YG Entertainment is once again shaking up the K-pop scene with its upcoming girl group project, currently known under the teaser campaign name NEXT MONSTER. The company’s carefully paced rollout has already generated major buzz, as it introduces members one by one ahead of the group’s highly anticipated debut. With two members revealed—Evelli from Australia and Chanya from Thailand—fans are beginning to speculate on what this new generation might bring to the YG legacy.
Chanya, the second member to be introduced, is already a hot topic. At just 14 years old, the Thai trainee brings not only strong vocal talent but also impressive language fluency in Thai, English, and Korean. Having trained under YG for nearly three years, her profile video highlighted her vocal tone and charm, quickly capturing the attention of international fans. Social media platforms were soon filled with messages of pride from Thai fans, many celebrating the growing representation of Thai artists within the K-pop industry.
Indeed, YG’s trend of spotlighting Thai idols is becoming increasingly clear. Chanya joins a notable roster that includes BLACKPINK’s Lisa and BABYMONSTER’s Chiquita and Pharita. With each addition, YG’s ‘Thai line’ is gaining strength and solidifying its global influence. But while the warm reception for Chanya has been strong, so too has the concern regarding her age. At 14, she’s among the youngest trainees to be introduced in a major debut lineup, prompting netizens to question the emotional and developmental risks of entering such a high-pressure industry so young. Calls for more protective structures and age regulations for idols continue to grow louder.
The comparisons to BLACKPINK were perhaps inevitable. With Evelli echoing Rosé’s Australian background and Chanya drawing clear parallels to Lisa, fans and media alike have speculated that YG may be attempting to replicate the wildly successful BLACKPINK formula—a small, diverse lineup with international roots. While some welcome the familiar dynamic, others have urged YG to allow the new group to chart its own course, free from the shadow of their seniors.
As anticipation builds, questions about the group’s name, musical direction, and debut timeline remain unanswered. However, the NEXT MONSTER campaign is already proving successful in fueling public curiosity and conversation. Whether this group will rise to BLACKPINK-level superstardom or carve out an entirely new legacy, one thing is clear: the industry is watching, and expectations are sky-high.
