Who Are MEOVV Members? Inside Story of My Eyes Open VVide Stars

MEOVV members officially debuted on September 6, 2024, with their digital single "Meow," marking a significant milestone as THEBLACKLABEL's first-ever girl group since the agency's establishment in 2016. The five-member ensemble consisting of Sooin, Gawon, Anna, Narin, and Ella has quickly captured attention in the K-pop scene with their fresh sound and compelling stage presence.

Behind the name MEOVV lies an acronym that stands for "My Eyes Open VVide", reflecting the group's artistic vision and approach to music. In addition to their successful debut, the group has established a strong foundation for global reach through THEBLACKLABEL's partnership with Capitol Records announced on August 28, 2024. Their first EP, "My Eyes Open VVide," has already demonstrated impressive commercial potential, selling 88,954 copies on its first day according to Hanteo Chart.

How MEOVV Was Formed

The journey of MEOVV began much earlier than their September 2024 debut. Rumors and speculation about THEBLACKLABEL's first girl group started circulating months before any official announcement, creating anticipation among K-pop fans worldwide.

Pre-debut rumors and trainee reveals

Initially, in February 2024, photos of several trainees from THEBLACKLABEL began spreading online. These early glimpses featured choreographer Bailey Sok, child model Ella Gross, and Annie Moon (granddaughter of Shinsegae chairman Lee Myung-hee). However, Annie Moon eventually dropped out of the lineup. Most of the future MEOVV members already held impressive backgrounds in entertainment - Ella had been modeling since age two for brands like Zara and GAP, Gawon was a former YG Entertainment trainee who modeled for Adidas, while Anna had been an exclusive model for Seventeen Japan from 2019 to 2021.

Around February 6, THEBLACKLABEL officially announced plans to launch their new girl group during the first half of 2024. Furthermore, trademark applications for "Méovv" across multiple categories appeared in March, hinting at the group's name.

Official member announcements

On August 16, 2024, THEBLACKLABEL officially launched MEOVV's social media accounts alongside their name and logo. The striking moving logo featured a cat's paw with sharpened claws, suggesting the group's "lovely yet dangerous" character. Another teaser showed five black cats sitting atop the company building, indicating the number of members.

Subsequently, THEBLACKLABEL revealed each member individually over eight days. Ella was unveiled first on August 21, followed by Gawon on August 23, Sooin on August 25, Anna on August 27, and finally Narin on August 29. Each reveal included an "EYES OF MEOVV" close-up teaser and mysterious short film. Notably, these teasers garnered over 56 million combined views before any music release.

Partnership with Capitol Records

On August 29, 2024, THEBLACKLABEL announced a significant partnership with Capitol Records for MEOVV's global promotions. This strategic alliance established a foundation for the group to become globally influential artists. Following the signing announcement, Capitol Records mimicked THEBLACKLABEL's teaser concept by showing the same black cats roaming their Hollywood tower.

The Meaning Behind MEOVV

Behind every K-pop group's identity lies carefully crafted symbolism, and the MEOVV members embody this through their distinctive name and branding elements. The group's identity extends beyond their music to encompass a cohesive concept that resonates with fans.

What does MEOVV stand for?

The name MEOVV serves as an acronym for "My Eyes Open VVide". This unique spelling choice was intentional, particularly the use of double "V" instead of "W." When asked about this stylistic decision, member Ella explained, "I wanted to give visual fun," adding that she "liked it better because it felt like it represented each of the members".

Additionally, the name connects cleverly to the sound "Meow," reflecting the group's cat-inspired concept. This dual meaning creates a memorable brand identity that aligns with their overall aesthetic and sound profile.

Fandom name PAWMPAWN

On March 24, 2025, MEOVV officially announced their fandom name: PAWMPAWN. This thoughtfully designed name combines two meaningful elements – "pomme," the French word for "apple," and "paw," referring to a cat's paw.

The name carries the special meaning "APPLE OF MY EYE," signifying that fans are treasured by the group. As expressed in their announcement, the fandom is "so precious that one wouldn't mind putting in their eyes". The name PAWMPAWN (written as 폼폼 in Korean) perfectly complements the group's cat-themed concept while symbolizing the special bond between MEOVV members and their supporters.

Sanrio characters and branding

Further enhancing their distinctive branding, each MEOVV member has chosen a Sanrio character that reflects their personality:

Sooin identifies with Hangyodon
Gawon connects with Kuromi
Anna represents Cinnamoroll
Narin chose Hello Kitty
Ella embodies Pompompurin

This partnership with Sanrio's beloved characters adds another layer to MEOVV's identity, allowing fans to associate each member with a recognizable character that complements their individual traits. The collaboration also strengthens their visual concept and merchandising opportunities, creating multiple touchpoints for fans to connect with the group beyond just their music.

Debut and Rise to Fame

From debut to chart success, MEOVV's journey in the K-pop industry has been remarkably swift. The five-member group quickly established themselves as rising stars with each release showcasing their versatility and growing fanbase.

Debut with 'Meow'

MEOVV's official entry into the K-pop world came on September 6, 2024, with their digital single "Meow" released through THEBLACKLABEL. The track, crafted by an elite production team including TEDDY, Claudia Valentina, and Zikai, featured an enchanting loop that escalated into a pulsing bass-driven anthem. Their impressive debut immediately made waves, with "Meow" entering Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart at No. 10. The song also performed well domestically, reaching position 30 on South Korea's Circle chart.

Follow-up singles: 'Toxic' and 'Body'

Within months of their debut, MEOVV returned with two contrasting singles that highlighted their artistic range. Released simultaneously as a double-single, "Toxic" and "Body" showcased different facets of the group's identity. "Toxic" emerged as an emotional pop/R&B anthem featuring minimalist rhythm and heartfelt lyrics co-written by members GAWON and NARIN. Meanwhile, "Body" delivered a vibrant, dance-floor-ready hit with a bouncy beat and powerful rap sections. In an interview, GAWON described "Body" as "this kind of energy that we just hold with us everywhere we go".

First EP: My Eyes Open VVide

On May 12, 2025, MEOVV released their first EP titled "My Eyes Open VVide," featuring double title tracks "Hands Up" and "Drop Top". "Hands Up" was pre-released on April 28, 2025. The EP demonstrated impressive commercial potential, selling 88,954 copies on its first day according to Hanteo Chart. The physical album was released in eight versions: Grill, Orb, five individual MEOVV versions, and Jelly Paw.

First music show win with 'Hands Up'

A significant milestone came on May 8, 2025, when MEOVV claimed their first-ever music show trophy on M Countdown with "Hands Up," beating TXT's "Love Language" for the top spot. The win marked a turning point in their career, with the members visibly emotional during their acceptance speech where they thanked "families, fans, and everyone at The Black Label".

Sooin: The Energetic Main Dancer

Kim Sooin stands out among MEOVV members as the group's energetic main dancer. Her journey from trainee to K-pop idol showcases her dedication and natural talent that captivates fans worldwide.

Birthdate and early life

Born on April 12, 2005, in Daejeon, South Korea, Sooin moved to Daegu when she was approximately three years old, specifically to the Yucheon-dong area in Dalseo-gu. She grew up there until moving to Seoul during her first year of middle school to pursue her trainee journey. Her family consists of her parents and an older sister who have supported her throughout her career path. During her educational journey, Sooin attended the prestigious School of Performing Arts Seoul (SOPA), a well-known institution for aspiring performers.

Her role in MEOVV

As the main dancer and vocalist of MEOVV, Sooin brings exceptional performance skills to the group. She was officially revealed as the third member on August 25, 2024, after which fans quickly recognized her dancing prowess. Within the group's dynamic, she's known for her sky-blue representative color that complements her energetic stage presence. Nicknamed "The Bang Girl" in pre-debut leaked photos, Sooin's dancing abilities have become a cornerstone of the group's performances.

MBTI and personality traits

Sooin identifies as an ENFP personality type, characterized by enthusiasm and creativity. According to group members, she's likely to learn new languages the fastest among them—a testament to her quick-thinking nature. Essentially, she's considered the member who most often does silly things, bringing lighthearted energy to the group. Her nickname "Swim Kim" reflects her playful personality that resonates with fans.

Training and pre-debut journey

Prior to joining MEOVV, Sooin began her trainee journey in 2019 at a different entertainment company. Thereafter, she joined THEBLACKLABEL in 2022, training for approximately two years before debut. For her audition, she performed "Oops" by Little Mix, showcasing her vocal abilities alongside her dancing skills. Throughout her training period, she honed her fluency in both Korean and English, adding to her versatility as a performer.

Fun facts and Sanrio character

Standing at 172 cm (5'7.5"), Sooin brings unique characteristics to MEOVV:

Her favorite number is 7
She has a pet dog named Yomi
She can remarkably turn her hands 360°
She enjoys baking during her free time
Summer ranks as her favorite season

The Sanrio character representing Sooin is Hangyodon, perfectly matching her bright personality. Additionally, she once aspired to be a painter when younger, showcasing her artistic inclinations beyond performing. Her diverse interests include enjoying football as her favorite sport and having a particular fondness for mint chocolate ice cream.

Gawon: The Charismatic Vocalist-Rapper

Lee Gawon, also known as Chloe Lee, brings her soulful vocals and charismatic rap skills to MEOVV, making her a standout among the members with her distinct musical contributions and commanding stage presence.

Background and education

Born on April 27, 2005, in Ohio, Gawon lived briefly in Edgewater, New Jersey before moving to South Korea during her elementary school years. Throughout her childhood, she attended Seoul International School, where she developed fluency in both Korean and English, albeit with English remaining slightly more comfortable for her. Despite initially forgetting Korean after becoming fluent in English, she diligently studied the language through EBS educational programs. Impressively, Gawon scored 1550 on her SAT and received acceptance to New York University's Department of Media & Communication but chose to pursue her idol career instead.

Main vocalist and rapper role

As MEOVV's main vocalist, Gawon contributes a uniquely soulful and pop voice that creates a luxurious atmosphere within the group's songs. Her deep, heavy vocal tone particularly shines in lower registers, effectively enhancing the mood of their tracks. Beyond vocals, she demonstrates impressive rap skills in songs like "Hands Up" and "Drop Top," for which she personally wrote her rap verses, showcasing her versatility as a performer.

INTJ personality and group dynamics

Given that Gawon identifies as an INTJ personality type, she typically presents as quiet and calm. Nevertheless, member Sooin describes her as a fun person to be around, revealing different facets of her personality within the group setting. Despite her reserved nature, she balances the group dynamic with her thoughtful approach and analytical mindset.

Pre-debut connections and training

Throughout her approximately five-year training period, Gawon forged connections with several notable idols. She trained at YG Entertainment for about a year starting in 2019, where she roomed with NewJeans' Danielle. Thereafter, she moved to THEBLACKLABEL in 2020, training alongside KISS OF LIFE's Julie and H1-KEY's Hwiseo. Her audition song "Teenage Fantasy" by Jorja Smith helped secure her place at the agency.

Unique interests and brand endorsements

Gawon enjoys reading books—having binge-watched the Harry Potter series twice—and practicing pilates. Notably, she became MEOVV's first member to represent a luxury brand when Prada announced her as their brand ambassador in April 2025. Her varied interests include:

Studying dinosaurs (with a particular interest in T-Rex)
Watching films with a focus on cinematography
Learning multiple languages (currently studying Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish)
Enjoying mint chocolate and various rice cakes, especially Baekseolgi and Sultteok

Anna: The Elegant Visual from Japan

Anna Tanaka stands as the embodiment of elegance among MEOVV members, bringing her unique Japanese aesthetic sensibilities and professional modeling background to the group's visual identity.

Japanese roots and modeling career

Born on November 17, 2005, in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, Anna moved to Tokyo during elementary school. Her modeling journey began remarkably early when she won the Grand Prize at the 5th Nico-Petit Model Audition in December 2016 at just 11 years old. From there, her career flourished as she became an exclusive model for Seventeen Japan from October 2019 to December 2021. Throughout this period, Anna established herself as a recognizable face in Japanese fashion media, garnering attention for embodying what many describe as "the Japanese beauty standard."

Visual and sub-vocalist role

Within MEOVV's dynamic, Anna serves as the group's official visual and sub-vocalist. Revealed as the fourth member on August 27, 2024, her striking appearance immediately captivated audiences. Her elegant demeanor on stage contrasts with her surprisingly energetic personality in casual settings—a duality that Gawon notes makes Anna "one of the loudest members" when back at their dorm.

ISTP personality and adaptability

As an ISTP personality type, Anna demonstrates remarkable adaptability, a trait that helped her transition between modeling and idol training. Though initially appearing shy and soft-spoken in public settings, she reveals a more animated side among trusted companions. This versatility allows her to adapt seamlessly to various performance concepts.

Transition from modeling to K-pop

Anna's journey to K-pop began unexpectedly through Instagram DMs, where she was scouted by THEBLACKLABEL in early 2023. For her audition, she performed BLACKPINK's "Lovesick Girls," showcasing her vocal potential. Despite having only trained for approximately one year before debut, Anna adapted quickly to idol life, displaying impressive language acquisition skills.

Cultural blend and Sanrio pick

Anna's identity beautifully blends her Japanese heritage with Korean pop sensibilities. Her favorite foods—meat and sushi—reflect this cultural fusion. Among the Sanrio characters, Anna identifies with Cinnamoroll, complementing her gentle yet versatile image. Her hobbies include visiting cosmetic shops and watching K-pop concerts, revealing her genuine passion for the industry she now belongs to.

Narin: The Multilingual Powerhouse

Narin Na stands as a linguistic marvel among MEOVV members, showcasing exceptional communication skills that transcend typical K-pop idol abilities.

Early life and language skills

Born on August 15, 2007, in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Narin grew up in a supportive family environment with her parents and younger brother. Her educational journey included Seoul Apgujeong Elementary School and Shingu Middle School. Unlike many multilingual idols, Narin never studied abroad yet mastered multiple languages through dedicated study. Beyond her native Korean, she speaks fluent English and Japanese—the latter so impressively that Japanese teammate Anna praised her proficiency. Presently, Narin is expanding her linguistic repertoire by studying Spanish and Chinese, even demonstrating accurate Spanish pronunciation during a "M Countdown" interview shortly after debut.

Main rapper and vocalist position

As MEOVV's main rapper and main vocalist, Narin brings versatility to the group's performances. Her dual position highlights her exceptional talent considering she's still just 17 years old. Her stage name remains identical to her birth name, Na Rin, reflecting authenticity in her artistic identity. Among MEOVV members, Narin particularly admires BLACKPINK, citing Jennie as her ultimate bias.

ENFP personality and dorm life

With an ENFP personality type, Narin embodies enthusiasm and creativity within the group dynamic. Her nickname "Lyn" is commonly used among members and fans, while Anna affectionately calls her "Rin Satou" due to her excellent Japanese skills. In the dorm, her bright personality complements her representative color—pink.

Audition and training story

For her audition at THEBLACKLABEL, Narin performed Billie Eilish's "idontwannabeyouanymore," showcasing her vocal versatility. She was the fifth and final member revealed on August 29, 2024, completing the MEOVV lineup.

Hello Kitty connection and fan appeal

Among Sanrio characters, Hello Kitty represents Narin, aligning with her sweet yet determined persona. Her stage advice philosophy emphasizes genuine enjoyment: "When I truly enjoy the moment, that's when I can connect with our fans, music, and myself on a deeper level".

Ella: The Global Maknae

Ella Gross stands out among MEOVV members as the group's youngest talent who arrived with an already established international following. The South Korean-American star brings a unique blend of experience and youth to the quintet.

Mixed heritage and early fame

Born on December 1, 2008, in Los Angeles, California, Ella possesses a distinctive mixed heritage—her mother is Korean-American while her father is German-American. This multicultural background contributes to her striking visuals that have captivated audiences since childhood. At the remarkably young age of two, Ella began her modeling career, quickly securing campaigns for prestigious brands including H&M, Levi's, GAP, Zara, Fendi, and numerous others. Throughout her childhood, she earned the nickname "Little Jennie" due to her resemblance to BLACKPINK's Jennie, a connection that would later prove fortuitous in her K-pop journey.

Maknae, vocalist, and visual role

As MEOVV's maknae (youngest member), Ella serves as both vocalist and visual. Despite being revealed first on August 21, 2024, she naturally assumed the maknae position at age 16. Her representative color is purple, complementing her sophisticated yet youthful image within the group's aesthetic.

INTP personality and quirks

With an INTP personality type, Ella exhibits the thoughtful, analytical traits characteristic of this profile. Beyond her poised public persona, she maintains several distinctive habits, including early morning jogging. Amid her busy schedule, she balances idol life with personal interests—her favorite color remains purple, matching her representative hue in MEOVV.

Modeling to K-pop transition

Signed to The Black Label since 2018, Ella's transition from modeling to K-pop represented a natural evolution of her entertainment career. For her audition, she performed Radiohead's "Creep", an unconventional choice that showcased her artistic sensibility. Standing at 168 cm (5'6"), she debuted on runways at Tokyo Girls Collection at just nine years old, later walking in prestigious events including New York Fashion Week.

Pompompurin and her global charm

Among Sanrio characters, Ella identifies with Pompompurin, reflecting her warm personality. Alongside her brother Roman, she has cultivated substantial international appeal, amassing over four million Instagram followers before even debuting. This global recognition combined with her multilingual abilities—fluency in both English and Korean—positions her as a significant factor in MEOVV's international outreach.