[Edaily Starin Reporter YUN GI BACK ] The group KiiiKiii has unveiled a new direction to follow up on the mega-hit success of their previous album, “404” (New Era). Having rapidly established their presence since their debut, the group is determined to position themselves as a “group whose next moves are highly anticipated” by broadening the scope of their genres and concepts rather than simply repeating their familiar formula for success.

KiiiKiii released their third mini-album, “WhyKiiiKiii,” on the 10th. This marks their first new release in about seven months since their second mini-album, “Delulu Pack,” which debuted last January.
Given that this comeback follows immediately after the huge success of their previous release, it serves as another test for Kiki. “404” topped Melon’s Top 100 and the Circle Chart’s monthly chart, and remained on the U.S. Billboard “Global (Excl. U.S.)” chart for eight consecutive weeks. While acknowledging the pressure to replicate that success, Kiki stated that they used it as motivation to showcase new music.
Ji-yu said, “I wasn’t entirely free of pressure, but I really liked this concept, and the confidence that we have more to show in the future served as a pleasant source of motivation.” Kiya also shared, “There was a sense of tension to do even better,” adding, “My desire to grow beyond where I was before was even stronger.”

◇ A New Challenge Instead of Repeating the Success of ‘404’… The Summer Created by Kiki
Rather than simply replicating the formula that made their previous work a hit, “Waikiki” focused on expanding the range of music and concepts that KiiiKiii can pull off. Starting with the album title, they utilized wordplay reminiscent of both KiiiKiii and the resort destination Waikiki to bring their unique vision of summer to life.
Even before the release, they built the album’s universe by expanding the “Waikiki Tour”—which features a fictional island and travel itineraries—across their website, social media, and offline pop-up stores. In essence, they connected not only the music but also the visual concept and spaces where fans could have hands-on experiences, weaving it all together like a single journey.
The title track “Pop Off Pop Off” highlights KiiKiii’s signature playfulness and retro sensibility. Sui cited “a melody that sticks in your head once you hear it and fun lyrics” as the song’s appeal. Ha-eum highlighted the choreography—a KiiKiii-style reinterpretation of the shuffle dance that was popular in the past—as a key point to watch.
The members also went to great lengths to capture the sensibilities of an era they hadn’t personally experienced. Lee Sol explained that she familiarized herself with the atmosphere of the time by researching music and fashion trends from the 2010s, as well as music videos by senior artists. Ha-eum also noted that she studied the fashion and makeup styles popular back then, allowing her to take bolder creative risks than usual in the concept photos and music video.
The new song has been gaining traction on the charts since its release. “Pop Off Pop Off” topped YouTube’s “Trending Worldwide” music video chart and, as of 10 a.m. on the 11th, ranked 29th on Melon’s Top 100, No. 1 on Bugs’ real-time chart, and No. 5 on YouTube’s “Trending” chart. All tracks from the album have also entered the Melon Hot 100.

◇“A group not confined to a single genre”… Confidence built on stage
Another key theme Kiki emphasized for this promotion is “the stage.” Ahead of their comeback, they performed at various events, including college festivals, and incorporated the experience of connecting directly with audiences into their preparations for the new album.
Ji-yu explained, “The experience of connecting closely with the audience became the driving force behind our desire to ‘quickly take the stage on more diverse platforms with new songs,’” adding that they incorporated the areas they identified as needing improvement during those performances into their preparations for this comeback. Kiya also noted that through various stage performances, she felt the members’ chemistry and the team’s energy grow stronger.
Their activities are also expanding overseas. On the 8th (local time), Kiki took the stage at “Head in the Clouds LA 2026,” held at the Rose Bowl Brookside in Pasadena, California, to meet with local audiences.
Ultimately, Kiki does not want to be defined by a specific genre or concept. Their goal is to be a group that makes fans anticipate a new side of them every time they release new music.
Lee Sol said, “We want to be a group that people always look forward to seeing what we’ll do next.” Sui also emphasized, “We want to be a group that isn’t confined to any one genre and always shows something new—a group that can get people excited just with the news of a comeback.”
Rather than simply replicating the success of their previous work, Kiki has placed the emphasis on what new things they will present following that success. “Waikiki” is expected to be the next test of just how far these artists, who are just beginning to establish their own unique style, can expand their musical horizons.