YG's subsidiary company THEBLACKLABEL is expected to launch a rookie girl group. In an online community, the rumored members drew massive attention from K-pop fans.
On February 4, a post, titled "photos of girl group trainees that Teddy is making" went viral in the internet forum theqoo.
Since THEBLACKLABEL is headed by Teddy, the executive director who also produced top K-pop icons like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, the anticipation for the rookie skyrocketed.
Pre-Debut Photos of THEBLACKLABEL's Rumored New Girl Group Spread Online
In the photos that circulated on the web, 5 to 7 female trainees were seen striking hip poses in what appeared to be a dance practice room.
In the first photo, a mirror selfie comprised of five trainees garnered admiration from the viewers for their distinct features as well as their solid physique and tall height.
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In the second photo, seven members wearing baseball caps exude sporty yet trendy athleisure looks in a colorful and hip atmosphere.
As they were wearing dance costumes, they raised expectations about what kind of girl group would be introduced by Teddy, and if they would be a hit as 2NE1 and BLACKPINK.
Prospective Members of THEBLACKLABEL's Rumored Girl Group
After seeing the photos, K-netz pointed out that there were prominent figures among the trainees in the pictures.
One of them is Ella Gross, a 2008-born Korean-American model who debuted at only 2 years old, and drew attention from global fans with her doll-like beauty.
She rose to fame even more for her uncanny resemblance with BLACKPINK Jennie, her celebrity "elder sister."
Another familiar entity is Moon Seo Yoon or Annie Moon, a 02-liner. She studied at Columbia University and is known among netizens as the granddaughter of Shinsegae's Chairman, Lee Myung Hee, who's also the youngest daughter of Samsung founder Lee Byung Chul.
Prior to the rumor she would join THEBLACKLABEL's new girl group, she had shown close friendships with Jeon Somi and 2NE1 CL.
Lastly, fans also noticed that Bailey Sok is in the photo, a choreographer-dancer who created Red Velvet's hit "Psycho" at the age of 15. She also contributed to the success of Taeyang feat. Lisa's "Shoong!" "Taeyang feat. Jimin's "Vibe," EXO Kai's "Peaches," and aespa's "Savage."
Meanwhile, fans responded enthusiastically, saying:
- "YG's hipness really came from Teddy."
- "It's like the second BLACKPINK."
- "Ella has grown up so much."
- "It's really hot."
- "Please debut right away."
The industry was shaken by the news that Teddy would launch a girl group filled with his color, but the exact debut schedule has not been set yet.
On the other hand, Executive Producer Teddy Park was loved by releasing hit songs such as "One Time for Your Mind" and "One Love" after debuting in 1TYM in 1998.
He became a producer in 2006 when the team was virtually disbanded, and led YG's heyday by producing BIGBANG, 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. Since then, he has successfully led Jeon Somi's solo debut as an executive producer by establishing the YG sub-label, THEBLACKLABEL in 2015.
READ MORE: BLACKPINK Jennie's 'Little Sister' Ella Gross Shocks Many With Her Glow Up - Here's Why
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
