The return of MONSTER CHILD with their third mini album and title track “YOU CHOOSE” has sparked intense debate in Korean online communities raising bigger questions about YG Entertainment’s current musical direction.
Released May 4th “YOU CHOOSE” it quickly made an impact. The music video surpassed 14 million views in a short time and rose to first place on YouTube’s global trending chart. The album also recorded nearly 388,000 first-day sales, marking a career high for the group.
However, despite these impressive results, public reception, especially in Korea, was much more critical than expected.
A viral post on the Korean forum Pann bluntly described the track as a “obsolete BLACKPINK copy,” sparking widespread discussion.
Many netizens argued that the song follows a familiar YG formula: heavy hip-hop beats, repetitive hooks and a climactic gang chorus.
While these elements once defined the success of BLACKPINKcritics now say they feel predictable and outdated in today’s rapidly evolving K-pop landscape.
Some even mocked the agency, questioning whether artists are exposed to broader music trends outside the company.
Another major talking point is the absence of Teddy Park, the hitmaker behind iconic songs like “DDU-DU DDU-DU,” “Fantastic child”, AND “I am the best.”
Many fans believe that YG’s signature sound was closely tied to Teddy’s production style, with comments such as: “YG’s identity has always been Teddy.”
Without him, some say, the company is struggling to maintain a distinct musical identity.
At the same time, founder Yang Hyun Suk has also faced criticism, with netizens accusing him of relying on outdated production approaches that are no longer in tune with current trends.
Beyond the music itself, the choreography “YOU CHOOSE” it also received mixed reviews. Despite the song’s dance-focused concept, some viewers felt it was missing a strong point “viral point” move something crucial in today’s social media-driven K-pop scene.
Rumors also circulated that YG rejected ideas from multiple choreography teams before finalizing the performance internally, further fueling the criticism.
Despite the backlash, many fans came forward to defend the group.
Supporters argue that:
- Members exhibit strong performance capabilities
- Their stage presence remains powerful
- Their graphics and maturity have improved significantly
For these fans, the problem isn’t in MONSTER CHILDbut with the overall creative direction of the company.
Ultimately, MONSTER CHILD find themselves in a difficult position, armed with talent and a growing global fan base, but constantly compared to their predecessors.
As K-pop continues to evolve rapidly, many agencies are experimenting with new sounds and concepts. Instead, YG appears to be sticking to a formula that once guaranteed success but may now limit his artists.
Sources: Saostar, Pann
