BABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER (베이비몬스터; also stylized as BABYMONS7ER) is a seven-member girl group under YG Entertainment. Officially debuting on April 1, 2024, with their mini-album BABYMONS7ER, the group initially debuted as six members on November 27, 2023, with the digital single “Batter Up.” The group’s formation marks YG Entertainment’s first girl group debut since BLACKPINK in 2016, and expectations were high due to their polished performances and talent.

The concept of BABYMONSTER dates back to 2019 when YG Entertainment trademarked the name, along with a similar name, BAEMON, which was previously considered for BLACKPINK. Hints of BABYMONSTER’s future existence began surfacing in early 2020, notably with the introduction of Chinese trainees Jane Wang and Vicky Wei on the survival show Idol Producer 3. However, despite several announcements and plans to debut the group in 2021, the debut was delayed multiple times due to internal and external factors.

In early 2023, YG Entertainment officially introduced BABYMONSTER through a teaser poster and trailer, revealing the seven-member lineup and setting the stage for the group’s debut. Each member was introduced sequentially via live performances and videos, starting with Rami on January 12, followed by Ahyeon, Asa, Rora, Chiquita, Pharita, and Ruka. Throughout early 2023, fans were captivated by the group’s impressive vocal and dance performances, creating buzz ahead of their debut. YG also produced Last Evaluation, a series chronicling the final monthly assessments of the seven members, initially sparking rumors that the group might debut with only five members. However, on May 12, it was confirmed that all seven members would be included in the final lineup.

BABYMONSTER’s pre-debut single, “Dream,” was released on May 14, 2023, offering fans a glimpse of the group’s unique musical style and garnering widespread attention. Although the group initially planned to release their debut single earlier, “Batter Up” was postponed to November 27, 2023, for quality improvements. Despite the delay, the song made an impactful debut, and the group quickly built a dedicated fanbase.

A pivotal moment for BABYMONSTER occurred when Ahyeon, one of the group’s standout members, was temporarily sidelined due to health concerns in November 2023. However, she made a return to the group in early 2024, just in time for the group’s official seven-member debut with the release of their mini-album BABYMONS7ER.

BABYMONSTER continued to build momentum with their English digital single “Stuck In The Middle,” released on February 1, 2024, as part of their global outreach. By mid-2024, they solidified their presence in the international music scene, releasing their Japanese digital single “Batter Up -JP Ver.” and performing at Summer Sonic 2024.

On July 27, 2024, BABYMONSTER announced the official fandom name “MONSTIEZ,” reflecting the group’s growing global influence. As they prepare for the release of their first full-length album in fall 2024, BABYMONSTER’s rapid rise to fame, combined with YG Entertainment’s expertise in cultivating global girl groups, suggests they are poised to become one of K-pop’s next major acts.