KiiiKiii is reaching a new career high as the group gains recognition from the UK and continues to dominate music charts at home.
The five member group, Leesol, Sui, Jiyu, Haum, and Kya, was recently included in British music magazine NME’s list, The NME 100: Essential Emerging Artists for 2026. The annual list highlights 100 rising artists expected to stand out in the global music scene.
NME praised the group, stating, “Since their debut last year, KiiiKiii has continued to evoke nostalgia worldwide with music that reflects Gen Z emotions and their youthful, unique charm.”
The magazine added, “From celebrating their first step with ‘DEBUT SONG’ to the 80s inspired synth pop track ‘DANCING ALONE,’ this five member K pop group has quickly proven that they bring joy to busy everyday life.”
This is not their first global recognition. Previously, “DANCING ALONE” was selected as one of The 25 Best K pop Songs of 2025 by NME.
They were also named one of the “10 Rookies to Watch in 2026” by U.S. magazine Stardust. Google’s “Year in Search” project further revealed that KiiiKiii ranked among the top six teams in the global “K Pop Debuts” breakout search category in 2025.
Alongside international praise, the group is also achieving strong chart results. Their latest title track “404 (New Era)” from their second mini album Delulu Pack reached No. 1 on the Melon Top 100 chart just 16 days after release.
As of February 12 at 8 AM, the song remained No. 1 on both Melon Top 100 and Hot 100, and ranked No. 3 on the daily chart dated February 10.
KiiiKiii also took No. 1 in Melon’s Weekly Popularity Award for the first week of February. The group topped YouTube Music’s daily and weekly charts, Apple Music’s Popular Chart and “Today’s Top 100: Korea,” as well as the Popular Album chart.
They also reached No. 1 on Spotify Korea’s daily chart and Bugs’ real time and weekly charts, while maintaining high rankings on other platforms.
With strong UK media recognition and record breaking chart performance, KiiiKiii is firmly establishing their name as a global rookie group to watch.
Source: [1]
