BABYMONSTER is turning up the heat this summer—and paying tribute to K-pop royalty while doing it. On July 1, the rookie girl group unveiled “HOT SAUCE”, a bright and energetic pre-release single from their upcoming mini-album, and it’s already sparking buzz—not just for its catchy hook and summer-ready vibes, but for the nostalgic homage baked into its music video.
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| Photo Credit - YG Entertainment |
Eagle-eyed fans, especially those who’ve been riding the K-pop wave since its earliest days, immediately recognized the set as a loving tribute to Seo Taiji and Boys’ iconic 1992 debut music video “I Know (난 알아요)”. The nod is far more than just a wink—it’s a full-circle moment crafted with intention. YG Entertainment’s founder Yang Hyun-suk, who now oversees BABYMONSTER as executive producer, was once part of that very legendary trio.
From the retro-styled stage setup to the unmistakable font borrowed from Seo Taiji and Boys’ first album cover—now spelling out “HOT SAUCE” in bold letters—the MV fuses past and present with flair. Lyrics scattered across the set like graffiti and a dynamic, carefree energy channel the spirit of '90s Korean hip-hop, reinterpreted through BABYMONSTER’s modern lens.
Stylistically, the group leans hard into the retro concept with oversized, colorful outfits and bold lettering—echoing the aesthetic of a bygone era while keeping their youthful charisma front and center. It’s a refreshing contrast that’s resonating across generations. Older K-pop fans are applauding the homage, while younger listeners are vibing with the track’s summery sound and addictive choreography.
“HOT SAUCE” marks the first step in BABYMONSTER’s ambitious release schedule. With a second pre-release single set for September, followed by the full mini-album drop in October, the group is gearing up for a high-impact second half of 2025. And they’re not staying still—BABYMONSTER will hit the road this August for Summer Sonic, Japan’s largest music festival, before embarking on the North American leg of their tour with stops in Toronto, Rosemont, Atlanta, Fort Worth, Oakland, and Seattle.
Watch it now 😎