Moonbyul from Mamamoo is coming back with a solo digital single. Her agency, RBW Entertainment, confirmed the release of “ICY BBY” on June 17. This track will also be part of her upcoming solo album, which hasn’t been fully revealed yet. Fans have eagerly awaited her solo music, and this marks her first release in 10 months.
According to teaser visuals and fan theories, “ICY BBY” carries a dual meaning: “icy” represents cool confidence, while “BBY” is a playful twist on “baby.” The visuals hint at a fun, fast-paced aesthetic, mixing Y2K fashion with summer streetwear for a Gen Z-coded vibe.
Who is Moonbyul?
Moonbyul is Mamamoo’s main rapper and a driving creative force in the group. Known for her charismatic stage presence, deep tone, and songwriting skills, she also shines in variety shows and live streams with her humor and leadership.
Her playful teaser misdirections — portraying roles that didn’t appear in the MV — sparked fan theories. Some think it’s commentary on idol versatility; others say it was just smart promo. Either way, it worked. Teasers went viral on TikTok, Twitter, and Korean forums. As one of the few female idols who both rap and write music, her solo efforts stand out.
The announcement of “ICY BBY” came on a meaningful date — the seventh anniversary of her solo debut with “Selfish” in 2018. She’s consistently pursued her solo path alongside Mamamoo activities. Her most recent project was “Starlit of Twinkle: Repackage” in August 2024, a reissue of her full album “Starlit of Muse,” which topped iTunes charts in multiple countries.
Moonbyul’s Solo Timeline at a Glance
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2018: Debut solo single “Selfish” ft. Seulgi (Red Velvet)
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2020: First solo EP “Dark Side of the Moon”
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2022: Full solo comeback with “6equence”
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2024: First full solo album “Starlit of Muse”
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2025: Returns with “ICY BBY”
She also held her first solo world tour after that. It was called “Museum: An Epic of Starlit.” The tour had stops in eight cities across Asia and twelve in North America. Cities like Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Tokyo, and Los Angeles were part of the tour. Fans from all over showed strong support.
A New Single, Summer Concerts, and Steady Solo Growth
Moonbyul’s “ICY BBY” arrives just before her July fan concerts in Japan. She’ll perform in Tokyo (July 4) and Osaka (July 12) with a summer theme that blends sea and cinema for a fun seasonal mood.
Earlier this year, she debuted officially as a solo artist in Japan with her physical single “Aurora.” Its lead track “Hoshiakari” reached No. 3 on Oricon’s Daily Single Ranking — a strong start in the Japanese market. Though she began as part of Mamamoo, Moonbyul has steadily shaped a solo identity — marked by her husky voice, confident rap style, and distinct stage presence.
“ICY BBY” is now out, and fans are already hooked. The June 17 MV release delivered exactly what many expected — a catchy, breezy summer bop. Fans call it fun, easy to listen to, and another strong solo effort. The rap verses particularly stood out. Her delivery was praised for being smooth and powerful, with fans enjoying how her deeper tone balanced the track’s light energy. One fan simply said, “Moonbyul rap is dope.”
Fans Break Down the MoonByul ICY BBY MV and Promotions
What surprised many people was the difference between the teasers and the actual video. In the teaser clips, Moonbyul was seen in various outfits — a basketball player, a cheerleader, and a martial artist. None of those roles appeared in the final MV. That led fans to believe she did all that extra content just for fun promotion. One fan called that “wild” and said it probably took a lot of effort and planning.
It shows how much work Moonbyul puts into her projects, even beyond just music. She clearly wanted to build excitement for the comeback in her own way. And it worked. People also praised the overall feel of the video and song. One fan wrote that the production felt trendy and modern, but it still fit Moonbyul’s unique voice. Others said they were surprised how well her deeper voice worked with a lighter, summery beat. Many agreed it was a strong mix.
Someone said it best: “Super trendy and fresh production, and I feel like the lightness of the track contrasts beautifully with her deeper tone.” Another fan said they didn’t realize how much they missed Moonbyul’s music until they heard “ICY BBY.” It reminded them why they liked her in the first place.
Talk of Mamamoo’s Future Comes Up
Moonbyul’s comeback sparked conversations about Mamamoo’s status. While the group hasn’t disbanded officially, members are now under different agencies and rarely appear together. Some fans are doubtful about a group comeback. Still, Moonbyul’s solo career remains strong. After her 2024 album and world tour, she followed up with “ICY BBY,” which is already resonating well. Her July concerts will build on that momentum, keeping fans engaged through summer.
Mamamoo debuted in 2014 with bold concepts and standout vocals. Their hits include “Mr. Ambiguous,” “Starry Night,” and “Gogobebe.” All members — Moonbyul, Solar, Wheein, and Hwasa — continue growing in their own paths.
Also Read: MAMAMOO Solar New Look for ‘Floating Free’: Concept Photos Released
Is a Group Comeback Still Possible?
K-pop groups often exist in a “hiatus-but-not-disbanded” space. Mamamoo members have expressed openness to future reunions. In 2023, they celebrated their 9th anniversary with a fan concert, so a return isn’t entirely off the table.
Moonbyul continues experimenting with genres — from R&B to upbeat pop — and “ICY BBY” reflects another stylistic shift. It adds to her growing discography, along with fan favorites like “Lunatic” and “C.I.T.T.” This digital single signals a packed second half of 2025, with concerts and a full album likely on the way. Moonbyul’s active role in writing and producing keeps her music authentic and heartfelt.
The digital single also signals a busy second half of 2025 for her. With concerts and a new album on the way, she’s not slowing down. Moonbyul’s solo efforts have always felt personal. She’s involved in writing and producing many of her songs. That makes her music feel more raw and honest.
For longtime fans and new listeners alike, this release could be a nice entry point into her solo discography. The single is now available on all major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Melon, and YouTube. The MV is live on Moonbyul’s official channel, and the song can also be purchased digitally on iTunes and Amazon Music. Fans looking to support her on Korean charts can use sites like Genie and Bugs via Korean VPNs. As always, digital music stores and streaming platforms will have the song on release day. Keep an eye on official channels for updates and album news.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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