YG’s promising new Kpop girl group, BABYMONSTER, finally made its debut with the “BATTER UP” single, featuring a chic and sophisticated theme. However, amid the highly anticipated debut, BABYMONSTER must face massive controversy surrounding various issues on their problematic debut concept. Also, after BABYMONSTER debuted, one of the members, Ahyeon, showed ambiguous signs whether she had actually left the group. But was it really true, though? Join us as we dig deep into the controversy surrounding BABYMONSTER debut and one of its members, Ahyeon.
BABYMONSTER Debut Faces More Criticism and Controversy: Signs That Ahyeon Had Really Left
Following its explosive debut, YG’s new Kpop group, BABYMONSTER, must face more criticism and controversy. Once the debut song, “BATTER UP” hit the internet, various music critics and the general public began showing concerns.
BABYMONSTER debut song, “BATTER UP,” draws from the call to action for the next player in a baseball game. This title signifies BABYMONSTER’s entrance as YG’s promising new monster rookie, reflecting their ambition to be a “game-changer” leader for the mainstream Kpop scene.
Contrasting with the recent Kpop trend that moves towards easy-listening songs, “BATTER UP” boldly adopts YG’s iconic hip-hop characteristics. With this song, BABYMONSTER showcases a daring and solid approach to carving out its own unique path in the Kpop industry.
As a new Kpop group, BABYMONSTER members have shown incredible talents, far superior to most idols of their generations. But apparently, YG failed to provide music that can magnify these incredible talents.
BABYMONSTER Debut Concept Merely the Latest Duplicate of 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, All Because of Yang Hyun Suk
Claiming to be carrying the legacy of YG Entertainment, BABYMONSTER debut song and MV gave off vibes that are overly similar to its predecessors: 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. The glamorous sets and extravagant props were indeed characteristics of YG Entertainment, but fans did not seem to believe it was a strong point. Instead, most Kpop enthusiasts consider the debut concept the newest duplicate, copying the previous concepts of 2NE1 and BLACKPINK.
Deemed as stale and unoriginal, netizens compared BABYMONSTER’s debut MV with clips from 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. They believed that even after over a decade of successful business, YG failed to provide crucial innovation. The controversy revolves around the debut visual of BABYMONSTER’s MV, proving YG’s failure to evolve with the modern Kpop industry.
Further reports also mentioned that this lack of innovation was because of YG’s founder, Yang Hyun Suk. This rumor began when a user on Blind, a Korean app for verified employees, who has an account associated with YG Entertainment, shared insights about the BABYMONSTER project.
They revealed that YG Entertainment does not have a visual director, explaining the outdated feel of BABYMONSTER’s MV.
Additionally, the employee also claimed that the music video’s outdated style was because of Yang Hyun-suk’s work. They also mentioned a general desire within YG for Yang Hyun-suk to step back from producing.
The Lack of Center Superstar Among Members of BABYMONSTER Kpop Rookie After Ahyeon Leaves
During the public evaluation period, BABYMONSTER gained massive popularity with the majestic presence of one of its members, Ahyeon.
Ahyeon became one of the superstar members of BABYMONSTER with her incredible vocal and leadership skills. Her cover performance of Charlie Puth’s “Dangerously” became the group’s most important highlight during the evaluation. It demonstrated Ahyeon’s impressive vocal technique and her superstar stage presence. In a short time, she becomes the future center among the members of the Kpop group BABYMONSTER.
Unfortunately, just before BABYMONSTER made their highly anticipated debut, Ahyeon faced a racial slur controversy. This controversy reportedly caused mental damage to the young trainee. As a result, BABYMONSTER members must debut as a 6-member Kpop group without Ahyeon.
While YG claimed that Ahyeon remains one of BABYMONSTER members, various rumors claimed that Ahyeon had left the group. And worse, she was preparing for her own debut with another company.
Due to Ahyeon’s departure, BABYMONSTER reportedly lost its superstar effect. Since all that’s left are 6 members who shine equally in their own ways, BABYMONSTER lacks the star power that captures the public’s attention. And that is especially when they must swim in the pool of modern-day Kpop, where the members’ individual star powers are crucial.
For example, BABYMONSTER’s predecessor, BLACKPINK, has solidified the individual star power of all 4 members. Then, we have NewJeans members, all of whom have charmed their way to the audience’s hearts within less than a year after their debut. Meanwhile, aespa, IVE, and LE SSERAFIM have their own star power members: Karina, Wonyoung, and Sakura.
This case is basically similar to NMIXX, which is now undergoing a decreasing popularity. And so, BABYMONSTER must address these perceptions if they want to succeed.
More Cultural Appropriation Controversy Against Members of Kpop Rookie BABYMONSTER
Along with the problematic concept of BABYMONSTER debut, the Kpop group must face more controversy. This time, it involves issues of cultural appropriation in their “BATTER UP” MV.
Centering on two BABYMONSTER members, Ruka and Chiquita, the Kpop group faces backlash from international fans.
The first issue came from Ruka wearing a durag.
Modern-day popular culture may view durag merely as cloth wrapped around the forehead to keep hair in place. However, this fashion piece dates back to the 19th century, representing female slaves who must use this hair piece to tie their hair up and out of the way during labor.
This issue was then followed by member Chiquita sporting yellow box braids, which possess crucial cultural value in African and African-American communities.
Due to the controversy, BABYMONSTER debut faces more criticism and disappointment from netizens. And this has become a worse negative point, especially after Ahyeon’s racial slur controversy.
Through various online communities and social media, fans have been calling for idols’ compulsory education on cultural appropriation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
starting to think companies do this on purpose. marketing tactic…they know people will speak ab the braids and durag, causes more engagement and conversation. no respect whatsoever and it’s sick. https://t.co/n3vWyYN5EH
— dory 💫 (@doriannamuva) November 26, 2023
Ahyeon Shows Signs of Leaving YG, Spotted at Another Kpop Company: Cube Entertainment
As if these issues are not enough, recent rumors went viral on the internet and social media that Ahyeon would possibly join Cube Entertainment.
A recent post in a Korean online community revealed to have spotted Ahyeon at Cube Entertainment at midnight. This sign further strengthens the rumors that Ahyeon had reportedly left YG and BABYMONSTER to debut with another company.
However, fans responded negatively because Cube Entertainment has been famous for focusing on boy groups. The company did not even mention the debut of a new girl group.
Besides, some fans also reportedly saw Ahyeon entering the YG building. That is why speculations have been going around about whether she had really left the company.
AHYEON IS FREAKING BACK !!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Q9JvdJfVAs
— 🧸ahy (@ahysloops) November 25, 2023
Finally, what do you think about the controversy revolving around Ahyeon and BABYMONSTER debut? Apparently, having a new girl group debuting with controversies has been the recent trend among 4th generations Kpop. After all, the same case happened to NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM, and NewJeans. Do you think so, too? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Source: TheQoo, TheQoo2, TheQoo3, Instiz, Twitter
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