BABYMONSTER’s latest mini-album ‘CHOOM’ has powerfully demonstrated YG Entertainment’s enduring strength. The group’s comeback goes beyond a simple release—it has firmly established that YG’s distinctive identity still resonates even in today’s increasingly uniform K-pop landscape.
Currently, the K-pop industry leans heavily toward short viral tracks and challenge-style performances. However, ‘CHOOM’ took a different approach. Rather than focusing solely on easy-to-replicate dance moves, the group delivered a comprehensive performance package where music, choreography, visuals, and stage presence all work together seamlessly.
The numbers tell the story clearly. The ‘CHOOM’ music video shot straight to number one on YouTube’s ’24-hour most-viewed videos’ list immediately after release, and has now surpassed 54 million views. The performance video has also crossed 24 million views. Across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, more than 100,000 challenge videos using the track have been created, driving global momentum.
What stands out most is how the performance itself has become a cultural phenomenon, living up to the song’s title. The explosive movements during the “Let’s CHOOM” segment, the whispering hand gestures during “Watch out,” and the rhythmic steps go beyond simple choreography—they trigger an instinctive desire to participate among viewers.
Industry observers note that the meticulous attention to detail and determination of Chief Producer Yang Hyun-suk are clearly reflected in this work.
According to YG, the chief producer directly participated in crafting the chorus choreography for ‘CHOOM’. Instead of the typical approach of commissioning a few teams, he requested choreography submissions from approximately ten different teams and selected the highest-quality result. This wasn’t simply about creating “well-made choreography”—it was closer to an obsession with developing a performance that could embody the song’s title itself.
Many listeners have noted that ‘CHOOM’ makes a stronger impression when watched on stage than when simply heard. This maximizes YG’s signature performance-centered DNA.
YG Ultimately Proves Itself Through Performance
This comeback carries special significance because it stands in stark contrast to current K-pop market trends. While many groups are consumed through short-form viral content and light challenges, YG continues to emphasize ‘the power of the stage itself’. It’s an approach that convinces fans through a single music show appearance or live performance.
BABYMONSTER has placed confidence in their live vocals and performance front and center during these promotions. The group began full-scale music show activities starting with MBC’s ‘Show! Music Core’ on the 9th, followed by SBS’s ‘Inkigayo’ on the 10th. Having already received explosive responses through content alone, the addition of visceral live performances will likely accelerate their upward trajectory even further.
This connects directly to the strengths that ran through YG’s family legacy—from BIGBANG and 2NE1 to BLACKPINK. Rather than simply following trends, they create new currents through stage presence and performance. Immediately after ‘CHOOM’s release, reactions poured in: “Classic YG style,” “The stage experience hits different,” “Performance quality is overwhelming.”
Another noteworthy aspect is Yang Hyun-suk’s characteristic ‘artist-centered production approach’. Rather than churning out short-term results, he invests extensive time in directions that maximize members’ strengths and distinct colors. BABYMONSTER underwent years of training and content verification before debut, and ‘CHOOM’ represents a completed product where music, visuals, and performance connect organically.
Ultimately, this comeback carries meaning beyond simple chart performance. In a flood of content that’s quickly consumed and forgotten, it proves that ‘well-crafted music’ and ‘overwhelming performance’ still work. At the center of it all lies Yang Hyun-suk’s persistence in maintaining detail and completeness, along with the brand philosophy that has preserved YG’s unique identity.
With ‘CHOOM’, BABYMONSTER has become more than just a next-generation girl group—they’ve once again drawn out the phrase: “YG is truly different.”