K-beauty fans around the world are mourning the loss of Daddoa (이다솔, Lee Da-sol), a beloved beauty creator known for sharing Korean beauty trends globally. According to her management company Leferi, Daddoa passed away on the 16th. She was 29.
Leferi announced the news on the 24th and emphasized that, in line with the bereaved family’s wishes, the public should avoid excessive speculation or unverified reporting. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Who Was Daddoa?
Born in 1996, Daddoa rose to prominence through social media and video platforms with content that resonated widely—especially among viewers discovering makeup and personal style for the first time.
Her videos were known for covering:
- Makeup and beauty routines
- Fashion styling
- Diet and self-care tips
Over time, she became one of the standout names associated with the early wave of Korean beauty creators reaching international audiences.
Official Statement From Leferi
In its public statement, Leferi confirmed Daddoa’s passing and asked that people refrain from spreading rumors or drawing conclusions not supported by verified information.
Leferi Chairman Choi In-seok also shared condolences, describing Daddoa as someone who went beyond being a “first-generation YouTuber” and helped demonstrate the globalization of K-beauty earlier than most.
This reminder matters: when public figures pass away, respectful reporting means sticking to confirmed details and giving families space to grieve.
How Daddoa Helped Globalize K-Beauty
Daddoa’s career stands out not only for her popularity, but also for how quickly her influence expanded beyond Korea.
From YouTube Beginnings to a Rapid International Breakthrough
Daddoa opened her YouTube channel in 2014. Within just a year of her debut, she signed an exclusive contract with Youku, a major Chinese video platform—an early indicator of her cross-border reach.
Recognition in China’s Social Media Scene
In 2016, she was selected by Weibo as one of its “Best Beauty Creators,” further confirming her presence as a leading beauty voice in the region.
Major Milestones and Industry Recognition
Daddoa’s impact also showed up in major platform milestones and industry acknowledgement.
A First on Taobao: “K-Beauty Select Store”
She opened a “K-Beauty Select Store” on Taobao, reportedly becoming the first Korean beauty influencer to do so. This marked a notable moment in the commercialization and export of K-beauty trends through influencer-led channels.
Global Subscriber Scale at Her Peak
At the height of her activity in late 2016, her combined subscriber base across Korea, China, and Southeast Asia reportedly reached 2.7 million—a striking figure for that era of beauty content, and a reflection of her regional influence.
Recognition From WWD and M·A·C
Daddoa was also recognized by major names in the fashion and beauty world:
- WWD named her a “social beauty media star.”
- Global cosmetics brand M·A·C designated her as a “global beauty hero.”
These acknowledgements signaled that her influence extended beyond fandom—she was also taken seriously within the beauty industry.
Why She Stepped Back in 2021
Leferi’s statement and reporting indicate that Daddoa paused her activities in 2021 to continue studies she had put off. She reportedly entered graduate school and was preparing for a new chapter of life away from regular content creation.
Fans’ Reactions and Legacy
After the news became public, many fans shared condolences and reflected on how closely her content was tied to their own memories—especially those who first learned about makeup through her videos.
Some comments expressed the kind of quiet support long-time viewers often feel for creators, even during breaks: hoping she was doing well, even without new uploads. The sudden nature of the announcement has made the loss feel especially heavy for those who followed her early career.
Daddoa’s legacy is rooted in what she helped normalize: K-beauty content that travels across languages, platforms, and borders, reaching audiences who may never have encountered Korean trends otherwise.
