[TMA Interview] 'Shocking Girl' KiiiKii to 'Stand Tall' as a Representative Artist in 2026

Grew into 'Artist of the Year' in just one yearConstant challenges and efforts revealed as secrets to growthGroup KiiiKii won 'Artist of the Year' at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)' held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19. The photo shows KiiiKii's KYA LEESOL JIYU HAUM SUI (from left) posing for an interview after receiving the award. / Reporter Park Sang-min[THE FACT | Reporter Choi Hyun-jung] Group KiiiKii (KiiiKiii) returned to 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' after a year, showing significant growth.KiiiKii (JIYU LEESOL KYA SUI HAUM) attended the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS (2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, TMA)', hosted by THE FACT and organized by FANNSTAR and UCW, held at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium on September 19, and received the 'Artist of the Year' award.This is the second time KiiiKii has received a trophy at 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. Last year, on September 20, they won 'Next Leader' at the '2025 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' held at the Macau Outdoor Performance Venue. In exactly one year, KiiiKii, who shed the 'Next' and stood tall as a 'Leader' representing K-pop, did not hide their joy of winning.Jiyu said, "Today we came to the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' held in Busan, and we won the 'Artist of the Year' award. We know how meaningful this award is, and it's an award we desperately wanted. I don't think we'll ever forget this moment," she shared her thoughts.Seo-yeon added, "Our KiiiKii attended the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' last year, and it feels even more honorable to be able to stand on stage with new music, showing our growth in just one year. It feels like we've returned as a bigger KiiiKii. That's why we're even more excited for next year. We ask for your continued support next year."Jiyu, who was born and raised in Busan, expressed special emotions about this award. Jiyu said, "As an original Busan native, I feel a mix of nostalgia and excitement every time I visit Busan. I was happy to attend the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' last year, but today, receiving the 'Artist of the Year' award in Busan makes me feel even prouder and more meaningful."The other members also expressed their joy in visiting Busan. Kiya added with a laugh, "Jiyu's parents always prepare delicious food for us whenever we have schedules in Busan. This time too, they sent a lot of delicious food to our hotel and waiting room, so it feels like we're truly enjoying Busan. Thank you so much."When it was mentioned that the trophy would be a great gift for their parents before Chuseok, Jiyu spontaneously sent a video message, saying, "Mom! Dad! Have a happy Chuseok! And thank you so much to our members' families!" bringing more laughter.KiiiKii is receiving great acclaim for their music and style that captures the Y2K sensibility while maintaining sophistication. The photo shows KiiiKii performing at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. / Reporter Nam Yong-heeThe reason why KiiiKii's award shines even brighter is their 'growth rate'. Debuting on February 24, 2025, with 'I DO ME', they won 'Next Leader' at the 'THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' in just seven months, and a year later, they have grown into a K-pop group representing 2026.When asked about the secret to such rapid growth, Lee Sol said, "Last year, and even more so this year, I think our teamwork truly shone. I believe the thrill we feel when all members perform with one heart was well conveyed to the audience. Also, we believe that we achieve double the synergy when we are with the audience, not just performing. I think that's where our development lies," she assessed.Seo-yeon said, "I think our skills have improved a lot as our KiiiKii has gained diverse stage experience over the past year. We seem to have grasped how to effectively engage the audience and how to show our energy to the audience while enjoying ourselves on stage."A keyword that cannot be omitted when mentioning KiiiKii is 'Y2K'. KiiiKii, who has embraced the Y2K sensibility since their debut, began to actively incorporate early 2000s internet culture into their visuals with the title track '404 (New Era)' from their second EP 'Delulu Pack', released in January. These elements became the signature aesthetic of KiiiKii in their third EP 'WhyKiiiKiii', released in August.In their music, KiiiKii has chosen genres such as electro house, hyperpop, and electronic pop that further enhance the Y2K sensibility, capturing both nostalgia for the past and sophistication. Their music and aesthetics deliver a fresh shock, like the expression 'shockingly cute girl now' in the lyrics of 'Candy Pink Magic Hole Flip Phone', a pre-release song from 'WhyKiiiKiii', and are receiving positive reviews from listeners.When asked about the secret to successfully pulling off the Y2K concept and music, Ha-eum said, "I believe we have been taking on many challenges since our debut. We have tried various concepts, and I am confident that we can still show diverse sides. To achieve this, we research and study Y2K a lot. We often gather and discuss our performances among the members."Sui added, "We often watch dramas from that era like 'Goong' and 'Coffee Prince', and we also ask a lot of questions to the staff around us. We will work harder to show you even better performances in the future."Following their 'Next Leader' award at the '2025 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS', KiiiKii has shown rapid growth by winning 'Artist of the Year' at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS' just one year later. The photo shows KiiiKii giving their acceptance speech at the '2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS'. / Reporter LEE SAEROMOf course, KiiiKii has not forgotten that their fans, who have always provided unwavering support, are the foundation of all these achievements and honors. KiiiKii said, "Actually, the reason we were able to receive 'Artist of the Year' is thanks to our Tikis (fandom name) who cheered us on. Tikis! Let's be happy together for a long time! We love you, Tikis," expressing their gratitude to their fans.KiiiKii plans to continue their activities with various performances and content.laugardagr@tf.co.kr[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]