YG Entertainment is once again making headlines in the K-pop world, this time with the announcement of a brand-new girl group currently known as "Next Monster." As the company that gave us powerhouses like BLACKPINK, 2NE1, and BABYMONSTER, expectations are high, and so is the online buzz.
Meet Evelli, the first revealed member
The excitement kicked off when YG founder Yang Hyun Suk revealed the first member of the upcoming group: Evelli, a 15-year-old trainee from Australia. According to YG, she’s been training under the company for two years and will be leading the debut lineup. Her reveal sparked widespread curiosity and discussion, particularly about how young some idols are when they debut.
Meet Chanya, the second revealed member
The second member to be revealed is Chanya, a 14-year-old trainee from Thailand. She spent 2 years and 8 months training under YG and brings a versatile skill set with fluency in Thai, English, and Korean. As a vocalist, she caught attention with her emotional cover of Olivia Rodrigo's "the grudge." With Lisa, Chiquita, and Pharita, it has now become a tradition for YG to include a Thai member in their girl groups.
Fans are excited, but there are some concerns
While some fans are excited to see what Next Monster brings to the table, others have raised concerns. Many netizens questioned YG's decision to debut another group when fans are still waiting for consistent activities and comebacks from existing artists like BLACKPINK, TREASURE, and BABYMONSTER. There’s a growing sentiment that the company should focus on better managing and promoting its current roster rather than pushing out new talent so quickly.
Overused concepts or fresh faces?
Another layer of criticism comes from fans and critics who feel that the girl-crush concept, a YG signature since the days of 2NE1, is starting to lose its edge. With BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER already delivering similar bold, charismatic vibes, some are wondering whether Next Monster will really bring anything new to the table. Will it be a fresh twist or simply more of the same?
All eyes are on their next move
The pressure is high for Next Monster to differentiate themselves in an increasingly saturated K-pop landscape. With new groups debuting constantly and competition fiercer than ever, standing out isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity. Whether YG’s newest girl group will rise to the challenge or struggle under the weight of expectations remains to be seen.
With only two members revealed so far, fans are watching closely to see how the full lineup unfolds and what unique flair this group might bring. One thing’s for sure: when YG Entertainment launches something new, the whole industry pays attention.
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