PlayAsia #6: Best of K-pop Before Summer

At the halfway point of 2026, the K-pop landscape has changed dramatically. PlayAsia #6 highlights three zeniths of this year’s K-pop albums. 

Delulu Pack - KiiKii

KiiKii, one of K-pop’s newest girl groups, is refreshingly youthful, with its slightly kitsch musical identity and whimsical Y2K aesthetic. Their discography is full of everything, from energetic House-Pop perfect for a night at the club to soft, dreamy RnB evoking a sense of nostalgia. Delulu Pack (2026) is an upgrade from their debut album with its expansive genres and distinctly imaginative and relatable narratives.

KiiKii achieves a consistently high quality yet cohesive tracklist in Delulu Pack. The album begins bright with the first track, “Delulu,” referencing their dedication to unconventional, digital-culture-inspired auditory and visual aesthetics. The song features soft vocals floating above a bold and bouncy Disco and House-driven beat. Even without understanding the lyrics, the track feels playful, teasing the campy and fun tone of the rest of the album. The lively atmosphere grows with the next track, “404 New Era,” its title embodying the core message of moving onto a “new era” with clever digital references sprinkled in. For example, “404, not found in the system” refers to the standard error message while “new era, era” carries a double meaning—signifying the start of a new era and pronounced like “error” when sung. Although the lyrics are at times repetitive, the underlying UK-House and Garage rhythms make the track fit for its original intent: dancing and performing. KiiKii expertly crafts songs that are short yet evoke an inexplicable excitement in the listener. The production of “404 New Era” is packed with early 2000s-esque sonic motifs that drive the primary fast, punctuating beat. “MUNGNYANG” and “Dizzy” are relatively calmer but still maintain their signature dreamy, nostalgic soundscape. “To Me From Me” leans into sweet and soft vocal melodies alongside a minimalistic, sparkling production, finishing off the album strong.

Nevertheless, Delulu Pack is one of the most fruitful releases of this year as KiiKii’s popularity continues to rise. Not only is the album sonically and thematically cohesive, but it also achieves a level of quality in its creative vision that is rare to find in the latest generation of K-pop stars. The only pitfall of the album is its length, with each track averaging barely under three minutes.

REVIVE+ - IVE

Since their chart-topping debut in 2021, IVE has been one of the most successful K-pop girl groups in the world. Their confident and self-loving identity is infused in every release, from their breakout single “Love Dive” to the award-winning “I Am.” In February, IVE released their second studio album, REVIVE+. 

The 12-song tracklist is packed with variety. REVIVE+ begins with an explosive start in “Blackhole.” Urging listeners to “keep on running” and “unfold the dream that’s been hiding,” IVE empowers their fans to be free and unstoppable. At just over three minutes, “Blackhole” effortlessly showcases IVE’s vocal range with numerous high belts while being reminiscent of their previous hits. The second track, “Bang Bang,” incorporates Western riffs and sudden blasts of EDM. Combining rap verses from Gaeul and Rei and a captivating bridge, “Bang Bang” earns itself a rightful place in IVE’s discography. 

After the high-octane singles, the four B-sides are softer and more intimate while maintaining the quality of the prior two songs. “Fireworks” explores love sentimentally, while “Hush” is nostalgic and uses the group’s own whispering and the word “hush” as its rhythmic foundation. As a bonus, listeners are treated to a solo from each member that will be performed on their upcoming world tour. Each solo provides a fascinating look into the sextet’s individual strengths and vocal colors.

REVIVE+ marks a key point in IVE’s growth. IVE proves that they are not just seeking the next big hit but are expressing themselves as a group and as individuals. REVIVE+ serves as a diverse stepping stone into the exciting future for IVE while being an essential addition to the K-pop albums of 2026.

Heavy Serenade - NMIXX

Ever since they burst onto the K-pop scene in 2022 with their genre-mixing debut single “O.O,” girl group NMIXX has been at the forefront of experimentation and atypical composition. They are known for their unique “MIXX POP” technique, where multiple genres are blended into a single song and jarring transitions between styles and moods occur. This method replaces traditional and predictable structures found in K-pop and adds a personalized flair that differentiates NMIXX from other groups. Their latest album, Heavy Serenade, is a six-track EP that exceeds all possible expectations of NMIXX.

The first track, “Crescendo,” exemplifies NMIXX’s concepts with a conflicting atmosphere. Even though soft melodies clash with heavy drums and emotionally charged choruses, the song still tells a cohesive story of romantic feelings building like a crescendo. The lyrics are simultaneously full of contrasts, especially oxymorons. The chorus describes being “deep in shallow,” while Lily mentions the universe being a “silent choir.” Brief pauses in the chorus aid in creating an unpredictable and surprising listening experience. The title track, “Heavy Serenade,” explores profound love and devotion even further, combining ballad-like vocals, EDM basslines, and a hip-hop rap verse sung by Jiwoo. “Heavy Serenade” balances these genres with piercing vocals that leave listeners in both awe and mystery. 

Even after this duo of powerhouse singles, Heavy Serenade does not take its foot off the gas. “IDESERVEIT,” “Different Girl,” and “Loud” focus more on chants in the former and dreamy vocals in the latter two. The best B-side, “Superior,” smoothly blends a march-like instrumental with soaring vocals and an impressive high note run from Jiwoo. 

In just 16 minutes, Heavy Serenade packs in countless genres and fantastic vocals. Multiple listens are definitely needed to fully grasp all that the album has to offer. In an era of formulaic K-pop releases, Heavy Serenade provides a welcome breath of fresh air.