You haven’t seen a rookie season quite like BABYMONSTER’s. Since their debut in 2024, the K-pop group (formed by YG Entertainment, the powerhouse behind acts like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK) has been on a nonstop ascent. Their catchy debut EP was led by the addictive single “SHEESH,” paired with an equally addictive music video, now with more than 370 million views. And lest you think that was just beginner’s luck, the group—namely, RUKA, PHARITA, ASA, AHYEON, RAMI (not pictured), RORA, and CHIQUITA—followed up a few months later with a studio album, [DRIP], which earned them a spot on the Billboard 200.
We caught up with BABYMONSTER in Seoul, South Korea, this summer to celebrate their extraordinary year. “For me,” says ASA, “the excitement comes from the process of growth, from pushing…