The music video was too old-fashioned and I felt there was no need to have many members. In the mere span of two weeks since the debut of YG Entertainment's latest girl group, BABYMONSTER, featuring the track "BATTER UP," the group has found itself under scrutiny, primarily for the song's composition rather than the talents of its individual members.

The controversy initiated with the prolonged delay of the group's debut, and apprehension heightened when it was revealed that the well-regarded trainee Ahyeon would not be part of the initial lineup (with her potential future inclusion still uncertain).

Upon the debut itself, a sense of disappointment resonated among many, as YG opted for a concept that some deemed unsuitable for the younger members.

BABYMONSTER's Debut Single 'BATTER UP' Sparks Controversy 

"BATTER UP" adhered to the expected style of the label, prompting fans to opine that a brighter and age-appropriate theme would have better suited the members.

Allegations of cultural appropriation in the accompanying music video added another layer of complexity to BABYMONSTER's debut, leaving excited fans bewildered and dissatisfied.

Moreover, the label's promotional efforts for the group have been notably lacking, with the group absent from music shows and minimal activity on social media platforms.

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YG Entertainment's BABYMONSTER Debut Raises Strategy Questions in K-Pop Market

In light of BABYMONSTER debuting under the banner of YG Entertainment, one of the renowned "Big Four" labels in K-Pop alongside SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and HYBE Labels, fans are left pondering the company's strategy and the apparent mishandling of the group's introduction to the industry.

Speculation has emerged that YG might have relied on its major label status to propel BABYMONSTER to stardom automatically.

However, the intensely competitive landscape of the K-Pop girl group market, currently dominated by the likes of IVE, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, (G)I-DLE, and NewJeans, suggests that the era of major labels consistently reigning supreme may be waning.

Speculation Surrounds BABYMONSTER's "Re-debut" and Potential Addition of Ahyeon

Amid these concerns, an online forum recently hosted discussions on the prospect of BABYMONSTER undergoing a "re-debut."

Speculation about Ahyeon potentially joining later for the group's "real" debut adds further uncertainty to the situation, lacking concrete evidence to support this hypothesis.

NETIZENS COMMENTS

Here's what fans are saying:

Was the rap disappointing? I thought the rap part was torn, but everyone's hearing is different... I noticed Laura Asa 

Personally, I think that Ahyeon, Laura, Chiquita, and Asa are good net debuts. Their visuals and skills are all good, and of course, Veemon is all good, but I think the combination is poor. 

It would be nice if Ahyeon came back, but it would be difficult to distribute parts if Ahyeon came back, so it is better to just keep going like this. 

The music video was too old-fashioned and I felt there was no need to have many members.

I think YG's strategy is right. The kids' skills are clear and they are young, so there's no reason to rush things. Plus, they're cooling off from the overheating these days and it's the end-of-the-year atmosphere, so I think they'll just keep their promise to debut this year and get serious next time.  

As opinions on BABYMONSTER's perceived "disappointing" debut flooded the online forum, a minority of comments emerged in support of the group, anticipating that a successful first comeback could steer them towards greater acclaim.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: K-Media Speculates Ahyeon Might Not Return to BABYMONSTER - Here's Why

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.