The Morning Calm Post

JYP-affiliated rookie girl group OURBIRTHDAY has begun its pre-debut project in earnest by pre-releasing its first digital single "HUNGRY (Side A)." Multiple reports described this release as the starting point for presenting the group's music and worldview to the public for the first time, and said the group is also scheduled to show its performance on "M Countdown."

OURBIRTHDAY has entered its pre-debut phase. According to multiple reports released on July 22, Korea time, OURBIRTHDAY pre-released its first digital single "HUNGRY (Side A)" and opened the first chapter of its debut project. The selected articles commonly covered the group's background as a JYP-affiliated rookie girl group, the release of its first digital single, a planned music-show stage and the reveal of an animated worldview.

The first point confirmed in this coverage is that OURBIRTHDAY is not yet a team that has completed a formal debut, but is meeting the public first through a pre-debut project. A pre-debut rollout is a method of introducing a group's concept, members and musical direction step by step before an official album release. For a rookie team, this is the period that creates a first impression and becomes an early point of contact for fandom formation.

"HUNGRY (Side A)" was introduced as the first music content of this project. As the title suggests, the song can be read as showing one side first rather than presenting a completed full narrative. Some reports described the mood of the track as ambitious, charming and filled with rookie energy. However, the actual musical color and stage completeness should be judged together through the digital release and broadcast performance.

The fact that OURBIRTHDAY is set to perform on "M Countdown" also stands out. A rookie group's first music-show stage is more than a simple promotional schedule. It is the place where the voices and song atmosphere heard through the track are translated into performance, facial expression and teamwork. In the girl group market in particular, the impression left by a first stage can have a meaningful influence on the formation of a team's later image.

An animated worldview was also mentioned as part of the project. Multiple articles said OURBIRTHDAY opened its team universe through character moving posters and animated content. This connects with the recent K-pop trend in which rookie teams arrange music, video, characters and narrative together even before debut. Still, how closely the worldview content will connect with the group's actual music activities will need to be confirmed through follow-up content.

The expectation attached to the JYP name is also clear. JYP has accumulated experience operating girl groups in both domestic and overseas markets. This is why the selected articles repeatedly used the phrase "JYP rookie girl group." However, because OURBIRTHDAY has been introduced as a project under Init Entertainment, it does not need to be viewed only as an extension of existing JYP girl groups. The production method and team color it will develop are expected to be revealed gradually through this pre-debut activity.

Regarding the members, earlier reports mentioned the reveal of some members and the addition of Cho Hye-jin from "The Ddanddara." This is a factor that can raise early interest in the team. However, a rookie group's competitiveness is difficult to judge only through individual backgrounds. What matters is how the members' stories combine within the team concept and music.

OURBIRTHDAY's "HUNGRY (Side A)" is the first signal through which the new team introduces itself. Whether this pre-release remains a one-time event or becomes the first standard for showing the group's identity will be confirmed through later stages and follow-up content. What matters now is less the label of a new JYP-affiliated girl group, and more what kind of music and narrative OURBIRTHDAY will use to create its own first impression.

Summary Points

• OURBIRTHDAY pre-released its first digital single "HUNGRY (Side A)" on July 22, 2026, Korea time.
• Multiple reports introduced the release as the full-scale starting point of the group's pre-debut project.
• OURBIRTHDAY was reported to be preparing its first stage on "M Countdown."
• Animated worldview and character content have also been released, expanding the team's narrative.