KiiiKiii, AKMU top Billboard's midyear K-pop picks

Rookie girl group KiiiKiii and sibling duo AKMU topped Billboard's editorial picks for the best K-pop releases of 2026 so far, with KiiiKiii's "404 (New Era)" named the midyear's best K-pop song and AKMU's fourth full-length album "Flowering" selected as the best K-pop album.

Billboard recently unveiled its Best K-pop Songs of 2026 and Best K-pop Albums of 2026 lists, highlighting standout releases from the first half of the year. Despite a wave of high-profile comebacks from industry heavyweights including BTS, EXO and Blackpink, the selections leaned toward emerging artists such as KiiiKiii, Nmixx and Cortis alongside established acts like AKMU.

In its review, "404 (New Era)" was described as a song that doesn't simply imagine a new era but fully immerses listeners in it through its lyrical world. The review added that while many artists speak of a new era, KiiiKiii boldly declares that it will lead it, with the group's confidence and commanding performance making the ambition convincing.

Since debuting last year, the Starship Entertainment girl group has steadily built momentum with its distinctive musical identity and performances. Its second EP, "Delulu Pack," topped major Korean music charts and spent eight consecutive weeks on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart. KiiiKiii is scheduled to return Aug. 10 with its new release, "Why KiiiKiii."

Hearts2Hearts' "Rude!" ranked second on the best songs list, followed by AKMU's "Paradise of Rumors," Cortis' "RedRed" and Nmixx's "Crescendo."

"Rude!" was recognized for creating "a solid symmetry" through the interplay of its eight members' distinct personalities, while "Paradise of Rumors" was highlighted as a song that marks a new chapter in AKMU's musical direction.

On the album list, AKMU's fourth studio album "Flowering," which features "Paradise of Rumors," took the top spot.

"Flowering" was recognized for taking a more candid approach than AKMU's previous releases, with its willingness to embrace imperfections seen as reflecting the duo's artistic growth after 12 years together.

Balming Tiger's "Gongbu" ranked second on the albums list, followed by Nmixx's "Heavy Serenade," SHINee's "Atmos" and Can't Be Blue's "Prussian Blue." BTS' fifth studio album "Arirang" placed ninth.