“Baby Shark” Boy Joins Monsta X Member JOOHONEY on New Track “WAVE”

A new single from an emerging artist identified by Billboard as “the ‘Baby Shark’ boy” is set to mark a pivot from a breakout viral moment to original music aimed at a broader, more current identity. Billboard reported on Aug. 20, 2026, that the artist is launching a new track titled “WAVE,” featuring JOOHONEY of Monsta X, positioning the collaboration as a step toward establishing himself as a recording artist rather than only as a recognizable character from earlier pop-culture attention.

The Billboard report ties the new release to the artist’s intention to be understood in the present, not only through the framing that made him widely known. In the article, the artist is quoted saying, “I hope people can see who I am today in a new way,” describing “WAVE” as a way to communicate that current self to listeners.

“WAVE” is described in Billboard’s coverage as a collaboration that brings together the artist associated with “Baby Shark” and JOOHONEY, a member of Monsta X. By featuring a known K-pop performer, the release places the new single within a cross-market context, using an established artist’s audience to draw attention to a separate, developing music career.

Billboard’s story presents the single as part of the artist’s effort to move forward from the public identity created during earlier mainstream viral visibility. Rather than treating the “Baby Shark” reference as the centerpiece of his public persona, the track is framed as a new introduction, designed to shift what listeners expect from him and how they interpret his work.

The report does not describe additional details in the provided record, such as a full release schedule, accompanying video information, or performance plans. As a result, the next concrete item for audiences and industry followers is the availability and promotion of “WAVE” itself, including how the collaboration is rolled out across streaming platforms and music channels.

For Monsta X fans, the collaboration provides another entry point into the careers of individual members, with JOOHONEY’s participation highlighting how K-pop lineups and solo activity can intersect with artists outside the core group pipeline. For general pop audiences who recognize the artist from the “Baby Shark” phenomenon, the Billboard coverage suggests the track is meant to function as a translation from novelty-era visibility to a more conventional music-artist narrative.