MAMAMOO is a one-of-a-kind group in the music industry, known for their extraordinary vocals, harmonization, and authenticity. Their debut song "Mr. Ambiguous" was a testament to their unparalleled talent and set them apart from the typical idol image. Interestingly, MAMAMOO was not initially marketed as a K-Pop group. Members Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa underwent training under an idol system, but their brand was to be exceptional artists rather than idols.

Forming MAMAMOO

The four-member group has been candid about their trainee days, they've spoken about how they focus on improving their singing and dancing skills because their agency believed that the girls couldn't debut solely as a conventional pretty girl group. However, the girl group used that as motivation to keep going and break through barriers and expectations. The girls embraced their confidence in themselves onstage and off stage which set them apart from traditional girl groups in Korea at the time.

In 2013, Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa performed at an after-party for Quincy Jones' concert in Seoul. At the time, they were a nameless group with five members and performed an English song that RBW producer and C.E.O. Kim Do Hoon wrote for the American music legend. The song was named "MAMAMOO". After the party, a staff member suggested that the group use "MAMAMOO" as their name. Mr. Kim changed the song into Korean, naming it "Mr. Ambiguous". This would later become the debut song for the now four-member girl group.

A Musical Force Enters The Stage

On June 18, 2014, MAMAMOO debuted with the song "Mr. Ambiguous". Their debut set them apart from the K-Pop industry and the idol image. They were praised for their unique visuals, powerful vocals, and immaculate stage performance. Their debut song also strayed away from traditional K-Pop sound and was more R&B influenced. 

In the same year, MAMAMOO released their second comeback and performed their lead single "Piano Man" from their EP, also titled Piano Man. This EP helped solidify their musical identity and ranked eighth on the Gaon Weekly Album Chart. With each comeback, the group's popularity continued to rise. Their "Um Oh Ah Yeh" comeback achieved commercial success and ranked third on the Gaon Music Chart. 

MAMAMOO quickly created a name for themselves by being different from a typical K-Pop girl group. The girl group was praised for their impressive vocal range, engaging stage performances, and ability to pull off various experimental genres that have not been done in the Korean music industry.  

Solo projects

Each member of MAMAMOO showcases their musical abilities through solo songs that are included in the group's albums. In 2018, Wheein was the first member to debut as a solo artist with her song "EASY", featuring South Korean rapper Sik-K. A few months later, Moonbyul also made her solo debut with her song "Selfish". In 2019, Hwasa officially made her solo debut with her song "TWIT", and Solar followed in 2020 with her song "Spit it out". This opportunity for members to release solo projects outside of MAMAMOO allowed fans to appreciate the strengths and talents of each member individually, beyond their group work.

In 2022, MAMAMOO formed its first official subunit named MAMAMOO+, comprising Solar and Moonbyul. The duo debuted in August 2022 with the song "Better," featuring rapper BIG Naughty. A year later, they released their first single album, ACT 1, SCENE 1. 

Breaking Stereotypes and Standards

MAMAMOO earned a lot of affection and admiration from their fans for their unique style and exceptional vocal abilities. However, the members of the group were also heavily criticized for not fitting into the conventional beauty standards set by the entertainment industry and for challenging gender norms. Despite facing harsh criticism and pressure to conform to the beauty standards, the group didn't let the negativity affect them. Rather, they continued to challenge these standards with grace and confidence. This set an inspiring and uplifting message to their fans to embrace their true selves and love themselves as they are.

Contract renewal

In 2021, RBW announced that Solar, Moonbyul, and Hwasa had renewed their contracts. However, Wheein did not renew her contract with RBW, but she would continue her activities with MAMAMOO. In 2023, Hwasa would leave RBW and sign with P NATION as a solo artist. In February 2024, MAMAMOO was removed from RBW's list of artists on their agency website, but not on their Japanese site. RBW has yet to address the matter at hand. 

Conclusion

MAMAMOO has had an extraordinary journey in the Korean music scene. They overcame the heavy criticism since their debut and have since achieved chart-topping success both as a group and as solo artists. Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa have created a name for themselves as a group and as solo artists. Setting them apart through their exceptional vocal talent, genre-defying music, and unapologetic approach to breaking beauty standards. They have challenged industry norms and influenced a more inclusive representation. While the future of MAMAMOO is uncertain, their career thus far has been nothing but extraordinary.

Edited by Vivian N.