KiiiKiii is officially the rookie group to watch this year. Only 48 hours after their massive domestic comeback, the five-member Starship Entertainment group just took home a major win in Japan. It’s a huge move that solidifies their status as the industry’s newest “Gen Z icons.”
On January 28, the girls were named winners of the K-Pop Girl Group category at the first-ever Nylon’s Next 2026 Awards. Held at the iconic Shibuya PARCO in Tokyo, the event spotlighted the artists and creators expected to lead cultural trends in the coming months. The ceremony was hosted by the popular duo Sakuma Nobuaki and First Summer Uika, drawing huge interest from major Japanese outlets like Model Press and RBB TODAY.
Big Dreams and a Fluent Thank You
Leader Jiyu really stole the show during the acceptance speech. She spoke to the crowd in fluent Japanese, which fans absolutely loved. She expressed deep gratitude for the sudden surge of support from local fans and noted how much this recognition meant so early in their career.
“We are so honored to receive this award at such a special ceremony. We will continue to show you our unique energy and work hard to become an artist that resonates with everyone.” — Jiyu
When asked about their dreams, the group didn’t hold back. They named Tokyo Dome as their ultimate goal. Member Leesol even made a bold declaration that had the crowd cheering: “We want to become the absolute ‘hot trend’ of 2026!” They’ve already tasted that stage during recent year-end festivities, but a solo headline show is clearly the next target.
Mainstream Buzz and the “Delulu” Concept
The momentum isn’t stopping with just an award. KiiiKiii is set to grace the cover of the March 2026 issue of Nylon Japan. This marks their first-ever Japanese magazine cover. And in a move that’s already going viral, the cover features a high-fashion collaboration with TXT’s Taehyun.
Now, all eyes are on their latest music. The award comes right as they promote their second EP, Delulu Pack, which dropped on January 26. The title track “404 (New Era)” is a UK house-infused banger produced with Tablo. It’s a whimsical, “delusional” yet hopeful vibe that rejects traditional idol norms. It’s fresh, bold, and exactly what fans expected from Starship’s newest powerhouse.
Quick Facts: KiiiKiii’s 2026 Explosion
- Agency: Starship Entertainment (The younger sisters of IVE).
- Members: Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum, and Kya.
- Recent Honors: Next Generation Award at the 40th Golden Disc Awards.
- Key Concept: Self-explorative Gen Z energy with a “delusional” twist.
With their Nylon win and the successful launch of Delulu Pack, KiiiKiii is positioned to dominate the rest of the year. Keep an eye out for more music show wins and potential news regarding an official Japanese debut single soon. Still, the big question remains: how do you think their “Delulu” concept will play with the Japanese general public? Let us know your thoughts!
