After “DRIP”, “CLIK CLAK”, “Really Like You”, BABYMONSTER continues to release the Exclusive Performance version of the song “BILLIONAIRE” – a song in the album “DRIP”. The video was released not long ago but has now garnered nearly 38 million views. However, after the video was released, the international online community was outraged by the controversial camera angle for Chiquita – the youngest member of BABYMONSTER.
Specifically, in BABYMONSTER’s “BILLIONAIRE” performance, Chiquita has many dance moves that are considered to be increasingly progressive, standard idol demeanor and different from the “non-mature” in the first videos from the time of her debut.
However, the camera angle that YG gave Chiquita in this video is considered to be extremely offensive when filming close to her buttocks while she performs sexy dance moves. This makes many netizens feel outraged because Chiquita is currently only 16 years old, but YG let a female idol at the age of adolescence perform sexy dance moves and “attach” a camera angle that makes many people “blush”.
This is not the first time YG has been criticized for letting idols have sensitive situations. Previously, in mid-2024, when BABYMONSTER performed the song “Forever” on the “Inkigayo” stage, Chiquita and Ahyeon’s costumes were considered short for their age. In particular, the youngest member of BABYMONSTER, Chiquita, wore a strapless top paired with a short skirt, making it easier to have wardrobe malfunctions when performing strong dance moves.
Meanwhile, Ahyeon was no exception, as YG dressed her in an outfit exposing her waist and back, along with a short skirt. Many believe that since 6 out of 7 BABYMONSTER members are still minors, YG allowing them to wear age-inappropriate outfits or using suggestive camera angles could have a significant negative impact on the artists.
The sexualization of idols for views and fame is nothing new in the Korean entertainment industry. Most recently, the case of the girl group Cignature has sparked outrage among netizens, leading to harsh criticism.
To make matters worse, their agency even released a reaction video featuring the members watching their own MV.
In the reaction video, the members’ facial expressions showed surprise and discomfort, though they tried their best to suppress their emotions.
Many viewers felt heartbroken after watching the reaction video, as the Cignature members appeared on the verge of tears upon seeing their own overly suggestive images.