The group KiiiKiii stirred up comeback excitement amid praise from foreign media.
KiiiKiii (Jiyu, Isol, Sui, Ha-eum, Kiya) was listed in the NME 100: Essential emerging artists for 2026 released by the U.K. music magazine NME on the 11th. The "NME 100" is an annual list in which music critics and journalists around the world select 100 emerging artists expected to stand out in the global music scene, and by appearing on that list, KiiiKiii proved their influence and potential as next-generation global players.
NME said, "Since their debut last year, KiiiKiii has continued attempts to evoke nostalgia worldwide with music that layers Gen Z sensibilities over a youthful, distinctive charm," noting, "from their celebratory first step 'DEBUT SONG' to 'DANCING ALONE,' inspired by 1980s synth-pop, this five-member K-pop group has quickly proven to be a team that brings joy amid bustling daily life." This well illustrates KiiiKiii's characteristic cheerfulness and positive energy that have been evident since their debut.
KiiiKiii's global influence has continued since last year. They were recognized for their artistry when NME included "DANCING ALONE" in The 25 best K-pop songs of 2025, and they were also chosen as one of the 10 rookie acts to watch in 2026 by the U.S. magazine Stardust. In addition, Google drew attention by announcing through its year-end data analysis project "Year in Search" that KiiiKiii ranked among the top six acts in the "KPop Debuts" category of 2025 global breakout search terms.
Proving their standing on major global indicators, KiiiKiii has been breaking records day after day with the title track "404 (New Era)" from their mini album 2 released on the 26th of last month, Delulu Pack. "404 (New Era)" reached No. 1 on the Melon Top 100 chart 16 days after its release on the 10th, and as of 8 a.m. today (the 12th) it held No. 1 on the Melon Top 100 chart and No. 1 on the HOT100, and ranked No. 3 on the daily chart (as of Feb. 10), maintaining solid popularity.
Along with this, KiiiKiii took first place in Melon's first week of February weekly popular award, and ranked No. 1 on YouTube Music's daily chart (as of Feb. 9) and weekly chart (Jan. 30–Feb. 5), No. 1 on Apple Music's popularity chart and "Today's TOP 100: Korea," and No. 1 on the popular albums chart. In addition, they reached No. 1 on Spotify Korea's daily chart, No. 1 on Bugs' real-time chart (as of 8 a.m. on the 12th) and weekly chart (Feb. 2–Feb. 8), and have maintained top positions on platforms such as Vibe and Flo, firmly establishing their chart presence.
Their performances on stage have been equally dazzling. After taking first place on MBC every1 and MBC M's Show! Champion, KiiiKiii also secured their first terrestrial music show trophy since their comeback on MBC's Show! Music Core, becoming a two-time winner on music programs.
With continuous records and activity, plus praise from foreign media, KiiiKiii has risen to prominence as a "global rookie." Expectations are mounting for their trajectory, which has firmly stamped their identity with a wide musical spectrum and a distinctive "genjimi."
KiiiKiii will continue performing "404 (New Era)" on the cable channel Mnet's M Countdown, which airs today (the 12th) at 6 p.m.
[Photo] NME official website.
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