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A New Chapter in NMIXX’s Fantasy World
K-pop girl group NMIXX released its sixth EP, “Strange Muse,” at 6 p.m. on the 19th, marking its latest comeback with six tracks and the first official unit songs of its career.
According to JYP Entertainment, the album includes the lead single “Birthday Wish,” along with “Kerosene” and “RudE TaLK.” The members split into pairs for three tracks: Lily and Haewon perform “Sing to the Moon,” Sullyoon and Bae team up for “Hot ’n Unbothered,” and Jiwoo and Kyujin deliver “WHIP.”
NMIXX said the album tells a story about the members becoming one another’s muses in “MIXXTOPIA,” the utopian destination at the center of the group’s fictional universe, where everyone can shine in their own way.
‘Birthday Wish’ Blends Multiple Dance Styles
“Birthday Wish” combines moombahton, Afro-influenced sounds and future house. Its arrangement builds before stripping back to piano and vocals, then rises again through a bridge featuring narration. The lyrics center on two people who have finally found each other and sincerely make wishes for one another.
Lily described the song as hopeful but unusual, praising its rhythm, melody, chorus and narration. She said the recording required particular attention to vocal technique because of its many high notes. Sullyoon also said she adjusted her vocal placement to make the high chorus more comfortable for listeners.
Haewon said she hoped the opening narration would draw listeners fully into the song and convey the overwhelming, precious feeling of finally coming face to face with someone important.
Members Help Write Their Unit Tracks
The three unit songs showcase distinct styles. Lily and Haewon’s track is a pop ballad, Sullyoon and Bae’s song draws on a dembow rhythm and Latin groove, and Jiwoo and Kyujin pair rapid-fire rap with pop melodies. The members also participated in writing lyrics for their respective songs. Bae said she exchanged ideas with the lyricist while working on both “RudE TaLK” and “Hot ’n Unbothered.”
NMIXX previously released “Blue Valentine” last year and promoted “Heavy Serenade” in the first half of this year. The group received the top “Sound of the Year” honor at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards in September.
Korean reading and audio platform Willa will expand the album’s storyline with “THE MIXXTOPIA SAGA,” an exclusive audiobook set for release on the 20th. All six members narrate the production, which follows an adventure toward MIXXTOPIA and includes previously unreleased interviews. Willa will also offer free downloads of randomly selected character-card images through its app until the 15th of next month.
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