NMIXX Redefines K-Pop performance with Bold Live Show & Upcoming Album
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NMIXX, the six-member K-pop group comprised of Jiwoo, Lily, Sullyoon, Kyujin, Bae, and Haewon, delivered a standout performance at iHeartRadioS 2025 Wango Tango in Venice Beach, challenging conventional K-pop norms and signaling a new era for the rising stars. The group’s decision to perform with a full backing band, rework choreography, and deliver fully live vocals – a rarity in a genre frequently enough prioritizing polished aesthetics – has positioned them as a confident and innovative force in pop music.
A Defiant Setlist at wango Tango
On May 10, 2025, NMIXX shared the stage with established artists like Doja Cat, David Guetta, and Meghan Trainor, yet their set resonated as a deliberate statement. Rather than adhering to the typical festival constraints of short, pre-recorded performances, the group opted for a dynamic and ambitious approach. “They refreshed their entire setlist to perform with a full backing band while reworking choreography for a tight medley of singles with fully live vocals,” according to reports from the event.
The group acknowledged the challenges of limited festival time, but embraced the chance to showcase their versatility. “Obviously there is limited time because it’s a festival and we wanted to show as many songs as possible,” explained a member of NMIXX. “Even though it hurts our hearts, we ended up cutting songs down and then we made this cute little mashup.” The process involved carefully crafting a medley that flowed seamlessly, even requiring adjustments to their choreography. “It was a lot of fun figuring out where we should stop the songs and how we are going to connect them together – even with our dancing, we had to change it up a little bit so they could all flow nicely,” the member added.
Beyond the Performance: A Commitment to Artistic Integrity
NMIXX’s commitment extended beyond simply delivering a live performance; it was about challenging expectations within the K-pop industry. A member of the group emphasized the importance of showcasing as much of their repertoire as possible, notably for their return to Los Angeles. “Since it was our first time back in L.A. in a while, we wanted to show as many songs as possible,” they stated. “We prepared this album very carefully and I think the fans really liked it… their support let us enjoy the process,” another member added.
The group also recognizes the importance of showcasing their growth and maturity. “Compared to the previous album, we were able to show a more mature side of NMIXX. Being able to present that to fans was really great and showed how hard effort and hard work we put in,” a member stated.
Confronting Stereotypes and Defining Their Identity
NMIXX is acutely aware of the expectations and stereotypes surrounding girl groups in the K-pop industry. “As entertainers, we sometimes face fixed ideas and prejudices,” the group’s leader shared. “There are stereotypes about girl groups – such as how girl groups are supposed to make ‘public friendly’ songs – and comparisons we face with other groups, but we’re trying to break that.”
This desire to defy expectations is encapsulated in the meaning behind “High Horse.” “We are sick of peopel being on their high horses and looking down on us with prejudices and things like that,” a member explained, summarizing the group’s mindset. “We want to show many sides of ourselves and push past other people’s expectations. Music is how we express that.”
With Blue Valentine on the horizon, NMIXX is focused on letting their music speak for itself, showcasing their talents and forging meaningful connections with music lovers. If you had any preconceptions or expectations about what a K-pop group is “supposed” to be, NMIXX have truly arrived to prove they are here as true artists.
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