The return of BABYMONSTER with their third mini album and title track “CHOOM” has ignited intense debate across Korean online communities raising bigger questions about the current musical direction of YG Entertainment.
Released on May 4, “CHOOM” quickly made an impact. The music video surpassed 14 million views within a short time and climbed to No.1 on YouTube’s global trending chart. The album also recorded nearly 388,000 first-day sales marking a career high for the group.
However, despite these impressive achievements, public reception particularly in Korea has been far more critical than expected.
A viral post on Korean forum Pann bluntly described the track as an “outdated BLACKPINK copy,” sparking widespread discussion.
Many netizens argued that the song follows a familiar YG formula: heavy hip-hop beats, repetitive hooks and a climactic group chorus.
While these elements once defined the success of BLACKPINK, critics now claim they feel predictable and outdated in today’s fast-evolving K-pop landscape.
Some even mocked the agency, questioning whether artists are exposed to broader musical trends outside the company.
Another major talking point is the absence of Teddy Park, the hitmaker behind iconic tracks like “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” “Fantastic Baby,” and “I Am The Best.”
Many fans believe that YG’s signature sound was closely tied to Teddy’s production style, with comments such as: “YG’s identity was always Teddy.”
Without him, some argue, the company is struggling to maintain a distinct musical identity.
At the same time, founder Yang Hyun Suk has also faced criticism, with netizens accusing him of relying on outdated production approaches that no longer resonate with current trends.
Beyond the music itself, the choreography for “CHOOM” has also received mixed reviews. Despite the song’s dance-focused concept, some viewers felt it lacked a strong “viral point” move something crucial in today’s social media-driven K-pop scene.
Rumors even circulated that YG rejected ideas from multiple choreography teams before finalizing the performance internally, further fueling criticism.
Despite the backlash, many fans have stepped forward to defend the group.
Supporters argue that:
- The members showcase strong performance skills
- Their stage presence remains powerful
- Their visuals and maturity have noticeably improved
For these fans, the issue lies not with BABYMONSTER, but with the company’s overall creative direction.
Ultimately, BABYMONSTER finds itself in a difficult position armed with talent and a growing global fanbase, yet constantly compared to their predecessors.
As K-pop continues to evolve rapidly, many agencies are experimenting with new sounds and concepts. In contrast, YG appears to be holding onto a formula that once guaranteed success but may now be limiting its artists.
Sources: Saostar,Pann