K-pop’s rising artiste BABYMONSTER is taking a well-deserved minute to embody the spirit of youthful rebellion in Dior’s fall/winter 2024 ready-to-wear collection.
RUKA
When the deep, husky tones of rap fill the air, it’s unmistakably the voice of the eldest group member, 22-year-old RUKA, who is still in the prime of her youth. “Rather than seeing each other as older and younger, we all treat each other like friends. Everyone is just so mature!” she remarks. During the interview, the six other members consistently echo this sentiment: RUKA is truly a wonderful friend. She answers each question with genuine attentiveness, but whenever the words “hip-hop” come up, she takes on a newfound intensity. “I’ve been dancing to hip-hop since I was a child. I love expressing myself with such charisma, and I think it’s really cool,” she shares. We ask her when she feels the coolest, and she responds, “I tend to be quite honest, and I have a good grasp of reality, so I think that makes me cool.” RUKA’s stage presence is magnetic, drawing attention with her powerful moves. “More than anything, I want our fans to feel happy when they see us. Connecting with the audience is also really important to me.” Her presence in BABYMONSTER mirrors the power of her voice. “When problems arise, I’m the type to seek solutions. I can easily find solutions when something needs adjusting,” she says. “My pride is strong enough; I think it’s balanced. However, to be successful in this profession, a certain level of pride is essential, don’t you think?” Indeed.
PHARITA
PHARITA, still 19 years old, recalls the time when she arrived in Korea three years ago—alone and all the way from Thailand. “I came to Korea around my birthday. I remember the incredible heat. When I arrived at the airport, I couldn’t believe it. I kept thinking, ‘Am I really in Korea?’” she reminisces with a smile. When asked what compliment she likes to hear, she responds, “I like hearing ‘You’re talented.’ People frequently compliment me on my looks, but I think ‘You’re talented’ or ‘You’re cool’ resonates more.” PHARITA is often shy, yet she always expresses her thoughts clearly. The explosive voice that comes from her frame is likely due to her unwavering commitment. "I think I'll take a break from this song for a while. I've listened to it too much!" she says candidly after finishing a performance evaluation one day. "It feels like there's no end. I just keep practising.” Wearing Dior, PHARITA speaks with poise. “I love artistes who completely own the stage, like Ariana Grande. She’s amazing. I hope to be a role model like her one day.” We recall the first time we met BABYMONSTER—it was also PHARITA’s last birthday as a teenager. “Honestly, I don’t really feel like I’m 19 yet. I’ve never been the type to throw a big party for my birthday.” “Really? The PHARITA in your profile picture looks like a total party girl,” we jest. Towards the end of the interview, PHARITA charms everyone with her youthful energy before turning the photoshoot “upside down” with her signature ‘princess hair flick’—a move that has made everyone fall for her completely.
ASA
“Too much is as bad as too little,” assesses ASA on her recent performance. “There was a festival stage I really wanted to be on, so I was overly eager; but in hindsight, I regret it a little. I think I looked overly excited. I should have just enjoyed it more comfortably.” ASA, who dominates the stage with her perfectly delivered Korean rap, uses her ambition as her weapon. “The sense of accomplishment and confidence I feel when I achieve something all contribute to my self-esteem. I love the process of pushing myself to achieve my goals, which often makes me quite ambitious,” she explains. Even at 18, ASA remains balanced, composed and focused on her ambition. We ask her if she has always been this strong, and she responds with refreshing honesty, “I have moments when I feel vulnerable too. When I’m practising and feel like I’m not good enough, sometimes I feel low. But in the end, I just keep practising. I think I need to see results that satisfy me in order to feel reassured.” She shares further, “There was a time when I took a week off after being really busy. Oddly, I felt empty when I wasn’t doing anything. Preparing music and shooting with everyone like this gives me a lot of energy. And styling myself in a way that suits me and stepping out confidently also gives me strength.”
AHYEON
“I’m actually an ISTJ!” exclaims AHYEON about her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator-based personality. “If I miss even the smallest thing, I tend to criticise myself a lot. But I believe that you need to learn by reflecting on what you’re lacking in order to get good results.” This is what makes 18-year-old AHYEON shine: Her commitment and also her love for her work. “We all chose this job because it makes us happy. I don’t think we should ever lose sight of that,” she says. This self-awareness, paired with the love she extends to those around her, is what makes her strong; her enthusiasm and genuine warmth are what naturally draw people to her. “I try to remind myself not to rush ahead. I want to slowly reveal ourselves to the world, like unwrapping a gift box, one layer at a time,” she says. AHYEON’s positivity is infectious, and it’s impossible not to love her deep affection and sincerity.
RAMI
“The more opportunities I get to showcase my skills, the more eager I become,” RAMI says with a smile on her youthful face. Her reserved demeanour contrasts with the fierce ambition that drives her forward. “I rely on myself the most,” the 18-year-old shares with admirable self-confidence. RAMI’s determination is evident as soon as the camera starts rolling. Her presence is a captivating blend of tenderness and intensity—qualities that make her a standout in the studio. When asked about her plans for the months ahead, she shares, “I want to find a quiet place, enjoy the autumn leaves, read a book, and take pleasure in a cup of coffee. I also want to showcase the talent and charm of BABYMONSTER, and I hope you’ll look forward to it.” With these words, RAMI affirms that she is not merely a dreamer but a confident artiste ready to make her mark. Her belief in her potential invites anticipation for what lies ahead as she prepares to unlock new possibilities in the world.
RORA
When you speak to RORA, it’s impossible to keep the conversation short. She’s a fantastic storyteller. “When we have fan signing events, fans often say they’re too nervous to speak. That’s when I engage them with conversation even more,” she shares, showcasing her mature and easy-going spirit. What’s life like at an arts high school? “It’s amazing; I’m surrounded by friends who are just as passionate about music. Each of us is skilled at a different instrument—I find it fascinating! One of us plays the drums, while the other plays the piano. We end up teaching and learning from each other,” the 17-year-old enthuses, adding that she would like to learn how to play the guitar. “It’s clear that things have changed since our debut, but I still feel like a rookie. The happiest moments for me are when members all gather for meals together,” she adds. RORA’s unwavering confidence and talent are sure to take her far—be it in music, style, or her undeniable beauty. “Generally, after debuting, artistes develop their own unique style over time. It all becomes more natural. I often say to myself, ‘I’m going to shine even brighter when I’m 20!’” she exclaims. “CHIQUITA and I say that all the time. In two years, we’ll have abs. So we better enjoy our meals now!”
CHIQUITA
Time spent with CHIQUITA, who, at age 16, is the group’s youngest member, feels uniquely special. The playful girl transforms into a striking vision as the camera rolls. It’s easy to get lost in the delightful contrast between her vibrant demeanour and her commanding presence. “When members see me, they all go ‘happy, happy!’” CHIQUITA exclaims, her infectious joy radiating throughout the shoot. The positivity she brings not only energises her team but also lifts the spirit of the entire set, ensuring that the long hours of filming are filled with laughter and encouragement. And her energy remains when expressing her love for fashion. “I really adore chokers and sunglasses. A choker is a must,” she shares. “I think I’ll still love the colour black in ten years. It’s the colour I adore, and it makes me feel beautiful!”, she says laughingly. She clearly knows herself better than anyone else. It’s this certainty that makes CHIQUITA irresistibly captivating. Just how far can the wonderfully unpredictable world of CHIQUITA expand? One thing is certain: Her energy and candour are undeniable.
Fashion Editor KEEM HYOBEEN
Hairstylists KIM GGOTBI; PARK EUNJI/Ouioui
Make-up Artists SEO OK; LEE HYEJIN/Ouioui
Nail Artist BREATHNAILZ
Set Stylist PARK DUHYUN
Art Designer KIM SEONGJAE