[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] Girl groups NMIXX and IVE will release new songs on the 19th. With the rookie girl group A2O Light—produced by Lee Soo-man—taking the top spot on the charts and causing a sensation, the competition for chart positions is expected to become even more intense as established, popular girl groups with strong digital sales power make their consecutive comebacks.

Currently, A2O Light’s debut song “NEON” holds the No. 1 spot on the Melon Top 100 chart. A2O Light is a group launched by Lee Soo-man—a singer-turned-producer and founder of SM Entertainment—through his new agency, A2O Entertainment. “NEON,” written by composer Yoo Young-jin—who has worked closely with Lee Soo-man at SM for many years—reached the top of the Top 100 chart just 29 hours after its release on the 13th and has continued its run at number one ever since. As of yesterday, “NEON” also topped Melon’s daily chart.
Amid this situation, NMIXX from JYP Entertainment and IVE from Starship Entertainment will join the chart competition with new songs at 6 p.m. today.
NMIXX is releasing their sixth mini-album, “Strange Muse,” which features a total of six tracks. The group, which aims for what is known as “mix pop”—a style that blends diverse genres into a single song—has chosen “Birthday Wish” as the title track, combining elements of mumbahton, Afro, and future house. The song romantically portrays the act of wholeheartedly making a wish for one another.
This marks NMIX’s first new release in five months since they dropped their fifth mini-album, “Heavy Serenade,” in May. With the title track of the same name as the album, they successfully entered the top 10 on Melon’s daily chart. Prior to that, their song “Blue Valentine,” released last October, successfully dominated the fall charts, marking their first time topping those charts since their debut.
IVE, who have consistently shaken up the charts with every new release, are pre-releasing “Looks Can Kill,” the title track from their fifth mini-album. “Looks Can Kill” is a dance-pop track characterized by a heavy bassline, dynamic drum beats, and rich electronic sounds.
IVE will carry out their comeback promotions under the “Girl Hero” concept. Through the message that “anyone can be the protagonist and hero of their own life,” the group aims to expand upon the theme of “self-confidence,” which they have consistently emphasized since their debut. The lyrics for the title track were co-written by Seo Ji-eum, Lil Cherry, and member Ray.
IVE has been building anticipation for their comeback with teaser content featuring the members transformed into heroes, each possessing unique abilities. The full album, which shares the same title as the lead single, will be released on the 26th.

Even after these two groups release their new songs, comebacks from major girl groups will continue. All eyes are on whether A2O Light will maintain its strong chart performance or if established popular girl groups will shake up the scene with their new releases.
Baby Monster, signed to YG Entertainment (YG), will release a digital single featuring their new song “DESERVE” on the 23rd. Yang Hyun-suk, YG’s Chief Producer, said of the new song, “Although it’s a slow track, it possesses more intense energy than any song we’ve released so far.”
Ailette, signed to Belief Lab under HYBE, will release their fifth mini-album, “BREAK EVEN,” on the 26th. The album will feature songs expressing a resolute stance: “I will no longer pour my affection and time into someone who doesn’t reciprocate my efforts.” The title track is “I’ll Arrest You.” Ailette captured fans’ attention by premiering the new song’s stage performance during her solo concert held over two days on the 17th and 18th at the Incheon Inspire Arena, where she delivered a crisp and precise performance featuring a whistle prop.