Chanya is stirring controversy as YG’s newest girl group member at just 14 years old. The Thai trainee’s profile release sparked a viral Pann post titled “YG’s next girl group has another Thai member…” hitting over 35,000 views in hours.
Fans and Korean netizens are buzzing over YG’s seeming repeat of the BLACKPINK playbook, adding another Thai face after massive success with Lisa. The post called attention to her “proportions and face” being “pretty similar to Pharita’s,” another Thai YG trainee.
Chanya, training under YG for 2 years and 8 months, is a vocalist who speaks Thai, English, and Korean. Despite her young age, she’s quickly dubbed the “New Lisa” by fans and media due to her nationality and early promise.
Some international fans are excited about the Thai representation but others question debuting someone so young at 14.
In Korea, the focus is largely on YG’s strategy to snatch global hits from Southeast Asia rather than China.
“Better than bringing in someone from China.”
— Korean netizen on Pann“When you look at other groups too, Thai members tend to have really strong skills… LOL”
— Korean netizen“The way YG promotes their groups is all about YouTube subscriber counts and views—they push the whole ‘popular overseas’ angle. That’s why they can’t give up on Southeast Asia.”
— Korean netizen“Still better than clinging to Chinese members.”
— Korean netizen“But honestly, haven’t all of YG’s Thai members had pretty good overall balance? Lisa, Chiquita, Pharita…”
— Korean netizen
The debate is alive and well. Chanya’s young age divides opinions internationally. Locally, YG’s Thai lineup is viewed as a smart international move — for now.
