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Her management agency The Black Label announced on Tuesday that Annie, 24, will resume her studies at Columbia for the spring 2026 semester, the last semester remaining before graduation, Chosun Biz reported. She is majoring in visual arts in the university’s Department of Art History and is expected to remain in the U.S. until the semester ends in May.

During her time abroad, Annie is expected to travel frequently to fulfil previously scheduled overseas fan meetings while balancing her academic commitments.

Born Moon Seo Yoon, Annie is the maternal granddaughter of Lee Myung Hee, chairwoman of Shinsegae Group, one of South Korea’s three major department store operators alongside Lotte and Hyundai Department Store. She is also the great-granddaughter of Samsung founder Lee Byung Chul, as Lee Myung Hee is his youngest daughter.

In 2020, Forbes estimated Lee Myung Hee’s net worth at US$840 million, ranking her 42nd among South Korea’s 50 richest individuals.

Annie’s mother Chung Yoo Kyung currently serves as president of Shinsegae Group. The K-pop idol is also the niece of Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae Yong, South Korea’s second-richest man, according to Forbes estimates as of 2025.

Annie has previously said her family initially opposed her ambition to become a K-pop idol. According to The Korea Timesher mother agreed to support her training on the condition that she first gains admission to a university.

“From that point on, I gave up sleep and studied hard until I got accepted,” Annie said. “My mom didn’t expect it at all, she thought I was just dancing all the time.”

She debuted with AllDay Project last year.