Sooin, Gawon, Anna, Narin and Ella are collectively known as the K-pop quintet called MEOVV. They debuted on the South Korean music scene as a close-knit unit just a little over a year ago. And so, the five members under the THEBLACKLABEL, an associate of YG Entertainment (the company behind iconic girl group BLACKPINK), still very much qualify as rookies. But when they took 2025 MAMA Awards stage on Friday, November 28, they were nothing short of “queens.”

Given the short period of time MEOVV members have spent in the industry as of now, the K-pop girl group is still working to build a strong fanbase one song release at a time. However, the left global netizens no choice but to take note of them, as they stepped onto the MAMA Awards Chapter 1 for a performance unlike any other.

Why MEOVV went viral after the 2025 MAMA Awards Day 1?

The five-member girl group delivered a high-energy performance in collaboration with fellow rookie boy group TWS early today. While MEOVV’s name definitely gained traction as the members went all, it was ultimately a mindful onstage gesture they made that won everyone’s hearts.

ALSO READ

As it hasn’t been that long since they debuted in September 2024, the group barely has a handful of Korean singles on their discography so far. Of those songs, one is called “Burning Up.” Having dropped just over a month ago, the digital single currently stands in as their last-released track.

And so, it became a significant inclusion on their MAMA Awards 2025 setlist. However, the girls ended up switching things up for the show, as they changed the song title and the corresponding lyrics from “Burning Up” to “Turn It Up” instead. The MAMA version of MEOVV’s latest track immediately garnered rave reviews on X.

Many took to the social media platform to applaud the “respectful and thoughtful group.” Some even channelled the viral “very demure, very mindful” trend to heap praises on the girl group for doing the needful.

Why MEOVV’s ‘Burning Up’ became ‘Turn It Up’?

MEOV, among many other K-pop artists, had flown to Hong Kong to perform at the MAMA Awards 2025. Although the dates for the highly anticipated awards show had been confirmed long back, they ended falling just days after the popular Asian city witnessed a devastating and forever-scarring tragedy. On Wednesday, November 26, a massive blaze engulfed Wang Fuk Court, a high-rise, eight-building apartment complex in the Tai Po district.

Given the extent of the devastation, rescue and fire containment operations had to continue even 24 hours after the city’s deadliest fire in decades broke out at the residential complex. It inevitably cast doubt on the MAMA Awards schedule, with netizens presuming less than a day before the broadcast whether the event would go on as first planned.

Ultimately, the red carpet event was cancelled, but organiser CJ ENM and MAMA officials merely hours ahead of the live show that some adjustments would be made to the program. On D-Day, main host Park Bo Gum walked out, asking everyone present at the venue, Kai Tak Stadium, which is just 20 kilometres from the site of the fire, to observe a moment of silence.

ALSO READ

Even other artists coming onto the stage to accept trophies made solemn remarks, offering their condolences to the victims of the blazing disaster that left at least 128 people dead and dozens unaccounted for.

MEOVV simply followed suit. In accordance with the circumstances, the group delivered what was needed at a time when the city and countless families were reeling from life-shattering losses.

Fans praise MEOVV for Hong Kong performance

A user applauded the group on X, saying, “Classy move that honors the moment without killing the vibe. MEOVV’s maturity shines brighter than any lyric tweak. If it sticks for future sets? Smart rebrand.”

Some couldn’t help but note that the rookie girl group had managed to pull off their tweaked performance on such a big performance with just a two-day notice, or actually even lesser. A second person took note: “Ohhh this is so smart, such a good way to handle the situation in such a short notice.”

“RESPECTFUL AND MINDFUL QUEENS WE STANNNN,” read another comment.

Yet another user added, “Definitely because of the fire tragedy in Hong Kong and I love and respect how they changed the lyrics.”

Another message said, “Thank you @THEBLACKLABEL for being considerate, for hearing us and my Meovv will always be respectful.”

Melophiles unversed with MEOVV’s discography were left confused for a while as they failed to find a song titled “Turn It Up” on the group’s Spotify profile. As many continued to praise their professionalism, some even called their performance the best one of the night.

The lyric-change was definitely a noticeable talking point after the MAMA Awards Day 1 affair, but it also helped bring MEOVV in their music radar.

A K-pop enthusiast exclaimed on X that the girls had a long to way, writing, “Just think about it if they can serve this level of performance at award shows, then imagine how insane their first concert or fan meeting is gonna be their stage presence is already so strong, so stable????”

Some branded the group members “monster rookies” after catching MEOVV’s breathless dance break. A netizen chimed in, “the way MEOVV is confirming that they’re the best performers of 5th gen.”

In addition to being included on the performers’ lineup on the first day of MAMA Awards 2025, MEOVV was also nominated in the Best Vocal Performance Group category. With DAVICHI, HIGHLIGHT, TREASURE and ZEROBASEONE as their contenders, it remains to be seen whether the K-pop quintet will win this MAMA trophy. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Chapter 2 ceremony, with veteran icon Kim Hye Soo taking over as the main host, to find out more!