K-pop girl group NMIXX has released their first full-length album, titled Blue Valentine, marking a significant milestone for the ensemble. Since debuting in 2022 under JYP Entertainment, NMIXX has distinguished itself in a competitive music market by embracing diverse genres rather than adhering to prevailing trends.
The album’s title track features a melancholic pop-rock sound, showcasing the group’s vocal prowess. At the time of publication, it has been steadily climbing the Korean charts, currently at No. 51 on the Melon Top 100. The group describes the album as a reflection of various love stories, with leader Haewon explaining, “On this album, we put in a lot of love stories that maybe people are going through, have already gone through, or maybe will be going through.”
In a recent late-night Zoom conversation from their headquarters in Seoul, the members discussed their creative process and the pressures of releasing their debut album. Haewon emphasized the emotional depth of the album, stating that while all tracks focus on love, they express it through different musical genres.
Lily, another member of the group, noted the significance of releasing their first full album, highlighting that many senior K-pop groups have iconic debut albums. “I really hope that our first full album, Blue Valentine, can end up as a very iconic album in NMIXX’s discography,” she said. The anticipation from their fanbase, known as NSWER, has motivated them to deliver the best work possible.
The lead single represents a fresh direction for the group, with Lily reflecting on her initial shock upon hearing the song. “I was kind of worried if we could pull it off,” she admitted. Yet, after extensive rehearsals, she believes they successfully executed the performance.
NMIXX aims to showcase their versatility with their self-described genre, MIXX Pop, which allows them to explore various musical styles while maintaining their unique identity. “We have the skills to back up any genre that we do,” Lily asserted, reinforcing their commitment to vocal excellence alongside their choreography.
The group also mentioned the physical demands of their performances. Member Kyujin highlighted the rigorous training they underwent, which prepared them for the intense choreography that characterizes their songs, including “High Horse.”
The music video for “Blue Valentine” was filmed in a notable location, Los Angeles, employing unique filming techniques that the group is eager for fans to experience. “There’s also an easter egg, in terms of the choreography, because it directly translated the concept of the album,” added member Sullyoon.
The album features a revisited version of their debut song, “O.O,” broken into two tracks. Reflecting on this full-circle moment, Lily expressed joy in finally being able to present new versions of the song that fans have requested since its initial performance.
As the group approaches their fourth anniversary, they have acknowledged the challenges that come with their evolving identity. Bae remarked on the initial pressure they faced but has since found excitement in the trust they have built within the group. “That trust creates more excitement instead of pressure,” she explained, attributing this positive shift to the unwavering support from their fans.
Haewon and Lily also contributed to the album’s lyrics, an experience they found both challenging and rewarding. Haewon expressed her long-held desire to write lyrics, while Lily admitted to initial fears about the process. “I wanted to make sure that it was something that I was proud of,” she explained.
As NMIXX embarks on this new chapter with Blue Valentine, they continue to redefine their sound and solidify their place within the K-pop landscape, blending diverse influences while remaining true to their roots.
