Why Solar MAMAMOO's "Spit It Out" Became a K-pop Solo Success Story

When Solar MAMAMOO made her solo debut with "Spit It Out" on April 23, 2020, few could have predicted the immediate impact it would create. According to Hanteo Chart data, the physical version of the single sold an impressive 62,000 copies on its first day of release. This remarkable achievement was just the beginning of Solar's solo success story.

"Spit It Out" (Korean: 벗어) quickly climbed the charts, debuting at number 96 and later peaking at number 71 on the Gaon Digital Chart. Notably, the physical version reached number two on the Gaon Album Chart. The Solar Spit It Out MV premiered on YouTube, showcasing her artistic vision and unique performance style. Within five days of its release, the song earned Solar her first-ever solo music show win on SBS MTV's The Show. In fact, "Solar Spit It Out" transcended domestic success, debuting at number 12 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart before peaking at number 6.

Solar’s Solo Debut: The Road to 'Spit It Out'

Solar's journey to her first solo release represented a significant milestone in her career with MAMAMOO. Unlike many K-pop idols who rush to release solo material, Solar took a measured approach, allowing six years to pass since her group's debut before stepping out on her own.

Why Solar waited 6 years to go solo

The MAMAMOO vocalist prioritized group activities during the formative years, focusing on establishing the quartet's unique sound and identity in the competitive K-pop landscape. This patient strategy allowed Solar to develop her artistic voice while building a solid fanbase through MAMAMOO's success. Additionally, the time granted her opportunity to refine her performance skills and creative direction before presenting her individual artistry.

The announcement and teaser campaign

Once ready to debut solo, Solar orchestrated a meticulous rollout strategy for "Spit It Out." The campaign featured a series of striking concept photos that hinted at her bold new image. Furthermore, short video teasers strategically revealed glimpses of the Solar Spit It Out MV, generating anticipation among fans. Her social media channels became platforms for mysterious hints about the project's concept.

Creative control and personal vision

Perhaps most importantly, Solar maintained significant creative input throughout the entire process. She participated actively in selecting the Latin-inspired sound, crafting the Solar Spit It Out lyrics, and designing the visual aesthetic. Moreover, her decision to temporarily shave her head for the project demonstrated her commitment to authentic artistic expression rather than conventional K-pop beauty standards.

The Music and Message Behind 'Spit It Out'

"Spit It Out" stands as a testament to Solar MAMAMOO's artistic vision, blending distinctive musical elements with powerful messaging. The track showcases her versatility beyond group activities through its unique sonic landscape and personal lyrics.

Genre fusion: Latin pop meets dark synth

The sonic foundation of "Spit It Out" creates an innovative fusion that sets it apart in the K-pop landscape. Solar's debut single masterfully combines dark pop with Latin pop elements, particularly through its distinctive Latin guitar riffs. This musical marriage is enhanced by unique synth sounds that create a catchy hook. Essentially, the production keeps bass and percussion deliberately minimalist, allowing Solar's exceptional vocal range to shine through. At the same time, the track maintains a consistent, addictive rhythm that adds layers rather than changing structure completely.

Empowering lyrics and themes

The Solar Spit It Out lyrics deliver a powerful message of self-confidence and success. Through assertive phrasing, the song challenges societal standards, particularly how female celebrities face harsher criticism than their male counterparts. Indeed, lines like "Because I love me, there's nothing to curse" embody the track's feminist spirit. As Solar herself explained, the recurring line "Spit it out through hot lips" represents her burning passion, symbolizing how she channeled all her energy into this release.

Solar's role in songwriting and production

Beyond performing, Solar co-wrote "Spit It Out" alongside producer Kim Do-hoon. The pair also collaborated with veteran rapper Sleepy on production. Her creative involvement extended throughout the entire single album, as she participated actively in both writing and conceptualizing. Consequently, she was able to infuse the song with her own artistic identity, explaining that it was "a track where I 'spit out' who I am as a person through the song and the lyrics".

Visuals and Performance: The Power of the MV

The visual spectacle of the "Spit It Out" music video immediately captivates viewers with its avant-garde aesthetic. From the opening sequence featuring unsettling red nails thrust into Solar's face to the ever-changing backdrops, the MV creates a compelling visual narrative.

Solar Spit It Out MV concept and styling

Throughout the video, Solar MAMAMOO embraces a bold aesthetic that blends futuristic elements with striking fashion choices. Her ensembles range from leather outfits to little black dresses, all complemented by vibrant neon lighting. The settings continuously shift—from industrial scaffolding to fluorescent-lit rooms and eventually scenes with cars bursting into flames. This kaleidoscopic visual approach perfectly mirrors the song's message about self-expression.

Choreography and stage presence

The choreography features a distinctive combination of fierce stomping movements and sharp gestures, often highlighted by the feline-like red nails. Solar performs alongside an all-female dance crew, demonstrating her commanding stage presence through powerful movements. The choreography's intensity matches the song's energetic rhythm, yet appears deliberately restrained enough to allow for live performances with a microphone.

The bold shaved head moment

Perhaps the most talked-about visual element was Solar's apparent shaved head, which generated significant attention. She explained this bold choice as an abstract way to express her natural self. Despite facing opposition—with reportedly 99% of her staff against the idea—Solar pursued this creative risk. This daring decision perfectly embodied the song's theme of authentic self-expression regardless of others' opinions.

Reception and Impact on K-pop

Upon release, "Spit It Out" immediately showcased Solar MAMAMOO's commercial appeal, surpassing 68,000 copies in first-week sales—making it the top-selling female solo artist album of 2020. The physical album debuted at an impressive number two on the Gaon Album Chart, following strong first-day sales of 62,000 copies.

Chart performance in Korea and globally

Starting at number 96 on the Gaon Digital Chart with just two days of tracking, the song ultimately climbed to number 71. Internationally, "Solar Spit It Out" made a significant impact by debuting at number 12 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart before reaching its peak position at number 6. This achievement helped MAMAMOO make chart history as only the second K-pop group (after 2NE1) to have all members chart on Billboard as soloists.

First solo music show win

Within five days of release, Solar claimed her first-ever solo music show trophy on "The Show" (April 28, 2020), garnering 9,100 points against APRIL's 5,739 and CRAVITY's 3,302. During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude: "I'm not sure if it's okay for me to be receiving this, but thank you. To MooMoo, I miss you so much".

Fan reactions and critical acclaim

Critics praised the song's "straightforward" production approach, calling it a "direct successor to Hip". Although some reviewers noted its "repetitive bridge", others awarded it strong ratings—including an 8/10 from KBopped and perfect scores from dedicated fans.