13-year-old Chiquita debuts for BABYMONSTER after NewJeans faces criticism for young girls in group

On May 12, YG Entertainment released an official "Debut Member Announcement" video in which head producer Yang Hyun Suk announced that the female group BABYMONSTER's top five members were Ahyeon, Ruka, Chiquita, Haram, and Pharita.

However, Yang Hyun Suk ultimately revealed that the two members would also join the debut lineup as members chosen by the fans, or the numerous members of the "YG Family," because of the huge demand from fans to include members Rora and Asa. 

Following the announcement, internet users discussed teenagers making debuts as early as 13 years old on social media.

In fact, many K-pop fans criticised the NewJeans group for its members' ages prior to the unveiling of BABYMONSTER. The youngest member of the Hybe group is Hyein, who is currently 15 years old but was 14 when the group made their debut.

Chiquita, one of the members of BABYMONSTER, is 13 years old, while the other three are 14 years old.

The group is tentatively scheduled to debut by fall of 2023.