She made a statement after her TV appearance.
BABYMONSTER member Asa recently sparked major concerns among netizens after mentioning dropping out of school to pursue her idol dreams.
In the latest episode of the popular variety show, Running Man, Asa appeared with her fellow member Ahyeon, and as the two talked about their young ages, Asa revealed that she was a “Kindergarten graduate,” since she left Japan at a young age to come to Korea and become an idol.
It has been six years since I came to Korea. I only graduated from Kindergarten. I am a Kindergarten graduate.
— Asa
This statement sparked heated discussions about Asa’s wellbeing and the normalization of such academic choices to pursue K-Pop stardom.
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As the fan concerns grew over online debates and discussions, Asa made a public post addressing her remarks, trying to clarify what she originally meant.
In a post written to fans after the Running Man episode aired, Asa mentioned that her “kindergarten graduate” comment was intended to be a funny moment, and not a true reflection of her educational background.
I think some people were surprised hearing me say ‘Kindergarten graduate’ on the show. I started training with the dream of becoming an artist since elementary school. So, I was always going back and forth between school and practice. That’s why it felt like the only time I actuallly fully attended school was in kindergarten.
I wanted to say it in a funny way, but since I talked so briefly, I don’t think I explained it well.
I realized once again that I’m still inexperienced and have a lot to learn.
— Asa
Since Asa’s statement didn’t clarify whether she was indeed pursuing education beyond kindergarten, some fans had to dig deeper. That is when a 2024 BABYMONSTER interview with CNN Brasil came to the surface, in which Asa mentioned starting dance school in her freshman year of high school.
#ASA for CNN Brazil
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🐰: I joined a dance school during my first year of junior high school, and that’s when I felt the joy of listening to music and developing a passion for dancing. #ENAMIASA #아사 #BABYMONSTER #베이비몬스터 pic.twitter.com/rwebq8v9db— ASA GLOBAL (@ASAGLOBAL_) May 28, 2024
Some also pointed out that during the same Running Man episode, Asa had confirmed that she was a high school student, even joking about how she was older than usual high schoolers.
I don’t know if this is over or not, but what I got from this conversation is that Asa is still in high school but she is older, not like most high school students.
hope this help #ASA #ENAMIASA pic.twitter.com/3RPaudokvp
— airee (@lewispoowordie) July 8, 2025
As many fans have already pointed out, it appears that Asa talked about only graduating from kindergarten in a different context, but her intentions got lost in a major miscommunication.
