BABYMONSTER's 'FOREVER' Receives Mixed Reactions for Its 'Tacky' Lyrics: 'Who Wrote These?'

On June 30, YG Entertainment finally unveiled the highly-anticipated music video for BABYMONSTER's comeback single "FOREVER." Unfortunately, it sparked a wave of mixed reactions from fans and critics.

The music video, which showcased BABYMONSTER's undeniable talent and stage presence, initially drew praise for its high production value and the members' exceptional skills.

However, the spotlight quickly shifted to the lyrics of the song, which were prominently featured in the video description.

Fans were quick to voice their disappointment, particularly with what they described as "subpar lyrics."

Alright ok ok ok ok
Alright ok
BABYMONSTER

I got no worries on my mind
난 멈추지 않아
So you can say goodbye

I'll fulfill my fantasy
And you can watch and see
박수나 쳐보지

눈부셔
They say she looking flawless
I know
타고났지 Like this

She's unlike unlike anybody
여기저기 다 난리 난리
가나다라마바 싸가지
Gotta gotta go so c'est la vie

I'm dancing in the moonlight
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ay

Can't stop this feeling tonight
What you waiting for

Baby it was all a dream
You thought I was yours
멋대로 착각하지는 마

It's bitter it's sweet
저 하늘 높이
I'm spreading my wings
Like I'mma live

Forever
Like I'mma live forever
Forever
Like I'mma like I'mma

Forever
Like I'm gonna live
Like I'm gonna live forever

The song's lyrics, predominantly in English with sparse Korean phrases like "ganadara" (which translates to sass or attitude), faced criticism for their simplicity and perceived lack of depth.

Alright ok ok ok ok / Alright ok / BABYMONSTER
I got no worries on my mind / I won't stop / So you can say goodbye
I'll fulfill my fantasy / And you can watch and see / Clap your hands
So bright / They say she looking flawless / I know / Born with it like this

She's unlike unlike anybody / Crowd going wild everywhere
Ga-na-da-ra-ma-ba-ssagaji* / Gotta gotta go so c'est la vie
*A Korean word that means sass, attitude, and/or bitch

I'm dancing in the moonlight / Ooh ay
Can't stop this feeling tonight /What you waiting for

Baby it was all a dream / You thought I was yours / Don't get it confused
It's bitter it's sweet / High up in the sky / I'm spreading my wings / Like I'mma live

Korean fans, in particular, expressed frustration over what they viewed as an excessive use of English and criticized the choice of Korean words as "tacky."

• "Isn't it a bit much these days for groups to mostly use English? Even the few Korean lyrics here are so bad it's like a problem."
• "Thrilling."
• "They're talented but the songs are disappointing.. Maybe Sishi will get a skill buff later and get used to it... There's nothing I like when I first hear it, so it's a shame."
• "There's no Hangul."
• "What's the matter with the lyrics?"
• "No, all English, but even the Korean lines that are there are in the alphabet."
• "Alphabet."

Comments on online forums like theqoo reflected this sentiment, with users pointing out issues, such as the lack of Korean lyrics and the perceived amateurish quality of the songwriting.

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Some fans lamented that despite BABYMONSTER's undeniable talent, the song failed to make a lasting impression due to its lyrical content.

• "YG Entertainment put together such an amazing lineup of members, but then their music is like-"
• "F**king ganadaramabasa."
• "At this point, it might be best to outsource songwriting to professionals. I don't understand the obsession with this tacky concept. It's not 2024. It's at least a decade old."
• "Old."
• "Ganadaramaba-ssagaji? LMAO."
• "Who wrote these lyrics?"

Watch BABYMONSTER's "FOREVER" MV here!

The backlash extended beyond the lyrics, with criticism also directed at the overall concept of the music video and its magazine cover aesthetic, which had previously divided opinions among fans.

YG Entertainment, known for its powerhouse lineup of artists, has yet to respond to the controversy surrounding "FOREVER."

However, the mixed reception has ignited discussions about the company's creative direction and the future of BABYMONSTER within the competitive K-pop industry.

As fans continue to debate the merits of "FOREVER," one thing remains clear: BABYMONSTER's latest release has not only sparked fervent discussion but also raised important questions about artistic integrity and fan expectations in the ever-evolving world of K-pop.

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KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Cassidy Jones.