Babymonster discusses debut world tour, working with G-Dragon and the success of album ‘Drip'
'We are really late, thank you so much for waiting,' politely said the K-pop group Babymonster as the members gathered around a boardroom in the YG Entertainment offices in Seoul.
The seven-member girl group — consisting of Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora and Chiquita —had been stuck in gridlock traffic as they came directly from rehearsals to the interview.
Babymonster members have been devoting much of their time to rehearsals as they prepare for their debut world tour, Hello Monsters, which stops in Los Angeles on Sunday at the Kia Forum.
The group were visibly excited as their faces lighted up with the prospect of coming to California and meeting their Monstiez — their fandom name — for the first time. Rami also expressed how it was 'such an honor' to get the opportunity to perform at a venue like the Kia Forum and follow in the footsteps of K-pop idols such as aespa, Suga of BTS and Blackpink.
Babymonster members were tight-lipped about what L.A. fans could expect from the upcoming show as they wanted it to be full of surprises and wanted each show to be different and fun for the fans.
Despite their young age — with the youngest member Chiquita being only 14 years old when she debuted — the group members have carried this same confident and graceful demeanor throughout their journey to stardom.
The members were brought together from all over Asia — South Korea, Japan and Thailand — to take part in the high-pressure audition process to form Babymonster and enter the K-pop scene.
'We were really young when we came into this company but we came in knowing that we wanted to do it. There was a lot of pressure on us but we enjoyed some of the moments under that pressure,' said Pharita. 'We enjoyed developing ourselves and working towards our goals and we are happy where we are.'
Babymonster made its official debut with a self-titled mini-album in April 2024 and in less than a year, the young group members have been propelled to stardom and captured the imaginations of fans across the world.
'It hasn't even been a full year since we debuted with our mini-album, 'Babymons7er,' but we are so happy with how everything has turned out and incredibly grateful to have received so much love from the beginning,' said Rami.
The self-titled mini-album introduced fans to the group's versatility and emphatic performances with tracks such as 'Sheesh,' 'Like That' and 'Batter Up.'
The group members further built upon their success with their debut studio album, 'Drip,' which was released in November 2024.
If you talk to Babymonster long enough, then a word that will inevitably come up: 'swagger.' This is at the heart of everything they do as they effortlessly express themselves through their music, fashion and performances.
A song that encapsulates that swagger is the title track, 'Drip,' which quickly became a fan-favorite with its infectious hooks and braggadocious lyrics such as 'I could be the GOAT.' Babymonster believes that this track perfectly encapsulates the image the group wants to project — showing their true colors with a 'super hype' track.
The track — which has almost 120 million streams on Spotify alone — was a huge moment for the group as it further showcased its versatility with the unexpected help of K-pop idol G-Dragon.
The Bigbang rapper — who recently released his first full-length album in 12 years — has been supportive of Babymonster during the group's rise to fame as he watched the group's live performance in Seoul in October and also contributed to their title track, 'Drip.'
'G-Dragon is a senior that we really look up to and we really want to express our gratitude towards the support we received throughout the production of 'Drip,' ' said Rora. 'G-Dragon provided a lot of help with the demos he sent over and tried to play around with different tones and the swag and hip-hop vibe was something that Babymonster played around with to showcase their best.'
Asa added: 'At first, there originally wasn't a rap part, but after we received a G-Dragon demo we played around with the raps and it was able to showcase the swag that G-Dragon possesses.'
When talking with Babymonster, it became evident very quickly how motivated the group was to grow as artists. They are inspired by their 'seniors' — artists who debuted before them — and watch performances from groups such as 2NE1 and Blackpink.
They also meticulously rewatch their own performances to 'monitor their growth' and learn from past experiences, ensuring they continue to grow as artists.
Ahyon shared that when performing at concerts, they fully immerse themselves in the moment and enjoy the energy. 'It was a really happy time for us and it's a very important thing for artists to feel the happiness on stage. [We were able to] express ourselves and feel that vibe and energy.' They remain committed to learning from every experience and deliver even better performances for their fans in the future.
Babymonster remains one of the leading fifth-generation K-pop groups — artists who made their debut after 2023 — and look to follow in the footsteps of their labelmates Blackpink by bringing Korean culture to the masses.
'We are thrilled to see Korean culture spread across the world and it's all thanks to our seniors, who have been doing this continuously for the past [few] years,' said Rora. 'Babymonster plans to work as hard to continue this momentum and spread K-pop and Korean culture to the whole world.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
58 Treats Since Adults Don't Get A Summer Vacation
A Turmeric Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask (from viral K-Beauty brand Medicube) with such stellar results, it'll make you think this skincare deserves a Michelin star. Or three. They've whipped up a turmeric treat with a recipe of vitamin C, kojic acid, and collagen to brighten and even out your skin. Wear this at night and ~drumroll please~ PEEL it off in the morning. That sounds so satisfying. Delicious, even. A mini charm bracelet FOR YOUR TUMBLER, because your water bottle is your BFF and it deserves a best friend bracelet to prove it! A pair of Bottega Veneta-inspired pilot shield sunglasses with the style, weight, and teeny tiny attention to detail that makes them unnervingly close to the $699 version. Like, do we have to sell our souls along with that $15? Because I mean, even at that it. A shower lamp that, fair warning, somehow jumped into my own shopping cart of its own volition. This was designed by an aesthetic-saving ANGEL who clearly knows nothing ruins a soothing shower like overhead lighting. Every time you wash up with this on, you'll feel a *little bit* smarter than everyone else. At least, everyone who hasn't thought to get themselves a shower lamp yet. Is it in your cart yet? You better check. A high-neck tee with the same blessedly buttery texture of Skims tops, without the sky-high price point. This fit is so spot-on you might end up considering this a second skin, and there are more than enough colors to make that a reality! Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder — this'll absorb oil and blur pores without *any* makeup applying skills required. Seriously, if the thought of primer, foundation, setting powders, and such keeps you from solving your oily skin, this stuff is your solution! Just press it on and watch your skin become picture-day ready in an instant. A set of hair-tie bracelets, because summer equals random neck sweat, and being able to tie your hair up in an instant is a must. Don't suffer from an aesthetic ruining (kiss! of! death!) black hair tie around your wrist — go ahead and snag these cuties instead. A pair of colorful boxer shorts you'll be wearing every DANG day of your life after first trying them on. Okay, maybe mostly at night. Or to the bodega. Or out at the park. Throughout your entire summer vacation? Whoops...I've circled back to everyday again. These clearly wanna be more than pajama pants. Go ahead, let them. A neck and shoulder relaxer designed to provide ergonomic support, align your spine, and soothe tension in your shoulders and neck simply by lying down and enjoying a 10-minute nap. If you're hunched over a phone or computer all day and/or carry stress in your neck and shoulders, this is the tool for you! And speaking from experience, this completely changed my posture for the better. I've been raving about this cervical neck pillow for YEARS! Enchanted Creatures — if you're already an Autumnalwood fan, you know how great this treat is gonna be. The storybook-like collection is filled with forestcore cuties like wizard frogs, traveling mushroom buds, flowers that are in looove, and a heckin' slew of other cuties. And if you weren't already aware of the illustrator, then welcome to the club. We're happy to have you. It's VERY happy on this side of the internet. A cult-fave supportive seamless compressive bodysuit for budget-focused consumers who love *everything* about the similar Skims version, aside from the price. And at a price this nice, you should probably get more than one. It's for the best. A *heated* ice cream scoop — a practical purchase to help make sure you get to your ACTUAL treat faster, and without the risk of spraining your wrist from the strain of scooping frozen rocky road. (It could happen!) A set of toilet bolt caps for anyone who has decorated their home from top to bottom but still wants to make fun updates to their place. What's that?! You still have boring, old toilet bolt caps?! Well, that's a problem you can now solve. Whew! A stunning minimizer bra with the power to basically give you a surgery-free breast reduction with some ultimate seduction. The comfortable sheer mesh and lace details are oh-so-sexy that, despite the impressive results when worn under shirts, you may find yourself too distracted looking at your gorgeous shelf (oops, I mean, self) to wanna put clothes on over it. Reviewers rave about the bra's ability to support breasts while minimizing bulk without the awkward separating and squishing that often result from lesser bras. A pomade hair wax stick for creating a strong, grease-free hold for ALL hair types. The formula slides on easily and creates a smooth look (screw you, humidity! You don't OWN me!) without being greasy or shiny — even if you're applying it and brushing your hair out. A fire and ice candle kit that'll transform from a ring of ice into a mini serenity pool as the tea candle inside melts the ice around it. Treat yourself to a summertime candle that's equal parts subtle and surprising. A Java Sock for doing the two most important things for your beloved iced coffees ( drinks. I know people drink other drinks!) 1) It'll keep that caramel almond milk cold brew cold for ages — hours, according to reviewers — and 2) It'll keep your drink from sweating into your cupholder or all over your desk. It's a cruel twist of fate that iced coffee sweats as much as we do in the spring and summer. A pack of wall plant clips (a whopping SIXTY of them, in fact) sure to delight pothos-lovers who have vines wrapped around every nook and cranny of their living room, just waiting for the day when they can spread out around the room. These gentle clips are paint-safe and sticky on the back, so you can display vines without using nails or aesthetic-killing clips. Fila platform sneakers (available in every color under the sun) with added chunky padding that'll help you get some extra height *without* wearing heels. Medicube's "Zero Pore" Pads, a beloved Korean skincare secret with a magical mix of lactic and salicylic acid that'll redefine what "smooth" means to your skin. The dual-textured toner pads both exfoliate and refine your pores, making your face feel positively silky soft. A microwavable manatee plush — you're sure to warm up to this little pal in an instant. Whether you're feeling freezy or aching from period pains, this *lavender-scented* critter is gonna be the solution. Just toss it into the microwave and then snuggle up! Aches, chills, and lack-of-a-manatee-friend loneliness are gonna be gone in an instant! Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm, a must-have K-beauty product for anyone trying to achieve gorgeous, glowing, glass skin. This all-in-one moisturizer is formulated for your lips, eyes, and neck, which is one of the many reasons it's been such a sensation on TikTok. This uses salmon complex and collagen to reduce fine lines while enhancing your skin with a smooth, hydrating glow for a "just out of the shower" effect. A RobeCurls heatless hair curler — this satin-covered rod is designed to curl your hair while you sleep, and it's damage-free! Skip the heat tools and just wrap damp hair around the plush curler at night. Then FALL ASLEEP, and it'll do the rest. Wake up, pull this outta your hair, and enjoy your blowout-worthy curls with your perky spring dresses! A pickleball set with two paddles, two balls, a net bag, AND a Little Women-worthy pair of patterns so darn darling you may find yourself too dazzled to hit anything with them. The set works great for the game, but feel free to skip the exercise and just enjoy picnicking beside a beautiful pair of paddles. A bed canopy that'll be a seasonally stunning way to replace the winter twinkle lights in your bedroom, making it feel airy and bright now that the spring weather has you opening up your windows again. Bio-Collagen's Real Deep sheet mask so you can treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial while you sleep. The mix of hydrating hyaluronic acid, pore-minimizing collagen, and probiotics work together while you're resting to protect and heal your skin from the inside out. And don't worry about your pillowcase. This product is a professional. It's transfer-resistant — no mess included. A tomato table lamp that's less than half the cost of the Urban Outfitters' version (which is always sold out), and reviewers think it's even better! This is sure to ~produce~ some smiles from everyone who sits in your living room! A set of extra soft cooling bedsheets reviewers say feel like sleeping at a luxurious hotel. If you've found falling asleep a chore because of tossing, turning, and *sweating* at night, then treat yourself to these cult-favorite sheets! A bottle of Elizavecca hair treatment which, like Olaplex, has repairing properties like collagen and protein extracts to aid in hair health. Apply this after you shampoo, let it sit for 5 minutes (where you can race through a shave or a song in the shower — you do you), and then rinse it out. Stronger hair care, here we come! Waldorf woodland creatures — each open-ended shape is designed with holes that'll easily fit different twigs, stems, petals, and leaves you find while on nature walks. If you wanna spend more time outside but need a *purpose* to get yourself on a walk — creating tiny woodland creatures may be just the thing! A fake cake compact mirror so you can enjoy a dessert you'll be able to feast your eyes on forever. A bestselling succulent sun catcher that's gonna make you thank the universe for the talented crafter in this world who has found a way to make glass beads this beautiful. Make the plant parents in your life jealous of *your* botanical setup for once! A *literal* butter blanket so buttery soft you just might find yourself turning the AC on a smidge too high simply as an excuse to cuddle up in this. As my grandmother always says (Hi, Grandma!), "Everything's better with butter." Including our bedding. A "dog bed for humans" — this perfectly plush piece of furniture is made for dog people who want to be *dog* people. Your friends (and their pets) are gonna be begging you to scoot over and make room. A book nook kit complete with motion-sensor LED lights that'll glow every time you pass by your bookshelf, creating an extra element of magic beside your impressive romantasy collection. The 3D puzzle is made of wood and includes dozens of flat sheets with images that'll need to be punched out, folded into shape, and then carefully pieced together to create the intricate space. A dehydrated sourdough starter for anyone ready to jump into the deep end of a sourdough lifestyle. This is dehydrated at "peak activity" (which my bread-baking husband says means something, though I don't remember what) and has step-by-step instructions. Plus, it includes the shop owner's favorite discard recipe! A mid-rise mesh midi that's giving sun print cyanotype vibes, sure to have your old high school AP art self all aflutter. Snif's Dead Dinosaur perfume for anyone who loves the smell of gas stations so much they dream of a world where they can shower under the gas nozzle like it's gosh darn body wash. This body spray really does have notes of gasoline along with pink pepper, ginger, cedar wood, and magnolia flower. Steve Madden sandals that'll be the high-end swap you didn't know you needed. Reviewers say these are basically the same as those $700+ Hermès you'll still be able to afford rent after you get them! A ceramic incense dish for folks who prefer an aesthetic with products that are equal parts functional and beautiful. A Revlon hot air brush designed with open-ended vents for optimum airflow, taking your wet, tangled, frizzy hair and turning it into a shiny, salon-style blowout in mere minutes. A portable retro-style radio for folks who love modern music and an old-school aesthetic. The radio has built-in speakers and a handle, which makes it great for your living room *and* for picnics, days at the beach, and camping trips. A personalized book stamp that'll have all your book club buddies oohing and awwing over your impressive library. Plus, they'll never forget when they borrow a book from *you* ever again! A Lego flower bouquet featuring a ton of different blooms for creative folks who love covering their home in handmade masterpieces. An elevated laptop tote bag so *dang* good looking you might feel like you should be working for it and not the other way around! A 4-in-1 makeup pencil, Live Tinted's Huestick Corrector for your eyes, lips, and cheeks. First, use this before applying foundation to neutralize dark circles. Once that foundation is on, you can reapply this as a buildable lip color, eyeshadow, or blush. A stuffed waffle maker — this applause-worthy appliance is designed with a deep, bowl-like griddle which allows you to cook the batter with fillings (we're talking chocolate, fruit, cheese, works). Upgrade your morning routine from frozen waffles to a homemade meal that'll look straight off a "best of" brunch menu. A magnetic cat eye gel nail polish kit for those of us who know most things can be fixed with a killer manicure. Not only will you get an onslaught of compliments, but you'll also be able to say, "Why thank you, I did them myself!" to boost that cool kid ego up even higher. Hot. A croissant juice glass so that even on perfect summer days when you aren't enjoying brunch on the patio of your favorite cafe, you can enjoy some freshly pressed juice from a glass so cute it's almost criminal. A tennis skort with a dreamy four-way stretch and moisture-wicking material for folks who spend the summer desperate to find outfits that won't be drenched in sweat at the end of the day. This precious piece has chic side slits, a high-rise waistband, and two hidden pockets. When I tell you I'm buying this in every color and wearing it all summer me (I already own it in black). A tube of Essence mascara, available in both black and brown, that'll make your lashes so long and full it'll look like you stole them right off of Harry Styles' angelic face. A pair of YogaToes gemstone stretchers — a splurge-worthy impulse purchase made with hypoallergenic medical-grade gel, for folks who have hammer toe, bunions, plantar fasciitis, etc. Try tossing these in the freezer and treating your feet to a soothing, cooling treatment at the end of the day. Ahhh, I can feel the relief just thinking about that. A hooded shark "blanket" (really just an oversized onesie) you can scoot on into when movie night calls for some AC and extra cozy attire. Honestly, now that you know this *treasure* exists, it'd be fishy if you didn't get it. It's gonna be dropping ~Jaws~ at your next BFF slumber party — there's no doubt about that! An E.l.f. Camo Liquid Blush — a blendable and buildable blush (say that five times fast) with a lightweight formula and a powerful pigment. If you've worked hard on your glass skin technique, finish off your routine with a blush that's dewy and glossy to stay looking as smooth as glass. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter for achieving the same dewy no-makeup-makeup effect of Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter (but at a price that doesn't make you sweat). This also has a healthy dose of hydrating hyaluronic acid, your skin is gonna be glad to drink in every day. A chiffon hair bow clip that'll instantly elevate any outfit with its whimsical and elegant design. This piece is torn straight out of the pages of a Madeline picture book, I'm sure of it. I can practically hear Ms. Clavel shouting, "Veet, veet little girls — buy this one before it's gone!" Crocs Classic Clogs — the classic comfort shoe for people who believe more is more and bling is everything. A reviewer-favorite Alleyoop 4-in-1 makeup brush designed with an eyeshadow brush, a blush brush, a brow brush, *and* a blending sponge — all in one! This beauty tool is about to become your new best friend, adventuring with you (because it's small enough to fit in your bag for quick touch-ups) every single day.
New York Post
5 hours ago
- New York Post
Rabid BTS fan tries to break into Jungkook's home hours after K-pop star discharged from mandatory military service
Surprise K-pop-in. A rabid K-Pop fan tried to break into the apartment of BTS member Jeon 'Jungkook' Jung-Kook just hours after he was released from mandatory service in the South Korean military, according to a report. A Chinese woman in her thirties was picked up by Seoul police around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday as she repeatedly tried to enter the security code of Jungkook's apartment door, The Korea Times reported. 3 Jungkook, 27, was discharged from the South Korean Army on Tuesday and had a rabid fan attempting to break into his Seoul apartment on Wednesday, cops said. AP The woman told police that she traveled all the way to the South Korean capital from mainland China to celebrate the 27-year-old pop star's military release after 18 months of service, the outlet reported. Wednesday's attempted break-in is just the latest in an ongoing series of obsessive fans flirting with criminality in efforts to reach members of BTS. Overly enthusiastic fans repeatedly sent food to Jungkook's home in 2023 and during a tour stop in Las Vegas, they incessantly called his hotel room in a stunt he called 'scary,' the Korea Times reported. Jungkook and his bandmate Jimin, 29, were discharged from the South Korean Army on Tuesday as six of the seven-member, internationally popular supergroup finished up their mandatory civil service this month. 3 BTS members Jungkook and Jimin pose in their fatigues as they are discharged from their mandatory 18-month service. Getty Images Photos show the pair proudly saluting in their fatigues — but Jungkook revealed the once familiar flashbulbs now seem foreign. 'Actually, it's been so long since I've been in front of cameras, and I didn't even put on makeup, so I'm a bit embarrassed,' Jungkook told reporters, adding, 'I don't know what to say.' Jungkook and Jimin began their brief military careers in December 2023. BTSers RM, 30, and V, 29, exchanged their camo for sequins on Tuesday, and the band's lead rapper Suga, 32, will complete his mandatory civil service as a social service agent on June 21. 'J-Hope', 31, completed his military service in October 2024. 3 BTS fans were wait to greet Jungkook and Jimin as they ended their civil service and rejoined the ranks of pop stardom. Getty Images The wildly successful K-Pop group put their music career on hold in 2022 with the members complying with the Asian nation's civil service mandate for 18- to 28-year-old men. Millions of fans anticipate a reunion tour, but no such plans currently exist. Instead, J-Hope is currently on an international solo tour that brought him to Brooklyn in March, and Jimin is set to begin his international tour next month.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Woman arrested after trying to break into BTS member Jung Kook's Seoul home
A Chinese woman was arrested for allegedly trying to break into BTS member Jung Kook's home in Seoul on Wednesday (11 June). The unnamed woman is in her thirties and is accused of trying to enter the K-pop star's home in Seoul's Yongsan district by repeatedly entering different combinations into his keypad door lock around 11.20pm local time, the police said. The police detained her at the scene after reports of her attempted trespassing attempts, reported Yonhap. She told the police that she had come to South Korea to see Jung Kook, real name Jeon Jung Kook, who was discharged from the military the same day after completing South Korea's 18-month mandatory military service. He was discharged alongside his bandmate Jimin, real name Park Ji Min, at a ceremony near their former unit in Yeoncheon. BTS, made up of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, announced in 2022 they would be taking a break from group activities to focus on solo music, while each member completed their military service. Jin, the oldest member of the band and the first of them to enlist, was discharged in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October. RM and V were discharged on Tuesday, leaving Suga as the only bandmate left to finish his military service. He is currently posted in a nonactive duty role due to a shoulder injury and is expected to complete his service on 21 June. While the group and their management label, BigHit Music, have repeatedly discouraged fans from attending the musicians' discharge ceremonies, hundreds of fans travelled to South Korea to attend Tuesday and Wednesday's ceremonies. Additionally, the discharge of the BTS members coincides with Festa, the annual celebration of the group's debut anniversary, which has also seen a huge influx of fans heading to the country this year. Earlier this year, South Korean police summoned a Japanese woman in her fifties who was accused of sexual harassment for kissing BTS member Jin at a meet-and-greet event held a day after his discharge. The incident took place in Seoul on 13 June last year when Jin held an event, where he hugged 1,000 fans who had won a raffle, to celebrate both his discharge and the group's anniversary. The woman reportedly kissed Jin on the cheek when he leaned in to hug her. The musician looked visibly startled and turned his face away. 'My lips touched his neck. His skin was so soft,' the woman later wrote in a blog post, according to Yonhap.
