"May the emotions of precious moments be touched through 'Long Wish'" (Q&A)

NMIXX Releases 6th Mini Album 'Strange Muse' on the 19thNMIXX will release their sixth mini-album 'Strange Muse' on the 19th. The album includes a total of 6 tracks, including the title song 'Birthday Wish' and unit songs. /JYP Entertainment[THE FACT | Reporter Jeong Byung-geun] Girl group NMIXX (NMIXX. Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jius, Kyujin) evokes the emotions of overwhelming and precious moments.NMIXX will release their sixth mini-album 'Strange Muse' on the 19th. The album includes a total of 6 tracks: the title song 'Birthday Wish', 'Kerosene', 'RudE TaLK', 'Sing to the Moon' (Lily, Haewon), 'Hot 'n Unbothered' (Sullyoon, Bae), and 'WHIP' (Jiu, Kyujin).'Birthday Wish' is a pop song that harmonizes Moombahton, Afro, and Future House. It features a distinctive composition with an overwhelming sound, a break where only the piano and vocals remain, and a bridge that builds up with narration. The lyrics romantically depict wishing with all one's heart for each other, finally met.The members said, "When I first heard it, it was hopeful yet unique. There were parts where I particularly liked the rhythm, and parts where I felt the melody was beautiful. The chorus and the narration in between were especially touching," and "I hope you become completely immersed when you hear the intro narration. I hope the emotions of that overwhelming and precious moment of finally facing each other reach you."The unit songs, presented for the first time, are also highly anticipated. 'Sing to the Moon', a ballad pop song with Lily and Haewon's sweet vocals, 'Hot 'n Unbothered' by Sullyoon and Bae, which features a Latin groove based on dembow rhythm, and 'WHIP' by Jiu and Kyujin, with its fast-paced rap and addictive pop melody like a mashup, are expected to showcase unique charms.NMIXX, which achieved a mega-hit with 'Blue Valentine' last year and continued its momentum with 'Heavy Serenade' in the first half of this year, won the 'Sound of the Year', the grand prize, at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' held last September. They plan to continue their upward trend with the new song 'Birthday Wish'.NMIXX said about the title track 'Birthday Wish', "I hope you become completely immersed when you hear the intro narration. I hope the emotions of that overwhelming and precious moment of finally facing each other reach you." /JYP EntertainmentHere is an interview with NMIXX.- This is your comeback after about 5 months since your 5th mini-album 'Heavy Serenade'. What is the story you wanted to tell in this album?It's been about 5 months since 'Heavy Serenade', and I'm excited to meet our fans (NSWER) with new music and performances and have a happy time promoting. This album, 'Strange Muse', tells the story of everyone becoming each other's 'Muse' in a vibrant mixtopia where everyone shines in their own way. Here, a 'Birthday Party' unfolds every day for a new muse. The title track 'Birthday Wish' is about constantly blowing out candles and making a long wish for each other, the protagonists of the party.- The combination of 'Strange', meaning 'odd, unfamiliar', and 'Muse', meaning 'inspiration', feels fresh. Does the album title have a special meaning?I believe that anything that inspires me, even if others don't understand it, is a muse. Mixtopia is a place where diverse people come together, express their colors freely, and become inspirations for each other. I think the album title 'Strange Muse' was born because it depicts the story of Mixtopia, filled with muses that inspire me, even if they seem a bit strange or peculiar. 'Strange Muse' will be an album that tells us what we are to each other and how 'difference' can help us create the world we want.- What were your first impressions of the title track 'Birthday Wish', and what aspects did you pay particular attention to?(Lily) When I first heard it, I thought it was hopeful yet unique. There were parts where I particularly liked the rhythm, and parts where I felt the melody was beautiful. The chorus and the narration in between were especially touching. During the recording process, there were many high notes, so I paid a lot of attention to maintaining proper vocalization. It was my first time rapping in a title track, so I remember practicing a lot.(Sullyoon) The chorus has high notes, so I tried to change the position of my voice from usual to make it sound better for the listeners, and I paid a lot of attention to that.(Haewon) I hope you become completely immersed in 'Birthday Wish' when you hear the intro narration. I hope the emotions of that overwhelming and precious moment of finally facing each other reach you.- This is your first time preparing unit songs since your debut. You each participated in writing your unit songs, so we're curious about the process.(Bae) Fortunately, I participated in writing the lyrics for track 3, 'RudE TaLK', and my first unit song with Sullyoon, 'Hot 'n Unbothered (SULLYOON, BAE)'. I had meetings with the lyricist, exchanged opinions, and learned a lot by seeing and hearing. Sullyoon and I had many conversations about the direction of the lyrics for the unit song. I remember completing it by discussing our opinions over the phone even when we were apart.Kyujin: I always wanted to try writing and composing lyrics, but it was always difficult to start. I was so happy to be able to participate in writing and composing this time. It wasn't easy to work according to the song's direction, but I think the participation itself is meaningful. I will continue to show you my growth, even though I still have a lot to learn.NMIXX said, "Thanks to our fans (NSWER) who always support and love us, we were able to prepare for this comeback well. With that strength, we will become an even more grown-up, cool, and proud NMIXX for you." /JYP Entertainment- You received a lot of love for 'Blue Valentine' and 'Heavy Serenade'. What was your mindset while preparing for this album?(Lily) As many people have high expectations, we prepared diligently to meet those expectations. Although there was a little pressure, the excitement of showing new songs was the biggest feeling.(Haewon) I've always wanted the title 'expectation-creating', and I think it's a compliment that feels good to hear anytime. Just like the title of our song, we prepared with a hopeful and earnest heart, making a wish.(Jiu) I consider it healthy pressure. We have fans who are waiting for us, and people who always help us, which makes us want to do even better and serves as a driving force to work harder. I approached the work thinking that I just need to do as I've always done, because I've always done my best.- You recently won your first grand prize at a music awards ceremony. What does winning the grand prize mean for NMIXX's musical journey?(Sullyoon) I believe it's all thanks to the many people who supported and loved us. Since we received the grand prize, I want to work even harder and repay you with good music and performances. Our journey as NMIXX has sometimes been confusing and difficult. Winning this grand prize will be a driving force for us to believe in ourselves more and move forward.(Bae) Thanks to our fans (NSWER), members, and everyone who helped us, we were able to receive this meaningful award. Thank you again! Looking back, today was made up of unforgettable precious days. We want to accept this grand prize not as proof that we have arrived somewhere, but as encouragement to go even further. We will continue to walk NMIXX's path slowly together, just as we have done so far.- What is NMIXX's 'long wish'? Like the lyrics "I'll make a long wish for you," if you were to make a wish for someone precious, who would it be for and what would you wish for?We want to make wishes for those who bring us happiness. Ourselves, our fans (NSWER), and our families. We especially wish for the health and happiness of our fans (NSWER). Because if our fans (NSWER) are happy, we are happy too. We hope that in the distant future, our time with NMIXX will remain as precious and happy memories when we look back. Also, we hope that NMIXX will have many more wonderful days ahead, as they have done so well so far, and become an artist that our fans (NSWER) will always be proud of!- What are your aspirations and goals for this promotion, and what would you like to say to our fans (NSWER), who are always our shining muses?Our goal is to promote healthily and happily. We hope 'Birthday Wish' can be loved by more people. Fans (NSWER)! We're back with a new album. Thanks to you, our fans (NSWER), who always support and love us, we were able to prepare for this comeback well. With that strength, we will become an even more grown-up, cool, and proud NMIXX for you. Please keep watching us closely during this promotion. We love you!kafka@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]