K-pop has always been about pushing boundaries, but what happens when a group known for their upbeat energy decides to explore vulnerability? KiiiKiii, the rising K-pop girl group, is doing just that with their latest release, “To Me From Me.” This emotional ballad, produced by the legendary Tablo of Epik High, marks a significant departure from their signature sound. It’s a bold move for the quintet—Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum, and Kya—who are stepping into uncharted territory, both musically and creatively.
And this is the part most people miss: “To Me From Me” isn’t just a song; it’s a soundtrack to the group’s first web novel, Dear.X, which features characters inspired by the members themselves. “We sat down with the writer and shared our personal stories,” Jiyu explains. “It was incredible to see how our experiences shaped the novel’s world.” Leesol adds, “Venturing into a project outside of music was thrilling—it felt like discovering a whole new side of ourselves.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Tablo’s involvement in the project wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. His daughter, Haru, who is the same age as KiiiKiii’s youngest member, Kya, played a pivotal role. “I’ve always wanted to create something that speaks to her generation,” Tablo shares. Is it too much to blend family and art, or is it the key to authenticity? Not only did Haru inspire the project, but she also co-wrote the lyrics with Tablo. “It made me see the world through younger eyes again,” he reflects. “I wanted the song to capture the thoughts, worries, and dreams of someone like Haru—someone KiiiKiii’s age.”
Sui admits the lyrics resonated deeply: “Hearing that Tablo worked with Haru made the song feel even more meaningful. It’s like he turned everyday thoughts into something comforting.” Tablo also emphasizes the importance of artistic evolution. “Every song in an artist’s catalog has a purpose,” he says. “Sometimes, the most unexpected tracks become the most impactful. That’s why artists should never be afraid to experiment—even if fans don’t initially embrace it.”
But is KiiiKiii risking their momentum by shifting gears so early in their career? Haum doesn’t think so. “We’ve always wanted to explore diverse concepts, especially as rookies,” she says. “‘To Me From Me’ felt like the perfect opportunity to grow.” Their debut single, “I Do Me,” was a vibrant, infectious hit, but this new track shows a different side of the group—one that’s willing to take risks.
KiiiKiii’s journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable. “We’re still learning and growing,” Jiyu says humbly. “The love we’ve received has been overwhelming, and it inspires us to keep pushing boundaries.”
So, what do you think? Is KiiiKiii’s shift to a more emotional sound a genius move or a risky gamble? And how do you feel about Tablo blending family and art? Let’s discuss in the comments—we want to hear your thoughts!
