MUSIC
Emerging K-Pop Group If I Selected as One of NME's '100 Essential Emerging Artists for 2026'
In celebration of the release of their third mini-album 'As if', If I sat down with Ten Asia on the 6th to discuss their latest work.
Member Won Hwa-yeon shared, "We heard the news at the end of the year, and it was such an unexpected result that it made us even happier. It made us ambitious to make it onto the Billboard charts. As more people recognize us overseas, we hope to gain more recognition domestically as well." Tae-rin added, "It felt like a dream. It was something we only imagined, and now we wonder how far we can go. We want to reach number one on Billboard and perform on the Coachella stage."
Miyu confessed, "When I first heard 'r u ok?', I was worried about whether the public would like it. I thought it had a unique style. When I read the article about being selected by NME, it felt like validation, and I was thrilled to realize that it wasn't just us who thought our music was good."
If I's third EP 'As if' is themed around questions everyone has pondered at least once. The album includes five tracks, with the title track 'Hazy(Daisy)' featuring an energetic rhythm and easy-listening vibe.
Meanwhile, If I's third EP 'As if' will be released on various music platforms on the 15th at 6 PM.
Reported by Min-kyung Lee, Ten Asia 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr
