Following their stunning introduction to the world last year, ascendant K-Pop girl group MEOVV roar into 2025 with “HANDS UP,” a resilience anthem set to racing rhythms out now via THEBLACKLABEL / Capitol Records. Listen HERE. Watch the music video HERE. The vibrant new single will appear on MEOVV’s recently announced debut EP, MY EYES OPEN VVIDE, out May 12. Pre-order HERE.
Launched by a flute-like melody and a Brazilian funk-inspired beat, “HANDS UP” showcases the MEOVV members’ range by pairing rapid-fire rap verses with a soaring chorus.
With lines like, “The fire in me, I won’t let it die / Won’t let it go out, I will survive,” the girls’ bars are a study in ambition against any odds, while the hook is all about breaking through: “Hands up / Crack the sky open, put your hands up / Break the sky, let the water fall / Hands up high, even if you get no answers / Throw it up what you wanna do?”
The music video for “HANDS UP” follows the members of MEOVV as they train for alkkagi, a traditional Korean board game. Towards the end, they face off against the 'alkkagi god,' who turns out to be a little boy. The video captures the girls training rigorously to overcome the game and win, all while maintaining a lighthearted and witty tone.
“HANDS UP” was crafted by the top-tier THEBLACKLABEL crew — written by label founder/mega-producer Teddy “TEDDY” Park, Vince, and 24, and produced by 24 and Dominsuk. After playing an integral role in shaping iconic acts like BIGBANG, G-Dragon, 2NE1, and BLACKPINK, TEDDY hand-picked the members of MEOVV — his first girl group since debuting BLACKPINK — and is directing all facets of the creative and production. Last September, MEOVV put the world on notice with their bold debut single “MEOW.” Just three months later, MEOVV took home the award for “Favorite Rising Artist” at the 2024 MAMA Awards, Asia’s most prestigious music award show.
Before 2024 was out, MEOVV prowled back into the spotlight with a pair of singles that highlighted the breadth of their musical spectrum: “TOXIC,” an emotional pop/R&B cut co-written by members GAWON and NARIN; and “BODY,” a rowdy, dance-inducing hit that came with an addictive chorus and signature cat-claw choreo. Burning with intensity, “HANDS UP” is the perfect next step, embodying the group’s journey of pushing forward and breaking through challenges as they solidify their status as stars.
MEOVV recently shared a pair of trailers announcing their first project, the MY EYES OPEN VVIDE EP. Keep your own eyes peeled as the girls continue to reveal more of their unique style and passion. MEOVV earned a slew of critical acclaim from the likes of TEENVOGUE, HYPEBAE, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, UPROXX, CLASH and many other outlets.
Photographs by THEBLACKLABEL
