When MEOVV and BABYMONSTER were first announced, anticipation was sky-high. Fans expected these rookie groups to challenge HYBE’s monopoly and dominate the K-pop scene. Coming from Big 3 agencies, they carried the weight of legendary brand names and years of idol-producing experience.
However, months after debut, the results tell a different story. Both MEOVV and BABYMONSTER have struggled to achieve even average-level performance in terms of chart rankings, sales, and public recognition.
BABYMONSTER, despite its connection to BLACKPINK’s legacy through shared label YG Entertainment, has failed to capture domestic audiences. Overseas, the group’s fandom is often dismissed as “leftover” BLACKPINK fans, and their releases have not generated the buzz expected from a Big 3 act. MEOVV faces an even steeper challenge. With virtually no recognition in South Korea and limited international traction, the group has yet to establish a strong identity or secure a breakthrough hit.
Many Korean netizens have been debating the recent performance of rookie girl groups from the Big 3 agencies, with some pointing out that none have truly dominated the scene. Comments include:
When did HYBE ever “dominate the field”…? First I’ve heard of it, lol. Oh, are you talking about when HYBE basically shoved NewJeans into the storage cabinet during their promotion period?
Wasn’t the girl group scene being dominated by aespa and IVE? BABYMONSTER and MEOVV aren’t doing well enough to be called total flops though.
Honestly, among SM, YG, JYP, and HYBE’s rookie girl groups, aren’t they all kind of underwhelming?
In the end, the idol industry isn’t just about skill — and if the majority of members are foreigners, there’s a limit to how far you can go domestically.
If you’re going to put that many foreign members in a team, just separate them, localize them in their market, and debut them with all sorts of nationalities there. Let Korean fans just watch from afar — I’m so sick of seeing Korean members get bashed.
Hearts2Hearts flopped even harder, lol.
MEOVV, BABYMONSTER, NMIXX — they’re all about the same.
Even LE SSERAFIM and ILLIT flopped.
While neither MEOVV nor BABYMONSTER can be called complete failures, their lukewarm reception raises questions about whether the Big 3 can still produce era-defining girl groups in today’s market.
Sources: Pann Nate