7 BABYMONSTER Members: Hidden Pre-Debut Stories Revealed

BABYMONSTER members broke records from day one, amassing a staggering 22.59 million views within 24 hours of their debut music video release—setting a new record for K-pop debut groups. Known affectionately as BLACKPINK's "baby sisters," these seven talented performers have quickly established themselves in the competitive K-pop industry.

Initially trademarked as BABYMONSTERS by YG Entertainment in December 2019, the group made their long-awaited debut on November 27, 2023, with their digital single "BATTER UP"—though initially as a six-member ensemble. Subsequently, on April 1, 2024, they finally appeared as a complete seven-member group with their first mini album, "BABYMONS7ER". The group, also called BAEMON or BABYMON, consists of Ruka, Pharita, Asa, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora, and Chiquita. Their rise has been meteoric, with their single "Sheesh" becoming their first top-ten hit on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart, followed by their debut studio album "Drip" released on November 1, which produced their second top-ten hit.

Behind these accomplishments lie fascinating pre-debut stories that shaped each member's journey to stardom. From diverse nationalities to unique talents and unexpected connections, the BABYMONSTER members profile reveals seven distinct paths that converged to create one of K-pop's most promising new groups. Their official fandom name, MONSTIEZ, combines "MONS" from BABYMONSTER with "TIES," reflecting the strong connection between the group and their rapidly growing fanbase.

Ruka: The Veteran Dancer from Japan

Kawai Ruka stands out as the veteran performer among BABYMONSTER members, bringing nearly a decade of dance experience to the group. Her journey from a Japanese idol to becoming one of YG Entertainment's pioneering Japanese female artists offers fascinating insights into her resilience and determination.

Ruka's early life and nationality

Born on March 20, 2002, in Okayama, Japan, Ruka (루카) holds Japanese nationality. She grew up in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where her passion for dance began at the remarkably young age of six. This early start gave her a significant advantage, developing movement skills and stage presence that would later catch the attention of major entertainment companies.

Ruka's mother has been her strongest supporter throughout her journey. In her emotional introduction video, Ruka mentioned, "My mom has waited for my debut more than anyone else. I want to work even harder to pay back her love". This family support became crucial during her years as a trainee far from home.

Ruka's pre-debut training and experience

Remarkably, Ruka entered the K-pop scene with professional experience already under her belt. On March 26, 2017, she debuted as one of the founding members of the Japanese idol group Shibu3 project in their Blue Class. During this period, she was represented by PLATINUM PRODUCTION between 2017-2018, gaining valuable industry experience before departing from the group in 2018.

Following this, Ruka auditioned for YG Entertainment in 2018 when she was sixteen years old. After passing the audition, she began an intensive six-year training period. During this time, she continued dancing daily, refining her skills while adapting to Korean culture and language. Ruka speaks Japanese, Korean, and English, highlighting her linguistic versatility.

The training period wasn't without challenges. At age 20, Ruka reflected, "All my friends have gone to college, and they're helping out their families". She acknowledged feeling like her life had paused while peers moved forward—a common sentiment among trainees who spend years in uncertainty without guaranteed debuts.

Ruka's unique audition story

For her YG Entertainment audition, Ruka performed DJ Khaled's "Top Off" featuring JAY Z, Future, and Beyoncé. This bold choice demonstrated her confidence and hip-hop sensibilities, immediately showcasing her distinctive style.

Her exceptional dancing abilities impressed even YG Entertainment's former CEO so thoroughly that "he never felt the need to advise her on dancing". Dance instructor LEEJUNG particularly praised Ruka's extensive experience and deep understanding of dance, noting these qualities set her apart from other trainees.

Ruka's role in BABYMONSTER members profile

Within BABYMONSTER's structure, Ruka holds the positions of Main Dancer and Main Rapper, utilizing her years of hip-hop dance training. Born in 2002, she is the oldest among BABYMONSTER members, bringing maturity and experience to the group dynamic.

On January 1, 2023, YG Entertainment confirmed BABYMONSTER as their new girl group's name, with practice footage of Ruka appearing in the announcement video. Her official introduction came on February 6, 2023, through a live performance video, followed by her individual introduction video on February 9.

Alongside fellow Japanese member Asa, Ruka made history as one of the first female Japanese idols to debut under YG Entertainment. She officially debuted with BABYMONSTER on November 27, 2023, with their digital single "BATTER UP", before the complete seven-member lineup was introduced with their mini album "BABYMONS7ER" on April 1, 2024.

Beyond performing, Ruka has displayed her creative talents by co-writing the duet song "Woke Up In Tokyo" for the group's first studio album "DRIP," released on November 1, 2024. Her representative color in the group is Forest Green, and her representative emoji is the sloth (🦥), contrasting with her energetic performance style.

Pharita: From Thai Model to K-pop Idol

As the third Thai idol to debut under YG Entertainment, Pharita brings her modeling background and vocal talents to the BABYMONSTER lineup. Her journey from Bangkok to the global K-pop stage reveals both dedication and adaptability that has helped shape her artistic identity.

Pharita's childhood and family background

Born on August 26, 2005, in Bangkok, Thailand, Pharita Chaikong (ภริตา ชายคง) grew up in a supportive family environment that includes her parents and an older brother. Her educational foundation began at Ruamrudee International School, where she developed strong English language skills from an early age. She subsequently attended Rugby School in Thailand, balancing both academic requirements and her growing passion for artistic expression.

Pharita's multilingual abilities became apparent early, as she developed proficiency in Thai, English, and Korean. These language skills proved invaluable for her future career aspirations, especially as she made the significant decision to leave her homeland. In a bold move that demonstrated her commitment, Pharita relocated to South Korea alone, leaving her family behind to pursue her dreams as a trainee under YG Entertainment.

Pharita's modeling and audition journey

Prior to her K-pop aspirations, Pharita established herself as a promising child model in Thailand. Her modeling career included numerous accolades - she won the "Grand" prize and first place at the Inter Model Thailand competition, outshining 1,226 other applicants. Furthermore, she collected impressive titles including "Miss Teen Thailand 2018," "Talent Kids & Teen 2018," and "Asia Junior Fashion Runway 2018".

In 2020, Pharita briefly appeared as contestant GI3218 on the Thai survival show "Idol Paradise" under the name "Pear". Nevertheless, she left the program before it officially began airing. This decision proved fortuitous, as she instead auditioned for YG Entertainment in July 2020. Her bold choice to perform BLACKPINK's "How You Like That" during her audition demonstrated both her confidence and admiration for the group.

Pharita's training period and challenges

After passing her audition, Pharita began her training journey at YG Entertainment in October 2020 at just 15 years old, ultimately training for approximately three years before debut. One of the major adjustments she faced was adapting to dormitory life - a significant change from her family home in Thailand.

In an emotional moment captured during her training, Pharita once broke down in tears when asked if she was struggling with anything. "I want to dance like you unnie, but I'm so bad, and I'm so sad about that," she confessed to Lisa. Despite these challenges, her perseverance paid off, as YG Entertainment officially introduced her as the sixth member of BABYMONSTER on February 2, 2023.

Pharita's connection to BLACKPINK Lisa

Perhaps most fascinating is Pharita's relationship with fellow Thai artist and BLACKPINK member Lisa, who became her mentor and friend. In a 2022 interview with Rolling Stone, Lisa mentioned taking care of a Thai trainee who reminded her of herself - a reference to Pharita. "There is a Thai trainee who reminds me of when I was young. I'm trying to take care of her," Lisa shared, adding "We eat together, go shopping".

Moreover, the support between the two has been mutual. When BLACKPINK performed in Bangkok, Pharita sent balloons with a heartfelt message: "Lisa unnie, I love you and I enjoyed the concert". In a recent interview, Pharita expressed her gratitude toward Lisa, stating "I think Lisa has opened a lot of doors for many". This connection represents an important mentorship within YG Entertainment, helping Pharita navigate the challenges of being a foreign idol in the K-pop industry.

Asa: Musical Theater to Main Rapper

Among BABYMONSTER members, Enami Asa emerges as a multi-talented performer whose journey from musical theater to becoming the group's main rapper showcases her remarkable artistic versatility.

Asa's early life and nationality

Born on April 17, 2006, in Tokyo, Japan, Asa (아사) holds Japanese nationality and has her full name written as 榎並杏紗 in her native language. At just 12 years old, she made the life-changing decision to audition for YG Entertainment, drawn by the company's distinctive hip-hop style after watching BLACKPINK's "Playing With Fire" music video.

Her passion for performing arts manifested early—in second grade of elementary school, Asa enrolled in a dance academy where her musical aspirations began taking shape. One of her earliest performance experiences involved dancing to Block B's energetic track "Very Good," an experience that cemented her determination to pursue entertainment professionally. By April 2018, at merely 12 years old, Asa officially began her trainee journey at YG Entertainment.

Asa's musical theater background

Throughout her childhood, Asa expanded her artistic horizons beyond just dancing. In 2017, she participated in the Japanese musical production "LADYBIRD LADYBIRD," demonstrating her versatility as a performer even before her K-pop training began. This theatrical experience provided her with valuable stage presence and expressiveness that would later distinguish her performances.

After joining YG Entertainment, Asa balanced her training with education, often moving between school and practice sessions. In a 2024 interview with CNN Brasil, she mentioned starting dance school during her first year of junior high school, which deepened her passion for music and movement. Contrary to some misunderstandings about her education, Asa clarified that she continued her studies alongside training, even joking in a variety show appearance about being older than typical high school students.

Asa's self-composed works before debut

Even as a trainee, Asa demonstrated exceptional creativity by writing and composing her own music. Her self-composed song "Diary" became a significant milestone in her pre-debut journey. Producer BIGTONE praised her work ethic, noting, "She's a perfectionist that always takes something that I teach and brings it back even better".

During monthly evaluation stages at YG Entertainment, Asa received considerable acclaim for her self-composed tracks. In 2020, she performed Eminem's challenging "Godzilla" for a monthly evaluation, showcasing impressive rap skills in her third language. Her composition abilities, alongside her dance skills and rap prowess, earned her the nickname "irreplaceable Ace" among trainees.

Asa's bond with Ruka during training

As fellow Japanese trainees at YG Entertainment, Asa and Ruka formed a special connection that helped both navigate the challenges of training far from home. Interestingly, they first met at the same YG audition site in Japan in 2018 and maintained a close relationship throughout their six-year training period.

Asa openly acknowledged Ruka's importance, stating, "When I first came to Korea, Ruka stayed by my side, and I could really lean on her". The two trainees supported each other through homesickness and training difficulties, often documenting their friendship by wearing old school uniforms and taking pictures together.

Their connection extended to their artistic development as well—both demonstrated talents in rap and eventually formed BABYMONSTER's rap line. They made history together as the first Japanese female idols to debut under YG Entertainment.

Although initially eliminated alongside Rora in the 'Last Evaluation,' Asa was added back to the final debut lineup by Yang Hyun Suk, YG's executive producer, in response to strong fan feedback. She ultimately debuted with BABYMONSTER on November 27, 2023, with their digital single "BATTER UP," securing her position as the group's main rapper and main dancer.

Ahyeon: The All-Rounder with Global Skills

Described as a "warrior with many weapons" by YG Entertainment, Jung Ahyeon brings exceptional versatility to BABYMONSTER through her combined vocal prowess, dance skills, and rapping abilities. Her journey to becoming the group's center position reveals both talent and perseverance that have shaped her unique role within the ensemble.

Ahyeon's multilingual abilities

Born on April 11, 2007, in Toegye-dong, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, Ahyeon developed impressive linguistic capabilities from an early age. Beyond her native Korean, she began studying English at just five years old, followed by Chinese at age seven. This early language acquisition has made her fluent in all three languages, allowing her to communicate effectively with international fans.

Her multilingual talents occasionally serve practical purposes beyond fan interaction. In one memorable fan encounter, Ahyeon cleverly used her Chinese language skills to communicate secretly with a fan about receiving a gift that her manager—who didn't understand Chinese—wouldn't allow. This resourcefulness demonstrates both her language proficiency and quick thinking.

Ahyeon's academic and artistic balance

Alongside her performing arts training, Ahyeon maintains impressive academic standards. Currently attending Hanlim Multi Art School with fellow member Rami in the Department of Applied Music, she consistently achieves high grades. Her instructors have noted her exceptional abilities, frequently describing her as an "ace" among trainees.

Prior to her current school, Ahyeon graduated from Seonglim Elementary School and Daeryong Middle School in South Korea. Her popular status among classmates reflects her interpersonal skills, complementing her artistic talents. After passing YG Entertainment's audition in 2018, she began a four-year training period, balancing intensive practice with educational commitments.

Ahyeon's pre-debut health hiatus

Just as BABYMONSTER prepared for their November 2023 debut, Ahyeon faced personal health challenges that temporarily altered the group's lineup. On November 15, 2023, YG Entertainment announced that Ahyeon would not participate in the group's debut activities due to health concerns. The company stated, "We will spare no support so that Ahyeon can recover fully and return in good health".

Fortunately, after a period of recovery, YG Entertainment announced on January 25, 2024, that Ahyeon would rejoin BABYMONSTER for their upcoming mini album in April. She made her official debut with the group on April 1, 2024, when they released "BABYMONS7ER", marking her triumphant return after overcoming her health issues.

Ahyeon's leadership in BABYMONSTER members position

Within the group structure, Ahyeon holds multiple significant positions as Main Vocalist, Dancer, Rapper, and Center. Her dance trainer at YGX, Li Jeong, specifically praised her as "the most stable when she stood in the center", validating her position as the visual focal point of performances.

Beyond formal positions, Ahyeon handles vocal training responsibilities alongside Rami, highlighting her leadership in developing the group's musical capabilities. Her representation in BABYMONSTER includes the color Bright Orange and the butterfly emoji (🦋).

Her performance philosophy centers on positivity—she follows the motto "Let's have fun with no regrets" when facing nervous situations. This mindset, combined with her technical skills and versatility, cements her reputation as the strongest all-rounder in BABYMONSTER.

Rami: From Child Model to Vocal Powerhouse

Shin Haram, now known professionally as Rami, began her entertainment journey long before joining BABYMONSTER's lineup. Her evolution from child model to powerhouse vocalist demonstrates an extraordinary dedication to performing arts from an exceptionally young age.

Rami's early modeling and acting career

With an entertainment career spanning almost her entire life, Rami first stepped into the spotlight at just two years old as a child model. Born on October 17, 2007, in Seoul, South Korea, she consistently worked throughout her childhood, appearing in numerous advertisements for toys and clothing. This early exposure to cameras and audiences laid a foundation for her comfort with performance that would serve her well in the competitive K-pop industry.

Rami's scholarship and school achievements

Currently, Rami attends Hanlim Arts High School alongside fellow member Ahyeon. As a student in Class 1-7 under the Department of Applied Music, she distinguished herself academically by becoming the only student in her department to receive a scholarship. This achievement holds even greater significance considering Hanlim offers just six departmental scholarships, with only one student selected from each department.

Rami's intense training schedule

Rami's journey with YG Entertainment began in August 2018, meaning she trained for approximately five years before debut. According to trainees' accounts, she maintained an incredibly rigorous practice regimen, training consistently for 9-10 hours daily. To maximize her practice time, she even rented accommodations near the training facility.

Her dedication quickly earned recognition from YG's instructors, who expressed amazement at her vocal abilities during monthly evaluations, noting it was "hard to believe she was still a trainee".

Rami's influence in BABYMONSTER members oldest to youngest

Within the group's structure, Rami serves as the main vocalist, utilizing her exceptional vocal talents. Her powerful singing has garnered significant attention since pre-debut, with her cover of Jazmine Sullivan's "Pick Up Your Feelings" showcasing her advanced vocal technique early in her career.

After BABYMONSTER's debut, Rami's reputation has only grown. Following a pre-stage interview where she effortlessly sang without backing tracks, clips of her performance gained thousands of views online. Some fans have even begun comparing her to legendary singers like Celine Dion, with others positioning her as the vocal representative of K-pop's fifth generation.

Rora: The Aurora of the Group

Lee Dain, known professionally as Rora, represents a rare blend of artistic and scientific talents within BABYMONSTER's diverse lineup, earning her nickname as the "aurora" of the group.

Rora's childhood and family

Born on August 14, 2008, in Naegok-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, Rora is currently 16 years old. She comes from a supportive family that includes her parents and a younger brother named Lee Kang-in, born in 2013. Her family belongs to the Jeonju Lee clan and practices Protestantism. Unlike some members who live in dormitories, Rora continues living with her family, commuting approximately two hours each day to YG Entertainment's building for training after school.

Rora's piano and science contest background

Beyond her K-pop career, Rora has demonstrated remarkable academic versatility. She inherited her musical talent from her mother, who is also a talented pianist. This maternal influence inspired Rora to explore music from an early age, leading to her participation in the 12th Yulgok Student Music Festival.

Alongside her artistic pursuits, Rora has showcased impressive scientific aptitude by participating in an international science competition. This combination of artistic and scientific talents has contributed to her well-rounded profile as she attends Seoul Performing Arts High School in the practical music department.

Rora's connection with NewJeans' Hyein

Perhaps most intriguing about Rora's pre-debut story is her long-standing friendship with NewJeans member Hyein. The two were part of the same kid idol group called U.SSO Girl around 2017-2018. At that time, Hyein performed under the name Yoo Jung, whereas Rora was known as Yoo Ha or U.ha.

Their shared history extends even further back—both were child models who occasionally met at photoshoots due to the small circle of child models in Korea. After years apart pursuing different paths, they reunited during a Japanese broadcast on November 30, 2024, where Rora later revealed: "It had been so long since we last met, but we were so happy—so happy that we hugged each other".

Rora's stage name origin and meaning

The name "Rora" was personally chosen by YG Entertainment's executive producer Yang Hyun-suk, derived from the word "aurora". The selection reflects his vision for her career, as he believed "she could become an artist that shines bright like an aurora".

Embracing this identity, Rora herself has expressed: "I want to become an artist who shines on the stage like a beautiful aurora". This aspirational mindset guided her through six years of training before officially debuting with BABYMONSTER on November 27, 2023.

Chiquita: The Youngest with the Brightest Spark

Riracha Phondechaphiphat, professionally known as Chiquita, captivates fans as the spirited maknae of BABYMONSTER with her expressive performance style and infectious enthusiasm. As the youngest member, her journey to K-pop stardom exemplifies remarkable talent discovered at an early age.

Chiquita's early life in Thailand

Born on February 17, 2009, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, Chiquita grew up in a supportive family environment that includes her parents and one brother named Copper, who is actually part of the Thai boy group BUS. She attended Sarasas Witaed Nakhonratchasima School in her home province, where she developed her foundation in performing arts.

Even before joining YG Entertainment, Chiquita demonstrated athletic prowess by learning taekwondo from age five, ultimately earning a black belt with her name inscribed on it. She speaks Thai and English fluently, even as she continues improving her Korean skills.

Chiquita's shortest training period

Among the BABYMONSTER members, Chiquita holds the distinction of having the shortest training period. She began her training journey in March 2021, completing approximately three years of preparation before officially debuting. This accelerated timeline highlights her natural talent, as most K-pop trainees typically undergo significantly longer preparation periods.

Prior to joining YG Entertainment, Chiquita was actually part of a cover group called RedRose, which provided her with valuable performance experience despite her young age.

Chiquita's audition and recruitment story

Chiquita's path to BABYMONSTER began with a standout performance at a YG Entertainment audition in Thailand in March 2021. For her audition, she impressively performed "In The Name Of Love" by Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha, demonstrating vocal abilities that belied her young age.

Her talent made such an immediate impression on YG's founder, Yang Hyun Suk, that he chose her over trainees with 5-6 years of experience. Indeed, after witnessing her first monthly evaluation, he declared, "I knew immediately I had to make her part of the project".

Chiquita's role as BABYMONSTER's maknae

As BABYMONSTER's maknae (youngest member), Chiquita serves as the group's Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer, and Sub-Rapper. Known for her expressive performances, fellow member Pharita describes her as "very cute and very outgoing".

Correspondingly, Chiquita has cultivated a distinctive personality within the group—she enjoys skinship, is affectionate with other members, and has even expressed interest in learning to rap. She shares a dorm room with Ahyeon and is characteristically the last one to wake up in the morning, requiring multiple alarms. Her representative emoji is the cherry, matching her bright personality.