NMIXX Drops Birthday Wish Teaser as Strange Muse Brings Three First-Ever Duo Tracks

NMIXX posted the music video teaser for new title track "Birthday Wish" at midnight on the 18th, less than 24 hours before the sixth mini album Strange Muse arrives at 6 PM KST on the 19th. The clip opens on a dreamy, softly lit space and ends with all six members running together and shouting in unison.

LILY, HAEWON, SULLYOON, BAE, JIWOO and KYUJIN each get an individual entrance in the opening seconds, with on-screen text hinting at a meeting and the birth of a new muse. From there the mood turns to a party scene: the six gathered in one room, clearly enjoying the moment itself. The bright, affectionate energy carries through to that final sprint, which reads as a visual shorthand for the song's theme of heartfelt wishes shared with someone precious.

That theme is the heart of "Birthday Wish". The track follows the urge to say exactly what you feel to someone you have finally found, marking the occasion with a sincere wish. Earlier previews, including a highlight medley and challenge content, have drawn fans in with a cinematic atmosphere and a celebratory tone. The song also opens with a dreamy narration and a swelling melody, according to the medley.

Three duo tracks, a first for the group

The bigger structural news is on the tracklist. Strange Muse holds six tracks: "Birthday Wish", "Kerosene", "RudE TaLK", and three unit songs, the first NMIXX has released since debut.

• LILY and HAEWON: "Sing to the Moon"

• SULLYOON and BAE: "Hot 'n Unbothered"

• JIWOO and KYUJIN: "WHIP"

All six members took part in writing the lyrics for their unit songs, and maknae KYUJIN also expanded into composition. LILY and HAEWON describe theirs as one for ballad lovers, built around tone and emotional delivery. SULLYOON and BAE promise a cool, mature side and their own chemistry. JIWOO and KYUJIN call theirs a showcase for their strong voices and energy, and say they would like to try other pairings and moods if given the chance.

The unit songs were first heard in the original highlight medley released on the 15th, which followed an earlier a cappella medley built only from the members' voices. After "Blue Valentine" and "Heavy Serenade", the question is whether this release extends the group's run of well-received comebacks. The duo pairings look like a smart way to show how much range the six have beyond the full-group sound.