Kakao Entertainment artists demonstrated their global influence by appearing on Billboard's 'best K-pop' rankings.
On the 15th (local time), Billboard released "The 25 best K-pop songs of 2026 so far," which included KiiiKiii's mini album 2 "Delulu Pack" title track "404(New Era)" and WOODZ's full-length album 1 "Archive. 1" pre-release title track "CINEMA," which ranked 1st and 17th, respectively.
Billboard said, "KiiiKiii does not merely imagine a new era but, through various elements in the lyrics, completely transports listeners to that era," and added, "While many artists talk about the arrival of a new era, KiiiKiii declares she will lead it. As a rookie, that is a bold ambition, but her confident presence and daring performances back it up." Billboard also described WOODZ's "CINEMA" as "one of this year's most expressive vocal performances," noting that "it skillfully shifts between intense hard-rock sounds and gentle emotion."
WOODZ and KiiiKiii also appeared on Billboard's "The 25 best K-pop albums of 2026 so far," released on the 20th. WOODZ's "Archive. 1" ranked 7th and KiiiKiii's "Delulu Pack" ranked 12th. In particular, WOODZ and KiiiKiii have been expanding their global presence amid consecutive praise, also appearing on The FADER's "The 30 best albums of 2026 so far." MONSTA X members Shownu and Hyungwon's mini album 2 "Love Me" also attracted attention by placing 14th.
Billboard said of WOODZ's full-length album 1 "Archive. 1," "It boasts an expansive sound across 17 tracks and evokes experimental rock of the 1990s," and added, "WOODZ has not only focused more intently on intense rock and crossover sounds than before but has established himself as a solo artist who constantly explores new genres," expressing anticipation for his next album. Regarding Shownu and Hyungwon's "LOVE ME," Billboard said, "While maintaining MONSTA X's powerful feel, the album expands the spectrum with Shownu's and Hyungwon's delicate and gentle emotions," noting that this sensibility broadens and deepens their existing strength.
Meanwhile, WOODZ has been meeting global fans on the world tour "Archive. 1" after releasing his first full-length album 'Archive. 1' last March. Beginning with a March concert in Incheon, he successfully completed shows in major cities across Asia, Europe and South America, including Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Berlin and Sydney, and Brazilian media praised the São Paulo concert held on the 20th as "one of the most interesting artists from Korea," "a new turning point in his career," and "an overwhelming band sound and energy." WOODZ will continue performances in seven North American cities including Los Angeles and San Jose starting on the 25th, further expanding his connections with global fans.
Since debuting last year, KiiiKiii has been rapidly expanding her global fandom with a distinctive musical color and performances. Her mini album 2 "Delulu Pack," released this year, not only topped major domestic music charts but also entered the Billboard Global (excluding U.S.) chart for eight consecutive weeks, earning great love from domestic and international fans. She is also set to make a comeback with the new release "Why KiiiKiii" on Aug. 10.
[Photo] Kakao Entertainment
[OSEN]