[TF Focus] Be The Hood Garners Attention as the 'Next PLAVE'

Outstanding performance since debut'Different approach' to existing virtual groups proves effectiveRookie virtual group B THE HOOD is drawing attention as the 'next PLAVE' with remarkable achievements from their debut album. / LEVVELS[THE FACT| Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Virtual group B THE HOOD is emerging as a candidate for the 'next PLAVE' with impressive achievements right from their debut.According to YouTube charts on the 2nd, B THE HOOD (Jace, GIRYU, Ian, Purbi, Ruan)'s debut song 'CHOP!' ranked 8th on the daily popular music video chart as of October 31st, entering the TOP10. The song also secured 73rd place on the weekly popular YouTube chart, proving high interest.Looking at the detailed metrics, their achievements are even more remarkable. 'CHOP!', the title track of B THE HOOD's debut mini-album 'THE REAL DEAL' released on October 20th, achieved approximately 5.95 million YouTube views in just 12 days, and their official channel has garnered 252,000 subscribers.The view count for 'CHOP!' is the second highest among virtual groups that debuted in 2025 and 2026, following OWIS, and their subscriber count is overwhelmingly first.Furthermore, B THE HOOD's total channel views are approximately 38.26 million, which is actually higher than OWIS(approximately 21.29 million). Among virtual groups that debuted since 2021, it is difficult to find groups with more subscribers than them, excluding PLAVE.As B THE HOOD achieves outstanding results right from their debut, people's attention is focused on two aspects: how they secured such high initial buzz and whether they can grow into new virtual stars.The first of these is relatively clear. B THE HOOD is a group that has invested a significant amount of time in building their worldview and characters with a 'different approach.'B THE HOOD's debut song 'CHOP!' has recorded 5.95 million YouTube views in 12 days since its release. This is a remarkable achievement for a debut song by a virtual group. / YouTube MusicThe domestic virtual idol market is larger than expected, with an estimated around 60 virtual and AI groups debuting in Korea since 2021.The success of PLAVE and Isegye Idol in particular has led many IT companies to venture into virtual idols, with as many as 22 virtual groups announcing their debut in 2025.However, the problem is that most of these groups have failed to show any significant differentiation from PLAVE or Isegye Idol, and have not escaped the label of being 'imitators' of them.Here, B THE HOOD succeeded in gaining attention by choosing an approach of first building their worldview and characters, rather than rushing their debut.For example, while they released their debut album on October 20th, they released their first teaser video about five months earlier, on May 29th. In the meantime, they consistently posted their own content introducing their characters and worldview, raising expectations.B THE HOOD has also made a mark in the fashion and entertainment fields by collaborating with fashion brands and releasing animated content with the creator 'BADURNERS (BDNS)'.In particular, their strategy of distinguishing between their 'low-power mode' SD characters and their original LD characters, who are active as idol groups, and showcasing different charms and activities for each, has been highly praised for its effectiveness.A representative from B THE HOOD told , "B THE HOOD was planned with two types of characters to deliver diverse fun and charms to fans, and this has received a positive response. Also, we didn't just focus on the characters; we put a lot of effort into the inherent quality as singers, including music and performance, and we tried to apply K-pop fandom culture to B THE HOOD. We believe these factors contributed to gaining attention right from their debut."The reasons for B THE HOOD's outstanding performance include the extensive pre-debut content, understanding of K-pop fandom culture, and high musical quality. The photo shows the weekly chart performance of their debut song 'CHOP!' on YouTube Music. / YouTube ChartsAs they said, B THE HOOD's agency, LEVVELS, is a company jointly established by digital asset company Dunamu and entertainment company HYBE, and Dunamu is currently leading its management.Although HYBE did not directly participate in the production of B THE HOOD, as a corporation partnered with an entertainment company, it is likely to possess more know-how in K-pop fandom culture and music business than general IT companies. This is why B THE HOOD's popularity cannot be simply dismissed as 'good luck.'So, the remaining question is the second one. Of course, it is impossible to perfectly predict the future, and it is a very dangerous stance to hastily adopt an optimistic outlook based solely on debut buzz.However, it is a clear fact that B THE HOOD has achieved significant debut results and is considered the most noteworthy virtual group since PLAVE. This provides a strong basis for predicting a relatively high probability of their success.A B THE HOOD representative stated, "We are encouraged by the current achievements of B THE HOOD. We plan to continue showcasing high-quality music, solid performances, and various content that effectively conveys B THE HOOD's charms, so we ask for your continued interest."laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]