YG Entertainment has announced the 'second BABYMONSTER' for the second half of the year. Following BABYMONSTER, a new four-member rookie girl group will be revealed, and a 'girl group two-track strategy' aimed at the global K-pop market is expected to take shape.
On the 26th, YG Entertainment released an interview video with chief producer Yang Hyun-seok on its official blog. Yang, who made his appearance after about seven months, specifically mentioned the comeback plans for BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER, as well as the launch schedule for the next rookie group.
Yang stated, 'Currently, there are two male groups and two female groups preparing for debut at YG, and among them, one team has been confirmed as a four-member rookie girl group.' He added, 'This team is one that we want to launch quickly and will sequentially release practice videos before debut, similar to BABYMONSTER,' indicating a desire to replicate the existing strategy.
In fact, starting May 28, practice videos for the rookie girl group will be released sequentially. At the end of the video, the phrase 'THE FIRST MEMBER OF YG'S NEXT GIRL GROUP. STAY TUNED' is included, hinting at the first member reveal, drawing attention.
However, Yang remarked, 'For the second half of this year, we aim to focus on supporting BABYMONSTER's growth,' suggesting that the official debut for this girl group may be postponed until next year. Accordingly, the release of the practice videos is interpreted as a 'pre-marketing' strategy to form a fandom and generate preliminary responses.
Recalling how BABYMONSTER secured global fan support through the practice videos of its seven members even before debut last year, it is highly likely that this four-member girl group will also become a 'pre-rookie' attracting attention before debut. Through this, YG is expected to showcase the individuality and capabilities of each artist and once again implement a fandom-centric debut strategy.
Meanwhile, the roadmap for YG's second half revealed on this day includes new song releases and world tours for BLACKPINK, the pre-release single 'HOT SAUCE' and mini-album activities for BABYMONSTER, as well as comeback and tour plans for TREASURE, drawing industry focus alongside the inclusion of new rookies.
[Photo] YG Entertainment, OSEN DB
[OSEN]