MAMAMOO Returns: 4WARD, World Tour, and 12 Years of Undeniable Roots

K-Pop queens MAMAMOO are finally back, and for the first time since 2022’s MIC ON, all four powerhouse vocalists—Solar, Moonbyul, Whee In, and Hwa Sa—have reunited for their highly anticipated full group release, “4WARD.” This comeback marks the end of a three-year hiatus where each member carved out incredibly successful, distinct solo careers, proving their individual prowess while nurturing the shared foundation that made them. Now, they’re not just back in the studio; they’re hitting stages worldwide on their second world tour, ready to reconnect with MooMoos on a global scale.

“4 Flowers”: Blooming Together, Rooted Forever

At the heart of this triumphant return is the single, “4 Flowers,” a track co-written by Solar and Moonbyul. The song beautifully captures MAMAMOO’s unique journey, using the metaphor of flowers blooming, fading, and returning, always connected by the same root system. It’s a direct and heartfelt answer to the age-old question every long-running group faces: what happens when members achieve individual success? MAMAMOO’s response is clear: the root was never just professional; it was always profoundly personal.

The concept photos for [4WARD] show all four members together – a very meaningful visual after years apart. What did it feel like to stand in front of a camera as MAMAMOO again for a comeback?

Solar: Since it had been so long, it felt a little awkward at first. But because we’ve shared over a decade together, we got used to each other again in no time. More than anything, it was truly wonderful to be back together.

Moon Byul: I was so thrilled. Although the preparation process wasn’t always easy, every single step of the journey felt incredibly precious to me.

Whee In: Since it was our first shoot together in such a long time, my overwhelming emotion was pure excitement! I was also incredibly curious and a little nervous to see how the final cuts would turn out, haha.

Hwa Sa: I honestly thought I’d be a nervous wreck since it had been so long, but it felt remarkably familiar and natural.

“4 Flowers” talks about blooming and falling, but always being connected through the same roots. When you look at the four of you today, what is that root? What has never changed?

Solar: MAMAMOO is like our very roots. It is because of MAMAMOO that we are able to pursue our solo activities, and it is because of MAMAMOO that we were able to meet our MooMoos.

Moon Byul: I think that’s exactly what MAMAMOO is. Because the four of us started together under the name MAMAMOO, no matter how each of us may change or evolve, the unchanging truth remains: MAMAMOO is, and always will be, four members.

Whee In: I believe the members themselves are the very roots that keep us firmly grounded. Our shared desire to work even harder for MooMoos, who always cheer us on, remains completely unchanged. Even as time passes, the way we lean on one another and look in the exact same direction is something that simply never changes.

Hwa Sa: The true roots of MAMAMOO will always be MooMoos. No matter how much time passes, their love for us has never wavered.

A Harmonious Reunion in the Studio

Despite separate recording sessions due to busy schedules, the magic of MAMAMOO was undeniable once their individual voices were blended. Members described hearing the final mix as a moment of confirmation—proof that “this is exactly who we are.”

The song brings together four distinct voices into one sound. What was the first day in the studio like, recording together again?

Solar: We actually tracked our vocals separately, but listening to the final mix where our four distinct voices harmonize seamlessly felt like a nostalgic trip down memory lane. I was incredibly happy to hear the members’ vocals again, and I’m so proud that everyone did such a phenomenal job on the recording.

Moon Byul: Due to our busy schedules, we had to record our parts individually. But when I listened to the finished track, it turned out so perfectly that it immediately made me think, ‘This is exactly who we are, this is MAMAMOO.’

Whee In: Since we tracked our parts individually, the session felt very similar to recording a solo track. However, seeing the members’ names written next to their lyrics made me incredibly curious and excited to hear how the final version would all come together.

Hwa Sa: We recorded according to our own comfortable schedules. On the first day of recording, it wrapped up so quickly that I actually found myself thinking, ‘Wait, is it really okay for it to be this easy?’

Solar and Moonbyul both worked on the lyrics for “4 Flowers.” What did you want the song to say that only MAMAMOO – as a complete group – could say?

Solar: Since this is the first time MAMAMOO is coming back together in 3 years and 8 months, it carries the meaning that each of us blossomed as individual flowers through our solo activities, and now, we have beautifully bloomed once again as one magnificent flower called MAMAMOO.

Moon Byul: While it definitely reflects MAMAMOO’s own story, we also wanted to convey a broader message about human relationships and love how a flower that withers, wanes, and then blooms all over again is ultimately the most vibrant of all.

When the members heard the song for the first time, what was that moment like?

Solar: To be honest, I wasn’t 100% sure about the song when I first heard it. But as we refined it piece by piece, I became increasingly confident that if we brought out the unique individuality of all four MAMAMOO members, it would turn into something truly incredible.

Moon Byul: I absolutely loved the vibe and the lyrics because they felt so perfectly aligned with who we are right now.

Whee In: While it might not feature an intense or flashy performance, I felt an immediate certainty that this is a song only MAMAMOO could pull off. The lyrics describe who we are so perfectly, and it highlights our vocals beautifully, so I absolutely loved it.

Hwa Sa: It felt just like a special gift curated entirely for our fans.

The [4WARD] World Tour: Reconnecting on a Global Scale

The comeback extends beyond music to the stage with the highly anticipated [4WARD] World Tour. This marks MAMAMOO’s second world tour and the first time in years they will perform together at such a massive scale, opening with three consecutive nights in Seoul before traversing Asia and North America. The tour signifies a profound moment of reconnection not only for the members but also for their dedicated MooMoos worldwide.

The [4ward] World Tour takes you across Asia, North America, and beyond. When you saw the full tour map, what was your reaction?

Solar: My heart was filled with so much joy and excitement. Since this is a rare opportunity for MAMAMOO to reunite with our fans all over the world after such a long time, I’ve been pouring my heart into the preparations, feeling that flutter of excitement every single day.

Moon Byul: I was incredibly thrilled at the thought of finally seeing the fans who have waited for us for so long. In fact, our anticipation was so high that all the members kept saying we wished we could visit even more cities.

Whee In: My overwhelming emotion was deep gratitude. So much time has passed, yet so many MooMoos all over the world are still waiting for us. It made me feel an even greater sense of responsibility, and I promised myself to deliver performances that make every single moment of their waiting absolutely worth it.

Hwa Sa: My immediate thought was that I needed to mentally prepare myself so I could tackle this demanding schedule in full health.

Going into your second world tour, what do you know about performing at that scale that you didn’t the first time?

Solar: Seeing our fans react with even more joy and excitement than we did upon our return made me reflect deeply. I felt deeply apologetic for making them wait so long. It actually led to a conversation among the members where we promised each other that we shouldn’t make our fans wait this long ever again.

Moon Byul: When we are genuinely having fun, our fans feel that joy too and in turn, their happiness becomes our own. Because of this beautiful synergy, we find ourselves pouring even more of our true, heartfelt emotions into every single performance on stage.

Whee In: During MAMAMOO’s very first world tour, I was entirely focused on the technical quality of the stage, constantly thinking, ‘We must do well, it has to be perfect.’ However, after headlining my own solo world tour and performing at various other shows, I truly realized just how vital that synergy and connection with the audience is. Thanks to those experiences, I’ve developed my own way of communicating on stage and learned the know-how to genuinely enjoy the distinct cultures of each country.

Hwa Sa: Honestly, none. I just try to live in the moment.

The tour opens with three nights in Seoul. Is there a particular moment on this tour – at home or abroad – that you are most looking forward to?

Solar: Without a doubt, it’s communicating with our fans. Sharing that energy and connecting with them on stage is truly one of the most meaningful aspects of what we do.

Moon Byul: I think the unique atmosphere and the memories we create together with our fans will hold the greatest meaning. Beautifully crafted memories stay in your heart for a very long time, allowing you to relive those emotions even as time passes.

Whee In: For me, it’s the exact moment we first step onto the stage! Thinking about the members standing right there beside me, combined with the roaring cheers of our fans, always makes the opening sequence feel incredibly special.

Hwa Sa: The exact moment when the distance between us and the fans completely disappears.

MAMAMOO has a strong reputation for live vocals. When fans come to a show on this tour, what do you want them to experience that they cannot get from just listening to the recorded music?

Solar: You can definitely expect a stage and music that are quintessentially MAMAMOO; just pure, unfiltered MAMAMOO. Since every single member is incredibly passionate about performing live, we are confident that you will experience something far beyond just the joy of watching and listening.

Moon Byul: Unlike listening to recorded tracks, I believe a concert is a unique space where you can experience the music with your eyes, ears, and your entire body. That is exactly why we want to deliver the raw, vivid energy of a live performance directly to everyone there.

Whee In: When you experience music live at a concert, a riff might change one night, the fans might sing along in our place another night, or we might even end up tearing up on a different night, haha. These are elements you can only truly feel right there in the venue on that specific day. That’s why, rather than fans simply thinking, ‘I really enjoyed the music,’ I want it to be an experience where they feel, ‘I was a part of the show, and I shared a distinct moment with MAMAMOO.’

Hwa Sa: Absolutely. Our fans invest their hard-earned money and precious time to come all this way just to light up our venue. To ensure they return home completely filled with happiness, I leave everything on that stage without holding back physically.

MAMAMOO’s Evolving Identity: 12 Years and Beyond

Twelve years in, MAMAMOO continues to define and redefine what their artistry means. Each member’s successful solo career has only solidified their collective identity, bringing a deeper level of maturity and experience to the group dynamic. They are a testament to enduring talent and a bond that transcends professional structures.

MAMAMOO debuted in 2014. That is 12 years of making music together. How would you describe your artistry as a group in 2026 – what are you now that you weren’t before?

Solar: I believe MAMAMOO has been defining our own unique genre ever since our debut track, ‘Mr. Ambiguous.’ We have always strived to present music and performances that best represent who we are, and now, I feel we’ve added a layer of maturity and seasoned expertise on top of that foundation.

Moon Byul: I don’t think MAMAMOO’s core identity has changed much from the very beginning. We have always embraced an unchanging diversity, and if anything, I believe our unique colors have only grown deeper and more distinct over time.

Whee In: I believe our identity lies in proving who we are through our raw, authentic charm and musical capability. Moreover, as our respective solo careers have flourished, the MAMAMOO of today has earned the title of a group where both the collective team and each individual member hold incredibly solid careers. I feel immense pride in every single one of my members.

Hwa Sa: Without a doubt, it has to be our live performance. In the truest sense of the word, I feel like the entire identity of MAMAMOO is beautifully encapsulated within that single word, ‘LIVE.’

Each of you has built a strong solo identity over the past few years. When you come back together, how do those individual experiences change the way MAMAMOO sounds or feels?

Solar: Since each of us has gained a wide range of experiences as solo artists, I believe that when we reunite as MAMAMOO, our collective identity and team color become even more solid and undeniable.

Moon Byul: Through our solo activities, we were able to showcase our individual strengths and distinct musical styles. Bringing those four unique colors back together as one is what truly makes MAMAMOO even more vibrant and dynamic.

Whee In: Rather than trying to artificially alter the team’s overall dynamic, I find myself thinking deeply about how to beautifully blend each of our distinct, individual colors into the collective identity of the group while keeping those unique traits fully intact.

Hwa Sa: The core dynamic of the team remains completely unchanged. It’s just that we have each achieved significant personal growth, and those individual experiences have made our collective teamplay incredibly solid and powerful.

Is there a part of your artistry – as performers or as a group – that you feel people still underestimate or overlook?

Solar: Honestly, I’m just deeply grateful that people always view MAMAMOO in such a positive light and hold high expectations for us. It motivates us to do even better.

Moon Byul: To be completely honest, I haven’t really felt that way or noticed any pressure. I am simply full of gratitude for the continuous support and anticipation everyone sends our way.

Whee In: When people think of MAMAMOO, vocal prowess, high-energy performances, and spontaneous ad-libs usually come to mind first. However, we have actually been continuously experimenting with a surprisingly wide spectrum of diverse genres. If you dive into our solo tracks and MAMAMOO’s B-sides, you’ll definitely be able to discover a completely different side of our charm.

Hwa Sa: Nothing in particular.

After 12 years, what still excites you about making music together as MAMAMOO?

Solar: Without a doubt, it’s our fans. From the very moment we decided to reunite as MAMAMOO, our sole focus has been on our fans, from producing the music to planning the performances. That devotion will never change.

Moon Byul: I think it’s the synergy of our four distinct colors. Even though our individual traits are completely different, they don’t clash when we come together as MAMAMOO. Instead, they blend naturally into one. That harmony is incredibly charming, and it’s what keeps things so exciting.

Whee In: I believe it is the boundless affection of our MooMoos. The passionate love and support they send for every single project give us the strength to keep standing on stage. In turn, their roaring cheers give us the courage to continuously reinvent ourselves and showcase new sides of who we are.

Hwa Sa: It is, without a doubt, our MooMoos. Preparing for this concert was incredibly overwhelming, because we had to pull so much together in such a short window of time. But the exact moment the show started and the roaring cheers of MooMoos filled the air, it felt as though all the hardships and exhaustion just instantly melted away.

The Next 12 Years of MAMAMOO

With 12 years already under their belt, MAMAMOO looks to the future with a deep appreciation for their journey and an unwavering connection to their fans. Their hopes for the next decade are rooted in sustained passion, mutual support, and continuing to share their lives and music with MooMoos.

You have already built 12 years as MAMAMOO. If you could shape the next 12, what would you want that to look like?

Solar: My biggest wish is that things don’t change too much from how they are right now. I hope our fans will continue to stay by our side just as they do now, sharing joy and building beautiful memories together. As for MAMAMOO, I want us to always maintain this current passion for music and remain a team that consistently lives up to our fans’ expectations.

Moon Byul: I think I will always dream of us exactly as we are today. Rather than trying to paint a picture of a distant future, I just hope we can keep leaning on one another, laughing together, and moving forward just like this.

Whee In: 12 years from now… I’ll be in my mid-forties, haha! Right now, our focus is naturally more on our collective title as ‘MAMAMOO.’ But in twelve years, I hope we will be leaning on each other through the simpler moments of daily life as sisters. More than anything, I want us to stay healthy, happy, and full of joy, while continuously sharing our lives and time with our MooMoos.

Hwa Sa: I just hope to become someone who flows and lives in complete harmony with nature.

This feature is taken from our fifth printed issue, available for purchase here.