It seems that the world of K-pop is poised for a cultural reset, thanks to rookie girl group KiiiKiii. The quintet from Starship Entertainment has been making waves in the industry just days after the drop of their first track I DO ME. The song not only swept streaming platforms in Korea but also showcased the girls of KiiiKiii as soon-to-be game changers in an industry that thrives on uniformity and structure.
The Members
First things first, KiiiKiii comprises five talents: Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum and Kya. The group is the first female group debut from Starship since IVE back in 2021. For those unacquainted, Starship is also the brains behind other major groups in the Korean music scene, including MONSTA X and WJSN.
The oldest of the group is Leesol, at 19, while the group’s maknae (the endearing Korean term for youngest) is Kya, at only 14 years of age. And while you might look at a group like this and think that they’re headed straight for the Y2K concept, popularised in K-pop by NJZ, it seems that KiiiKiii is aiming for something more out of the ordinary.
The Concept
KiiiKiii’s concept has already been dubbed by some as “weird-core”. This label isn’t surprising, given the group’s less-than-conventional approach to their debut. Even before the members of the group were properly introduced, they released the music video for I DO ME.
Even KiiiKiii’s social media is not like other groups’s. Rather than promote their upcoming official EP Uncut Gems through typical album shoots and teasers, the band has opted instead for a more real take. Their feed reads more like a photo dump—a well curated one, if you ask us—and features the members through curious videos and seemingly eclectic imagery. We challenge you to find another K-pop group’s Instagram that includes photos of goats and bread. There is a method to the madness though. Albeit unconventional, the group’s posts still tie back to individual members or the group as a whole, drumming up a lot of anticipation among both Korean and international fans.
The group’s website is yet another way they’re relishing in their creative concept. Once you click in, you might think that you had the wrong link, but no. The main homepage for the band does indeed read “Delicious Jams For Every Occasion”. Punny word play aside, the website showcases the upcoming tracks off their Uncut Gems EP on actual jam bottles. Tap in to experience the whimsical world of KiiiKiii for yourself. The members of the group are even listed as staff members of this jam farm, just in case you missed that adorable detail.
The EP
KiiiKiii’s debut EP Uncut Gems will be released on 24 March, and will include the two tracks that have already been released: I DO ME and Debut Song. You can watch the full video for I DO ME below.
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