
A bold new chapter in K-pop begins today, April 22, as five-member girl group VVS officially debuts with their first single, “TEA” and accompanying music video.
The group, comprised of Brittney, Ilee, Rana, Jiu, and Liwon, marks the first major K-pop project led by Paul Brian Thompson, under the MZMC label, an acclaimed U.S. producer with credits for EXO, Taeyeon, NCT, Red Velvet, and more.
A Global Vision, Five Years in the Making
VVS’s debut was crafted over five years and reflects an ambitious, globalized approach to K-pop. Far from adhering to the usual tropes of bright, polished visuals and cookie-cutter charm, VVS launches with cinematic visuals, battle-worn aesthetics, and fierce choreography assisted by Koji Kawamoto, the stunt director behind John Wick 4 and Netflix’s One Piece.

Their debut content, filmed entirely in Japan, embraces high-octane action sequences rarely seen in idol debuts, swordplay, gunfights, and emotional grit.
Backed by MZMC’s label, the group’s musical identity blends hip-hop and pop with a dark, refined polish. MZMC, who’s worked with artists from Khalid to Doja Cat, brings a world-class edge to the group’s sound and visual identity.
“TEA”: Triple Meanings, Double Impact
VVS’s debut single, “TEA” is a hip-hop/pop fusion built on addictive synths, deep 808s, and a whisper-driven chorus. The track plays cleverly on the word “tea” – symbolizing gossip, visual aesthetic, and literal tea, making it a savvy, multi-layered introduction. The choreography includes international sign language for “tea,” adding a powerful visual message to the performance.

Beyond sound and visuals, VVS challenges gender norms and pushes the limits of what a K-pop girl group can be. Their individualistic, boundary-breaking debut sets the tone for a reimagined global K-pop narrative, one where performance, identity, and cinematic artistry take center stage.