NMIXX’s “Strange Muse” comeback is set for October 19, 2026, and it comes with a first for the group: three unit songs. The sixth EP lands at 6 PM KST, about five months after “Heavy Serenade,” and is led by the title track “Birthday Wish.” Here is the release schedule, the full tracklist, who is paired with whom, and what is happening around the tour finale.
When Is NMIXX’s “Strange Muse” Released?
JYP Entertainment announced the sixth EP on September 21 through the group’s official social channels. The release is October 19 at 6 PM KST, and the “Birthday Wish” music video is slated to arrive at the same time. A music video teaser is scheduled for October 18, plus a countdown livestream on release day.
The Strange Muse Tracklist
The EP has six tracks: “Birthday Wish” (the title track, Korean title 긴 소원), “Kerosene,” “RudE TaLK,” “Sing to the Moon” (Lily and Haewon), “Hot ‘n Unbothered” (Sullyoon and Bae), and “WHIP” (Jiwoo and Kyujin). The first three are full-group songs, and the last three are the unit tracks.
Meet the Three Units
The pairings are Lily and Haewon, Sullyoon and Bae, and Jiwoo and Kyujin. According to reports based on the announcement, these are the first unit songs NMIXX has released since debuting in February 2022. Each duo is credited on the lyrics for its own song, Kyujin also has a composition credit on “WHIP,” and Bae contributed lyrics to the full-group track “RudE TaLK.”
The “Muse” Concept and Rollout
The first trailer arrived on September 28, showing the members in dreamy settings such as a mysterious forest and a moonlit scene, all circling a sparkling fountain. “Muse Ver.” concept photos followed on September 29 and “Strange Ver.” photos on September 30. Next up on the schedule are an a cappella highlight medley on October 11 and an original highlight medley on October 15.
Why This Comeback Matters
NMIXX arrives off a strong stretch. At the 2026 The Fact Music Awards on September 19 in Busan, the group won Artist of the Year, Sullyoon took the fan-voted My Star Award, and NMIXX won the Sound of the Year grand prize, reported as their first grand prize at a major music awards ceremony. The new EP follows two well-received seasonal releases, “Blue Valentine” and “Heavy Serenade.”
What Comes After the EP
NMIXX will close its first world tour, “EPISODE 1: ZERO FRONTIER,” with three encore shows at Inspire Arena in Incheon from November 27 to 29. The group is also reported to be making its official Japan debut in December with a best album titled “N=MIXX.” That means the unit songs could get live stages before the tour wraps, though no setlist has been announced.
FAQ
Who is the title track “Birthday Wish” by?
It is a full-group song by all six members: Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo and Kyujin. It is the first track on the EP and will be released with its music video.
How many songs are on “Strange Muse”?
Six tracks: three full-group songs and three unit songs.
What time does it come out for fans outside Korea?
6 PM KST on October 19 is 4 AM US Eastern, 1 AM US Pacific and 10 AM UTC. Check your local time zone before setting a reminder.
Final Thoughts
“Strange Muse” looks like NMIXX’s most member-driven release yet, with six songwriting credits spread across the group and a new unit format. Mark October 19 on your calendar, and keep an eye on the October 18 teaser and the countdown livestream.
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Background on the group: NMIXX on Wikipedia.