The ‘Gen Z美’ group Kiki (KiiiKiii: Jiyu, Isol, Sui, Ha-eum, Kiya) has once again set an astonishing record.
According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute on the 1st, Kiki ranked first in the brand reputation of rookie idol groups for May 2025. With this, Kiki has maintained the top spot for three consecutive months, following March and April, proving their influence.
Since their pre-debut in February, Kiki has drawn attention through their first mini album ‘UNCUT GEM’ activities. The title track ‘I DO ME’ topped the YouTube trending videos immediately after the music video release and has maintained a high position on various music charts, including Melon Top 100. Among these, Kiki won their first terrestrial music broadcast trophy on MBC’s ‘Show! Music Core’ with ‘I DO ME’ on the 5th of last month.
Through six weeks of music broadcasts, Kiki has showcased outstanding live performances and established a free and unique team identity, emerging as the ‘most anticipated rookie of 2025’. In particular, following ‘I DO ME’, they demonstrated their limitless concept adaptability and unique ‘Gen Z美’ through their next charm-filled activity ‘BTG’. On the 24th of last month, they surprised fans by releasing the music video for the track ‘GROUNDWORK’ to celebrate one month since the release of ‘UNCUT GEM’, further fueling their popularity.
Kiki's unyielding first-place trajectory stems not only from their musical activities but also from their diverse engagements. Kiki has showcased their global presence by gracing the covers of major domestic fashion magazines and becoming the first K-pop group to appear on the cover of 10 Magazine USA before their official debut. Additionally, following an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, they were named the only K-pop artist in Rolling Stone's ‘Future 25: Most Anticipated Rookie Musicians of 2025’, and their debut album ‘UNCUT GEM’ was highlighted by the British music magazine NME, proving their popularity both domestically and internationally.
Recently, they continued this momentum by gracing the digital cover of ‘Marie Claire’ in collaboration with Chanel Beauty, and were selected as the first brand ambassadors for Kakao Bank and the launch model for Burger King's ‘King Fusion’, showcasing their overwhelming influence across fashion, beauty, finance, and the food industry. Despite completing their ‘UNCUT GEM’ activities, they once again topped the rookie idol group brand reputation rankings, indicating that they have captured the hearts of the public.
Kiki (KiiiKiii) is a team composed of members who possess talent, visuals, and diverse charms. They continue to captivate not only Korea but the world with their unique music, styling, and relentless activities, maintaining their own pace.
Meanwhile, Kiki plans to engage in various activities to connect with fans and the public in the future.
[Son Jin-ah, MK Sports Reporter]
