After much anticipation, YG Entertainment’s upcoming girl group, BABYMONSTER, is gearing up for their highly awaited debut. Among the trainees who swiftly gained popularity was Chiquita, who became a fan favourite during the introduction phase. However, concerns arose when netizens discovered that Chiquita, at the time of her introduction, was only 13 years old.
As the final lineup was unveiled and promotional images were shared, it became apparent that Chiquita, now 14 years old, stood out as one of the youngest idols in the industry. On November 13 (KST), YG Entertainment initiated the teaser release for BABYMONSTER, commencing with Chiquita’s photos and an accompanying video. In these visuals, Chiquita’s appearance took on a more mature, “idol-esque” aesthetic, featuring darker and sophisticated makeup paired with a striking black and red ensemble.
While the excitement for BABYMONSTER’s debut was palpable among fans, a significant portion expressed reservations about Chiquita’s styling. As the youngest member of BABYMONSTER, born in 2009, she holds a unique position in the industry at just 14 years old. This led some netizens to voice concerns over the perceived maturity of Chiquita’s styling, suggesting that YG Entertainment might be attempting to make her look older than her age.
The controversy deepened as discussions unfolded on online platforms, with netizens questioning the appropriateness of the styling choices for a young idol. Some argued that the presentation contradicted the industry’s discourse on young idols’ debuts, emphasising the need for age-appropriate styling and expressions within the entertainment landscape.
While fans eagerly await BABYMONSTER’s debut, the concerns surrounding Chiquita’s styling have ignited a broader conversation about the balance between artistic expression, age-appropriate presentation, and the responsibility of entertainment agencies in shaping the public image of their young talents. As the discussions continue, all eyes remain on YG Entertainment for their response to the community’s concerns and how they navigate the sensitive issue of presenting a young idol in the public eye.
