In just two months, MEOVV has leaped onto the K-pop scene by showcasing a promising range and bold artistry set to claw out a legacy all their own.
The five-member girl group is the first-ever launched by THEBLACKLABEL, the agency founded by legendary producer Teddy with over 25 years in crafting K-pop classics by the likes of BIGBANG, 2NE1, PSY and BLACKPINK, that now houses top talent like Rosé, Taeyang, Jeon Somi and more. The excitement around MEOVV’s debut translated into a record deal with Columbia Records, millions of views on the group’s intriguing, fashion-forward teaser visuals, and bold debut single “MEOW” roaring onto Billboard’sWorld Digital Song Sales chart at No. 10 in September.
MEOVV members Sooin, Gawon, Anna, Narin and Ella’s impressive multilingual abilities — able to communicate in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish — are matched by an undeniable warmth and relatability. Speaking with Billboard from Seoul during an evening Zoom call, the members spoke mostly in English but flowed seamlessly between languages, exuding a genuine camaraderie that belied their relatively short time as a group. Even with just months under their belts as a team, the group spoke about the pride they had in their music (especially as “TOXIC” was co-written by Gawon and Narin) and hoping to be a place of comfort for fans (emphasizing how they want to be relatable and authentic).
The five-member girl group is the first-ever launched by THEBLACKLABEL, the agency founded by legendary producer Teddy with over 25 years in crafting K-pop classics by the likes of BIGBANG and BLACKPINK, that now houses top talent like Rosé and Taeyang. The excitement around MEOVV’s debut translated into a record deal with Columbia Records, millions of views on the group’s teaser visuals, and debut single “MEOW” roaring onto Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 10 in September 2024.
Meet SOOIN
Image Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
I love it when fans call me: “Sooin-ah” — the happiest moment for me is when fans call me “Sooin-ah” on stage My position in MEOVV is: Mood maker!! My favorite song at the moment: “TOXIC” by MEOVV — it was a song I already really liked, but I was able to understand and feel the emotions behind the song while filming the music video, which made me end up liking it even more than before. But my favorite song of all time is: “TOXIC” by MEOVV — throughout the entire music video shoot, I kept telling my members that I love “TOXIC” and that the more I listen to it, the more I like it. I really feel like “TOXIC” is going to become one of my favorite songs. The movie that gives me comfort is:Train to Busan — it’s such a fun movie that I never get tired of watching, no matter how many times I see it. I watch it every now and then or when I’m bored! [Laughs] My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: When I was a trainee, I did a profile test shoot. At the time, the stylist who was helping us with our outfits told me, “You’re definitely going to make it big.” That comment still gives me strength and determination to keep moving forward to this day.
Meet GAWON
Image Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
I love it when fans call me: CHLOE My position in MEOVV is:Unnie (“Older sister” or “Big sister” in Korean) My favorite song at the moment: “You Got Me” by The Roots, Tariq Trotter, Erykah Badu and Eve But my favorite song of all time is: “Kiss It Better” by Rihanna The movie that gives me comfort is: The Parent Trap My favorite quote: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” [From Dead Poets Society]
Meet ANNA
Image Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
I love it when fans call me: Anna Jang My position in MEOVV is: [Bringing] a refreshing vibe [爽やかな vibe] My favorite song at the moment: “TOXIC” by MEOVV But my favorite song of all time is: “MEOW” by MEOVV The movie that gives me comfort is:Zootopia My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: “Never forget to have gratitude and always have a beginner’s mindset.”
Meet NARIN
Image Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
I love it when fans call me: Narin-cat [린냥이] My position in MEOVV is: Just NARIN! My favorite song at the moment: “TOXIC” by MEOVV But my favorite song of all time is: “Bitch Better Have My Money” by Rihanna The movie that gives me comfort is:Every Day a Good Day(일일시호일) The best advice someone gave me: The best advice I’ve ever received is to genuinely enjoy myself on stage. When I truly enjoy the moment, that’s when I can connect with our fans, music, and myself on a deeper level.
Meet ELLA
Image Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
I love it when fans call me: Ella My position in MEOVV is: Maknae 막내 [Youngest member] My favorite song at the moment: “TOXIC” by MEOVV But my favorite song of all time is: “White Ferrari” by Frank Ocean The movie that gives me comfort is:Leon the Professional or The Incredibles My favorite quote or best advice someone gave me: “Focus on what you can control.”
Image Credit: THEBLACKLABEL
“I just want people to feel something when they see us,” GAWON says of her hopes for MEOVV’s future. “Whatever emotion that may be, just to share experiences and feelings together…we just want to establish MEOVV further and just create our identity and while also keeping our own individuality.”
