Plus Magazine

| Written by Han Seong Hyun (Editor for the music webzine IZM)

YG Entertainment's new girl group BABYMONSTER has made a strong impression on K-pop fans with their debut mini-album [BABYMONS7ER]. Their title track 'SHEESH' climbed the music charts and topped music show rankings. Despite concluding their official promotions, they responded to ongoing enthusiasm by gifting fans with a special performance of their track 'LIKE THAT.' Let’s explore BABYMONSTER’s extraordinary presence in the competitive idol market through three keywords.

#7-Member_GirlGroup

The number 7 prominently features throughout BABYMONSTER's debut EP. From their debut album title where the T in their name is replaced with a 7, to their singles 'BATTER UP' and 'Stuck In The Middle' being labeled with '7 ver.,' BABYMONSTER’s connection with the lucky number 7 is evident.

The name BABYMONSTER was initially introduced to the public through YG Entertainment's trainee survival reality show ＜Last Evaluation＞. Following a teaser release in March 2023, episodes of the project were unveiled online weekly, featuring all seven current members as trainees. Initially, YG Entertainment intended to select five members—AHYEON, RUKA, CHIQUITA, PHARITA, and RAMI—but due to strong fan support, they decided to debut all seven members, including RORA and ASA.

The project progressed smoothly until an unexpected announcement about ten days before the release of 'BATTER UP' in November 2023: AHYEON was unable to join due to health issues. Despite plans for her return, the single 'Stuck In The Middle,' released in February 2024, also featured only six members, raising concerns.

The promotion for [BABYMONS7ER] laid these worries to rest. Exactly one year after ＜Last Evaluation＞ aired, a ＜VISUAL FILM＞ was uploaded to their YouTube channel on March 11, 2024, revealing AHYEON among the six members and confirming BABYMONSTER as a complete seven-member group. The album included re-recorded versions of 'BATTER UP' and 'Stuck In The Middle' with all seven members, reaffirming the significance of the number 7 for the group.
 

#Talented_Idol
 

In keeping with YG Entertainment's tradition of producing highly skilled groups, BABYMONSTER has been recognized for their talents since their debut preparations. The seven members, selected through intense competition and rigorous evaluations, each possess strong abilities that extend beyond their designated roles. Their debut track 'SHEESH' showcased this, as they confidently performed with handheld mics—a rare choice for dance-focused routines. Considering the song's challenging rap and high-pitched parts, this demonstrated their boldness as a rookie group.

Their mature stage presence also drew attention. For their farewell performances on music shows, they presented a specially arranged band version of 'SHEESH.' Their energetic and confident demeanor captivated audiences, creating an atmosphere more akin to an outdoor festival than a typical TV performance, contrasting with the usual fresh charm expected of new groups.

Their confidence also shines through in [BABYMONS7ER]'s composition. The pre-debut single 'BATTER UP' recalls the hip-hop style of their label seniors BLACKPINK, while 'Stuck In The Middle' is a serene ballad highlighting the members' vocals. The diverse progression of the title track 'SHEESH' and the Latin-influenced pop track 'LIKE THAT' illustrate how the seven members excel across multiple genres.

#Chart_Revival

The achievements of [BABYMONS7ER] and 'SHEESH' underscore how talent can directly drive chart success in the idol industry. Initially, 'SHEESH' did not chart upon its release on April 1, 2024. However, as both K-pop fans and the general public recognized the group's live performance skills, it gradually climbed the rankings, becoming another 'chart revival' story. Remarkably, in the fifth week after their official promotions ended, they secured first place on , showcasing their remarkable growth.

Other tracks from the album are also gaining recognition. The English track 'LIKE THAT,' produced by popular musician Charlie Puth, contrasts with 'SHEESH' with its soft pop tune, showcasing another side of BABYMONSTER's charm. The stylish performance video, released on YouTube in late May, has already surpassed 50 million views, indicating the group's rising popularity.

Although their three-week run on music shows has concluded, BABYMONSTER has planned two weeks of exclusive special stages on in response to continued demand and interest. During the June 13 broadcast, they showcased 'SHEESH' once again with handheld mics, demonstrating their outstanding skills. Fans can eagerly anticipate their future comebacks and what surprises they have in store.
 

※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.