YG Entertainment is facing controversy with the announcement of their new girl group, currently called Next Monster. Hot on the heels of successful acts like BLACKPINK and 2NE1, the buzz is louder than ever.
The excitement began with the reveal of Evelli as the first member. She’s just 15 and hails from Australia. After training for two years, she’s set to lead the debut lineup. Her age has sparked heated discussions online about the youth of today’s idols.
Next up is Chanya, a 14-year-old trainee from Thailand. She’s been practicing for 2 years and 8 months. Fluent in Thai, English, and Korean, she recently wowed fans with her emotional cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s "the grudge." Adding a Thai member to the lineup continues YG’s tradition.
Fans are excited, but there are concerns. Many are questioning why YG is debuting a new group when ongoing activities from BLACKPINK and others are still pending. The common sentiment? YG should prioritize existing artists over rushing new talent.
Criticism also centers on the girl-crush concept. Fans feel it’s becoming stale, especially with similar vibes coming from BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER. Some wonder if Next Monster will add anything new or just repeat old formulas.
All eyes are on how Next Monster will differentiate themselves in this crowded K-pop scene. With just two members revealed, fans are keen to see how the rest of the lineup shapes up. YG’s latest girl group is under intense scrutiny, and the pressure is on for them to succeed.