Tensions Rise as K-pop Welcomes a Flood of Major Rookie Girl Groups Joining NewJeans and IVE

YG Entertainment is set to introduce two major rookie girl groups to fill the void left by BLACKPINK. In particular, there is considerable attention on the debut of these groups as Yang Hyun Suk and Teddy, the leader of THEBLACKLABEL, are each launching their own rookie girl groups, setting the stage for an in-house rivalry.

The first to kick off is BABYMONSTER, presented by Yang Hyun Suk. Debuting in November last year, BABYMONSTER is a girl group launched by YG Entertainment for the first time in 7 years since BLACKPINK. Despite member Ahyeon withdrawing from debut activities due to health reasons, anticipation is high among K-pop fans for her return with the release of BABYMONSTER’s first mini-album in April.

While the specific debut timing has not been announced yet, Teddy, the producer behind 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, is also launching a rookie girl group in the first half of the year under THEBLACKLABEL. 

The reason for the heated attention on Teddy’s yet-to-be-named girl group is the revelation that chaebol daughter Annie Moon is preparing to debut with THEBLACKLABEL girl group.

As a result, attention from both within and outside the music industry is focused on whether Annie Moon will actually debut and if Teddy’s girl group can surpass BLACKPINK’s achievements.

HYBE, known as the ‘home of girl groups,’ is launching another rookie group to continue the success story of their 4th gen girl groups NewJeans and LE SSERAFIM. I’LL-IT, selected through JTBC’s ‘R U Next?’ last September, is preparing for debut in March. 

While facing headwinds due to the departure of core member Yeong Seo, I’LL-IT is still determined to showcase a complete image as a five-member group. 

Attention is also drawn to the showdown among major agencies’ ‘K-pop localization groups’. JYP Entertainment, known for its swift localization strategy among Korean entertainment companies, has launched Japanese girl group NiziU, followed by VCHA at the beginning of this year. 

VCHA, who debuted with its first single ‘Girls of the Year’ in January, is a U.S. localization girl group consisting of six members. Formed through a joint survival audition ‘A2K’ with U.S. label Republic Records, the group comprises four Americans, one Canadian, and one Korean-American. Their debut live broadcast conducted in English also captured the attention of K-pop fans worldwide.

HYBE’s chairman, Bang Si Hyuk, who has long argued for “removing the ‘K’ from K-pop,” is also introducing a girl group for U.S. localization, breaking language and racial barriers. Through the first global project ‘The Debut: Dream Academy’ jointly conducted by HIVE America and Geffen Records, a girl group will be formed, marking the beginning of full-fledged global activities with their U.S. debut. 

Among the final six members, there is only one Korean. The 6-member girl group formed under the K-pop system, KATSEYE, is expected to attract keen attention for their achievements in the local scene.

Source: naver