Amid initial reports that Ahyeon will leave YG's new girl group BABYMONSTER, the company confirmed that she will NOT leave, but will only sit out from their debut activities.
YG Denies Ahyeon's Departure from BABYMONSTER: 'Will remain as a seven-member group'
On November 15, YG Entertainment initially confirmed through the Korean media that Ahyeon will be "leaving" BABYMONSTER due to health issues. The label implied that the group will re-organize as a six-member system and will proceed with their planned debut on November 27.
In a follow-up news, YG clarified that although Ahyeon left, she will most likely join the group in the future, although the company didn't give assurance if her return is certain or not.
ALSO READ: Will You Still Stan BABYMONSTER Without Ahyeon? Idol's Departure Shakes Fandom
As fans expressed their frustration and sadness which even led other fans to leave the fandom before their official debut, YG made another statement, clarifying their initial announcement.
On November 16, YG told Sports DongA that Ahyeon's ultimate withdrawal from BABYMONSTER is NOT true.
"(Ahyeon) will devote her time to rest due to health reasons, and BABYMONSTER's debut will only be held with 6 members."
However, BAEMON is expected to maintain the existing seven-member group and it's just that Ahyeon will be unable to participate in their debut activities to focus on her full recovery.
Once she regained her health, Ahyeon will eventually join the group.
Upon the news, fans rejoiced and cheered, expressing their delight that the hope to see BABYMONSTER with seven members is still possible in the future.
- "We won!"
- "I will cry. This is such a happy news."
- "I love good news."
- "She's still on!"
- "Well done to her."
- "Now, Ahyeon, please focus on your recovery and debut fast!"
YG Entertainment Hints at BABYMONSTER's Debut Track's Genre
In line with BABYMONSTER's official debut, the K-pop industry is paying keen attention to what kind of song will be brought by the team that will sweep the top of various local and international charts.
The expectation from BAEMON is high as their senior and sister groups 2NE1 and BLACKPINK immediately rose to the top right after their debut.
In this regard, YG raised the anticipation by hinting at the group's debut track's genre and said:
"It is an intense hip-hop genre in which YG identity is melted."
The industry's attention is also focused on YG's decision to break the "four-member" formula it used for the aforementioned groups and growing the size into seven members will be a factor for BAEMON's success.
Currently, YG's method to pre-debut BAEMON by allowing the members to communicate with K-pop fans on SNS worked and secured them a considerable size of global fandom.
For example, the number of subscribers to YouTube's official channel has already exceeded 3.19 million.
READ MORE: K-Netz React to Ahyeon's Sudden Exit From BABYMONSTER: 'I wonder which label...'
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
