BABYMONSTER is YG’s first girl group after BLACKPINK, but will they be able to live up to the hype?
The years 2022 and 2023 mark a significant turning point for YG Entertainment, with many artists announcing their departure from the company. In particular, iKON collectively ended their exclusive contracts, and BIGBANG’s Taeyang and Daesung both moved to new companies while retaining their group name. Leader G-Dragon, despite initially announcing a comeback with a full album at the beginning of the year, faced setbacks due to allegations of substance use. To make matters worse, YG mentioned that G-Dragon is no longer their artist when the rumors first emerged.
However, what the public is most curious about is probably the status of BLACKPINK’s contracts. On August 8, the globally renowned girl group officially celebrated their 7th anniversary, signifying their contract expiration date. At that time, BLACKPINK was still in the midst of their World Tour, “Born Pink”. Now that their final “Born Pink” concert has passed, BLACKPINK’s contract matters became a media frenzy once again, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. However, even now in November, YG is still negotiating contracts with BLACKPINK members.
At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2023, YG started the new year with information that captured the entertainment industry’s attention – the appearance of YG’s next girl group, BABYMONSTER. Although announced on the first day of the year, it took 11 months for YG to finalize the debut for the new girl group, officially introducing them to the public. As the seven trainees for BABYMONSTER were announced however, comparisons are made, pitting them against BLACKPINK and questioning if they will be able to live up to their “sisters”
Will BABYMONSTER be able to fill the shoes of BLACKPINK?
While the contract renewal situation with BLACKPINK is still pending, YG has scheduled the debut of BABYMONSTER to be on November 27. The new girl group was supposed to consist of 7 members: Ahyeon, Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita, ranging in age from 14 to 20 and representing multiple nationalities.
However, it has since been revealed that Ahyeon will not be joining the debut due to health matters, disheartening many considering that she was deemed the “ace of the group”.
Through the initial images, it is evident that BABYMONSTER boasts strong visuals, with heavy investments in high-end outfits, luxurious and chic appearances, and the YG-classic “fashionable and chic” aura.
In fact, with YG’s excellent music and stellar track records for girl groups so far, BABYMONSTER has already been considered a “monster rookie” from way before debut.
However, this also invisibly creates considerable pressure for BABYMONSTER, and media has continuously raised suspicions about whether the new girl group has the ability to live up to BLACKPINK.
In terms of talent, YG has been strict in selection, training seven faces with outstanding skill sets. Many promising factors such as Ahyeon, Chiquita, etc., are hoped to be the “new generation” Jennie and Lisa. With a team of seven members, YG can balance the roles of each girl in the group. Among them, Ahyeon is evaluated as an “all-rounder” because of her proficiency in singing, rapping, and dancing.
However, with Ahyeon missing from the debut line-up, the girl group will be suffering from huge losses
At the same time, Haram has a good and unique vocal tone. Asa and Ruka can both take on the main rap roles, and Chiquita excels in dance. Besides, the group’s visual appeal is receiving praise for its suitable and flattering representation of each member’s beauty.
So far, BABYMONSTER has released a pre-debut work via “Dream”, a song which has garnered attention for its fresh and sweet vocals, promising strong prospects for the future.
The multinational lineup and the balanced image between fashion and the public’s taste, combined with catchy music, have clearly demonstrated YG’s global ambitions for their next girl group.
Can BABYMONSTER Make History?
Up to this point, BABYMONSTER has many promising aspects, but it also faces numerous challenges to live up to BLACKPINK. Debuting in a time when the 4th generation of K-pop is still rapidly developing, BABYMONSTER must compete directly with leading girl groups like IVE, NewJeans, LE SSERAFIM, and aespa, who have been achieving huge successes.
The commonality among these names is their strength in concept. Each group has a clear identity, massive investments in their products, and early establishment of a solid fandom. In terms of domestic achievements, 4th-gen girl groups have a firm grip on music charts. Stepping onto the global stage, NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM have a strong foundation from HYBE, and some girl groups have been releasing both Korean and English songs to easily penetrate the international market.
Therefore, BABYMONSTER needs to have an explosive debut to leave a strong impression in the current vibrant market. As the group’s debut has already been delayed, some worry that the group may lose momentum, the public may lose interest.
To overcome the formidable “fortress” of BLACKPINK, YG’s new girl group needs a lot of time and effort.
Additionally, BLACKPINK’s global success is the result of many factors. Replicating a formula at two different times to achieve similar results is impossible. BLACKPINK has created many “firsts”: the first K-pop group to headline Coachella, the first girl group with a World Tour that grossed $260 million, etc. The potential of BABYMONSTER is still a question mark. To overcome the solid “fortress” of BLACKPINK, YG’s new girl group needs a lot of time and effort.
Source: K14
