YG Entertainment has finally unveiled its latest creation, BABYMONSTER, also known affectionately as Baemon. This new South Korean girl group, comprising seven diverse members, debuted with their digital single Batter Up on November 27, 2023.

The Formation of BABYMONSTER

In the realm of K-pop, YG Entertainment has been a trendsetter, launching iconic groups like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. The inception of BABYMONSTER dates back to 2018, with the group’s name, originally considered for BLACKPINK, symbolizing a fresh and dynamic approach in the music industry.

Rigorous Training and Selection

The members of BABYMONSTER were chosen through a highly competitive audition process, attracting thousands of aspirants globally. Some members embarked on their journey with YG as early as 10 years old, dedicating four to five years to rigorous training. This journey was captured in the reality show Last Evaluation (2023), where industry veterans played a crucial role in shaping the group’s final lineup.

Diverse Backgrounds of the Members

Each member of BABYMONSTER brings a unique story. Rami, Ruka, Rora, and Pharita entered the entertainment industry in various capacities before joining YG. Asa and Ahyeon became part of the YG family in 2018, while Chiquita, the latest addition, completed her training in just three months.

Pre-Debut Buzz and Achievements

The group’s introduction in December 2022 sparked a viral sensation, aligning with YG’s “Next Movement” campaign. Their pre-debut single Dream soared on the Billboard Hot Trending Songs chart, showcasing their potential even before their official debut.

The Unique Appeal of BABYMONSTER

BABYMONSTER is set apart by its “high-teen” image, distinct from YG’s previous girl groups. They are celebrated for their all-around talent in vocals, rap, and dance, and their proficiency in multiple languages has already made them a subject of industry buzz.

BABYMONSTER Official Social Accounts

Youtube: BABYMONSTER
Instagram: babymonster_ygofficial
Twitter: YGBABYMONSTER_
Facebook: BABYMONSTER.ygofficial
Tiktok: babymonster_yg_tiktok
Weibo: BABYMONSTER_YG
Bilibili: BABYMONSTER_YG

MEMBER PROFILES

RUKA

Stage Name: Ruka (루카)

Birth Name: Kawai Ruka (河井瑠花)

Role: Dancer, Rapper

Date of Birth: March 20, 2002

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Height: Approximately 165 cm (5’5″)

Country of Origin: Japan

Fun Facts about Ruka:

Ruka was the final member to be revealed, officially introduced on February 6, 2023, and her introduction followed on February 9, 2023.
She is among the first Japanese female idols to debut under YG Entertainment, sharing this milestone with Asa, another group member.
Recognizable for her charming dimples.
Previously part of the Japanese girl group Shibu3 project.
Her forte lies in hip-hop dancing.
Pilates is a regular part of her fitness routine.
Milk is a staple in her morning ritual.
Fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English.
Dance is not just a skill but a passion for Ruka, and she excels in it.
She has been dancing since the age of 6.
Even in her free time, she often practices dance in her dorm.
Dance instructor LEEJUNG commends Ruka for her extensive dance experience and deep understanding of the art. YG Entertainment’s former CEO has praised her skills, noting that he has never had to critique her dancing.
Joined YG Entertainment in 2018.
Her audition piece was ‘Top Off’ by DJ Khaled featuring JAY Z, Future, and Beyoncé.
She was associated with PLATINUM PRODUCTION from 2017 to 2018.
Featured in Ueda Atsumi’s music video for “Happy Halloween!”

Pharita

Stage Name: Pharita (파리타/ภาริตา)

Birth Name: Pharita Boonpakdeethaveeyod (ภริตา บุญภักดีทวียศ)

Date of Birth: August 26, 2005

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Height: 171 cm (5’7″)

Nationality: Thai

Fun Facts about Pharita:

Pharita received her education at Ruamrudee International School.
She began her career as a child model.
Fluent in Thai and English.
Mentioned by BLACKPINK’s Lisa in a Rolling Stone interview.
Revealed as the sixth member on February 2, 2023.
Set to be the third Thai idol under YG Entertainment, following BLACKPINK’s Lisa and groupmate Chikita.
Featured in BABYMONSTER – Introducing Pharita.
Dislikes sand and beaches due to a dislike of feeling dirty.
Enjoys visiting zoos, with a fondness for giraffes and birds.
An avid anime enthusiast.
Nicknamed Look Pear (Nong Prae).
Praised by YG Entertainment’s former CEO for her photogenic qualities, likening her to a Disney character.
Known for sparking increasing curiosity.
Joined YG Entertainment in July 2020, training for over two years.
Auditioned with BLACKPINK’s ‘How You Like That’.
Selected from 1,226 YG auditionees.
Admires BLACKPINK, especially Lisa, as her role model.
Initially feels awkward or nervous in front of cameras.
Skilled in utilizing her high-tone for high notes.
Adjusted to life in South Korea, including dorm living.
Her morning routine includes tying her hair, face washing, and skincare.
Shares a close bond with BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
Created a personal presentation timeline at age 10.
Competed in Idol Paradise as Pear.
Achieved grand prize & first place at Inter Model Thailand.
Featured in the ‘World Wide Best Handsome Beautiful In The World 2023’ list.

ASA

Stage Name: Asa (아사)

Birth Name: Enami Asa (榎並杏紗)

Role: Rapper, Dancer

Date of Birth: April 17, 2006

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Height: 164 cm (5’4″)

Nationality: Japanese

Fun Facts about Asa:

Joined YG Entertainment between late 2016 and 2017.
Participated in the LADYBIRD Green Musical in 2017.
Revealed as the fourth member on January 26, 2023.
Ranked #7 in the final debut announcement.
A talented songwriter and composer.
Set to be one of the first Japanese female idols under YG Entertainment, alongside Ruka.
Experienced in musical theatre before her debut.
Fans often liken her to a bunny due to her childhood appearance.
Auditioned for YG Entertainment at age 12 with “Weekend Warrior”.
Her mother is a fan of Block B.
Performed “Very Very Good” by Block B at age 7 in a dance school.
Known for her thorough approach to learning dances, often seeking clarification.
Praised by dance trainer Leejung for quickly mastering choreography.
Began dance training in her second year of school.
Enjoys dancing, cooking, and skipping rope.
Fluent in Japanese and Korean, with basic English skills.
Jokes about being a “native” Korean speaker due to her proficiency.
She is Left-handed.

RAMI

Stage Name: Rami (라미)

Birth Name: Shin Haram (신하람)

Birthday: October 17, 2007

Role: Vocalist

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Height: 172 cm (5’7.5″)

Nationality: Korean

Fun Facts about Rami:

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea.
Has a younger brother.
Started her career as a child model at the age of 2.
Currently a student at Hanlim Arts High School, alongside fellow BABYMONSTER member Ahyeon.
Enrolled in Class 1-7, Department of Applied Music, and the only student to receive a scholarship in her department.
Joined YG Entertainment in August 2018, training for 4 years.
Auditioned with “Good Time” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen, and “봐 (Look)” by Red Velvet.
First BABYMONSTER member to be introduced, on January 12, 2023.
Ranked #4 in the final debut announcement.
Dedicated to improvement, training for 9-10 hours daily.
Fluent in English.
She Wears glasses.
Known for her problem-solving skills.
Talented in sports and dancing.
Adventurous and embraces challenges.
Netizens often compare her looks to actress Go Yoonjung.
Admires BLACKPINK’s Rosé as her role model.

RORA

Stage Name: Rora (로라)

Birth Name: Lee Dain (이다인)

Birthday: August 14, 2008

Role: Vocalist, Dancer

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Height: 171 cm (5’7″)

Nationality: Korean

Fun Facts about Rora:

Hails from Gangneun-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
An only child.
Began her career as a child model.
Chinese name: 李茶仁 (Li Charen).
Her stage name ‘Rora’ is inspired by ‘aurora’, chosen by Yang Hyun-Suk to symbolize her potential to shine brightly.
Lives with her family due to her young age, commuting two hours daily to YG Entertainment.
Former member of the kid girl group U.SSO Girl, known as U.ha.
Maintains a friendship with NEWJEANS’ Hyein, her former U.SSO Girl groupmate.
Revealed as the fifth member of BABYMONSTER on January 30, 2023.
Strives for authenticity and brilliance in her performances.
Recognized by dance trainer Leejung as the most improved trainee.
Plays the piano.
Appeared on the Korean cooking show Man vs Child Korea in 2018.
Training with YG Entertainment since mid-2018.
Auditioned with ‘Roller Coaster’ by CHUNGHA.
Learned professional dancing post-YG admission, showing significant improvement.
Her first performance video, released on January 29, 2023, amassed 9.7 million views in a week.
Was the youngest member of her training team before Chiquita joined.
Fluent in English and Korean, with some proficiency in Chinese.
Favors black, white, and light purple colors.
A cat lover.
Participated in The 12th Yulgok Student Music Festival.

CHIQUITA

Stage Name: Chiquita (치키타)

Birth Name: Riracha Phondechaphiphat (ริรชาพรเดชาพิพัฒน์)

Role: Vocalist, Dancer, Maknae (youngest member)

Birthday: February 17, 2009

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Height: 167 cm (5’5″)

Nationality: Thai

Fun Facts about Chiquita:

Originates from Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
Younger sister of Copper Dechawat, known from The Star Idol and 789 TRAINEE.
Attended Sarasas Witaed Nakhonratchasima School in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
Revealed as the third member of BABYMONSTER on January 23, 2023.
Nicknamed Canny.
Fluent in Thai and English, and currently learning Korean.
Her room is decorated with vibrant colours.
Enjoys smoked quail eggs.
Favorite dessert: Chocolate ice cream.
Prefers mandarins as her fruit of choice.
A collector of plushies, which adorn her dorm.
Set to be the second Thai idol at YG Entertainment after BLACKPINK’s Lisa, alongside Pharita.
Former member of the cover group RedRose.
Holds the record for the shortest training period in the group, at 1 year and 9 months, starting from March 2021.
Auditioned with ‘In The Name Of Love’ by Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha.
Finds inspiration in BLACKPINK’s Lisa.
Featured in the ‘World Wide Best Handsome Beautiful In The World 2023’ list.

AHYEON

Stage Name: Ahyeon (아현)

Birth Name: Jung Ahyeon (정아현)

Birthday: April 11, 2007

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Height: 167 cm (5’5″)

Birthplace: South Korea

Fun Facts about Ahyeon:

Born in Toegye-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Has a brother.
Educational Background: Attended Daeryong Middle School in Chuncheon-si, South Korea; currently enrolled in Hanlim Arts High School.
Shares her school, Hanlim Arts High School, with fellow BABYMONSTER member Haram.
Studying in Class 1-6, under the Department of Applied Music.
Classmates with CLASS:y’s Jimin and Ito Minami, and Choi Sarang from ‘My Teenage Girl’.
Trained at Ara Dance Academy.
Revealed as the second member of BABYMONSTER on January 16, 2023.
Successfully passed auditions for JYP Entertainment and Banana Culture.
Has been training at YG Entertainment since 2018, having passed the first round of auditions in February of that year.
Often compared in appearance to Jennie from BLACKPINK.
Performed songs like “Team” by Iggy Azalea, “Monster” by Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, “Body Language” by Kid Ink, and “Black Widow” by Iggy Azalea for evaluations.
Described by Yang Hyunsuk of YG as a “warrior with many weapons” due to her diverse talents.
Employs the mantra “Let’s have fun with no regrets” when feeling nervous.
Praised by her school friend Kaeun for her positivity, punctuality, and academic performance.
Experienced as a musical singer.
Fluent in Korean, English (started learning at age 5), and Chinese (began at age 7).
Fans note her resemblance to LE SSERAFIM’s Yunjin, former member Garam, and FIFTY FIFTY’s Aran.

Ahyeon has rejoined BABYMONSTER completing the group after a hiatus to take care of her health.

BABYMONSTER’s journey from formation to debut has been a blend of hard work, talent, and strategic planning by YG Entertainment. With Batter Up, BABYMONSTER is not just launching a single but marking the beginning of a new era in K-pop.

BABYMONSTER Profile