Audition Stars Join Forces: Will OURBIRTHDAY Continue the JYP Girl Group Success Story? (Showcase Review)

A Unique Debut Powered by Their Signature Genre ‘WHIP-HOP’ and Title Track ‘SQUEEZY’

“We Want to Carve Out Our Own Path!”

Rookie girl group OURBIRTHDAY has taken its first steps into the K-pop industry with a distinct flavor. On August 19, during a media showcase held at the Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, for their debut single “Our Birthday,” the group performed their title track “SQUEEZY” for the first time, marking a confident start as a complete 7-member unit.

OURBIRTHDAY is a multinational 7-member group consisting of members from South Korea, Japan, and Thailand: Guk Cho-rok, Shin Hye-won, Cho Hye-jin, Yu, Baby, Achiraya, and Kirara. The lineup is heavily stacked with familiar faces from survival shows, including Cho Hye-jin (winner of KBS2’s “The Entertainer” in 2025), Yu (3rd place on “The Entertainer”), and Shin Hye-won (contestant on JTBC’s “R U Next?”).

The group garnered significant attention even before their official debut as the first act under INNIT Entertainment, a subsidiary of JYP Entertainment. They also mark the first new girl group associated with JYP in about four years since NMIXX. Armed with a solid production system and highly skilled, recognizable members, expectations are high on whether they can match the success of their senior labelmates.

Title Track ‘SQUEEZY’ Introduces Their Original Genre ‘WHIP-HOP’

The team name “OURBIRTHDAY” carries the meaning of making ordinary daily life as special and exciting as a birthday. Despite the natural tension and excitement of waiting for their formal debut, the seven members noticeably enjoyed standing on stage together. Having previously proven their potential through unit promotions last month with the pre-release single “HUNGRY,” they have now officially begun full group activities.

The core identity that sets OURBIRTHDAY apart is their self-created genre, “WHIP-HOP.” Combining “WHIP”—symbolizing the light, free vibe of whipped cream on a cake blended with the seven members’ unique personalities—and “HIP-HOP,” which brings an intense and cool edge, WHIP-HOP represents their signature musical identity.

The title track “SQUEEZY” is a funk-based dance song featuring an addictive melody. It wittily conveys the message of squeezing away complicated emotions and stress, much like squeezing a squishy toy. The music video, featuring a surprise appearance by famous chef Fabri and a fun concept reminiscent of an American morning TV talk show, blends vibrant colors and matches the group’s playful image perfectly.

Cho Hye-jin’s Decision: Choosing a Team Over a Solo Debut

As expected, questions poured in from reporters during the showcase for Cho Hye-jin, who already holds high name recognition among K-pop fans. Having drawn major attention not only for winning “The Entertainer” but also for her outstanding dance skills on Mnet’s “Street Dance Girls Fighter,” Cho chose to debut as a group leader rather than a solo artist.

Cho Hye-jin shared her convictions, stating, “As someone who loves dancing, I really enjoyed the process of harmonizing with the members and achieving goals together, which is why I chose to debut in a group.” Her response highlighted her focus on team completeness over individual fame.

“We Want to Be Remembered by the Name OURBIRTHDAY Itself”

Since their debut, the title “JYP Girl Group” naturally follows OURBIRTHDAY. Carrying on the lineage of legendary seniors like Wonder Girls, TWICE, ITZY, and NMIXX brings both pressure and high expectations. Producer J.Y. Park emphasized one core element above all else: teamwork.

Yu shared, “He advised us to respect, care for, and speak honestly with each other even when we have differing opinions.” Achiraya, who becomes JYP’s third Thai idol following Nichkhun (2PM) and BamBam (GOT7), expressed her determination: “While there is pressure because of our amazing seniors, we will use it as positive motivation to showcase our unique charm.”

The members expressed their ambitious goals:

• Guk Cho-rok: “Rather than a specific title, I want us to be remembered by the name ‘OURBIRTHDAY’ itself.”

• Achiraya: “I want us to promote as a team where all seven members’ energy and individuality can be clearly felt.”

• Cho Hye-jin: “I want to win a Rookie of the Year award and show our uniqueness on many stages.”

The greatest strength of OURBIRTHDAY displayed at this showcase was their boundless energy as they seek out their own answers. Just as their group name suggests, eyes are on whether their colorful music can make every day feel like a birthday party for K-pop fans. Their brilliant first chapter has just opened.