KiiiKiii, the icon of Gen Z, is putting out a new digital single ‘To Me From Me’ on Nov. 4 – a retro-tinged song that shares the same fictional universe with their web novel, ‘Dear.X.’ The project unites Kakao Entertainment’s music and story business units, fueling high expectations with a synergistic fusion of sound and narrative.
‘To Me From Me’ will be released simultaneously with the launch of the web novel, which will unveil all 53 episodes exclusively on Kakao Page. Gentle melodies that evoke nostalgic memories, paired with sincere lyrics delivered through KiiiKiii’s bubbly voices, come together in the song to highlight its retro mood. Through this tune, the members vividly unfold the story of five girls who suddenly find themselves transported to another world – yet still discover strength and comfort within themselves. In this way, ‘To Me From Me’ offers a new layer of emotional depth that KiiiKiii has not explored before.
The song’s producer is Tablo from the hip-hop trio EPIK HIGH, who was behind the success of multiple hits, including ‘Umbrella (Feat. Younha)’ by EPIK HIGH and ‘Song Request (Feat. SUGA of BTS)’ by Lee So-ra. KiiiKiii’s authenticity and youthful appeal will merge with Tablo’s uplifting yet melancholic vibe, forming a powerful artistic pairing.
The web novel, also set to premiere on Nov. 4, follows the five KiiiKiii members as they unexpectedly step into a reality-like yet unfamiliar world while listening to the same song in different places. The story portrays how they confront solitude and fear in their mission to return to the world they belong to, as well as the close-knit friendship they form along the way. The characters were created based on the members’ personalities captured during interviews, adding a sense of realism and vitality. ‘Dear.X’ is written by kimbbang, best known as the author of the original novel that inspired the hit drama ‘Lovely Runner,’ starring Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok. A web novel teaser was unveiled on KiiiKiii’s Instagram on Oct. 29 and is already generating buzz.
‘Dear.X’ also includes KiiiKiii’s comments and other fan-dedicated content, along with a KiiiKiii-recorded web novel prologue and an epilogue audiobook, both scheduled for release on Nov. 12.
This latest project highlights the synergy-boosting collaboration between Kakao Entertainment’s music and story divisions. KiiiKiii – represented by the company’s music label Starship Entertainment – teams up with its story unit to create a fascinating blend of sound and text with global resonance. Previously, An Yu-jin of IVE, another girl group under Starship Entertainment, sang an original soundtrack for Kakao Entertainment’s webtoon ‘The Great,’ which captured massive attention.
KiiiKiii made their official debut with the EP, ‘UNCUT GEM’ in March, mesmerizing global audiences with their free-spirited and refreshing energy. The lead track ‘I DO ME,’ highlighting the group’s musical identity of living independent and self-determined lives, also made waves, staying at No. 1 on YouTube’s Trending Music Videos chart for consecutive days while earning a music show win. The group dropped their 1st digital single album ‘DANCING ALONE’ in August, and is rapidly amplifying its global presence, having won four Rookie of the Year awards this year.
