NMIXX Returns With 6th Mini-Album ‘Strange Muse’ and First Official Unit Songs
Published: October 19, 2026
Girl group NMIXX has officially returned with their highly anticipated sixth mini-album, Strange Muse, led by the emotionally resonant and cinematic title track “Birthday Wish” (긴 소원). Released worldwide today at 6 p.m. KST (5 a.m. EDT), the six-track EP marks a landmark moment in the six-member ensemble’s career.
Beyond pushing the boundaries of their signature “MIXX POP” genre, Strange Muse introduces the group’s first-ever official unit songs since their debut, with members stepping directly into songwriting and composition roles.
A New Cinematic Chapter: The Meaning Behind ‘Strange Muse’
Building upon the lore of Mix Topia—a conceptual universe where unique individuals shine together and express their authentic selves—Strange Muse redefines what it means to be an inspiration. The album’s central philosophy posits that even if someone appears “strange” or unconventional to the outside world, their distinct individuality can make them a muse to others.
Through the six tracks on the EP, members Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin celebrate how their differences empower them to build a shared world.
The core narrative shifts focus toward mutual support, as the members wish for each other’s happiness, good health, and long-term connection with their global fan base, NSWER.
Speaking about the central theme during press releases, the group shared:
“The album title ‘Strange Muse’ was born from the story of Mix Topia filled with muses who inspire one another, even if they seem unique. This album shows how ‘differences’ can help create the world we desire and what each of us means to one another.”
Unveiling NMIXX’s First Official Unit Tracks
The standout highlight of Strange Muse is the introduction of official subunit songs, giving fans a deeper look into the vocal chemistry and artistic maturity of specific member pairings. For the first time, all six members directly earned writing and production credits on their respective unit pieces:
| Unit Track | Members | Artistic Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| "Sing to the Moon" | Lily & Haewon | Co-written by Lily & Haewon |
| "Hot 'n Unbothered" | Sullyoon & Bae | Co-written by Sullyoon & Bae |
| "WHIP" | Jiwoo & Kyujin | Co-written by Jiwoo & Kyujin (Kyujin debut composition credit) |
1. Lily & Haewon — “Sing to the Moon” (너는 달 / You Are the Moon)
Featuring the vocal powerhouses and eldest line of NMIXX, “Sing to the Moon” is a soulful ballad that highlights delicate vocal textures and deep emotional resonance. Co-written by Lily and Haewon, the track explores themes of quiet comfort, comparison to moonlight guiding a loved one through dark nights, and vocal harmonies that show off their broad range.
2. Sullyoon & Bae — “Hot ‘n Unbothered”
Sullyoon and Bae team up to offer a cool, sophisticated, and laid-back pop track. Co-writing the song together, the duo shows off a chic attitude and charismatic vocal contrast—combining Sullyoon’s sweet mid-to-high register with Bae’s rich, soulful tone.
3. Jiwoo & Kyujin — “WHIP” (휙)
The youngest members (the “maknae line”), Jiwoo and Kyujin, deliver an explosion of rhythmic energy and sharp vocal delivery in “WHIP”. In addition to co-writing the lyrics alongside Jiwoo, Kyujin officially took on song composition for the first time in her career, marking a major personal and professional milestone that underscores NMIXX’s growing musical independence.
Track Breakdown: ‘Birthday Wish’ and B-Sides
- "Birthday Wish" (긴 소원) [Title Track]
- "Kerosene"
- "RudE TaLK"
- "Sing to the Moon" (Lily & Haewon)
- "Hot 'n Unbothered" (Sullyoon & Bae)
- "WHIP" (Jiwoo & Kyujin)
The Title Track: “Birthday Wish” (긴 소원)
The album’s title track, “Birthday Wish” (Korean title Gin Sowon, meaning “Long Wish”), presents a romantic, dreamy, and cinematic pop arrangement. The lyrics tell the story of making a heartfelt wish upon finding someone who completes you across “cracks of different dimensions.”
Unlike previous high-octane comebacks, “Birthday Wish” emphasizes emotional resonance while retaining dynamic choreography. Member Lily highlighted the unique structure of the track:
“I thought ‘Birthday Wish’ was unique when I first heard it. The chorus and narration were very touching. I remember having to rehearse a lot because it was our first time having full rap sections integrated into a lead track.”
B-Side Spotlight: “RudE TaLK” & “Kerosene”
The EP opens its secondary tracklist with “Kerosene”, an intense, high-energy track driven by rhythmic beats, followed by “RudE TaLK”. Member Bae pulled double-duty for the album’s writing process, penning lyrics for both her unit track “Hot ‘n Unbothered” and “RudE TaLK.”
Discussing her experience as a lyricist, Bae noted:
“I was lucky enough to write the lyrics for both ‘RudE TaLK’ and ‘Hot ‘n Unbothered.’ Writing lyrics was definitely a challenging process, but it allowed me to express thoughts I hadn’t been able to put into words before.”
Riding the Momentum of a Career-Defining Year
The release of Strange Muse arrives at a high point for NMIXX. Just last month, in September 2026, the group was awarded the prestigious Grand Prize (“Sound of the Year”) at The Fact Music Awards 2026, cementing their reputation as top-tier live vocalists and performers.
Their previous releases—including 2025’s Fe3O4: FORWARD and Blue Valentine, alongside 2026’s Heavy Serenade—have steadily expanded their global footprint. In addition, NMIXX recently completed their expansive first world tour, “Episode 1: Zero Frontier,” performing across 17 cities globally before preparing for their upcoming three-day encore concerts at the Inspire Arena in Incheon.
When asked if their growing streak of successes created pressure during album preparations, member Jiwoo described it as “healthy pressure”:
“It makes us want to do better and pushes us to try harder, knowing that NSWER is always waiting for us. We worked on this EP in the way that we always do—by giving it our absolute all.”
Looking Ahead
With six tracks that range from delicate vocal ballads to sharp pop-rap performances, Strange Muse proves that NMIXX continues to evolve far beyond genre labels. By stepping into the lyricist and composer seats themselves, Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin are no longer just performing stories—they are writing them.
NMIXX’s sixth mini-album Strange Muse and the music video for “Birthday Wish” are now available on all major music streaming platforms worldwide.
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