Can Teddy's new girl group MEOVV become next BLACKPINK?

The Black Label is ready to launch the new girl group MEOVV in September. Clockwise from top left are Ella, Ga-won, Sooin, and Anna. Courtesy of The Black Label.

As domestic and international K-pop fans wait anxiously, all eyes in are on MEOVV, which is the first girl group launched by The Black Label.

The group officially announced its debut scheduled for September.

News of the quintet girl group's debut stirred the K-pop scene, and the reason for such high expectations lies in their background. MEOVV is the inaugural girl group introduced by producer Teddy after leaving YG Entertainment to establish his own label.

Teddy, a former YG Entertainment producer and creative director, is known for producing iconic K-pop girl groups like 2NE1 and BLACKPINK. With his reputation, MEOVV has gained huge attention from K-pop fans even before their debut.

Last year, rumors that well-known figures like Ella Gross, famous dancer Bailey Sok, and the daughter of Shinsegae President Chung Yoo-kyung were in the debut lineup, added to the buzz, making them as talked-about as established girl groups.

As MEOVV confirmed their debut next month and began revealing their members, interest has surged even further. The Black Label unveiled Ella, a long-anticipated debut member, as the first to be introduced, immediately capturing attention.

Ella, who began her career as a child actress and model, has been dubbed "Little Jennie" due to her striking resemblance to BLACKPINK's Jennie, gaining massive popularity on social media.

Even before MEOVV's official debut, her personal Instagram boasts 4.18 million followers. Ella's friendship with BLACKPINK members has also made her well-known among global K-pop fans.

In 2019, she surprised fans by appearing on Jisoo and Rose's live broadcast, and she has been seen hanging out with BLACKPINK members on multiple occasions.

Recently, Jisoo supported Ella's debut by writing on her on Instagram, "Congratulations, Ella," amplifying excitement among global fans and further boosting MEOVV's profile.

Narin, the fifth and last member to be revealed by MEOVV’s agency / Courtesy of The Black Label

Monster rookie in the making

Following Ella, other members — Gawon, Sooin, Anna, and Narin — have also sparked interest with their unique aura and individuality, further heightening attention on MEOVV.

In the fiercely competitive K-pop market, recognition and buzz are crucial for a group's success, and the pre-debut anticipation and expectations surrounding MEOVV have paved the way for a bright future.

The Black Label plans to lead a new wave in the K-pop scene with trendy music and content. MEOVV has already established their identity by adopting five cats as their theme, solidifying their group concept.

Considering Teddy's musical direction and the unique concepts of his previous girl groups (2NE1 and BLACKPINK), MEOVV is expected to debut with a hip and intense concept that will shake up the K-pop market.

The music industry is keenly observing whether MEOVV will change the landscape of K-pop girl groups. As the popularity of easy-listening music gradually declines in the domestic market, the industry anticipates that MEOVV's trendy girl-crush concept could change trends and lead to explosive growth.

Will MEOVV live up to expectations and become the "monster rookie" that redefines the K-pop scene? Their debut next month is highly anticipated.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.