MOMOLAND's RODEO: The Hidden Story Behind Their Bold Comeback

MOMOLAND - RODEO marks an unexpected resurrection in the K-pop world that few fans saw coming. After their disbandment in 2023, the beloved girl group has defied industry norms by making a surprise comeback with their new single "Rodeo," released on September 8, 2025.

This comeback represents MOMOLAND's first new music in nearly four years, a particularly significant gap in the fast-paced K-pop landscape where generational shifts can occur in months rather than years. Despite their absence, many fans still remember the group's brief period of ubiquity in the late-2010s with catchy, upbeat hits like "Bboom Bboom" and "BAAM". Now under INYEON Entertainment, the group's new formation and fresh sound have already created buzz with performances on major platforms like Music Bank, leaving both longtime supporters and new listeners curious about what this resurrected version of MOMOLAND brings to the table.

The return of Momoland: What makes this comeback special

After years of silence, the six-member ensemble of MOMOLAND has officially reunited, marking a remarkable revival in the K-pop landscape. Their journey back to the spotlight contains several surprising elements that make this comeback truly special.

A look back at Momoland 2022 and their disbandment

Following their 2022 collaboration single "Yummy Yummy Love" with Dominican singer Natti Natasha, MOMOLAND's story seemed to reach its conclusion. In January 2023, all members parted ways with MLD Entertainment after their contracts expired. The group officially announced their disbandment on February 14, 2023, with heartfelt messages to their fans—known as "Merries"—posted on their individual Instagram accounts. Nancy wrote, "After a long, deep discussion, the six of us members have decided to support each other to have a great new beginning going forward".

Why fans were surprised by the new release

The announcement of new music shocked many, considering MOMOLAND had been inactive for approximately three years and eight months. This extended hiatus represents an entire generational shift in the fast-paced K-pop industry. Moreover, many had accepted their disbandment as permanent. However, JooE had hinted at a potential reunion in December when she appeared on Channel S' Noldeon Unnie, stating that MOMOLAND had not actually disbanded.

The role of the new agensi in their return

Inyeon Entertainment became instrumental in MOMOLAND's resurrection when they signed exclusive contracts with all six members—Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy—in April 2025. This partnership specifically focused on "team activities", signaling the agency's commitment to reviving the group. In preparation for their full comeback, Inyeon released "Festivaland," a remix album of MOMOLAND's past hits, in June 2025. Subsequently, "Rodeo" emerged as their triumphant return single on September 8, 2025.

Breaking down 'Rodeo': Sound, style, and energy

Musically vibrant and infectiously catchy, "RODEO" reintroduces MOMOLAND with a sound that both honors their roots and pushes their artistic boundaries forward.

The signature Momoland sound revisited

"RODEO" presents a high-octane fusion of slap house and UK garage wrapped in an energetic dance-pop package. The track blends an addictive brass-infused melody with country-style guitar riffs. This cheering song carries a meaningful message: "in the repeating daily life, don't give up and move forward vigorously". The group exudes confident energy through a combination of rough dirty core aesthetics, kitschy-colored outfits, and leather materials.

High-pitched chants and their impact

The chorus erupts with repetitive, high-pitched chants that transform the title into a rhythmic battle cry. The incessant "Row-day-oh! EE ryah! EE ryah! EE ryah!" calling card, alongside the energetic "GIDDY-UP!" chant, divides listener opinion. Yet these vocal hooks embody the group's unapologetically silly charm while adding a slightly mature edge.

How 'Rodeo' compares to past hits like 'BAAM'

Unlike their earlier controversy where "BAAM" was criticized as a "Bboom Bboom 2.0", "RODEO" maintains MOMOLAND's signature playful energy without simply rehashing past formulas. Instead, the song expands their musical spectrum while preserving their essence—unbridled joy bursting from every note.

The song's pacing and karaoke appeal

"RODEO" moves at such a brisk pace that it hardly gives listeners time to think critically. This approach makes it perfect for karaoke parties, with its three-minute runtime feeling remarkably concise. The festival-like beat ensures the track maintains high energy throughout.

The new formation: Who’s in and who’s missing

The evolution of MOMOLAND's lineup stands as a key component in understanding their return to the music scene. The current formation presents a noticeably different group from their original nine-member configuration.

Notable absences: Yeonwoo, Daisy, and Taeha

MOMOLAND initially debuted with seven members in 2016, eventually expanding to nine members through their reality show. Nevertheless, the current iteration features just six members—Hyebin, Jane, Nayun, JooE, Ahin, and Nancy. Among the most significant departures, Yeonwoo left in 2019 to pursue acting, becoming increasingly visible in K-dramas. Similarly, Daisy and Taeha exited the group that same year amid controversy. Their absence fundamentally altered the group's visual identity and performance dynamics.

How the current lineup affects group dynamics

With six members instead of nine, the current MOMOLAND presents a more streamlined performance style. This smaller configuration allows each member more time in the spotlight during "RODEO," creating opportunities for individual moments that might have been diluted in a larger ensemble. Furthermore, choreography appears more cohesive, as the members work within tighter formations that emphasize synchronicity rather than complex patterns requiring more performers.

Visual and vocal changes in the new Momoland

Visually, the current lineup embraces a more mature aesthetic compared to their earlier concepts. Vocally, the distribution of parts has necessarily shifted—Jane and Ahin handle most main vocal responsibilities, with Nancy taking a more prominent role than in previous releases. JooE continues as the group's energetic center, though her parts now carry additional weight in the reduced formation.

Fan reactions and community buzz

The release of "RODEO" has ignited passionate responses across MOMOLAND's fanbase, creating a fascinating divide between established supporters and newcomers encountering the group for the first time.

Mixed reviews from longtime fans

Longtime "Merries" have expressed contradictory feelings about the comeback. Many celebrated that MOMOLAND "did not lose their classic fun energy & signature sound after disbandment". One fan noted being "immediately reminded of some of their previous title tracks and especially BAAM". Conversely, others voiced disappointment, particularly regarding Yeonwoo, Daisy, and Taeha's absence, with one commenting that "the song is mediocre and very flat". Certain fans felt the group missed an opportunity to establish a stronger identity beyond what they had under MLD Entertainment.

Younger audiences discovering Momoland

A fresh generation of K-pop enthusiasts is experiencing MOMOLAND for the first time. As one reaction stated, "Wow what a blast from the past!", highlighting how the group bridges different eras of K-pop. Notably, younger audiences appreciate the group's unabashed campiness and self-awareness, with one viewer noting there's "a beautiful element of camp and self-awareness here yet again".

Social media trends and meme culture around 'Rodeo'

Across platforms, "RODEO" has generated significant engagement. On Instagram, the track has garnered thousands of likes with fans noting "Haewon is always so meme material". The catchy yet divisive "Row-day-oh! EE ryah!" chants have become the foundation for numerous online jokes and dance challenges. Additionally, fans have taken to social media to "share their thoughts" about MOMOLAND's new direction, creating an interactive atmosphere that enhances the comeback's visibility.