By Shim Sun-ah
KiiiKiii’s latest hit, “404 (New Era),” is making waves in the K-pop scene. Released on January 26th as the lead single from their second EP, “Delulu Pack,” the song soared to the No. 2 spot on Melon’s Top 100 chart on Monday night and dominated YouTube Music’s weekly chart from January 30th to February 5th.
This achievement places KiiiKiii among the top K-pop artists, competing against established chart regulars and viral older tracks like Car, the Garden’s “My Whole World,” Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye,” Hanroro’s “Landing in Love,” and Woodz’s “Drowning.”
“404 (New Era)” blends pulsing UK house and garage beats with powerful rap verses and ethereal vocals. Drawing inspiration from the ubiquitous “404 Not Found” internet error code, KiiiKiii reimagines it as a metaphor for “freedom beyond boundaries.” Omega Sapien, the rapper from alternative K-pop group Balming Tiger, known for his clever lyrics, contributed to the song’s writing.
KiiiKiii debuted in March 2025 under Starship Entertainment, home to IVE, with “I Do Me,” quickly gaining recognition for their melodic pop sound and youthful image.
The quintet’s latest release showcases a Y2K-inspired concept and more impactful beats, signaling a move towards a bolder and more defined musical identity.
A successful TikTok challenge, prereleasing snippets of the track and choreography, also fueled the song’s virality, enabling rapid spread through algorithm-driven recommendations.
Riding the wave of its streaming success, KiiiKiii achieved their first No. 1 win on MBC’s “Show! Music Core,” marking their first victory on a major TV network music program.
In a statement released through Starship Entertainment, the members expressed their “gratitude for the support” and their desire to remain “a team that people continue to look forward to.”
