State Champ Radio genre kpop
Trending on Billboard
Being part of HYBE’s conglomerate naturally puts artists in a position of visibility from day one. The company’s financial and structural size is undeniable, but in K-pop, where competition is fierce, money doesn’t buy talent or guarantee a lasting impact. With only two months in their career, CORTIS is attracting attention on its own merit.
With a sharp stage presence and charisma that breaks the rigid molds of the industry, the quintet formed by James, Juhoon, Keonho, Martin and Seonghyeon secured a prominent position among the year’s rookies with a lot of personality. Aged between 16 and 20, the young men form the first group launched by BIGHIT MUSIC in six years – after TXT in 2019 and BTS in 2013 – with the motto of being a creative team and self-producing.
The group’s first EP, Color Outside the Lines, was released on Sept. 8 and debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 – the weekly ranking of the most popular albums in the United States. The project has been on the World Albums chart for 10 weeks. “It still seems surreal to think that we’re actually on the charts. We hadn’t even noticed. One day, our manager told us, ‘You’re on the Billboard chart!’ I was like… ‘Wait, really?’ And when I checked, we were at No. 15,” Martin tells Billboard Brasil in a video call for the new digital cover story. “It’s a matter of gratitude to our fans and listeners. I’m very grateful for all of this, and we want to continue growing and be remembered for a long time.”
For James, entering the charts has a positive impact on the group. “It represents a great milestone. And it’s just the beginning. We can only improve from here on out, and we’re working hard, as always, to make even better music.”
The success of their first EP raises expectations for CORTIS’ next steps. And they themselves acknowledge this. Martin describes the pressure as a responsibility that guides what they will do next. Seonghyeon admits that the pressure exists (“Without a doubt!” he says).
“The goal of the first project was to express our emotions, and that resonated with many people. Over these months, we’ve changed. With the second album, we’re thinking: ‘What do we have to say now?’ What story will we tell the fans, and how will we remain as authentic as possible? That’s the goal,” says James.
Even though they’ve only recently debuted, they already have thousands of fans in Brazil. On social media, they went viral for their passion for açaí and for reading the Brazilian nickname of their fandom, “Cortinas” (curtains in Portuguese), during a recent livestream. When asked about their interactions with the Brazilian audience, the question generates a slight commotion, and they speak at the same time.
“It’s incredible [to receive messages from Brazil],” says Keonho. “I can’t wait to visit Brazil,” says Juhoon. “We are big fans of Brazilian culture, especially the festivals [like Carnival]. We want to go to Brazil to do a show,” adds Martin. “We know you guys are fun,” adds James. “We know about açaí, we need to try it [in Brazil],” completes Seonghyeon.
The contrast between who CORTIS was before their debut and who they are today is discussed during the chat. For Martin, the biggest change is emotional. “It’s difficult because we’ve changed a lot since last year,” says the rapper. “When we were working on the album, nobody knew us. Now, we have fans and when we go out, people recognize us at the convenience store and everywhere. I’m enjoying the moment and very happy to see the reactions to my music.” For Keonho, the main difference is part of maturing. His biggest change? “My voice [laughs], the range of my voice.”
They seem to handle the group’s rapid rise well. James explains that, as cliché as it may sound, what keeps them grounded is remembering why they started. “I think we’ll never forget that. Although we have many different things happening along the way, ultimately, the reason we do this work is that we love music, and we love expressing ourselves in our unique way.”
Daily rituals like riding bikes, strolling in a park, listening to music, and playing basketball help the members deal with personal doubts and growing up in the public eye. They often talk about “embracing their awkward sides,” laughing at their own embarrassment to evolve, and using creativity as a way to discover who they are. “Over time, I’m starting to understand who I am. Now I know what I really love to do, what my musical taste is, what my taste is. This is making my personality more vivid and distinct,” says Juhoon.
“I think that accepting yourself in every way is also an important point, even your weird sides,” James says. “There’s a saying that goes ‘to be cringe is to be free’. It’s a great phrase. If you want to improve at something, you need to feel uncomfortable. You need to be ashamed of yourself to gain confidence. And I think that’s the mentality we bring to the music.”
“We’re still teenagers, and we’re growing up,” Martin adds. “Finding our style in music or visuals is like finding ourselves, investigating ourselves.”
CORTIS
Courtesy Billboard Brasil
Puzzle Pieces
Their individual stories reinforce the discourse of self-worth. Keonho uses the competitive mind-set from swimming to evolve as an artist, always focusing on surpassing himself. Seonghyeon moved to Seoul at a young age to be a trainee, and the process never intimidated him – it only motivated him more. Juhoon, on the other hand, sees his diverse background in sports, studies and fashion as a foundation that helped him better understand his abilities.
The quintet’s leader Martin is Korean-Canadian and spent six years working toward their debut in September. In addition to producing CORTIS’ music, he composed singles for other HYBE groups – such as “Magnetic” (ILLIT), “Deja Vu” (TXT), “Pierrot” (LE SSERAFIM) and “Outside” (ENHYPEN).
“To be honest, when I start to lose confidence or doubt myself, I try to focus on small things. I play basketball, ride my bike, do something fun, go for a walk, and listen to music,” says Martin. “It’s a goal I want to have. To remember that [music] is something I really want to do for the rest of my life, that I really love, and that I do it for fun. That’s why I chose this path. I never doubted myself, I never wanted to be anything else. So, trusting myself and finding small hobbies helps me distance myself from those insecure thoughts.”
James is Thai-Chinese. He was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Taiwan. He was a trainee for about five years before debuting with CORTIS. Besides choreographing and composing for his group, he was a backup dancer for Jung Kook (BTS) and also wrote for other groups like ILLIT and TXT.
“In general, my tastes and preferences are quite broad… To be honest, even food. Growing up in different countries, going back and forth between them, always encouraged me to try new things. It opened me up to new experiences and I think that really helped me discover new music, movies, and see things I had never seen before,” says James. “Was it difficult moving around so much?” I ask the singer. “No, but it’s difficult when part of the family speaks one language and the other half speaks another… You’re in the middle and become the link that speaks all the languages and has to adapt every second.”
Juhoon was born in South Korea. A sports prodigy, he excelled in basketball and soccer. He was a child model and learned English at an international school. As a trainee preparing to debut with CORTIS, he underwent got classes and training for less than two years.
“Every moment influenced me in some way, and all these experiences made me who I am,” says the singer. “Playing sports taught me to be competitive, and at school I learned to communicate. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to explore various things and always focused on how much I enjoyed each one. I tried to discover what interested me, and that’s how I got into music.”
South Korean Seonghyeon was recruited on his birthday in 2018 while strolling through an amusement park. He is credited as a composer on all tracks of CORTIS’ EP: “What You Want,” “GO!”, “Joyride,” “Fashion” and “Lullaby.”
“When I moved to Seoul to be a trainee, it wasn’t very difficult. I really enjoyed the process, and my mother encouraged me by telling me to try,” recalls Seonghyeon. “The more I trained, the more interested I became. I want to be someone cool. Someone who is laid-back inside and out, and good at what they do, with confidence. I’m still figuring out what ‘cool’ means, but I hope to keep learning as I grow.”
Keonho spent three years as a trainee. The South Korean singer was a swimmer and participated in championships in the country before deciding to pursue a career in music. He also composed tracks for CORTIS’ first release.
“I learned that the real competition isn’t with others, but with yourself. And I think I always want to maintain that mindset and keep striving,” says Keonho, who smiles a lot. “I thought about it a lot because I wanted to be a swimmer and be part of the group. But my parents advised me: ‘It’s good to try new things, so why don’t you give it a try?’ I followed their advice and fulfilled my dream of becoming an artist. I’m really enjoying it.”
CORTIS’ members share the stage and also the dorm. They live together in Seoul and receive support from a dedicated team. The backstage routine also becomes content on their YouTube channel. “We grew closer naturally while preparing for our debut and also composing music. We live together 24/7,” says Seonghyeon. “Is it difficult living together?” I ask. “Yes, sometimes, but it’s fun. We usually resolve things by talking. For example, when it comes to washing dishes, we have a rule that each person washes their own after using them. This keeps things simple and fair.”
The advice they received from other artists also helps shape the group’s work. James keeps the phrase “one step at a time” as a mantra, a phrase he got from Teezo Touchdown’s autograph on a pair of sneakers.
“That’s my phone’s background. It always reminds me not to rush, and that sometimes you really don’t know what to do and end up rushing everything. You need to go slowly, one step at a time, and focus on what’s coming next,” says James.
“The most important thing for me is the passion and intensity I have on stage. I want every performance to have the same passion and intensity as the first time. It’s on stage where I feel most free. I want to remember that in the future, even if some days I’m not feeling well.”
Martin cites his meeting with the BTS members: remaining humble, caring for the team, keeping the passion alive even in the face of difficulties.
“They said, ‘Always be grateful and humble.’ And they also told us to take good care of the people around us, especially the team and those we will be working with for a long time. ‘Take good care of them, treat them with kindness, and keep the passion and energy alive. Even if big challenges arise, just keep persevering and enjoy the process.’ That’s what they said, and that’s how we’re living, day after day,” says Martin. CORTIS hasn’t gone on tour yet, but the “cortinas” in Brazil are already waiting for them with plenty of açaí.
—This article was written by Isabela Pacilio for Billboard Brasil
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
You couldn’t really escape the Saja Boys’ music this year. If you didn’t know, they’re a K-pop boy group that has hit the Billboard charts countless times, only they’re not a real group.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
Despite being fictional, Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters‘ boy band Saja Boys have made it big. Saja Boys now has three Billboard Hot 100 entries (and a top 40 hit to boot), with tracks like “Your Idol” and “Soda Pop” having been a constant on the Hot 100 charts, continuing to blow expectations out of the water. The Netflix animated film topped the box office with roughly $18 million over two days. With a release in theaters around Halloween, the movie collected $5 million to $6 million, which was a shock, given it’d already been widely available on streaming. The film’s soundtrack was also just nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media at the The 67th Grammy Awards.
As it turns out, the boy band has its own merch, and it’s currently available on sale at Amazon. You can rep the faux group in style with a slew of merch options in vibrant hues from tees to crew necks. With the holidays just around the corner, this gives parents of avid KPop Demon Hunters fans the opportunity to knock Christmas gift shopping out of the park. Plus, with that hefty sale tacked on, you won’t have to go breaking the bank for a gift your little ones will love. Fictional or not, we promise you your kids will be wearing this Saja Boys merch over and over again.
Some of our favorites include the official Saja Boys tee, which comes in sizes for men, women, youth and girls. You’ve got eight colorways to choose from, including Lemon Yellow and White, that all stand in contrast to the boy group’s neon pink logo.
Saja Boys Officially Licensed T-Shirt
$19.99
$22.97
13% off
A cotton tee in black with neon pink lettering.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Heartthrob Officially Licensed Sweatshirt
$35.67
$41.97
15% off
A sweatshirt featuring all the members of the Saja Boys on the front.
Another favorite is the Heartthrob Sweatshirt, equipped with a colorful neon graphic of the Saja Boys members Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Romance and Baby. This unisex sweatshirt comes in four different colorways and sizes ranging from small to XX large. The unisex Heartthrob Hoodie boasts the same graphics and sizing options but in five colorways. Each piece of merch is made of majority cotton, keeping the wearer nice and comfortable while streaming their fave fictional K-pop acts.
The success of the animated film comes as no surprise, considering that K-pop has skyrocketed in popularity in the past few years. Pair that with the punchy animation style a la Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, energetic action sequences and foot-tapping original music tracks, and you’ve got a recipe for success. The K-pop-centric film was directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and first released in June. The movie was heavily inspired by Kang’s South Korean roots and South Korean folklore surrounding demons and mythology. Of course, Kang’s love of K-pop was also a huge inspiration. It is available to stream right now on Netflix.
KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Heartthrob Officially Licensed Pullover Hoodie
$36.52
$42.97
15% off
A gray hoodie with the Saja Boys on the front.
KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Officially Licensed Sweatshirt
$35.67
$41.97
15% off
A gray hoodie with the Saja Boys logo on the front in neon pink.
The movie centers around world-renowned K-pop girl group Huntr/x, as the members balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as demon hunters. Each character was based loosely on real K-pop acts from BLACKPINK, MONSTA X to Itzy and EXO. You’ve also got tracks sung by former and current K-pop idols such as Kevin Woo from UKISS to Twice’s track “Takedown” sung by members Jeongyeon, Jihyo and Chaeyoung.
Even More Saja Boys Merch that we Love
KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Logo Girls Mineral Wash Crop T-Shirt
$21.52
$26.90
20% off
A distressed tee with the Saja Boys logo on the front.
KPop Demon Hunters Chibi Demon Jinu T-Shirt
$15
$24.90
40% off
A black tee with a chibi version of demon Jinu on the front.
KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Chibi Group Girls Baby T-Shirt
$21.52
$26.90
20% off
A black cropped tee with all of the Saja Boys members on the front.
KPop Demon Hunters Saja Boys Logo Hoodie
A black hoodie with the Saja Boys logo on the front.
Watch the KPop Demon Hunters trailer below:
Trending on Billboard
After losing their legal battle against ADOR, the members of NewJeans have decided to resume activities with the label.
On Wednesday (Nov. 12), ADOR announced that K-pop stars Haerin and Hyein had agreed to continue working with the HYBE subsidiary after “thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions” about how to move forward.
“The two members have decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract with the label,” the company wrote in a statement shared with Billboard. “ADOR is committed to providing its full support to HAERIN and HYEIN to ensure the seamless continuation of their artistic endeavors.”
“We request the warm support from the fans and respectfully urge you to avoid engaging in unfounded speculation regarding the members,” ADOR added.
Other outlets are reporting that the remaining members, Minji, Hanni and Danielle, have also agreed to continue working with the label. Billboard has reached out to HYBE for comment.
News of NewJeans’ return comes a year after the members first announced plans to leave ADOR and release music independently, alleging that the label had violated their contract by firing their mentor, former CEO Min Hee-jin. This past October, a Korean judge sided with ADOR’s stance that the termination of Min was not sufficient grounds to void the band’s contract, upholding that NewJeans may not pursue any independent activities until 2029.
“We sincerely hope that today’s judgment, which comes after long-term verification of various claims and facts and reaffirms prior rulings, will serve as an opportunity for the artists to calmly reflect on this matter,” ADOR said in a statement following its victory. “As we stated during the trial, we have completed preparations for the artist’s activities, including the release of a studio album, and are waiting. We will do our utmost to return to the fans through discussions with the artist.”
Since forming in 2022, NewJeans has released a number of singles and two EPs, including 2nd EP ‘Get Up’, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group has also charted five songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2025, Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein began releasing music and performing under the name “NJZ.” They were ordered to stop doing so after ADOR filed a preliminary injunction, and in June, they were each fined $734,000 for “unauthorized activities.”
Trending on Billboard Beliebers and ENGENE, unite! ENHYPEN is getting hyped up for the holidays with a festive cover of Justin Bieber‘s enduring seasonal hit, “Mistletoe,” which the K-pop boy band released exclusively through Apple Music on Tuesday (Nov. 11). The rendition of the Biebs’ 2011 classic — which reached No. 11 on the Billboard […]
Trending on Billboard
BTS‘ comeback is about to be dynamite. According to RM, who gave fans an update on the band’s fast-approaching comeback, he and bandmates Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook have been hard at work on new music — and their diligence is apparently paying off.
In a post to Weverse shared Tuesday (Nov. 11), the band leader wrote that “above all,” the music the septet is recording is “coming out really well!!”
“Everyone’s trying,” he added in Korean, per Weverse’s English translation. “Please look forward to it.”
Fans have known for some time that new BTS music was in the works, with the boy band reuniting on camera in July after taking about two years apart while fulfilling South Korean military requirements. At the time, the members revealed that they not only had a new album planned for 2026, but a world tour as well.
In October, RM gave more details about the timeline of his band’s official return. “We have to keep preparing for the album — we’ll shoot the album photos and film the music video,” he said at W Korea’s Love Your W event in Seoul. “Please look forward to late March.”
Though there’s no doubt the Bangtan Boys can do it, topping their last musical era will be no small task. RM and his bandmates became global phenoms in 2020 when they scored three No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 that year alone, with album Be and 2022 compilation album Proof both peaking atop the Billboard 200.
But, as RM pointed out while delivering the keynote speech at this year’s APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, shattering expectations is exactly what BTS is known for. “BTS first started to go outside Korea about 10 years ago,” he said at the event. “At that time, the music of BTS was quickly called ‘non-English, foreign culture.’ Trying to get on mainstream media through our music was like doing an experiment and a huge challenge. It was a test to see if ‘music in Korean can work on the global stage.’”
“We overcame those barriers,” RM continued at the time. “ARMY was the force that broke down those barriers. They use our music as the medium to carry out conversations that cross borders and languages.”
Trending on Billboard
As Michael Jackson historically returns to the top 10 with “Thriller” and Kehlani gives Brandy her flowers, Billboard‘s chart experts break down the correlation between Grammy nominations and artists such as HUNTR/X, Alex Warren, Leon Thomas and more who have taken over the charts this year. Black Eyed Peas singer Taboo stopped by with his daughter to share what it was like to work in the studio with Jett on Dora, his thoughts on the Dodgers’ huge win, and their perspectives on the diversity of artists on the Hot 100.
What’s your prediction for next week’s No. 1? Let us know in the comments!
Tetris Kelly: Michael Jackson makes a holiday return to the charts as Taylor Swift still battles with KPop Demon Hunters for the No. 1 spot.
Taboo: The fact that we have multicultural representation on the top 100 from KATSEYE to Demon Hunters, the HUNTR/X, I love that.
Tetris Kelly: Hey, what’s up? And welcome to the Hot 100 Show. As you can see, I got my friend Taboo and his daughter, Jett, stopping by a little bit later, and we got a new top 10 entry on the chart. So let’s start by running it down. This is the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated Nov. 15. After a Halloween surge, “Thriller” hits the top 10. Morgan stays at No. 9. “Mutt” moves up to No. 8. All right, we got a newcomer to the top 10 in MJ. I can’t say I was ready for that, but Halloween isn’t it?
Eric Frankenburg: Yeah, I don’t know if newcomer’s the word. “Thriller” was in the top 10 in 1984, but this is the highest it’s been since March of 1984 — it’s pretty incredible. You know, it returns to the chart every year for Halloween, but this year’s a whole different story. It’s in the top 10. And, yes, it’s just wild you know that it’s higher than it’s been in 41 years.
Xander Zellner: Yeah, it feels like it’s kind of becoming, like, the “All I Want for Christmas Is You” of the Halloween season, where, like, it started growing more and more each year, and this year, Halloween fell on a Friday. So like, now it’s in the top 10. It’s amazing.
Delisa Shannon: I can already imagine, like, AI versions of Michael Jackson going, “It’s time.” Like, I already know it’s coming. You said it, not me.
Keep watching for more!
Trending on Billboard SEVENTEEN member HOSHI dropped a surprise solo single on Tuesday (Nov. 11) the sad boy lament “Fallen Superstar.” The skittery ballad co-written by Andrew Goldstein (Maroon 5, Katy Perry) and singer-songwriter JXDN is the 29-year-old K-pop star’s first solo effort entirely in English following on the heels of March’s Beam EP, a […]
Trending on Billboard
GIRLSET wants you to know that nothing’s over until they say it is.
Ten months ago, news broke of the group’s shake-up: a lawsuit against its label, South Korea’s JYP Entertainment, from a former member, KG, followed by the exit of another, Kaylee, due to health concerns seven months later. But by the end of August, the now four-member girl group had already redebuted with new music and a new name.
Formerly known as VCHA, GIRLSET is a K-pop rarity: a group that didn’t crumble under pressure but rebuilt itself from within. It’s a story of optimism — and what follows a breaking point in the often unforgiving world of K-pop. GIRLSET’s hiatus would’ve been a death sentence for most groups. Instead, the resilient quartet returned with a renewed love for its craft.
In a plush, dimly lit Hollywood club on a recent Wednesday afternoon, GIRLSET’s members — Kendall, Lexi, Camila and Savanna — are bubbly and noticeably excited to chat about their latest era. There’s a light, airy energy among them.
“I had to keep reminding myself, ‘You’re doing this for you,’” Lexi, 19, says of her experience within the rigid K-pop training system. “Whatever happens, happens. I love what I do and that’s what kept me going.”
VCHA formed in 2023 through the competition show A2K (or America2Korea), a joint project by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records that followed American contestants through multiple rounds of evaluations in Los Angeles and Seoul that summer. Thousands of young girls auditioned, but only 11 trainees made it to the show’s final rounds. JYP Entertainment founder and CEO J.Y. Park envisioned a multicultural girl group that could represent the Western market while undergoing the famously rigorous training of the K-pop system. Having already secured his place among South Korea’s “Big Four” entertainment giants, Park, who this fall was named co-chairman of the Korean government’s presidential committee focused on cultural exchange, wanted to bridge the two pop worlds.
JYP wasn’t the only K-pop company with this goal. As A2K was holding auditions, HYBE and Geffen Records jointly launched The Debut: Dream Academy, another reality show with similar objectives to A2K. The competition yielded a new group, KATSEYE, whose formation was documented in the 2024 series Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE. Now, KATSEYE is dominating the pop world: The group received a Grammy nod for best new artist in early November, as well as a best pop duo/group performance nomination for its single “Gabriela,” released in June, which hits a new No. 33 high on the Billboard Hot 100 dated Nov. 15.
GIRLSET’s Camila, a 20-year-old Cuban Canadian, embraced the opportunity to get involved in the K-pop system. “For me, I always wanted to be a singer,” she says of her motivation to audition for A2K. “I loved K-pop and pop groups, but it felt like a faraway dream. So when the opportunity came, I told myself, ‘I’m getting it. I’m going to be in a girl group.’ ”
Camila
Munachi Osegbu
Kendall, a 19-year-old Vietnamese American who hails from Texas, says auditioning was more about blending her passions than choosing just one. “Back then, I was figuring out my future — college, career — and I loved both singing and dancing,” she says. “But I thought the only place I could do both was Broadway, and that wasn’t what I wanted. So I assumed I’d have to pick one, maybe go into production. Then A2K came along — it was perfect.”
As Kendall, who describes herself as “calm and collected,” explains, “We always say, ‘Everything happens for a reason.’ That’s something we all repeat a lot.”
The four members say they found strength in camaraderie when things got tough during training. Savanna, a 19-year-old Venezuelan Trinbagonian from Florida, recalls that the hardest part of the A2K audition process was “taking it day by day. Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Seeing everyone beside me working hard helped, too. We were all pushing each other.”
VCHA’s initial run was promising. The original six-member act debuted in January 2024 with the single “Girls of the Year,” reached No. 5 on Billboard’s since-discontinued X-based Hot Trending Songs chart with “Y.O.Universe,” opened for JYP powerhouse girl group TWICE on select tour dates and quickly built an international following. However, following a canceled Lollapalooza 2024 debut due to unforeseen circumstances and the imminent departure of two members, things quickly turned — and left fans wondering if the act would continue. But GIRLSET’s drive, and the discipline forged through its members’ auditions and training, became a foundation as the quartet’s world threatened to fall apart.
On Dec. 7, 2024, a lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by the guardian of then-17-year-old member KG Crown, alleging child neglect, labor exploitation and unfair business practices by JYP USA staff. Two days later, on Dec. 9, JYP USA issued a statement calling the claims “false and exaggerated” — but also suspended VCHA’s activities. The case ignited widespread debate among K-pop fans about the treatment of young artists within the idol system, a topic that continues to dominate social media as the once-niche genre expands globally.
Months later, the group suffered another blow. In July, JYP USA announced that 15-year-old member Kaylee had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the company. Now only four of VCHA’s original six members — Lexi, Camila, Savanna and Kendall — remained.
Many VCHA fans have wondered: Had the girls foreseen the hard times on the horizon? “Some things were unexpected; others weren’t new to us,” Kendall reflects. “We had a lot of intertwined feelings about everything: our journey, our relationships, the past members. But we had each other to rely on.”
Kendall
Munachi Osegbu
All four say they talked through the toughest moments and felt supported by their team at JYP USA and Republic. But they’re still processing the changes to VCHA and the turmoil that followed. “It’s impossible to sit down and explain everything,” Camila says softly before Savanna brightly adds, “But then we found a group in us. It felt right — like this was the moment to truly put ourselves out there as GIRLSET.”
Less than 30 days after Kaylee’s departure, on Aug. 7, VCHA redebuted as GIRLSET under JYP USA and Republic. Its first release as a rebranded act, “Commas,” signaled a confident reset. The fun, stand-alone pop single highlights where the group is heading next, with a girl-crush concept that says, “We’ve been here the whole time. Pay attention.”
While the highly publicized departure of two members might’ve rattled another group’s confidence — and its label’s faith in its future — GIRLSET is digging its heels in.
“When we’re in dance practice, I always have these moments,” says Sheboygan, Wis., native Lexi, her eyes bright. “I’ll stop, look in the mirror and think, ‘Wow — This. Is. Us.’ We’ve come so far. Hearing the sound, seeing how much we’ve evolved — it’s crazy. Every time I look in the mirror, I lock in for 10 seconds and say it out loud: ‘Guys, this is us.’ ”
Lexi
Munachi Osegbu
The rest of the girls smile as she speaks, for these optimistic, supportive moments have become Lexi’s calling card within the group. “It’s easy to forget change when it’s gradual,” Kendall adds. “But when we look back, we see how much we’ve grown.”
JYP Entertainment is confident about GIRLSET’s future as well. “They’ve walked a path no artist has taken before, and we hope this original journey leads them to a new level of success that no artist has achieved before,” the company says.
And in a 2025 pop world where global girl groups — and especially those hailing from the K-pop training system — are hot commodities, GIRLSET may have reemerged at the perfect time. The term “multicultural girl group” has recently become a fixture in industry conversations. Traditionally, K-pop groups comprised East Asian members. The newer multicultural model, however, seeks trainees from diverse national, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. It’s a concept that Park pioneered through A2K — and GIRLSET embodies the promise of that experiment. It knows that “multicultural girl group” has become something of a buzzword, but for the members, it’s a lived reality. They’re deeply proud of representing their own cultures within K-pop.
“I always feel so happy being the representation for Latinas,” Camila says, glowing. “Growing up, seeing Fifth Harmony with Cuban members made me feel like maybe I could also make it. I know there are girls and boys seeing us now and seeing themselves in us. That’s really special.”
Lexi, who is Hmong American, adds, “Being able to bring different communities together is such a great feeling. Everyone loving the same thing — that’s the best part.” As Camila explains, “We want people to see themselves in us. That’s the whole point.”
GIRLSET isn’t alone in that mission — but does the group feel any rivalry with its fellow L.A.-based K-pop-trained peers in KATSEYE? “We’re all just doing our own thing,” Kendall says matter-of-factly. The act is aware of the constant online comparisons between it and KATSEYE but isn’t phased by them. “It shouldn’t be about competition,” Camila says with a smile. “Let’s just slay together.
“It’s amazing seeing so many talented girls from different cultures coming together and making something great,” she adds. “I think what they’re doing is amazing — and they’re super sweet. It’s more about appreciating both [groups]. I think we’re both special in our own ways.”
When it comes to GIRLSET’s place within the larger multicultural group movement, JYP Entertainment says, “The members were born and raised in North America, but they were trained under JYP’s signature training that highlights discipline and artistry. The combination of their cultural diversity and K-pop artistry makes them truly distinctive. For us, GIRLSET isn’t just joining the movement; they’re helping to shape the next era of U.S. pop.
“The goal isn’t just success,” the label adds. “It’s endurance and legacy.”
GIRLSET feels a shared responsibility to represent authenticity in a world that prizes perfection. “We always want to be a group that speaks about real things and be raw and realistic,” Savanna says. “We’re just people with emotions, and I think that’s what we want to be remembered for.”
Savanna
Munachi Osegbu
Of course, being a K-pop act based in L.A. rather than Seoul presents logistical challenges. In Korea, JYP groups have access to fellow idols who can share tips and tricks of the trade, as well as state-of-the-art training facilities, built-in TikTok content buddies and consistent opportunities to sharpen their skills on Korean music shows. K-pop fans have come to love seeing their faves collaborate with other groups, and crossover TikTok dance challenges have become common.
“L.A. is different,” Kendall notes. “There aren’t weekly music shows where idols naturally meet. It’s less accessible, but if it happens, it happens.”
They’ve still found community within the JYP universe. GIRLSET’s members reflect on opening for TWICE in early 2024 with admiration. “Seeing TWICE’s show was inspiring,” Camila recalls. “Lily from NMIXX is really sweet. She’s given advice about this lifestyle and overcoming things.” Kendall adds, “We’ve also talked with [NiziU members] Nina and Rima. Speaking English makes it easier to connect. They’ve been supportive.”
As for their L.A. peers? “Maybe one day,” Kendall says of connecting with KATSEYE. “They’re super talented and sweet; the essence of their group is similar to us — global, representing your culture, bringing something new.”
For GIRLSET, just the opportunity to start fresh means everything. When asked what they want fans to remember most about this new era, the answers come quickly: survival, growth, empowerment.
“We’ve all pushed ourselves individually and become so much stronger as a group,” Savanna says. “Our versatility now — it feels like a power. Seeing our artistry come to life in sessions and performances, it hit me: We’re really transforming now. We’re becoming the artists we were meant to be.”
They’re proud of how far they’ve come — and ready to show it. “This new music era feels a lot like, really, the core of us. The vibe of this comeback is very much our vibe,” Kendall teases. “It’s bold, confident and full of personality. Definitely a new chapter.”
Munachi Osegbu
The group’s latest single, “Little Miss,” represents that new chapter. Due Nov. 14, the Y2K-flavored pop track with hip-hop edges and GIRLSET’s signature vocal prowess is the act’s second release since its redebut, and it cements its image as four young artists embracing their power. “The song feels like the core of us,” Kendall says. “It’s really our essence.”
“I think I really value that during this era, we just get to be truly who we are moving forward,” Savanna reflects confidently. “I think that’s something that I appreciate the most about being GIRLSET now.”
And when things get heavy, they lean on each other. “No one else could ever understand us like we do,” Camila says. “We’re living it together.”
This story appears in the Nov. 15, 2025, issue of Billboard.
Trending on Billboard
GIRLSET is back! Formerly known as VCHA, GIRLSET makes their return to the music scene and sat down with Billboard to dive into it all. From going through the K-pop training system during A2K, to past member lawsuits and allegations, and those KATSEYE comparisons, GIRLSET doesn’t hold back
Brooke Morrison:
You guys are finally back in the spotlight. You know, back to the grind. How does it feel to kind of come out of a waiting period and finally be out again?
Camila:
I mean, I think it’s definitely like a shift, because for some time we weren’t like grinding as much as we’re doing now, so it’s kind of just getting back in the feeling and the vibes is very different now. It’s kind of just getting into this vibe again. But, I mean, we love it.
You guys have gone through a lot of change in two years than most groups see in five. And there’s a lot to be said, you know, and like, frankly, how did you guys feel whenever headlines hit about a lot of controversy, maybe KG’s lawsuit, Kaylee’s health hiatus, how did that hit you guys personally, and did it affect your confidence at all?
Kendall:
It definitely hit hard at some points. Some things were unexpected. Some others were not recent news to us, and I feel like we had a lot of deep, intertwined feelings about everything because obviously, of our journey where we came from, our relationships with people, with the past members, everything. But I feel like have like us to rely on, like, we just rely on each other, and we’re able to one, like, talk out how we were feeling with each other. And also, I feel like it’s so important that we were able to, like, put those into songs that we’ve written as well that’s become a big way for us to express ourselves, and is the way that we want to communicate with the world how we feel because, frankly, there is just so much to be said that we feel that it’s kind of, you can’t describe it.
Keep watching for more!
Trending on Billboard
For Riot Games’ goal to elevate women and marginalized genders in esports with its Game Changers initiative, few music-gaming collaborations would make a more natural fit than KATSEYE and Valorant.
The newly Grammy-nominated act’s song “M.I.A,” off their Billboard 200 top 10 EP Beautiful Chaos, is reimagined in a new “Valorant Game Changers Version,” out Tuesday (Nov. 11) ahead of the 2025 Valorant Game Changers Championship finals, taking place this month in Seoul. However, this collaboration carries extra resonance because one of KATSEYE’s six members is an avid gamer who appears to have manifested the team-up.
“I used to just say it on livestream before I even knew anything was gonna happen with KATSEYE and Valorant,” Megan shares, speaking to Billboard exclusively about the new partnership. “So when they presented this collaboration, I was literally so stoked. I’ve been playing this game since I was like 14 years old on my brother’s computer in COVID times; this is so nostalgic to me, honestly.”
Now 19, Megan’s enthusiasm — as well as KATSEYE’s larger message of inclusivity and empowerment — is threaded throughout the reworked anthem, with new lyrics drawing on themes of perseverance and community that stem from the connections in gaming when uplifting one another.
“We all stand behind that anyone can play any game and there shouldn’t be any weirdness,” the Honolulu native adds. “We really, really do think this aligns so much with KATSEYE and our brand. We’re so, so excited to do this collab.”
With several No. 1 Billboard chart hits to its name, Riot Games has leaned into music as a storytelling mechanism for gaming before. However, Valorant Game Changers shines the spotlight on new players in its first-person shooter game, with its global championship in Asia for the first time. The event will run Nov. 20-30 in Seoul, with finals scheduled from Nov. 28-30 at Riot’s LoL Park esports stadium in Seoul. Bringing in Korea-based HYBE and its global girl group KATSEYE positions the collaboration as a cultural handshake between two rapidly growing cultural communities.
“KATSEYE already had a ton of fans across Riot [Games] and in the Valorant community,” Jonny Altepeter, Riot Games’ senior manager of music supervision and A&R, tells Billboard. “When we found out Megan was a VAL player and they were excited to collab, it just made sense.”
For Altepeter, the appeal of reworking “M.I.A” resonated both musically and to the culture within the gaming community: “Sonically, it has that high-energy, bold confidence that works so well in our world. And thematically, it lined up perfectly with the moment we were trying to capture…our artist collaborations are everything. We’re always looking for voices that feel exactly right for a specific moment in our universe. We’re really intentional — and honestly, pretty precious — about VAL music, because we know how much it means to our community. Every artist we bring in is chosen for a reason. They bring something unique that helps elevate the story we’re telling, both in-game and beyond. That level of care and specificity is what sets us apart. We’re not just trying to find good songs… we’re building meaningful creative partnerships that help shape the emotional core of our world. And we’re so grateful to the artists who trust us and bring their full selves to that process.”
Anna Donlon, head of Valorant Studios and the architect behind Game Changers, frames the partnership as precisely the kind of crossover Riot Games built the program to foster.
“When we started Game Changers, the goal was always bigger than just competition,” Donlon shares. “It was about creating a space for players who hadn’t always seen themselves represented in esports. This year’s anthem and music video captures that same spirit, bringing people together, no matter where they come from. Across all our global events, music has been a powerful way to connect players, celebrate them and deepen their bond with Valorant. At the Game Changers Championship finals, you’ll see all of that come to life: the energy, the pride, the love for the game. And having South Korea’s own Ninetails, the first all-Korean team to qualify for the championship, take the stage on home turf? That’s going to make it even more special.”
Altepeter calls collaborations with actual players “hands down our favorite types of collaborations” because players-turned-artists speed up creative chemistry. “When someone already understands our world, everything just flows better…you can always feel that real connection in the final result.”
Check out the results for yourself with KATSEYE’s new video for “M.I.A. (Game Changers Version)” here and read on for more with Megan below.
KATSEYE X VALORANT Game Changers – “M.I.A. (Game Changers Version)”
Riot Games Music
How does it feel remixing “M.I.A” for the Valorant Game Changers initiative?
Megan: “M.I.A” is such a hard-hitting, strong, confident song. Especially with Valorant, since it’s such a cool, fun, very fierce game, I feel like going with “M.I.A” was just the perfect song. Especially [how] it tells a story with determination and perseverance, so I think going with this new reimagined version of “M.I.A” for Valorant was just like a no-brainer decision for all of us.
How did KATSEYE get involved in the program and what did it mean to you also to be here as a player?
Megan: Especially with me being a player myself, I used to just say on livestream before I even knew anything was gonna happen with KATSEYE and Valorant. I was like, “Oh yeah, I play Valorant.” It was just something that I said because it’s something I used to do in my free time. When they presented this collaboration, I was literally so stoked. I’ve been playing this game since I was, like, 14 years old on my brother’s computer in COVID times; this is so nostalgic to me, honestly. So, when we were presented this, I was literally jumping for joy. This is literally my game; I love this game. So it really does mean a lot to me and especially with the Game Changers, with what it represents — it’s just so cool. We’re just all so excited for this collaboration and we’re just so grateful that we’re able to do it.”
What’s your history with gaming and Valorant?
Megan: I grew up with a brother, so a lot of the games that I would play, my brother would introduce them to me. When I was little, I would always want to play dolls with him, but obviously he wasn’t going to play with dolls. So then he would introduce me to computer games like Valorant, Minecraft and those kind of games. And then he was really into Valorant and I was like, “OK, like let me get into this.” And I did. It was just so addictive. Especially during COVID and everything, like that was my sh–. That’s all, really, I could do because no one was going outside and it was a fun way to play with your friends. I feel like it was just a cool thing to do on my free time and it felt so much fun. There’s nothing really more to it than just saying that it was really, really fun and I really am such a competitive person that loves games like these — I thrive in it. [Laughs]
Do you have a go-to agent you play with in Valorant?
Megan: I usually play as Sage, the healer. There’s like this little term for Valorant players that you say they’re the “pocket Sage,” so I would usually be a pocket Sage when I would play with my friends. I would be their support to heal them when they’re dying.
Do you ever play Valorant with any of your KATSEYE members?
Megan: No, I actually haven’t got the chance to yet. I feel like right now we’re like so busy with our schedule, but I really specifically want to see how Yoonchae will play with me. [Laughs] I have to teach her how to be a pocket Sage — I feel like she’d be a really good pocket Sage. Yeah, we really do need one sit-down gaming session, all six of us, to play Valorant and see who’s naturally gifted. I think that Lara would be Jett. I feel like Sophia could maybe be Neon since Neon is Filipino…
This Game Changers program is meant to empower people from different backgrounds and marginalized genders. Have you ever experienced pushback as a girl gamer? Are things changing?
Megan: Honestly, I think it’s better now, but there were times in games where you would turn your microphone on and play with random people who were online, trying to find a group member. It was such a big thing for a second where if a girl turned their mic on, they would start bullying the girl — it happened to me a few times. It was pretty crazy, but then the funniest thing is when you’re really good, as a girl, and they get so mad. [Laughs] But I just don’t understand that, it was a big thing but I don’t think it’s as big of a thing now. It’s just them thinking that I was going to drag them behind and I ended up being the last one standing, pulling through and carrying the team. It’s the funniest thing ever, honestly, I just laugh.
Do you notice any direct link between music and gaming? Does music enhance the experience?
Megan: Music and games are such a big thing and I feel like people don’t really realize how much music is incorporated and how much it like really affects the gameplay. I mean, when you’re in combat mode, you want some good hype-up music and when you’re in more of a chill vibe, you would want like some [chill music], you know what I mean? It really does affect the whole overall vibe. I think Fortnite would play concerts in their games, which was so insane and so, so cool. I love how like they incorporated that in such a fun way. I would honestly love to do a virtual concert one day. I’d love to see how that works — it’s so intriguing.
