YG bets on next BLACKPINK and BIGBANG? New boy group and ‘Next Monster’ rollout signals bold two-track push
Yang Hyun-suk, left, and Kayci /
YG Entertainment is ramping up its next-generation idol strategy with a rare double launch — preparing a new boy group for September while simultaneously unveiling members of its upcoming girl group, tentatively branded “Next Monster.”
On April 30, the agency confirmed that a five-member boy group will debut in September, marking YG’s first new male act in six years since TREASURE. The announcement has quickly gained traction among K-pop fans, as YG is known for launching fewer but highly distinctive groups compared to its competitors.
Executive producer Yang Hyun-suk said, "We previously mentioned plans to launch a new boy group this fall, and we are currently aiming to introduce them in September. Many are curious about the number of members, so it will be five."
BABYMONSTER / Courtesy of YG Entertainment
At the same time, YG continues to build anticipation for its new girl group project, widely referred to as “Next Monster,” which follows BABYMONSTER. On the same day, the company revealed its third member, Kayci, after previously introducing members Evelli and Chanya.
Kayci, described as a Korean-Chinese mixed-heritage trainee, is said to be an all-rounder capable of both rapping and singing — an archetype that has proven popular in the current K-pop landscape, where versatility is increasingly valued.
TREASURE / Courtesy of YG Entertainment
The parallel rollout of a boy group debut and a girl group member, signals what industry watchers see as an unusually aggressive “two-track” strategy for YG. The company appears to be positioning both acts as potential successors to its legacy-defining groups like BIGBANG and BLACKPINK, both of which helped shape the global rise of K-pop.
Online reactions suggest strong anticipation. Fans expressed excitement about seeing new male and female rookie groups promoted at the same time. "It’s about time for a new boy group," one user said, while others asked whether YG might unveil its full trainee lineup this year.
With TREASURE and BABYMONSTER already active, YG’s latest move signals a broader push to refresh its artist roster and maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive global K-pop market.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.