BABYMONSTER Unleashes 'CHOOM': A Global Dance Floor Manifesto

Key facts

• BABYMONSTER released their third mini-album 'CHOOM' on June 4 at 6 p.m. KST.
• The album features four tracks: 'CHOOM', 'MOON', 'I LIKE IT', and 'LOCKED IN'.
• The title track 'CHOOM' was born from a late-night studio improvisation involving traditional Korean instruments.
• YG Entertainment commissioned 10 choreography teams to compete for the album's dance routines.
• The group will kick off their second global tour with a Seoul concert in June.
• A comeback live stream aired on June 4 at 8 p.m. KST via YouTube, Weverse, and TikTok.

A Dance-Fueled Return After Seven Months

On June 4 at 6 p.m. KST, BABYMONSTER dropped their third mini-album 'CHOOM', ending a seven-month hiatus since their previous release, 'WEGO UP'. The album's title, which translates to 'dance' in Korean, signals the group's intent to transform the world into a massive dance floor. The four-track collection spans hip-hop, dance, and R&B, showcasing a more distinct musical identity than before. The comeback was preceded by a live stream at 8 p.m. KST on YouTube, Weverse, and TikTok, where the seven members engaged with fans, unboxed the album, and revealed behind-the-scenes stories. The event underscored the group's commitment to connecting with their global fanbase, MONSTIEZ, in real time.

From Studio Improvisation to Signature Sound

The title track 'CHOOM' originated from a spontaneous late-night studio session. A producer suggested incorporating traditional Korean instruments, and the members experimented with vocal harmonies and sampled sounds, eventually creating a fusion intro that the team instantly recognized as the song's defining moment. This improvisation was preserved in the final recording. Member Ahyeon shared that she infused her personal growth struggles over the past two years into the lyrics, describing the recording process as 'whispering secrets into the microphone.' The members' impromptu harmonies transformed these private emotions into a collective anthem, resonating with listeners.

Choreography Born from Playful Mistakes

The iconic 'pulse vibration dance' in the chorus originated from a mistake during a hand-clapping game, when members laughed and flung their arms. The choreographer captured this spontaneous movement and refined it into a signature move. Ruka, who revealed the story during the live stream, noted that the group's playful dynamic often fuels their creative process. The choreography for 'CHOOM' marks a departure from BABYMONSTER's previous precision-focused style. For the first time, YG Entertainment invited 10 choreography teams to bid for the album's routines, with chief producer Yang Hyun-suk personally crafting the chorus moves. The result emphasizes 'freedom within strength,' allowing members to incorporate individual expressions such as finger tremors and shoulder pops during beat breaks.

Rigorous Training and On-Set Challenges

The physical demands of the new choreography were intense. Pharita displayed a wrist bruise during the live stream, revealing that the members conducted 'human experiments' in the practice room, testing various angles to minimize impact during floor moves. They jokingly called this 'physics training,' which ultimately produced a seamless three-and-a-half-minute stage performance. During the music video shoot, a malfunctioning prop car forced the members to sit in the driver's seat under 40°C heat, pretending to drive while making funny faces to combat heatstroke. Asa remarked that their 'expression management surrendered to survival instincts.' The bloopers were later included in the behind-the-scenes documentary.

Global Ambitions and Genre-Bending Music

The album's four tracks traverse multiple genres: 'MOON' leans into hip-hop, 'I LIKE IT' offers fresh pop, and 'LOCKED IN' delivers抒情 R&B. The title track 'CHOOM' serves as an integrator, wrapping diversity in a strong dance framework. Its style fuses hip-hop beats with electronic dance music, featuring a rhythmic twist in the chorus—a sudden half-beat pause followed by an explosive downbeat. This 'killing part' is designed to be addictive. The song's global appeal is reinforced by repetitive chants like 'Let's choom' and 'Yah yah yah,' aiming to trigger physical reactions across cultural boundaries. The choreography includes numerous gestures directed at the audience, aligning with the group's vision for their upcoming world tour, which begins in Seoul in June. The tour will feature an immersive 'time travel' concept with AR technology, allowing members to appear as digital avatars on stage.

A New Chapter for BABYMONSTER and K-Pop

With 'CHOOM', BABYMONSTER aims to evolve from 'talented rookies' to 'stage dominators.' The album's experimental approach—mixing YG's signature dark hip-hop with EDM and Afrobeat elements—pushes the boundaries of K-pop girl group conventions. While some listeners have drawn comparisons to YG's earlier hit 'Boombayah,' the group's willingness to take risks is widely seen as pioneering. As Chiquita stated, 'This is a song that must be experienced with the stage.' The album not only marks a milestone for BABYMONSTER but also redefines the possibilities of K-pop dance music, blending technical sophistication with raw emotional energy.

The bottom line

• BABYMONSTER's 'CHOOM' album and title track center on dance, aiming to turn the world into a dance floor.
• The title track was born from a late-night studio improvisation with traditional Korean instruments.
• The choreography was developed through a competitive process involving 10 teams, with YG's chief producer overseeing the chorus.
• Members endured rigorous physical training, including 'physics experiments' to perfect floor moves.
• The album spans multiple genres, with the title track fusing hip-hop, EDM, and Afrobeat elements.
• The group's second global tour kicks off in Seoul in June, featuring AR-enhanced performances.