NMIXX's "Birthday Wish" Looks Set to Come True

K-pop girl group NMIXX climbed into the top five of South Korea's Melon music chart shortly after its comeback. The group released its sixth EP, "Strange Muse," and its title track, "Birthday Wish," on Oct. 19.

The title track entered Melon's Top 100 chart at No. 34 at 7 p.m. KST on release day, marking the group's highest debut position on the chart to date. By midnight on Oct. 20, the song had climbed to No. 5.

Before the album dropped, NMIXX held a countdown livestream on its official social media channels at 4:10 p.m. KST on Oct. 19.

"We worked hard hoping this album would feel like a gift, and before we knew it, fall was already here," the members said. "Once again, NMIXX will take care of NSWER's fall, so please look forward to it." NSWER is the name of the group's fandom.

The broadcast was built around a missing birthday cake that the members had to track down. Along the way, they played games that tested their telepathy and quick thinking. They also answered fans' questions about birthday gifts, unboxed the album and introduced its tracks.

The EP includes three unit songs, each performed by a pair of members.

Lily and Haewon introduced "Sing to the Moon." "It's a song that can be interpreted in different ways," they said. "We hope listeners will experience it from their own perspectives and immerse themselves in the emotions."

Sullyoon and Bae presented "Hot 'n Unbothered." "It's a song that really brings out the synergy and mood we create when the two of us are together," they said.

Jiwoo and Kyujin talked about "WHIP." "It was a difficult song when we first heard it and when we recorded it, but we pulled it off," they said. "We put a lot of work into it, and it means even more because we took part in making it ourselves."

The members also discussed "Kerosene" and "RudE TaLK," two tracks performed by all six members. After completing their missions and recovering the cake, they lit the candles and made a wish to close out the comeback broadcast.

"We prepared for this comeback with a lot of love," the members said. "We hope all our long-held wishes come true during these promotions. We'll enjoy this round of activities, so please give us lots of support."

They added, "We hope this fall is a season when every wish of NMIXX and NSWER comes true."

Along with the title track, "Strange Muse" features unit songs and group tracks that the members helped create. For a group that has spent years building its sound, a career-high chart debut suggests that work is reaching a wider audience.