MAVE: Open PANDORA’S BOX in Virtual Debut

Are they real or are they fake? The virtual girl group MAVE: were formed by Metaverse Entertainment and Netmarble, an online game company. They debuted with “PANDORA,” the title track of their first single album PANDORA’S BOX, on January 25, 2023. The album also features new track “WONDERLAND (IDYPIA)”.

MAVE: means “MAKE NEW WAVE” as they vow to create a new wave of K-Pop, the main concept of their album. Although the real girls behind the vocals are hidden, we can still introduce the virtual identities that make up this unusual four-member group. Each member has their own ID number, abilities, memories, and origin. 

The youngest is MARTY:, who crash-landed in Jakarta, Indonesia. She specializes in dance and rap, and is the kindest member among the group. Next is second eldest ZENA:, who crash-landed in Paris, France, is the lead vocalist, and is the shyest, yet cutest member. Third is second youngest TYRA:, who crash-landed in California, USA, is the main rapper and dancer, and is the most confident and competitive member. Lastly, eldest and leader SIU:, who crash-landed in Jeju Island, South Korea, is the main vocalist, and calmest member among the group. You can find out more about them in their K-Profiles.

Although they’re virtual, a big and talented team went into creating their debut, and we have to say, those special effects and virtual worlds are amazing! IDYPIA is the name of MAVE:’s universe, which they describe in “WONDERLAND.” They lure you into a perfect world that seems like a dream. It has a feeling of déjà vu, but that’s just their promise to leave behind the bad parts of our world and keep only the good parts. Essentially, taking you “Into The New World,” but doesn’t that phrase sound familiar?

While “WONDERLAND” has a hauntingly beautiful melody, “PANDORA” is an energetic pop song about creating and showing their self-assured, self-reliant image. The group’s personality is based on heartless people as the members become fearless, careless, and the resistance to protect others and bring them power. MAVE: declare to make history as they recreate it. They want to steal attention from others, and hush those who interrupt them as people rush to see the new artificial intelligence. Could this be a hint to a live show?

Now, let’s talk about the music video. With MAVE:’s debut, the color purple makes a comeback, and many fans are wondering if this is the group’s official color. Racing on the streets among the people, the world looks like a track from Mario Kart. As Netmarble is an online game company, it’s speculated that people could join IDYPIA, their metaverse, and race alongside or even communicate with them, like many idol games we’ve seen before. Even if that doesn’t come true soon, skyscrapers floating in midair, like the members are performing on a spaceship, is good enough for us. And isn’t it ironic that they show early artificial intelligence - robots? There are even times when MAVE: look so real that we forget they’re fake. From their very synchronized dancing in the streets to the pretty flower gardens, and the many outfit and scene changes, MAVE: is a group to watch out for.

But we’re all wondering what happens when PANDORA’S BOX opens. Is MAVE: released in their full form? Is it a portal leading us to IDYPIA? Is it the new wave of K-Pop they’re talking about? Or is it something entirely different? Perhaps we’ll find out in their next release…

Edited by Rashelle B.