MAMAMOO’s MoonByul Wraps Up A Successful Year With New Special Single

MAMAMOO’s MoonByul returns to gift fans her last solo release of this year, ‘The Present’. The special single releases on December 22, 2022, on MoonByul’s birthday.

 

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‘The Present’ joins a growing list of songs that celebrate her birthday: the previous songs were ‘A miracle 3days ago‘ in 2020 and ‘CHEMISTRY‘ in 2021.

‘The Present’ ends a busy and fruitful year for MoonByul, who kept busy with solo releases, collaborations, group releases, solo concerts, survival show appearances, and a tour with the rest of MAMAMOO.

 

A 6equence of Releases

In January, her third mini album 6equence featured the title track ‘LUNATIC.’

The album chronicled the stages of a relationship, from falling in love with “G999,” to reflecting on a breakup in “ddu ddu ddu.” English-speaking fans received an additional surprise with the inclusion of an English version of the title track.

In March, she released a remake of Yountoven’s “Trying to say good-bye.” The remake was part of 722 Studio’s “Room Casting” (Bangguseok) project, which allows fans to suggest singers to cover songs.

MoonByul came back quickly in April with her second single album, “C.I.T.T (Cheese in the Trap)“.

This release tackled the theme of love again, focusing on catching the attention of someone you like.

The second track on the album, “My Moon,” explores the comfort given by her fans. “My Moon” was first shown at MoonByul’s “Director’s Cut: 6equence” concerts in Seoul back in March.

MoonByul performed another “Director’s Cut” showing in August, with “Director’s Cut: Special Japan Live.”

 

Bettering Knowledge of Girl Group Rappers

From the end of August to early November, MoonByul participated in the JTBC survival show “The Second World”.

The Second World showcased an additional side to girl group rappers. Instead of highlighting their skills in rap, contestants proved their vocal prowess.

The first episode of “The Second World” aired on August 30, 2022, introducing MoonByul as a competitor alongside Yubin, Shin JiMin, OH MY GIRL’s Mimi, WJSN’s Exy, MOMOLAND’s JooE, Billlie’s Moon Sua, and CLASS:y’s SeonYou.

That same day, MAMAMOO’s first official subunit, MAMAMOO+, made their debut with the single ‘Better.’

MoonByul and groupmate Solar teamed up with rapper BIG Naughty to release ‘Better’ as a collaboration. The lyrics and music video for ‘Better’ tell the story of enjoying the day with company.

 

Mics On For MAMAMOO

In October, MAMAMOO released their 12th mini album, “MIC ON”. It featured the title track, ‘ILLELLA,’ and two b-sides, ‘1, 2, 3, Eoi!’ and ‘L.I.E.C.’

‘‘ILLELLA‘ describes the tension between two lovers underneath a starry sky. As ‘ILLELLA’ can mean something breaking, the desire to break the tension is on full display.

‘1, 2, 3, Eoi!’ draws directly from MAMAMOO’s signature chant before they perform, creating another fun song of theirs, such as White Wind’s ‘Waggy,’ or Red Moon’s ‘Sleep in the Car.’ ‘L.I.E.C.’ tells listeners to take a break and to do whatever they wish.

 

A Star on Stages Everywhere

November proved busy for MoonByul.

After weeks of competing on “The Second World”, MoonByul emerged victorious as the winner.

Throughout the show’s run, she wowed audiences with covers of songs such as DAY6’s ‘Congratulations,’ Psy’s ‘Refuge,’ and with original songs like ‘COMMA.’ Winning The Second World granted MoonByul a special stage at the “2023 Golden Disc Awards” and a solo OST for a JTBC drama.

MoonByul continued being in vogue as she featured on soloist AleXa’s “Girls Gone Vogue” album. ‘Star,’ befitting of MoonByul’s name, is a relaxing track with AleXa’s gentle singing accompanied by MoonByul’s rap.

Later that month, MAMAMOO started their first in-person tour since 2019, “My Con.” They finished shows in Seoul and Chiba by the end of November.

 

‘The Present’

‘The Present’ drops on December 22, 2022, at 6 p.m. KST, marking one of the year’s last MAMAMOO events.

Fans can celebrate with MoonByul at her fans greeting event, “the happy B-day present.” It starts at 8 p.m. KST at YES24 Live Hall on the same day.

This fans greeting event takes place two weeks before MAMAMOO resumes their “My Con” tour in January.

The Asian leg of their tour includes stops in Hong Kong, Taipei, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Manila. More stops of their world tour will be announced in the coming year.

 

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