Starship’s New Girl Group KiiiKiii Blows Up the Charts with ‘I DO ME’

Starship Entertainment’s new girl group, KiiiKiii, is making a big impact in the music industry.

On Tuesday, KiiiKiii released its pre-debut single “I DO ME” across major streaming platforms. The track, part of its upcoming debut mini-album UNCUT GEM, showcases the group’s fierce charisma. This pop-dance anthem captures the spirit of a self-assured young woman who trusts her instincts and lives life on her own terms. From the dreamy, synth-heavy intro to the pulsating disco beats, “I DO ME” is an auditory experience. The song’s emotional vocal harmonies and groovy rhythms create a captivating sound that resonates deeply with listeners.

The single’s impact was immediate. “I DO ME” debuted at No. 13 on Melon’s Hot 100 chart and climbed to No. 102 on the daily chart. It also made impressive debuts on other platforms, ranking at No. 12 on Bugs and No. 118 on Genie Music—a remarkable feat for a rookie group. KiiiKiii’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. As of 9 AM (KST) Wednesday, “I DO ME” had reached No. 99 on the Top 100 and No. 21 on the Hot 100, an exceptional performance for a debut girl group. With its first music show appearance still to come, industry insiders predict even higher chart positions once KiiiKiii performs live on stage.

Starship Entertainment’s launch of KiiiKiii, its first girl group since IVE’s debut four years ago, has been marked by unconventional promotional strategies. On February 10, the company surprised fans by unexpectedly unveiling KiiiKiii’s social media accounts and announcing the group’s debut. To tease its concept, Starship Entertainment shared quirky content, including a video of a hammer striking a keyboard followed by laughter and Gen Z-inspired visuals that hinted at KiiiKii’s unique aesthetic.

Breaking from tradition, Starship launched KiiiKiii’s debut campaign on February 16 by releasing the “I DO ME” music video as its first significant content drop. This bold move, which bypassed individual member teasers, allowed the group to present its identity and musical style simultaneously. The strategy proved successful, generating significant buzz among K-pop fans worldwide.

The pre-release of “I DO ME” was a masterstroke. The music video, with its mysterious concept, addictive sound, and polished choreography, quickly climbed to the top of YouTube’s trending list. When the audio track dropped on Monday, it swiftly climbed the charts, solidifying KiiiKiii’s status as one of K-pop’s rising stars.

KiiiKiii’s fresh approach has resonated with audiences, positioning the group as cultural trailblazers for Gen Z. With limitless potential and cutting-edge sensibilities, KiiiKiii is ready to lead the next wave of pop culture.

Fans can catch KiiiKiii’s debut stage on Mnet’s M Countdown this Thursday. The group’s first mini-album, UNCUT GEM, is set to be released on March 24, and it’s already one of the most anticipated K-pop debuts of the year.