While YG’s new girl group Baby Monster just made their debut, Teddy is about to release his own girl group for the first time
Blackpink is the living history of K-pop, having set numerous firsts and records in the K-pop industry. Despite there being those who may consider themselves as their “successors” and critics discussing their influence, it’s not surprising given their reign on the shining throne. The reason the showdown between Baby Monster and the rookie girl group from Double Black Label, led by YG Entertainment’s CEO Yang Hyun-suk and Double Black Label’s leader Teddy, is drawing attention.
Double Black Label announced through a press release distributed to the media on the 6th, stating, “The girl group produced by Double Black Label is preparing for a debut in the first half of this year. Specific details will be revealed later. We ask for your understanding.”
Recently, photos of trainees who are rumored to be members of Double Black Label’s rookie girl group were leaked online through various online communities. Among them was American child actress and model Ella Gross. Ella Gross, a former “Star Kids Model” who started modeling at the age of two, boasts over 4 million followers. She’s also participated in choreography for various songs including Taeyang’s “Ringa Linga” and “Vibe,” aespa’s “Savage” and “Illusion,” and SHINee’s “Don’t Call Me,” alongside renowned dancer Bailey Sok.
The most talked-about trainee was Moon, the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group Chairman Lee Myung-hee. Moon is the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Group’s CEO Jung Yoo-kyung and a niece of Shinsegae Group Vice Chairman Jung Yong-jin. Born on January 23, 2002, she’s currently enrolled at Columbia University in the United States and boasts over 70,000 followers as an influencer.
Adding to the anticipation alongside the glamorous trainees is the presence of Teddy, the leader of Double Black Label. Teddy, who debuted with 1TYM in 1998, has been active as the main producer of YG Entertainment since the group’s disbandment, starting in 2006. He has been a creative director and composer for Big Bang, 2NE1, Blackpink, and Jeon So-mi.
Especially noteworthy is that Teddy has been the main producer for Blackpink from their debut single “Square One” to their second full-length album “Born Pink” released last year in 2022. Listing all of Blackpink’s hit songs that Teddy has been involved in, including “Whistle,” “Boombayah,” “Stay,” “As If It’s Your Last,” “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du,” “Forever Young,” “Kill This Love,” “How You Like That,” “Pink Venom,” and “Shut Down,” would be too numerous.
In September 2015, Teddy established Double Black Label, a subsidiary label under YG Entertainment, and took on the role of CEO. Currently, he is focusing on his role as the overall producer of Double Black Label. Therefore, expectations are high for the new girl group from Double Black Label, led by “Blackpink producer” Teddy.
Following Blackpink, YG Entertainment unveiled Baby Monster after seven years. Referred to as the “Blackpink sister group,” Baby Monster garnered hot attention even before their debut, and they took their first steps in the music industry last November with their debut single “Batter Up.” Considering that Double Black Label’s rookie girl group is scheduled to debut in the first half of this year, they seem to be slightly ahead.
Their debut digital single “Batter Up” entered both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global (Excl. U.S) charts at 101 and 49 respectively, within just eight days of their debut. Additionally, they succeeded in entering four chart categories including 5th place on the ‘World Digital Song Sales Chart’ and 1st place on ‘LyricFind Global,’ and their music video reached 22.59 million views, making it the most-viewed video within 24 hours for a K-pop group debut.
On the 1st of this month, they released their second single, “Stuck In The Middle.” YG Entertainment stated, “With their debut song ‘Batter Up,’ Baby Monster announced a glamorous entrance into the K-pop scene as a game changer. Through this new song, we are confident in showcasing the vocal abilities of the Baby Monster members. To achieve this, YG Entertainment chose a style of song that has never been released before and worked closely with a powerful lineup of producers to ensure completeness.”
The music video for “Stuck In The Middle” topped the ‘Most Viewed Videos within 24 hours’ chart and went straight to the top of the global YouTube daily popular music video chart. It also surpassed 30 million views within just six days. YG Entertainment showed confidence by releasing a ‘Baby Monster – ‘Stuck In The Middle’ SPECIAL STAGE’ video through their official blog, revealing the live stage for the first time.
Building momentum, Baby Monster will release their first mini-album on April 1st. With this album as a starting point, member Ah-hyun will return to join the group for active promotions as a seven-member group. Following their recent recognition by the Grammy Awards as a rising a K-pop rookie to watch, YG Entertainment expressed anticipation for Baby Monster’s activities after the mini-album.
Who will be the true successor to Blackpink among the new girl groups under Double Black Label, produced by Teddy, who comes from the same agency as Blackpink and carries the title of “Blackpink’s sister group”? Attention is focused on who will produce songs, performances, and results in the first half of this year.
Source: Daum
