Viral Sensation 'Baby Shark' Boy Makes Shocking Music Debut with Monsta X Collab
Ten years after his role in the global hit "Baby Shark Dance," Park Geon-roung, known as Baby Shark Boy, has launched his music career with the electropop single "WAVE." Featuring Monsta X's JOOHONEY, the track transforms the iconic melody into a dance anthem, aiming to introduce audiences to his new identity as a recording artist. This debut marks a significant step, with a documentary and potential film appearance also in the works.
Ten years after captivating audiences as the performer in Pinkfong's iconic "Baby Shark Dance," Baby Shark Boy, whose real name is Park Geon-roung, has officially launched his music career with the debut single "WAVE." This new track features JOOHONEY from the renowned K-pop group Monsta X, marking a significant evolution from his viral childhood appearance to a burgeoning recording artist.
"WAVE" is an electrifying electropop earworm that cleverly transforms the universally recognizable "Baby Shark" melody into a full-fledged dance track. The song begins with a nod to its origins, featuring the familiar "Baby Shark" tune, before seamlessly transitioning into an energetic blend of dance and trap music. This debut isn't merely a nostalgic tribute; it's a strategic move to establish Baby Shark Boy as a serious artist in his own right.
The original "Baby Shark Dance" became an unprecedented global phenomenon, achieving immense success on Billboard charts by peaking at No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2019 and reaching No. 12 on Billboard's Streaming Songs chart. Furthermore, it has amassed over 17.2 billion views on YouTube, securing its position as the platform's most-viewed video ever. Now, the performer who helped bring this cultural touchstone to life is aiming to make his own impact on the music charts.
Park Geon-roung was actively involved in the creation of "WAVE," participating in writing the lyrics. Through the song, he reflects on his unique full-circle journey, which began when he was just a child. In a statement shared with Billboard, Baby Shark Boy articulated his perspective: "For me, Baby Shark Dance was like the first wave that began 10 years ago. I grew up riding that wave, and now I’m standing at a new starting point as Baby Shark Boy." This sentiment underscores his transition and aspirations.
The single also boasts a distinct K-pop flavor, not only through JOOHONEY's rap vocals but also with choreography by TEAM SAME, led by Young-jun Choi. Choi's impressive resume includes working with global K-pop titans such as BTS, SEVENTEEN, and TWICE. The accompanying performance for "WAVE" draws inspiration from the original "Baby Shark Dance" moves, reimagining them with a K-pop makeover designed to be both easily followable and equally captivating for a new generation of fans.
The timing of this launch is particularly fitting, especially given Baby Shark Boy's recent surprise return to the franchise's 10th-anniversary short-form content in 2025, which garnered over 22 million views. While the original "Baby Shark" was an unlikely Billboard hit, Baby Shark Boy's current objective is to introduce audiences to the person behind the viral childhood segment. He hopes that listeners will "see who I am today in a new way" through "WAVE."
The artistic journey for Baby Shark Boy extends beyond this single. The Pinkfong Company is currently developing "WAVE: Becoming Baby Shark Boy," a behind-the-scenes documentary that will chronicle his growth from a child performer to the artist behind his debut single. Additionally, The Pinkfong Company is exploring further collaborations, including a potential appearance in an upcoming Baby Shark film, which is anticipated for release in winter 2026.