HYBE Labels projected time to debut their new girl group is causing mixed reactions. Keep on reading for all the details.

HYBE Labels Timeline for Girl Group Debut Draws Mixed Reactions

News that HYBE Labels (in collaboration with Source Music) is preparing to launch a new girl group has been around for a long time. Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chaewon — two former members of IZ*ONE — were recruited as soon as their contracts with their former companies expired, and they are likely to be members of this girl group.

(Photo : 매일경제)
Kim Chaewon & Sakura

Although the two former IZ*ONE members joined HYBE at the end of 2021, a recent article from Naver reported that the group of HYBE Music and Source Music would debut at the end of 2022.

Although the article confirmed that Sakura and Chaewon would be in the line-up, the timeline for the group's debut caused mixed reactions, especially from the Japanese K-pop community.

(Photo : 에펨코리아)
Sakura & Chaewon

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During her time in IZ*ONE, she was considered the second most popular member and is expected to be the group's ace. However, people think it may be too late for her to re-debut.

Is Miyawaki Sakura Too Old to Re-Debut?

Sakura was born in 1998, meaning she is 25 years old in South Korea. For K-pop idols, this age is already considered old. Debuting at an older age will make it difficult for her to compete with the young fourth-generation K-pop idols, such as NMIXX's Kyujin, who was born in 2006, and IVE's Leeseo, who was born in 2004.

(Photo : Sakura Instagram)
Sakura

ALSO READ: Miyawaki Sakura Signs Contract with Source Music X Hybe Labels + Agency Releases Statement

Additionally, 2022 is a competitive year for K-pop rookies. JYP Entertainment's NMIXX is considered a formidable opponent in the industry, and they have already gained fame for their youthful and fresh visuals.

People also note that while there are active idols born in 1998, they have been promoting for a long. For example, Dahyun was born in 1998 and debuted with TWICE in 2015, meaning she has been working as an idol for seven years. Soyeon debuted with (G)I-DLE the same year IZ*ONE debuted, and Soyeon is now thriving in both solo and group activities.

(Photo : Sakura Instagram)
Sakura

ALSO READ: HYBE Addresses News about Former IZ*ONE Kim Chaewon Joining Source Music

Sakura debuted with IZ*ONE in 2018. Following their disbandment, she briefly returned to HKT48 in 2021 (a Japanese group she debuted with in 2011) before graduating. As she has yet to settle in a permanent group, Sakura supporters are growing increasingly impatient.

However, some people agree with HYBE waiting until the end of the year to debut a new girl group. This year, the rookie competition is hot following the debut of Kep1er, IVE and the upcoming debut of NMIXX. Therefore, if HYBE debuts their girl group late, they will most likely sweep the rookie awards in 2023 award ceremonies.

(Photo : Sakura Instagram)
Sakura

People also note that while Sakura is their most famous member, she may still need training in her dance and vocals, so taking time to hone her skills will make her perfect to re-debut.

ALSO READ: Kim Chaewon Reportedly Signs With Source Music + Will Potentially Debut With Other Former IZ*ONE Members

However, HYBE has not confirmed if they will be debuting the girl group at the end of 2022, leaving fans to hope that they will debut sooner than expected. Previously, it was reported that Source Music and HYBE Labels copyrighted the name LESSERAFIM, which people assume will be the group name.

(Photo : Sakura Instagram)
Sakura

ALSO READ: LESSARFIM Appears Under Source Music's Korean Wiki - Is HYBE Preparing to Debut a New Girl Group?

Besides Sakura and Chaewon, LESSERAFIM's line-up includes former "Produce 48" contestant Heo Yunjin and Soobin, Yujin and Chaemin.

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Written by Alexa Lewis