YG Entertainment's new girl group, BABYMONSTER (BABYMONS7ER, comprising members Ah-Hyun, Ruka, Chiquita, Haram, Pharita, Rora, and Asa), has unfortunately seen their anticipated September debut postponed.
BABYMONSTER, YG's first girl group in about seven years since BLACKPINK, has garnered significant attention. With BLACKPINK standing tall as a top global group leading K-pop and YG's aggressive promotions, including performance video releases and debut reality show productions, BABYMONSTER has been one of the most anticipated acts of 2023.
In May, YG's head, Yang Hyun-suk, amidst attending a trial for intimidation and retaliation, confirmed the debut of the seven-member group through the official channel. Comprising members from Korea (Ah-Hyun, Haram, Rora), Thailand (Pharita, Chiquita), and Japan (Ruka, Asa), the group has undergone systematic training, mastering languages including Korean, English, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese, showcasing YG's aim for a global market.
Indeed, even before their official debut, BABYMONSTER's official YouTube channel surpassed 2 million subscribers at an unprecedented speed. Their videos collectively garnered over 400 million views in just 127 days. Major international media outlets, including Billboard and UK's NME, have spotlighted BABYMONS7ER, predicting they will "bring a new wave to the K-pop genre."
However, the atmosphere for a September debut seems challenging. While there was a dominant expectation within YG that the group would debut in September, this anticipation has gradually faded, and currently, there's no promotional schedule related to BABYMONSTER's debut as September comes to an end.
The journey to confirming BABYMONSTER as a seven-member group had its twists. Initially, YG had confirmed a five-member lineup, but after considering fan feedback, they decided to include Lora and Asa, finalizing the group as a septet.
At the time, producer Yang Hyun-suk stated, "Many fans wanted a seven-member debut. We consider YG's fans as true YG family," adding, "Please think of Lora and Asa as members chosen by YG's fans." He also hinted, "I anticipate the debut won't be delayed past this fall."
Yang Hyun-suk has been actively involved in finalizing BABYMONSTER's debut, especially after being acquitted in the first trial for intimidation and retaliation charges. While the trial isn't over, it's evident that Yang Hyun-suk will be more active in the industry.
For now, it seems BABYMONSTER's debut will surpass September. It remains to be seen if they will debut within the fall, as promised by Yang Hyun-suk. On the 27th, Yang Hyun-suk attended the fifth appellate trial at the Seoul High Court, personally pleading not guilty. The verdict is scheduled for November 8th.
