New K-Pop group BabyMonster debuts with Batter Up. Why are they being called Blackpink successors?

BabyMonster, YG Entertainment's first girl group to debut post-Blackpink, stormed onto the scene with their electrifying song "Batter Up" on November 27. Their debut music video quickly set a record as the most-viewed among K-Pop groups in the first 24 hours. The rookie group gained attention not only for their catchy music but also for being dubbed as successors to the iconic girl group, Blackpink.
 

BabyMonster debut: "Batter Up"

• BabyMonster made a grand entrance onto the K-pop scene with their debut single, "Batter Up" on November 27.

• The song, accompanied by a visually stunning music video, showcased the group's unique blend of infectious melodies, powerful choreography, and striking visuals. 
• The music video also set a new record in the K-pop industry as the most-viewed debut music video by a K-pop group, accumulating 21.44 million views in the first 24 hours, surpassing the previous record held by K-pop girl group Aespa's "Black Mamba" with 21.42 million views.

"Batter Up" immediately captured the attention of K-pop enthusiasts worldwide, generating buzz around the group's potential to leave a lasting impact in the industry.

Why are they called successors to Blackpink?

• BabyMonster, also known as Baemon, is a new South Korean girl group created by YG Entertainment, comprising seven members: Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, and Chiquita.
• However, on November 15, YG Entertainment confirmed that Ahyeon would not participate in their debut due to health reasons but is still a member of the group, making the debut a six-member group.
   

• The formation of the next girl group was in the works since 2018. In January 2020, YG Entertainment trademarked "BabyMonster" and "Baemon," initially considered as names for Blackpink.
• BabyMonster is the first girl group to debut after Blackpink, officially introduced by YG Entertainment on December 31, 2022, through a poster labeled "YG Next Movement."

• The group's selection of members was showcased in the reality show "Last Evaluation (2023)," filmed a year before airing, featuring seven potential members.
• On May 11, Yang Hyun-suk, the owner of YG Entertainment, announced the final members of the girl group BabyMonster and released a pre-debut song titled "Dream" on May 13.

Following the revelations, BabyMonster has earned the title of being the successors to Blackpink.

• Even before their debut, YG actively promoted BabyMonster with pre-debut activities, including dance covers, audio covers, introduction videos of each member, and visual films.
• The seven-member BabyMonster group retains the charismatic elements typical of YG Entertainment, created with a unique "high-teen" image different from previous female groups under the label.
   

• Acknowledged as an "all-rounder" group in the media, each BabyMonster member excels in vocals, rap, and dance. Additionally, they are skilled in multiple languages, including Korean, English, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese.

The title of "successors to Blackpink" is not bestowed lightly. Blackpink, with their record-breaking achievements and massive fanbase, set a high standard for any group to follow. However, BabyMonster's debut has sparked discussions about the potential for a new era in K-pop, with them at the forefront.