Lee Da-sol, influential K-beauty creator known as Daddoa, dies at 29

Lee Da-sol dies at 29

• K-beauty influencer Lee Da-sol, known as Daddoa, has died at age 29.
• Lee Da-sol pioneered global K-beauty and inspired millions with her content.
• Her agency confirmed her passing and requested privacy for her family.

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The global beauty community has been left heartbroken by the sudden loss of Lee Da-sol, a trailblazing South Korean influencer who helped introduce K-beauty to audiences around the world.

Known to millions online as Daddoa, Lee Da-sol passed away at the age of 29, leaving behind grieving fans and an industry that grew alongside her creativity and vision.

The news of Lee Da-sol’s death was confirmed by her agency, Leferi Beauty Entertainment, on Christmas Day. She passed away on December 16, though no cause of death was disclosed. Requesting privacy for the family during this deeply painful time, the agency stated, “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.”

Remembering her impact, Choi In-seok, spokesperson for Leferi Beauty Entertainment, paid tribute to her pioneering role, saying, “Daddoa was not only a first-generation YouTuber, but also one of the earliest figures to prove the global potential of the Korean beauty industry”.

As news of her passing spread, fans across the world turned to Lee Da-sol’s social media pages to share messages of love, gratitude and sorrow.

Many spoke about how her videos had shaped their teenage years and helped them feel more confident. “Even if you no longer upload videos, I hope you are living well somewhere,” one fan wrote. Another shared, “May you rest peacefully in heaven and no longer suffer,” while a third added, “Thank you for taking care of my beauty during my teenage years.”

Behind her success, Lee Da-sol had also spoken openly about personal struggles.

According to The Times of India, she had previously revealed that she was a victim of school bullying. In one of her videos, she explained how makeup became her shield — a way to heal, regain confidence and face the world with strength.

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Rising to prominence in 2014, Lee Da-sol built a loyal global following through her fashion, makeup and lifestyle content. Her influence extended far beyond South Korea, leading to collaborations in China and Southeast Asia, an exclusive deal with Youku, and recognition from Weibo as “China's Top Beauty Creator 2015”.

Although she stepped back from social media in 2016, her influence never faded. Recognised by Women’s Wear Daily and MAC, Lee Da-sol remained a respected figure in global beauty culture. She had recently been preparing to resume her university studies in Seoul — a quieter chapter she was looking forward to.