YG’s First New Boy Group in Six Years
YG Entertainment, the powerhouse behind K-pop icons like BIGBANG and BLACKPINK, is set to debut a new five-member boy band by September 2026. This marks the agency’s first male group launch in six years since the debut of Treasure. In a recent strategy update shared via the agency’s official channels, founder Yang Hyun-suk revealed that the upcoming quintet is designed to offer a “differentiated” identity compared to the 10-member lineup of Treasure. By returning to the five-member format—the same structure that launched BIGBANG to global stardom—YG appears to be focusing on a more streamlined and iconic group dynamic for its next generation of talent.
BabyMonster and the Upcoming “Choom” EP
Beyond the new group announcement, Yang provided high-stakes updates for BabyMonster, the agency’s newest girl group. Their third EP, titled Choom (the Korean word for “dance”), is scheduled for release next Monday. Highlighting the project’s performance-driven focus, Yang noted that the choreography underwent several rigorous revisions to ensure it meets the agency’s high standards for “cool” and impactful visuals. The promotional cycle for the EP will be extensive, featuring four music videos in total: the title track “Choom,” a follow-up digital single tentatively titled “Sugar Honey,” and visual treatments for B-side tracks “I Like It” and “Moon.”
Strategic Roadmaps for Treasure and Next Monster
The announcement also served as a moment of reflection and future planning for YG’s existing roster. Yang addressed the challenges faced by Treasure, acknowledging that their 2020 debut was hampered by both the global pandemic and his own past legal controversies. To spearhead a new chapter for the band, a highly anticipated new album is set for release on June 1, which Yang described as his “favorite project so far.” Additionally, the agency continues to develop Next Monster, a new girl group introduced in early 2025. With three members already unveiled, the K-pop industry is closely watching for the reveal of the fourth and final member, signaling a massive expansion of YG’s intellectual property and artist portfolio heading into late 2026.
