What is BABYMONSTER’s DESERVE about, and how does its sound differ from the group’s earlier music?

The lyrics reflect on past memories and wish happiness for a former partner. The ballad’s lyrical synthesizer melodies and retro atmosphere contrast with the hip-hop- and dance-driven tracks that have helped define BABYMONSTER’s stage performances.

How did BABYMONSTER approach the vocals and emotional delivery of DESERVE?

The members said they concentrated on conveying the song’s emotional progression rather than simply mastering its vocal range. They described DESERVE as a style they had not previously explored and hoped listeners would turn to it when they wanted a change of mood during autumn.

When and where will BABYMONSTER perform DESERVE on television?

BABYMONSTER is scheduled to promote the single on MBC’s Show! Music Core on Saturday and SBS’ Inkigayo on Sunday. The group plans to perform with handheld microphones to highlight its live vocals.

BABYMONSTER unveils emotional pop ballad 'DESERVE' ahead of weekend TV performances

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Summary

BABYMONSTER released the digital single DESERVE at 1 p.m. Friday, presenting a pop ballad that highlights the group’s vocals and a more mature musical direction. The song pairs lyrical synthesizer melodies and a retro atmosphere with lyrics about past memories and wishing happiness for a former partner. Its music video uses cinematic visuals and interconnected character narratives. The group will perform the single on MBC’s Show! Music Core on Saturday and SBS’ Inkigayo on Sunday.

Key Facts

DESERVE arrived about four months after BABYMONSTER’s June single, SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA.
The members said they focused on conveying the song’s emotional progression rather than simply mastering its vocal range.
BABYMONSTER’s second world tour, 2026-27 BABYMONSTER WORLD TOUR [CHOOM], is scheduled to cover five continents, 18 cities and 31 shows.

By Lee Kyung-min

Published Oct 23, 2026 3:33 pm KST

BABYMONSTER members pose for a promotional image for the group's new digital single, 'DESERVE' / Courtesy of YG Entertainment — BABYMONSTER members pose for a promotional image for the group's new digital single, "DESERVE" / Courtesy of YG Entertainment

BABYMONSTER is trading its signature high-energy performances for a more intimate sound with “DESERVE,” a new digital single released Friday that showcases the K-pop group’s vocals and more mature musical direction.

The pop ballad dropped at 1 p.m. Friday, blending lyrical synthesizer melodies and a retro atmosphere with heartfelt lyrics reflecting on past memories and wishing happiness for a former partner, according to the group’s agency, YG Entertainment.

The song’s emotional intensity builds toward its chorus, highlighting the members’ expressive singing and marking a departure from the hip-hop and dance-driven tracks that have helped define their stage performances.

The release comes about four months after the group’s June single, “SUGAR HONEY ICE TEA,” offering a different perspective on the seven-member act as it continues to broaden its musical range.

Its accompanying music video draws on the song’s wistful mood, using cinematic visuals, interconnected character narratives and increasingly dramatic effects to heighten the emotional impact.

In a statement ahead of the release, BABYMONSTER said “DESERVE” represents a style the group had not previously explored and reflects a more mature side of its artistry.

The members said they focused on conveying the song’s emotional progression rather than simply mastering its vocal range, adding that they hoped listeners would turn to the track when they needed a change of mood during the autumn season.

BABYMONSTER will promote the single on MBC’s “Show! Music Core” on Saturday and SBS’ “Inkigayo” on Sunday, performing with handheld microphones to highlight their live vocals.

The group is also preparing for its second world tour, “2026-27 BABYMONSTER WORLD TOUR [CHOOM],” which is scheduled to span five continents, 18 cities and 31 shows, expanding its opportunities to meet fans around the world.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.

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