JYP Entertainment’s newest idol is causing a stir before she’s even debuted, and it’s all because of her stage name. This is definitely one of the most talked-about pre-debut moments in K-Pop recent history, proving that even a name can ignite a fierce debate among fans.
Meet OURBIRTHDAY: JYP’s New Girl Group on the Block
This week, INNIT Entertainment (an independent subsidiary label under JYP Entertainment) began unveiling the lineup for their new girl group: OURBIRTHDAY. According to Korean media reports, the group will debut with seven members, but only three have been announced so far: Korean member Cho Hyejin…
Thai member Achiraya…
and a member from Taiwan with an unusual stage name: Baby. The initial reveal of Baby’s name instantly captured attention, setting the stage for a whirlwind of online discussion.
The “Baby” Stage Name Controversy Erupts
It didn’t take long for her name to become a hot topic of conversation, with many slamming the choice given the group’s own unusual name. Fans online immediately took to social media platforms, expressing confusion and even concern over the perceived “childish” nature of the name and how it might impact the idol’s image. Comments ranged from outright disbelief to humorous memes, all pointing to the unusual nature of the selection.
Cause the group name wasn’t goofy enough https://t.co/KOgqGFF6EF
absolutely ungoogleable name https://t.co/NRiNY7MA3S
— morgan (@yeokahei) July 16, 2026
Congrats ourbirthday for having the worst names in Kpop https://t.co/8GT6ZL5CVo
Other fans pushed back, pointing out that Baby is actually part of the idol’s real name. Born Hsieh Jiaxuan, she also goes by the English name Angela Baby Hsieh — a name she shares with popular Chinese actress Angela Yeung Wing, more commonly known by her stage name Angelababy. This explanation, while shedding light on the origin, only added fuel to the fire for some, who argued that an artist’s full legal name doesn’t always translate perfectly into a stage name fit for the K-Pop industry.
A Precedent in JYP? Fans Compare to NMIXX’s Bae
People being weird and it’s literally her name lol
— dotty (@kiiiflip) July 16, 2026
this isn’t inherently weird ! like yes it’s very understandable to be suspicious of jyp but having a stand out stage name is normal. and more importantly baby is her actual middle name 😭 https://t.co/SuM4QJ6isB
— ꨄ︎ ✧･ﾟ* ★ (@likeafantasy__) July 16, 2026
Even with the explanation, many are insisting that the 17-year-old’s stage name is still a “weird” choice from the agency. Despite this, several fans have noted that Baby’s stage name is very similar to labelmate NMIXX’s Bae, whose well-loved alias comes from her birth name Bae Jin Sol. This comparison is particularly relevant within the JYP family, as it suggests a pattern of unique stage names derived directly from birth names. NMIXX’s Bae has successfully carved out a strong identity with her name, making fans wonder if Baby will also overcome initial skepticism to become an iconic alias.
What’s Next for OURBIRTHDAY?
Regardless of the controversy, OURBIRTHDAY’s first three members are set to promote their upcoming single, “HUNGRY (Side A),” on music shows next week. All eyes will be on the group’s debut stages, not just for their performance, but also to see how the public reacts to the members, especially Baby, as they officially step into the K-Pop spotlight.
