Babymonster
BabyMonster | |
---|---|
Also known as | Baemon |
Origin | Seoul, South Korea |
Genres | K-pop |
Years active | 2023 | –present
Labels | YG |
Members |
|
BabyMonster (Korean: 베이비몬스터; stylized in all caps), also known as Baemon (Korean: 베몬), is an upcoming South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment. Consisting of seven members—Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita—the septet released a pre-debut single entitled "Dream", on May 14, 2023, ahead of their scheduled debut in November.[1][2]
History
2018–2022: Formation and pre-debut activities
Following the launch of YG Entertainment's representative girl groups, 2NE1 (2009) and Blackpink (2016), news of the label's next girl group circulated as early as 2018.[3][4] The company received applicants from various countries, some of whom were accepted into its training program as early as age 10, training an average of four to five years.[5] In the number of recruits, each prospective member placed first against thousands in their respective auditions.[6] In January 2020, the written forms of "BabyMonster", one of many names initially considered for Blackpink,[7] and "Baemon" (a syllabic abbreviation of the former) were trademarked in English and Korean by the label and tentatively used by media outlets until the eventual disclosure of their official uses.[8][9][10]
The group's selection process was chronicled in Last Evaluation (2023), a reality show filmed a year prior to its airing, showcasing seven potential members.[11] YG Entertainment founder, Yang Hyun-suk, enlisted assistance by Lee Su-hyun of AKMU, and Winner's Kang Seung-yoon and Lee Seung-hoon amidst others to judge, rank, and determine its formation for the duration of the show.[12][13] Yang revealed the number of members he first planned in the earliest stage was five;[14] however, a seven-piece ensemble was finalized with three South Koreans (Ahyeon, Haram, Rora), two Japanese (Ruka, Asa), and two Thai members (Pharita, Chiquita).[15] Ahyeon, Ruka, Chiquita, Haram, and Pharita were selected by the label, while Rora and Asa were contemplated to be placed into two different projects before ultimately joining the final line-up as the "fans' choice".[15]
Several from its line-up held prior experience in the entertainment industry ahead of their acceptance into YG Entertainment. Haram began working as a child model at age two;[4] Ruka and Rora debuted in the Japanese girl group Shibu3 project and children's music group U.SSO Girl with Hyein of NewJeans in 2017, respectively;[8][16] and Pharita modelled in contests and auditioned for survival reality programs.[17] Ruka trained the longest of the seven,[18] preceding Asa and Haram who auditioned in 2018,[19] Rora in May 2018, and Ahyeon in December 2018.[20] Pharita was chosen out of 1,226 applicants amidst her audition in July 2020, becoming the sixth to be accepted.[21][22] Chiquita was the final member to join BabyMonster,[4] training for three months since her recruit in 2021,[21][23] the shortest period of all members.[4] During this time, the members' vocals were revealed to be featured in the final chorus of the lead single, "Iyah" (아이야; aiya) by labelmate Kang Seung-yoon.[24]
2023–present: Introduction and scheduled debut
YG Entertainment signaled the septet's formal introduction on December 30, 2022, with a poster and the subtext "YG Next Movement".[25] It heralded a trailer-esque video posted on YouTube on New Year's Day that garnered 15 million views in three days,[26] and featured appearances by members of Winner and Blackpink, sibling duo AKMU, dancer and choreographer Leejung Lee, and label founder Yang Hyun-suk.[27] BabyMonster's introduction, together with the announcement of G-Dragon's feasible return as a soloist that same day, contributed to a subsequent rise in the label's stocks, leaping by 11.74%.[28] The seven members were revealed to the public through gradual releases of live performance videos starting on January 12[8] (in order: Haram, Ahyeon, Chiquita, Asa, Rora, Pharita, and Ruka).[29] BabyMonster's YouTube channel soon surpassed one million subscribers in 52 days since its creation on December 28, 2022,[21] and two million subscribers in 129 days, becoming the fastest K-pop girl group to reach the milestone.[30] The septet released a pre-debut single exclusively on the platform entitled "Dream" on May 14, 2023, first teased in their survival documentary series,[31] and debuted atop the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart.[32]
On October 9, YG confirmed that BabyMonster's official debut would take place in November. The production of their lead track's music video and choreography are expected to be completed by end-October before their debut.[33]
Public image
Created with a "high-teen" image different from the label's prior female acts, the septet maintains the signature charismatic elements of YG Entertainment.[34] BabyMonster was touted as an "all-rounder" group and its members labelled as "elites" by the public and media alike,[35][36] wherein each excel in vocals, rap, and dance.[37] The ensemble is also proficient in multiple languages, including Korean, English, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese.[38]
In a survey conducted by entertainment business magazine JoyNews24, two hundred industry workers from entertainment companies and broadcasters, film and broadcast content producers, and entertainment reporters ranked the tentative group ninth in the "Most Anticipated Artist of Late 2021 and 2022", tied with Ive amidst others.[39]
Members
- Ruka (루카)[40]
- Pharita (파리타)[40]
- Asa (아사)[40]
- Ahyeon (아현)[40]
- Haram (하람)[40]
- Rora (로라)[40]
- Chiquita (치키타)[40]
Filmography
- Last Evaluation (2023, YouTube)[41]
References
- ^ "YG Entertainment's Baby Monster to debut as septet in fall". Korea Times. May 12, 2023.
- ^ "'블랙핑크 후배' 베이비몬스터, 9월→11월 데뷔 시점 번복 [공식]". Hankyung. October 9, 2023.
- ^ Hwang, Mi-hyun (September 19, 2018). [단독] YG, 자사 新걸그룹 선보인다…관련 프로 올 연말 론칭 [Exclusive] YG New Girl Group Introduction... Related Program Launch Year-End]. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Loh, Lainey (March 2, 2023). "Babymonster: YG Entertainment releases introduction videos for the girl group". Tatler Asia. Archived from the original on March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- ^ Ji, Min-kyung (May 20, 2021). [단독] YG 새 걸그룹, 15~16세 하이틴 최정예로 선발 [Exclusive] YG New Girl Group, 15~16 Year Old High-Teens Selected as Elite Players]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
- ^ Kim, No-eul (January 1, 2023). YG 새 걸그룹=베이비 몬스터..양현석 "YG 유전자 가졌다" [YG New Girl Group = Baby Monster; Yang Hyun-suk: "Has the YG Genes"]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
- ^ Jung Joon-hwa (November 3, 2016). [Oh!쎈 토크] 블랙핑크가 직접 밝힌 #3대기획사 경쟁 #YG #2NE1 [Oh!Sen Talk] Blackpink Reveals: #3 Biggest Company Competition #YG #2NE1]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved January 1, 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ a b c Loh, Lainey (February 9, 2023). "Babymonster: Meet the 7 members of YG Entertainment's upcoming girl group". Tatler Asia. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Soo-young (May 18, 2021). YG, 블랙핑크 동생 걸그룹 내놓는다…'베몬' 데뷔? [공식] [YG Blackpink's Sister Girl Group Will Come Soon, 'Baemon' Debut? [Formula]]. Hankyung (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^ Yoon, Seo-yeon (November 14, 2022). "K-pop agencies back in business with booming results in third quarter". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ Jeong, Hye-won (March 7, 2023). "YG Baby Monster, Debut Reality Show on the 10th "Contains the Final Member Selection Process"". SpoTV News. Archived from the original on May 8, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ Ziwei, Puah (March 17, 2023). "Watch BABYMONSTER cover Rosé's 'Gone' on 'Last Evaluation'". NME. Archived from the original on March 20, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
- ^ Yeo, Gladys (April 3, 2023). "Watch BABYMONSTER perform BLACKPINK's 'Don't Know What To Do' on 'Last Evaluation'". NME. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ Jang, Jin-ri (May 11, 2023). "Baby Monster, Today (11th) Reveal the Final Member ... YG: "We Made the Best Team"". SpoTV News. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
- ^ a b Choi, Ji-won (May 12, 2023). "YG's rookie Babymonster to debut with 7 members". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
- ^ Lee, Soo-yeon (February 17, 2023). '데뷔만 두 번' 뉴진스 혜인, 알고 보니 '베이비 몬스터'와 인연이? [Debuted Twice, NewJeans' Hyein Seems to Have a Relation With BabyMonster?]. TV Report (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
- ^ True Inside (February 2, 2023). YG เปิดตัว "ภริตา" สมาชิกชาวไทยอีกคน ใน BABYMONSTER แฟนๆทึ่งในพลังเสียง [YG Introdduces "Pharita", Another Thai Member of BabyMonster. Fans Amazed by the Power of Her Voice.]. TNN Online (in Thai). Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- ^ Choi, Ji-won (February 8, 2023). "YG's next big thing: Baby Monster members unveiled". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved February 9, 2023.
- ^ Todoroki, Yuki (March 4, 2023). BLACKPINKの妹分!日本人も2人所属する韓国の大型新人グループ「BABYMONSTER」を大解剖 [Blackpink's Little Sister! A Dissection of BABYMONSTER, a Big Korean Rookie Group with Two Japanese Members]. Cosmopolitan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023 – via Yahoo Japan.
- ^ Honami, Arai (March 5, 2023). [随時更新] BABYMONSTER(ベイビーモンスター)のメンバー紹介|BLACKPINKの妹グループとしてデビュー予定 [[Time-to-Time Updates] BABYMONSTER Member Introduction|Scheduled to Debut as BLACKPINK's Sister Group]. Elle Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
- ^ a b c Dong, Sun-hwa (March 3, 2023). "Who is BABYMONSTER? Meet YG's new girl group". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
- ^ Choi, Hye-jin (February 13, 2023). 베이비몬스터 파리타, 소개 영상..1226대1 경쟁률 뚫은 태국 소녀 [BabyMonster Pharita: 1226-1 "Competitively-Pierced" Thai Girl]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
- ^ True Inside (January 23, 2023). YG เปิดตัว "ชิกิต้า" สมาชิกชาวไทยวง BABYMONSTER แฟนๆแห่ชื่นชมพลังเสียงร้อง [YG Introduces Thai Member "Chiquita" From BabyMonster. Fans Gather to Admire Her Singing]. TNN Online (in Thai). Archived from the original on January 23, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
- ^ 텐션 업! 초대석 with 강승윤(of WINNER) full ver./[강한나의 볼륨을 높여요] |KBS 210401 방송. Kang Han-na's Volume Up. April 2, 2021. Event occurs at 25:51. YouTube. Archived from the original on November 10, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
- ^ Shin, Min-hee (December 30, 2022). "YG Entertainment teases a new girl group". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on December 31, 2022. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ Choi, Hye-ran (January 4, 2023). 'YG NEXT MOVEMENT' 베이비몬스터, 공개한 티저 영상...3일만에 '천오백만 뷰' [Baby Monster Releases Teaser Video "YG Next Movement", 15 Million Views in 3 Days]. New Culture (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ Hicap, Jonathan (December 31, 2022). "Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment unveil new girl group: Baby Monster". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ Gong, Mina (January 2, 2023). "Baby Monster's Debut and GD's Comeback... YG Stock Price Soared". SpoTV News. Archived from the original on May 8, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
- ^
- Haram (#1): Yoon, So-yeon (January 12, 2023). "First member of upcoming YG girl group BabyMonster, revealed". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
- Ahyeon (#2): Yoon, So-yeon (January 16, 2023). "Second member of YG's new girl group BabyMonster revealed". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 17, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
- Chiquita (#3): Yoon, So-yeon (January 24, 2023). "13-year-old Thai, Chiquita, is BabyMonster's No. 3". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
- Asa (#4): Cho, Yong-jun (January 26, 2023). "Fourth member of YG girl group BabyMonster, Asa, revealed". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 26, 2023. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
- Rora (#5): Yoon, So-yeon (January 26, 2023). "YG unveils fifth member of new girl group BabyMonster". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
- Pharita (#6): Cho, Yong-jun (February 2, 2023). "YG unveils sixth member of BabyMonster, confirms group will have 7 members". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
- Ruka (#7): Cho, Yong-jun (February 6, 2023). "Final member of YG girl group BabyMonster revealed". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on February 6, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Won-gyeom (May 8, 2023). "Baby Monster, a K-pop Girl Group Record Even Before Their Debut... 2 Million Subscribers in 129 Days". SpoTV News. Archived from the original on May 8, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ Ji, Min-kyung (May 14, 2023). YG 베이비몬스터, 프리 데뷔곡 'DREAM' 공개..7人 완벽 하모니 [YG BabyMonster Unveils Pre-debut Song 'Dream', 7 Individuals in Perfect Harmony]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 14, 2023. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
- ^ Rutherford, Kevin (May 23, 2023). "BABYMONSTER Premieres Atop Hot Trending Songs Chart With 'DREAM'". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
- ^ "YG Entertainment's new girl group Babymonster debuting in November". CNA. October 10, 2023.
- ^ Choi, Na-young (May 19, 2021). "[단독] YG 새 걸그룹, 올 하반기 올킬할 슈퍼루키의 탄생(종합)" [Exclusive] YG New Girl Group, Birth of an All-Kill Super Rookie Within the Second Half of the Year]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 19, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ Yoon, Jun-ho (February 2, 2023). YG 신인 걸그룹 베이비몬스터, 6번째 멤버 17세 '태국 출신 파리타' 공개 [YG's New Girl Group, BabyMonster, Reveals Its 6th Member, 17-year-old 'Pharita From Thailand']. Ten Asia (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Marie Claire Korea (January 24, 2023). YG엔터테인먼트 신인걸그룹 ‘베이비 몬스터’ 멤버 공개! [Members of YG Entertainment's New Girl Group 'Baby Monster' Revealed!]. Marie Claire Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 24, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Seon, Mi-kyung (February 8, 2023). 베이비몬스터, '괴물 신인' 입증할 전력 분석 [Oh!쎈 초점] [Power Analysis Proving BabyMonster as 'Monster Rookies' [Oh!Sen Focus]]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 11, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
- ^ Kim, Jin-suk (March 14, 2023). 베이비몬스터, 데뷔 전인데 벌써 '2억뷰' 넘기는 '괴력' [BabyMonster Already Surpassed 200 Million Views Prior Debut, Displaying 'Strength']. JTBC News (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ Jung, Ji-won (November 11, 2021). [창간17년] 에스파, 올해의 신인 1위…신선했던 노래·내년 기대주 1위 [17 Year Anniversary] Aespa Wins Rookie of the Year, New Music · Most Anticipated Rising Star Next Year]. JoyNews24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g "YG Entertainment's Baby Monster to debut as septet in fall". Yonhap News Agency. May 12, 2023.
- ^ Ziwei, Puah (March 10, 2023). "BLACKPINK's Jennie mentors BABYMONSTER in the first episode of 'Last Evaluation'". NME. Archived from the original on March 14, 2023. Retrieved March 26, 2023.