[INTERVIEW] MAMAMOO+ seeks to catch two rabbits with new release

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Wed, November 29, 2023 | 05:32

K-pop

INTERVIEWMAMAMOO+ seeks to catch two rabbits with new release

Posted : 2023-08-03 14:56

Updated : 2023-08-04 09:12

Moonbyul, left, and Solar of MAMAMOO+, a sub-unit of K-pop girl group MAMAMOO / Courtesy of RBW

MAMAMOO+ returns with bright new song 'dangdang'

By Dong Sun-hwa

The new mini-album by MAMAMOO+, a sub-unit of K-pop girl group MAMAMOO, revolves around two animals: the rabbit and dog. Titled "Two Rabbits," the EP is fronted by the lead single, "dangdang," a Korean neologism referring to a dog.

According to the two MAMAMOO+ members ― Solar and Moonbyul ― the mini-album's title reveals their ambition to chase two rabbits by captivating both their fans and the general public.

"When I was musing on its title, the term 'two rabbits' suddenly popped in my head," the blond-haired Solar said during a media interview at a cafe in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Monday. "The CEO of our management company, RBW, suggested it as the name of our sub-unit at first, saying both of us have bright energy comparable to that of rabbits. We did not accept the offer back then, but I thought we could use this name this time."

Clad in a bright green outfit, the 32-year-old added that "dangdang" conveys a double meaning.

"It refers to an adorable dog and the onomatopoeia 'dang' that you hear when you come across someone or something you love," she explained. "We also have some dance moves in our choreography that will remind people of dogs."

MAMAMOO+ member Solar / Courtesy of RBW

In 2018, MAMAMOO considered having "dangdang" as the lead single of its seventh EP, "Yellow Flower," but it ended up picking "Starry Night" instead. Moonbyul explained that this was because "dangdang" had a different tone from other tunes in the mini-album.

"When our CEO gave a taste of it, some of our members thought it was not the best time for us to release a bright song like this considering MAMAMOO's musical direction," she recalled. "But I always kept it in my mind, so when it was the time for MAMAMOO+ to put out its album, I told our CEO that I want to take it."

Both Moonbyul and Solar believe "dangdang" is a good fit for them, as it captures the vibe that they want to give off.

"Since our debut, the goal of MAMAMOO+ was to disclose our bright side as much as possible," Moonbyul stressed.

Solar chimed in, saying, "Among MAMAMOO members, we are the ones who love upbeat songs ― such as 'You're the Best' (2016) and 'Um Oh Ah Yeh' (2019) ― the most. But at some point, MAMAMOO began rolling out more somber tunes. So, as a sub-unit, we want to bring up more bright and upbeat songs."

MAMAMOO+ member Moonbyul / Courtesy of RBW

Asked how "dangdang" is distinctive from other summer anthems, Moonbyul said it engages fans.

"'Dangdang' cannot be complete without our fans," she noted. "At the end of the song, we have a part where they have to sing along with us. I think this feature makes it stand out."

"Two Rabbits" also carries the retro-tinged, "I Like This," the sentimental,"Starry Sea" and the poignant, "Save Me." MAMAMOO+ unveiled "Save Me" ― a track about solitude ― on July 18 to whet its fans' appetite, and it conquered iTunes top songs chart in 10 countries including Singapore, Taiwan and Cambodia upon its release.

"Since 'Save Me' is in stark contrast to 'dangdang' in terms of vibe, we decided to unveil it before dropping our mini-album and showcase some diversity," Moonbyul revealed.

Solar added that she first came across "I Like This" about a decade ago when MAMAMOO members were idol trainees preparing for their debut.

"We were asked to pen lyrics and craft choreography for this song, so that our company could evaluate us," she said. "After making our debut, we made several attempts to include it in our album, and finally, we have managed to do so."

Solar and Moonbyul of MAMAMOO+, a sub-unit of K-pop girl group MAMAMOO / Courtesy of RBW

This is the reason that Moonbyul calls "Two Rabbits" a treasure trove.

"Our new EP consists of the tunes that we have been cherishing," she said.

Solar acknowledged that some old songs had to be rearranged to keep up with trends, but added that the pair still tried to cling to its own style.

"We complemented some parts, but we did not just try to pursue trendiness," she said. "Although it can be viewed as old-fashioned, we still tried to add retro elements and straightforward lyrics like we always do. I think doing the music that we can handle the best is the trendiest way of showcasing us."

For MAMAMOO, 2023 is a milestone year as it marks the 10th anniversary of its debut. As part of the celebration of the quartet, they recently held a U.S. tour for the first time in their career.

"I still feel like I am in my 20s," Moonbyul said with a smile. "At first, I could not believe that we have been active for a decade. When we just debuted, we were anxious as to whether we would be able to perform on stage after 10 years. But now, we know that we can still do a lot of things. We think we are just at the beginning stage."

sunhwadong@koreatimes.co.kr