NMIXX Shines at ‘K-Content Planet’ with New Single “Blue Valentine”
On the 8th, local time, at Carriageworks, Sydney’s largest complex cultural space, the girl group NMIXX performed their new song “Blue Valentine” on the ‘K-Content Planet’ stage. The performance was a highlight of the event, drawing a crowd of 1,500 people who sang along enthusiastically.
“Blue Valentine” is the title track of NMIXX’s first full album and recently topped Melon’s Top 100 chart, marking the group’s first music chart No. 1 in 3 years and 8 months since their debut. Meeting backstage just before the performance, the members shared their excitement about this milestone.
“It still feels unreal every day, like we’re dreaming,” said one member. “Every day, the rankings go up one step at a time. We were so excited, we danced and celebrated every night,” added Kyu-jin.
K-Content Planet: A Cultural Celebration
The ‘K-Content Planet’ event, organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency from the 2nd to the 8th, aimed to promote Korean cultural content in Australia. Visitors explored exhibition booths featuring brands like Jung Samul and Isoi cosmetics, games such as Cookie Run and PUBG, and Otoki Jin Ramen. However, the most popular section was undoubtedly the ‘NMIXX Zone,’ which showcased music video costumes, a video of member Sullyoon’s stage makeup, and rhythm games using NMIXX songs.
Local fan Hera (15), who was filming herself dancing to K-pop with friends amid the venue’s heated atmosphere, said, “I heard about the NMIXX performance on social media and rushed here from Chatswood, an hour away. I love NMIXX’s energetic vibe.” On the event’s first day, long lines formed outside the building as fans tried to obtain 1,200 limited-edition photo cards and performance invitations, which were distributed through a lottery and first-come-first-served basis.
A Special Performance for Lily
For NMIXX, the event was “the first live performance of their first full album’s title track.” Lily, who was born to an Australian father and Korean mother and grew up in Marysville, said, “It’s meaningful to visit my hometown for the first time after achieving a music chart No. 1.” She added, “The town I grew up in was small, and even during my trainee days, people here didn’t know much about K-pop. Now, my younger sister, who’s in college here, says, ‘Many friends proactively tell me they love K-pop.’ It’s truly rewarding.”
NMIXX’s Journey and Vision
NMIXX, who debuted in February 2022, derived their group name from the letters ‘N’—taken from ‘now,’ ‘new,’ ‘next,’ and the unknown variable ‘n’—and ‘MIX,’ symbolizing diversity. It means “the ultimate combination to lead the new era.” From their debut song “O.O,” they have emphasized ‘Mix-Pop,’ a style that seamlessly weaves together melodies from different genres.
However, some fans expressed regret, saying, “The unfamiliar music might prevent them from reaching the top of the charts, which requires mass appeal.” That’s why this No. 1 is so welcome. Fans even use the term ‘sweet after bitter.’
Leader Haewon said, “It’s a No. 1 achieved after a long wait, so it’s truly heartwarming and an apt expression.” Member Bae added, “I cried a lot during this activity. Memories of everyone who helped us, the fans, and our hardworking members flashed before my eyes, and I couldn’t hold back the tears.” Sullyoon also said, “The happiest and hardest moments were during this ‘Blue Valentine’ activity. The preparation period was slightly tough, but receiving so much love made it all worthwhile.”
The Success of “Blue Valentine”
The new song also drew praise for “skillfully finding the intersection between Mix-Pop and mass appeal.” Ethereal synthesizer sounds and catchy guitar riffs flow into a faster boom bap rhythm, captivating the ears. Member Jiu said, “It took a long time to get used to the sudden tempo changes during recording,” but added, “Those parts became the song’s charm points, and the autumn season complemented the song’s mood perfectly.” Kyujin expressed pride in their music, saying, “Mix-Pop aligns well with our desire to challenge new genres and showcase diverse stage charms.”
Among idol fans, NMIXX is nicknamed the ‘hexagonal idol,’ meaning they possess all elements. They receive particular praise for their high-note singing and beautiful acapella harmonies. Leader Haewon said, “We love harmonizing in our free time. Without anyone taking the lead, we naturally build third intervals wherever we sing.” She added, “For every song we’ve released, the members recorded backing vocals as much as possible. We wanted to fill our songs entirely with our own voices.”
Lily, who recently went viral for her vocal skills in a YouTube cover of the “K-Pop Demon Hunters” OST “Golden,” smiled and said, “Comments like ‘Lily truly opened the gates of heaven’ were truly touching.”
Looking Ahead: World Tour and Big Dreams
NMIXX will kick off their first world tour, ‘Episode 1: Zero Frontier,’ with performances at Incheon Inspire Arena on the 29th and 30th. When asked about their ultimate goal, Lily listed dream stages nonstop, prompting her members to cheer, “Yeah!” “The Super Bowl, Grammys, Coachella, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza—we want to perform at all of them!”