You’ve heard their name. You’ve probably heard their songs play on your FYP. And come this weekend, they’ll ascend the Padang stage at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix—a doubtless feat for one of K-pop’s freshest names. The group in question? BabyMonster. Since their debut in late 2023, the septet has been on a fearless chart climb with songs like ‘Sheesh’ and ‘Forever’. It’s only understandable that their aspirations know no bounds, considering they’re the first girl group to emerge from industry juggernaut YG Entertainment since Blackpink, which birthed some of K-pop’s other megas too, such as BIGBANG and 2NE1.
And long before they debuted, they were already primped and preened for success. Ahead of their record-breaking debut MV—the one crowned as the fastest K-pop group debut to hit 100 million views on YouTube—their parent entertainment company ensured that the buzz would be relentless. Cue the ceaseless rumours on the incredible potential and promise of YG’s new girl group; its first in seven years, with members from South Korea, Japan and Thailand. Just in time for the ultimate countdown: the Last Evaluation docuseries on YouTube that took its audiences on a journey through the septet’s final push to their debut, just before BabyMonster’s final line-up was officiated. Where we got a peek into their tedious training programme, monthly evaluations and the guest mentors they had, which included the likes of AKMU’s Lee Su-hyun, and Blackpink seniors Lisa and Jennie.
Ahead of their knockout performance at F1 this weekend, Vogue Singapore rounds up everything you need to know about the rising K-pop group.
When did they debut?
Following the release of the Last Evaluation docuseries in May 2023, YG Entertainment founder and head producer Yang Hyun-suk announced that all seven girls will be debuting as BabyMonster later that year. Then came November, when visual films of each member were slowly teased to introduce the group.
Whilst they officially debuted on 27 November with their first single, ‘Batter Up’, many might be quick to note that Ahyeon was not in the official music video nor promotions during their debut period, due to health reasons. She officially rejoined BabyMonster’s activities in January and they officially made their debut as seven with their first EP BabyMons7er in April 2024.
What will they be performing at F1?
Whilst this remains to be seen, some of their more recent medley performances would serve as good references here. Like their buzzy set at the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards 2024, which saw the septet give their all for some of their most popular tracks since debut, from ‘Sheesh’ and ‘Batter Up’ to ‘Like That’ and their latest single, ‘Forever’.
Is this BabyMonster’s first time in Singapore?
Nope, their upcoming F1 performance will be the group’s second time in Singapore this year. They were in town earlier in June for their first-ever fan meeting tour, and performed for their fans at The Star Theatre.
Who are the BabyMonster members?
1 / 7
Rami
When you hear Rami’s uniquely deep voice, it seems to make absolute sense that Rosé is her role model. With her phenomenal vocal style and breath control, there’s no question as to why she’s been getting so much attention for her ability to harmonise perfectly with Ahyeon in ‘Forever’.
2 / 7
Ruka
Ruka is the oldest member in BabyMonster and one of two Japanese members in the group, alongside Asa. Apart from boasting effortless dance moves, she demonstrates an impossible confidence when she raps on stage too, the sort that seamlessly blends with the hip-hop style YG is so well-known for.
3 / 7
Pharita
YG Entertainment is where Thai K-pop idol Lisa got her big break, and it seems she’s inspired not one, but two of her fellow juniors to follow suit. Pharita is one of two Thai members in BabyMonster, alongside Chiquita, and has a stunning vocal quality that even Jennie commended in Last Evaluation.
4 / 7
Rora
As one of the younger members of BabyMonster, there’s no doubt that it’s her astute ability to deliver lyrics with such emotion and poignancy that really draws you to Rora. Despite only having learned to dance properly when she started training under YG, she’s been praised by BabyMonster’s dance trainer Leejung for being the member that’s improved the most since she first started.
5 / 7
Ahyeon
If there’s a member that seems to have it all, it would unmistakably be Ahyeon. Apart from the consistent praise she gets for her stage harmonies alongside fellow member Rami, the South Korean sweetheart gives each performance her all—perfectly balancing her strong vocals with outstanding control over her dance moves.
6 / 7
Asa
If you’re asking Yang Hyun-suk, he’d say that there’s nothing quite like Asa’s rhythmic flow and stage presence. But of course, like many of her YG seniors, she demonstrates a certain flair for songwriting as well—which we’re sure is going to lead her to even greater milestones in time to come.
7 / 7
Chiquita
With the shortest training period as the last to join the group, Chiquita seems to shine in front of an audience—like she’s got the natural talent for it. As the youngest member, the Thai idol is the whole radiant package who clearly has her eyes set on the global stage: “Not only Thailand and Korea, but I’m going to be an artist that is loved globally.” And we can’t help but root for her.
