NMIXX on What They'd Tell Their Pre-Debut Selves, Music Hopes, and the Superlatives They'd Give Each Other
What happens when a K-pop group debuts with music that purposely mixes music genres together? In the case of NMIXX, praise, criticism, and a lot of attention. JYP Entertainment's seven-member girl group debuted on February 22, 2022 and promptly divided the public with their debut single “O.O,” with Dazed writing in October that the track “split the K-pop community” sonically for its unexpected mashup.
But the girls kept going with their “MIXX POP” music style—and the numbers kept growing. The music video for “O.O” now has over 90 million views on YouTube. The music video for their new single “DICE,” released a month ago along with their second single album ENTWURF, sits at 61 million views.
Nearly a year into being a group, HAEWON tells ELLE.com over email that she is confident the group is doing well; people just needed time to get used to them. “As more fans listen to NMIXX’s MIXX POP and seeing them adapting to MIXX POP ensures me that we are doing a good job,” she said.
Of their hopes for their impact on the music industry, LILY says they just want people to enjoy what they're creating: “We hope that we can show all our charms and how worthy we are of your love. We hope people from all over the world can enjoy our music together!”
The girls share with ELLE.com their experience adjusting to fame, what they hope their future fashion and tour will be like, and the superlatives they've give each other.
What has it been like adjusting to life post-debut in February? What advice would you give your pre-debut self, knowing what you do now?
LILY: Be confident in yourself and try to keep a nonchalant mentality. Don't care too much about what other people say.
HAEWON: At the beginning of the debut, it was difficult adapting to the sudden decrease of sleeping hours. Hm… I would like to advise my pre-debut self to keep studying various languages.
SULLYOON: If I could go back to pre-debut, I want to tell myself “Don’t give up even in the hardest times and keep going! You’re doing great!”
JINNI: The advice I want to give is “Practice more in areas that you lack, and it doesn’t end when you debut. There will be more mountains to climb. Let’s spend as much time with your family when you can!”
BAE: The advice I want to give is “Focus on practicing since that’s the only time you get to focus on practicing! Your post-debut self depends on how much you practiced pre-debut!”
JIWOO: Before debuting, I thought being an idol would be difficult because of the lack of sleep and busy schedule, but I have been adapting well post-debut because there are so many enjoyable things as there are difficult things. I would like to tell pre-debut JIWOO “You must become more diligent to become an idol!”
KYUJIN: At the beginning of the debut, everything was new and unknown so it was a bit difficult but once I’ve experienced it a couple of times I’ve adapted quickly! I would like to tell my pre-debut self to keep a strong mentality because there will be much more difficult things than you thought, and to brace yourself.
What surprises you most about fame?
LILY: When people around me say that they have a friend who's a fan of me or NMIXX. It's an interesting feeling when someone knows me but I don't know them.
HAEWON: It’s so surprising how the senior K-pop groups recognize me. For example, they say “NMIXX is doing so well~!” or “Oh Nongdamgom~! I've been enjoying that~!” (Nongdamgom, “Joke bear” in English, is HAEWON’s nickname.)
SULLYOON: Long ago I went to the coin karaoke by myself and the people in the room beside me were singing “O.O,” and it was really cool.
JINNI: It's amazing how sometimes people recognize me!
BAE: When I went to a restaurant, the employee recognized me and put on the song, “COOL (Your rainbow)” it was awesome, and I was so moved and thankful!
JIWOO: It's amazing how many NSWER there are supporting and cheering on NMIXX, it makes me so happy.
KYUJIN: When people passing on the streets recognize me or when I hear our song on the streets or in shops!
What NMIXX track is your favorite so far and why?
KYUJIN: “占 (TANK)”! I chose this track because it's unique, addictive, and is a sound and genre that has never been heard before. And the choreography is also my style.
What message do you want fans to take from your music so far?
JINNI: I would like for them to receive messages with positive energy such as courage and hope from our music.
What do you want your first NMIXX tour to look like?
SULLYOON: I want to make lots of good memories together with NSWER on the world tour! I wish it would feel soft and relaxing yet full of energy!
What has been your favorite visual [promo shoot] look so far and why?
LILY: I loved so many of the stage outfits for [our second EP ENTWURF]... It's hard to choose but I'd say some of my favorite outfits are the lime green one and the denim and leather one.
HAEWON: I really liked the white outfit for “Inkigayo” during the first week of “DICE” and the outfit for “M Countdown” during “占 (TANK)”.
SULLYOON: My favorite was the all-white look with the word “DICE” written all over the pants! I think it was the most flattering for me.
JINNI: I wore a unique face chain during our jacket photoshoot for [our first EP AD MARE], and I loved it because I thought it suited me well!
BAE: For me, I really liked the black top and jeans from the “Music Core” stage during our first week of “DICE” promotions! It was my favorite style!
JIWOO: The vividly colored outfit I wore in the “DICE” M/V and jacket shoot was my favorite. Because it had all the colors I liked.
KYUJIN: The “DICE” stage outfit on the day of [ENTWURF] showcase! The pictures drawn on the outfit were so cute, cool and was my style.
Is there any hair color or fashion style you’d like to try in the future?
LILY: I really like my hair color right now, but if I had to say something else, I'd say lavender! I Iike how pastel-colored hair looks!
HAEWON: I want to try platinum blonde. It would be the complete opposite of the styles I've showed so far. I've often heard that it would suit me well.
SULLYOON: I want to try dyeing my hair a mushroom blonde! When I went for my personal color test, the staff said mushroom blonde would look suit me well with my tone.
JINNI: I think a dark purple would be nice, I would like to try a new hairstyle so I don't get bored.
BAE: I want to try going on stage wearing a cute training suit. Since we've only showed powerful performances on stage, I would like to put on an adorable outfit. And I also want to try on a pretty dress! I've always thought those in dresses look so gorgeous.
JIWOO: I want to try the blue-black hair color that KYUJIN had during the “DICE” promotion. I've never had a chance to try a completely black hair color!
KYUJIN: I also want to try a totally vintage style outfit!
How would you describe your personal style? What’s your go-to look on a day off?
LILY: On a day off is when I usually wear my favorite clothes. I love pretty dresses, so I try to wear them any opportunity I get. I'd say that my personal style can't be described simply. I like too many different aesthetics and looks!
HAEWON: Comfortable clothes are the best. I usually wear training suits and even when I go out, I like to dress casual.
SULLYOON: On a day of no schedule and just practicing, I wear training pants and a comfortable T-shirt! On a day of going out, I usually go for a shirt with jeans or slacks!
JINNI: When I wear my own clothes for dance practice, I mostly go for a sleeveless top and cropped jacket! When I'm going somewhere I often wear dresses!
BAE: I usually wear a baggy sweatshirt or hoodie with training pants! I tend to reach for comfortable clothes!
JIWOO: When I go out, I prefer wearing simple accessories that go with my outfit.
KYUJIN: I prefer a comfortable [outfit], with one thing that stands out, unique and pretty style! Nowadays, I'm interested in vintage styles.
When you have downtime together, how do you most like to spend it?
JIWOO: I like to window-shop while listening to music!
What’s something fans should know about your friendship that they don’t get to see?
BAE: Me and JINNI! I spent the most time with JINNI since we were practicing and so we hung out a lot and she even came to my place!
Help ELLE.com learn a little more about your friendship dynamic with these superlative questions.
Who’s the best cook? Best baker?
LILY: Not a lot of us cook real meals that often, but I'd say SULLYOON is the best baker out of all of us. She really likes baking something sweet and giving it to her loved ones. And we love receiving them.
HAEWON: BAE! She cooked a lot when we were trainee and I remember it was so delicious.
SULLYOON: I think it's BAE. Because when we were trainees, she would cook us lots of delicious food for dinner at our dormitory!
JINNI: SULLYOON! She's good at baking desserts!
BAE: I think I'm the best cook! SULLYOON is best at baking and I'm good at cooking! I've made the members seaweed soup, and during pre-debut I made a lot of dishes like soft tofu stew, tteokbokki with noodles, and gambas!
KYUJIN: BAE!
Who’s the biggest fashionista?
LILY: I think we all have our own unique fashion sense and style. But I definitely think JIWOO has a lot of interest in fashion, shopping, and trends. She enjoys online browsing a lot as a hobby.
HAEWON: KYUJIN! She's a real fashionista who keeps her style in check even during practice.
BAE: KYUJIN! KYUJIN knows what style suits her best and also tries out new styles!
KYUJIN: Me...? KYUJIN...
Who’s the biggest romantic?
SULLYOON: I think it has to be JIWOO! She fools around a lot but also expresses her love the most!
KYUJIN: LILY!
Who’s the mom of the group/biggest caretaker?
JIWOO: SULLYOON! She often does the dishes for the members that were left behind.
KYUJIN: SULLYOON!
Who gives the best pep talks and is the biggest cheerleader?
JINNI: LILY! She's a positive happy king!
BAE: I think it's HAEWON. When we're concerned about something or when we think that we won't be able to do it, she always tells us that it'll all work out.
JIWOO: LILY! I've often seen LILY trying her best to make the most out of any situation.
KYUJIN: LILY.
Who’s the best with makeup?
LILY: HAEWON. Even from when we were trainees and envied her makeup skills.
HAEWON: Me! I love makeup, and I love watching makeup channels on YouTube and buying makeup.
SULLYOON: HAEWON is very good at makeup!
JINNI: HAEWON.
JIWOO: KYUJIN! She wears makeup even on her days off, and she's very good at it!
KYUJIN: HAEWON and… KYUJIN.
Who’s the most athletic?
HAEWON: JIWOO! I think she's just good at all sports.
BAE: I think it has to be JIWOO. JIWOO is talented in sports! She's the best out of the NMIXX members even in sports she's never tried!
KYUJIN: JINNI!
Who tells the best jokes?
JIWOO: HAEWON! She's the wittiest talker on the team.
KYUJIN: HAEWON and BAE!
Who’s the life of the party?
LILY: I'd say BAE. She has a way of making every situation funnier. Also she's great at telling funny stories too.
SULLYOON: BAE is upbeat person and is witty so she makes the whole team feel good!
KYUJIN: HAEWON and BAE!
Who’s the most book smart?
JINNI: HAEWON! I think she has a lot of knowledge. I know she did well in school when she was a student.
KYUJIN: HAEWON.
Who gives the best relationship advice?
BAE: Personally, SULLYOON and HAEWON give me a lot of advice, talking the most about relationships and actively listening to me and giving me feedback!
KYUJIN: LILY and HAEWON.
Just for fun: Tell ELLE.com about a few of your favorite things so our readers can get to know you each more.
Favorite movie
SULLYOON: Little Forest is my favorite! Watching that movie soothes and heals my mind.
BAE: I was really drawn into Titanic and cried a lot. And I really enjoyed Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children! I usually like fantasy and enjoyed the vibe and storyline of this movie.
JIWOO: Titanic.
KYUJIN: Les Misérables.
Favorite emoji
SULLYOON: 💗 I love that it’s pink and it’s pretty how the heart looks like it’s throbbing!
KYUJIN: 😗
Favorite thing to do on a day off
HAEWON: Chatting endlessly with my family at home and falling asleep.
JINNI: Going on a trip.
SULLYOON: I usually sleep a lot so I would like to sleep! Or I would like to go on a date with my family!
BAE: I want to meet with my parents and have my mom’s homemade meals, spend time with the family, and go out to eat.
JIWOO: Travel freely with NMIXX members!
KYUJIN: Go on a healing trip with the family!
Favorite Disney character
LILY: Mulan. She was the first Asian princess I saw on screen and I'm sure many other young girls too, and I love the message of defying gender roles. Also I love the music.
BAE: I love the characters from Zootopia! Nick and Judy are so cute and lovely, and Gazelle is also one of my favorite characters!
JIWOO: Princess Jasmine from Aladdin.
KYUJIN: Princess Belle from Beauty and the Beast.
Favorite designer
HAEWON: J.W. Anderson!
Favorite food
HAEWON: It’s not a food but… Americano! Americano is like a medicine for me and a part of my life.
SULLYOON: I love meat! 🥩 I could eat it for the whole month if I had to!
JINNI: Smoothie!
Favorite game
LILY: Monopoly. I love that it uses strategy but also luck and I think it's a fun game to play with family.
Favorite K-drama
LILY: My favorite Korean drama is It's Okay Not To Be Okay. I love the stylistic cinematography and the fashion. Also I think it tells an important story about mental health and raises awareness about mental health in Korea.
SULLYOON: I really enjoyed watching Sky Castle! The storyline was very interesting!
KYUJIN: The Legend of the Blue Sea.
Favorite musician/K-pop artist
HAEWON: DAY6 and Sunwoojunga. I love the band’s sound and the vocal’s voice is amazing.
You can stream NMIXX here on Spotify and here on YouTube.
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