyi had already faced public backlash for her career choices following her departure from DIA. In 2022, she transitioned into a role as a broadcast jockey (BJ) on PandaTV, a streaming platform infamous for hosting adult-oriented content.
Fans who once admired her as an idol were disheartened to discover her new occupation involved the production of mature, sexually suggestive material. This decision tarnished her image further, especially within the conservative Korean entertainment sphere, where idols are often held to rigid standards of behaviour both on and off stage.
Somyi has since retired from PandaTV and is no longer active as a BJ, but the damage to her public image has lingered.
Industry and Public Reaction: Can She Truly Make a Comeback?
In South Korea&rsquo;s fiercely competitive and highly conservative entertainment industry, public trust is hard-won and easily lost. Cancel culture remains deeply entrenched, and those involved in criminal cases, particularly involving allegations of a sensitive nature, often find it difficult, if not impossible, to revive their careers.
Read: <a href="https://myc.my/articles/4189/kim-soo-hyun-faces-massive-backlash-over-alleged-relationship-with-late-actress-kim-sae-ron">Kim Soo-hyun Faces Massive Backlash Over Alleged Relationship With Late Actress Kim Sae-ron</a>
Although MBK is positioning Somyi for a comeback, industry insiders and fans alike remain sceptical about her prospects. Many question whether audiences will be willing to separate her current work from her past controversies, especially so soon after her release and in a cultural environment that values humility, accountability, and personal conduct.
Nonetheless, it appears that MBK is determined to offer Somyi a second chance, perhaps hoping that her talents, both as a performer and behind the scenes, can eventually outweigh the negative perceptions.
Whether the public is ready to accept her again&mdash;and whether she can truly reinvent herself&mdash;remains to be seen.
&nbsp;
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media &amp; various cross-references for context.
FOMO much? Follow our&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.facebook.com/mycclub/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a style="color: #ff0000;" href="https://www.instagram.com/myc_news/?hl=en">Instagram</a>&nbsp;for more updates.

The real question is: will she regain public trust, or become yet another victim of cancel culture? 

3ebaa5196b535b7a3036e4588be978f4408f04ebf8edbc44a1226ec9a9308a9d

Former DIA Member Somyi Attempts Comeback Following Prison Sentence And Controversy

Former DIA Member Somyi Attempts Comeback Following Prison Sentence And Controversy

The real question is: will she regain public trust, or become yet another victim of cancel culture?

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