Fans of upcoming rookie girl group BABYMONSTER might have to wait a little longer as YG Entertainment seemingly appeared to have delayed the group’s debut, which was initially set for September.
On Saturday, September 23, Naver reported that YG Entertainment is delaying the debut of BABYMONSTER due to “quality enhancement.” Moreover, the group’s debut song will reportedly fall under the strong hip–hop genre. Hence, the agency is reportedly putting more effort into the song.
YG Ent's new girl group BABYMONSTER debut was delayed to improve quality. pic.twitter.com/EAX5DHt7OR
— BABYMONSTER PICS (@picbaemon) September 21, 2023
Initially, YG Entertainment confirmed in July that their new girl group will debut in September. At the time, the agency shared that the members were already working on the song’s choreography and preparing for the filming of the music video.
However, with September already drawing to a close, the agency has yet to release teasers or announcements related to BABYMONSTER’s debut. As of writing, the label also didn’t provide an update on the situation.
Understandably, this delay has left many fans disappointed as they have been anticipating BABYMONSTER’s debut since the start of 2023. Still, most fans remain patient and hopeful with the final unveiling of the group.
What we know so far about BABYMONSTER
Composed of Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Haram, Rora, and Chiquita, the seven-member girl group were formed through YG Entertainment’s survival show Last Evaluation.
Initially, only five members were supposed to debut. But the agency’s founder Yang Si Hyuk listened to the viewers’ opinions of having all the seven members take part in the group.
Interestingly, the seven members came from various countries. Ahyeon, Haram and Rora are the South Korean members of the group. Meanwhile, members Asa and Ruka are from Japan. Lastly, Thai members Pharita and Chiquita completed the lineup.
Even before making their debut, BABYMONSTER had already earned recognition from K-pop fans due to their “all-rounder” skills. All eight of their Last Evaluation episodes on Youtube have surpassed eight millions views each.
In May, BABYMONSTER teased the fans with their pre-debut track “DREAM.” Within four months of its release, the music video for the track has already garnered over 50 million views.
Fans’ assumptions over YG’s moves
While fans’ anticipation for the group’s debut becomes higher, the uncertainty gets more extreme as well. With the announcement of the delay, fans cannot help but raise assumptions over YG Entertainment’s moves.
Some fans have speculated that the group’s debut was delayed due to one of its members leaving. Eagle-eyed fans have pointed out that Ahyeon has been missing from the group’s social media content with her last video posted in July.
The group was also seen attending BLACKPINK’s Born Pink finale concert in Seoul, but only six members were present. Based on the photos circulating online, Ahyeon wasn’t in attendance.
IM STARTING TO OVERTHINK NOW CUZ WTF WHERE IS MY GIRL ????? pic.twitter.com/hETRvlyQzJ
— ً#1 hyeonie (@ahyeon1stfan) September 17, 2023
With Ahyeon’s absence and the label keeping mum about it, fans continue to worry for the singer. Out of all the members, Ahyeon is considered as one with the most public recognition as she went viral for her cover of Charlie Puth’s “Dangerously.”
On the other hand, some fans are speculating that YG Entertainment is delaying BABYMONSTER’s debut due to their unsettled contract negotiations with the label’s other girl group BLACKPINK.
Currently, the worldwide sensation superstars are in talks with the agency as their seven-year contract has expired in 2023. Although there are rumors of the members leaving the agency, YG Entertainment remains firm that there’s no final decision yet.
in all seriousness, when will babymonster debut? cus i know damn well YG will announce blackpink’s contract renewal along with babymonster’s debut cus we all know YG and their strategics. they need to get it over with already 🤡
— 𖤐 (@GhoulPinks) September 19, 2023
babymonster’s debut was “delayed” because blackpink’s contract negotiations is still on going so they’re saving the hype of blackpink’s contract announcement for babymonster’s debut announcement. am i the only one that thinks this or do i look dumb 🤡
— 𖤐 (@GhoulPinks) September 21, 2023
Such a yg thing to do. But at the same time,BM hype is slowing down and the the Bp renewal contract is just brewing. Maybe if they did renew, yg will wait till their next comeback and reveal it as a promotion tactic
— BP IS THE REVOLUTION (@BLKPNK2022) September 20, 2023
BABYMONSTER is set to be YG Entertainment’s first girl group in about seven years, after BLACKPINK’s debut in 2015.
Featured image: BABYMONSTER updates fans with a group picture. Credit: Instagram/BABYMONSTER