She might soon make her debut!
ILLIT was originally meant to be a six-member group including Youngseo. Youngseo was one of the favorites on R U NEXT?, slated to win a spot in ‘s next girl group. She made it to the final lineup thanks to her impressive skills. However, right before debut, it was announced that she would be taken out.
Fans were unable to receive updates on Youngseo after she left the company. It was only in May 2025 that fans spotted her out of the blue. She seemed to be filming content and preparing for another debut. Fans spotted her going in and out of YG Entertainment‘s building, fuelling rumors that she might be debuting with the company.
ㅅㅂ영서다 영서 pic.twitter.com/Xxk69Pf20H
— 봉석이.. (@lubdub_511) May 22, 2025
In a shocking twist, fans discovered that Youngseo had created an Instagram page on June 4, 2025.
She had nothing but a singular post of two selfies with no caption. She didn’t even have any bio.
Youngseo quickly amassed over 70,000 followers in two days.
Netizens also further found “evidence” that she would be a the group led by THE BLACK LABEL.
Netizens Find Evidence Of Former HYBE Idol Debuting In The Black Label’s New Girl Group
On June 6, 2025, Korean media outlet Ilgan Sports reported that she would be in the group. They claimed that according to music industry insiders on Youngseo would be joining a new co-ed group under THE BLACK LABEL, headed by Teddy. Youngseo gained attention by finishing in second place on the survival program R U Next?, which was jointly produced by JTBC and Belift Lab. She was initially set to debut as a member of ILLIT, but in January of last year, it was announced that her exclusive contract had ended following discussions with the agency. At the time, Belift Lab stated, “After in-depth discussions about future activities, we and Youngseo have mutually agreed to terminate the exclusive contract,” and added, “As this was a carefully made decision, we ask that people refrain from speculation or misunderstanding.”