YG Entertainment has officially announced the upcoming debut of a new four-member girl group—its first since BABYMONSTER launched two years ago. The company’s founder and executive producer, Yang Hyun Suk, revealed the news on May 25, sparking immediate excitement among K-pop fans. According to the announcement, the first member of the group will be introduced at midnight KST on May 27. Ahead of the reveal, one name has already taken over fan discussions: Youngseo.
Who Is Youngseo?
Youngseo made a strong impression during the HYBE x JTBC survival show R U Next?, where she ranked second overall and secured a spot in the final lineup of ILLIT. She was initially set to debut alongside Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. However, fans were blindsided when news broke that Youngseo had terminated her contract with BELIFT Lab and would not be debuting with the group.
The sudden departure came with no official explanation, leaving fans disappointed and concerned. The silence surrounding her exit only intensified interest in her next move.
Clues Pointing to a YG Comeback
In recent months, fans have noticed Youngseo near YG Entertainment’s headquarters on several occasions. Although there were early rumors that she might have signed with The Black Label, a YG subsidiary, she did not appear in their newly debuted girl group, MEOVV.
However, speculation took a sharp turn when fans began spotting her with known YG trainees. A particularly viral moment occurred when a dance cover video filmed near the YG building unintentionally featured background trainees—one of whom many fans believe is Youngseo. This, combined with her increased presence around YG locations, has fueled theories that she may be part of YG’s upcoming girl group, formed under the working title YG NEXT MONSTER.
Fan Excitement Reaches a Fever Pitch
Youngseo’s fanbase has remained active and vocal since her abrupt exit from ILLIT. Many have long believed her talent in singing and dancing was too great to go unnoticed in the K-pop industry. Now, with YG’s debut plans in motion and Youngseo frequently spotted near the company, fans are more hopeful than ever.
Social media is abuzz with theories and support, as fans eagerly await tonight’s first member reveal. If Youngseo is indeed part of the new lineup, it would mark a powerful comeback for an artist who once seemed on the brink of stardom—only to disappear before taking the stage.
Whether or not the first silhouette belongs to Youngseo, one thing is clear: K-pop watchers everywhere will be tuned in when the clock strikes midnight.