From 2NE1 to BLACKPINK to BABYMONSTER… YG Executive Producer YANG HYUN SUK Rekindles His Girl Group Magic
[스포츠서울=조은별 기자] The master of girl group magic, YG’s Executive Producer Yang Hyun Suk, continues his dual strategy of capturing both “originality” and “the future”.
After igniting the second generation of K-pop with 2NE1 and conquering the third generation with BLACKPINK, Producer Yang has now opened the “YG Treasure Box” to simultaneously introduce the fifth generation BABYMONSTER, alongside the second generation 2NE1 and third generation BLACKPINK. As a specialist in nurturing girl groups, Yang’s personally announced year-long plan tailored to each generation’s artists has significantly raised fan expectations.
On July 22, Yang announced via the YG official blog that there will be a full-group October concert for 2NE1 and a world tour for both BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER. It seems he aims to reunite the scattered girl groups of YG’s creation while passing on the YG DNA to BABYMONSTER and imbuing them with the spirit of their seniors.
Celebrating their 15th debut anniversary this year, 2NE1’s CL, Park Bom, Sandara Park, and Gong Minzy met with Producer Yang at the new YG building in Hapjeong, Seoul, culminating in the announcement of their concert. From October 5 to 6 at the Olympic Hall in Seoul’s Olympic Park, they will kick off their ‘2024 2NE1 Concert Welcome Back in Seoul,’ followed by a tour in Kobe and Tokyo. This full-group concert marks the first in 10 years and six months, with members visibly excited. CL shared photos and videos on SNS, capturing the bright and lively preparations of the members in the rehearsal studio. Park Bom, who had previously faced health rumors, quelled fans’ concerns with a resurgence of her prime aura.
2NE1 was the first girl group to emerge from the YG “Treasure Box.” At the time, amidst the popularity of SM Entertainment’s Girls’ Generation and JYP Entertainment’s Wonder Girls, Yang prioritized talent over appearance and launched them as the “female Big Bang.” They debuted with numerous hit songs like “Fire” and “I Am the Best,” serving as global ambassadors for K-pop.
BLACKPINK has been described as “The pupil has become the master.” While it’s often said that there are no younger siblings better than the older ones, BLACKPINK has managed to excel both in talent and stunning visuals, taking on the role of ‘fashion icons’—a title their predecessors didn’t hold. As leaders of the third-generation K-pop, they have toured the globe, captivating fans worldwide.
From their debut, Yang took on the roles of father, protector, and midwife for BLACKPINK. He attended their first press conference, crafted a high-end image strategy, and supported BLACKPINK to become the front runners of third-generation K-pop. Thanks to his comprehensive backing, BLACKPINK has grown into a mega girl group, completing the largest world tour in K-pop girl group history with 1.8 million attendees.
As BLACKPINK regroups at their home base, fans’ anticipation grows. They are set to release a new album next year and embark on a world tour. As it stands, the only ones who might surpass BLACKPINK’s records are BLACKPINK themselves, making their upcoming world tour a highly anticipated event.
Excitement for BABYMONSTER, the ‘youngest’ addition, is also significant. Already renowned for their live capabilities, they are considered a shoo-in for this year’s ‘Best New Artist’ award. In August, they are expected to showcase their live talents at Japan’s ‘Summer Sonic 2024’. With a long-term plan to meet fans globally through a world tour starting in their second year, BABYMONSTER is set to expand their reach.
An industry insider commented, “YG is a significant dormant dragon of K-pop. After a quiet first half of 2024, under Yang’s leadership, the resurgence of 2NE1, the ongoing activities of third-generation BLACKPINK, and the debut of fifth-generation BABYMONSTER are expected to restore YG’s prestigious reputation.”
2024. 7. 29.
