On Their High Horse: NMIXX Pushes ‘MIXXpop’ Even Further with EP Fe3O4: FORWARD [EXCLUSIVE]

K-Pop girl group NMIXX hopped on their “High Horse” and is charging full speed forward with their fourth EP, Fe3O4: FORWARD, released on March 17, 2025. This marks the grand finale of their Fe3O4 trilogy, pushing their signature “MIXXpop” sound to new heights. 

Known for blending genres in ways only they can, NMIXX, consisting of members Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin, continues to evolve while staying true to their distinct style. 

In this new era, The Knockturnal caught up with the group to chat about their journey, growth, and what ‘moving forward’ really means to them. With six dynamic tracks, this EP is packed with surprises—let’s dive in!

To kick off our chat, we asked NMIXX about how their creative choices have expanded even further with this comeback. Their title track, “KNOW ABOUT ME,” brings a more laid-back vibe while still delivering the infectious energy fans love. The song carries a beautiful message about breaking expectations and embracing your true self—something NMIXX does effortlessly.

The music video leans into a performance-driven aesthetic, featuring dynamic angles that highlight their stunning dance skills. 

You’ll probably need to watch it at least three times: once to take in the full MV experience, once to admire the outfits and visuals, and once to read the lyrics. Check it out below!

The Knockturnal: NMIXX, this era is all about going ‘forward.’ How do you personally embody that concept in your creative choices and your growth as artists?

HAEWON: Since our debut, I feel that each member’s vocal tone and skills have become much more defined and polished. In this album, the pre-release track and the title track have completely different vibes, allowing us to showcase the versatility of NMIXX’s vocals—sometimes expressive and powerful, and at other times restrained and delicate.

KYUJIN: With every comeback, we challenge ourselves with different concepts and genres, which has naturally broadened our musical spectrum. I also feel that I’ve become more confident and expressive in my performances. For this album, we put a lot of effort into refining our dance lines and facial expressions, and I’m really excited to showcase our growth.

The Knockturnal: NMIXX, you’ve built such a rich narrative with ‘Stick Out,’ ‘Break,’ and now ‘Forward.’ If you had to pick, which of those stories has been the most memorable for you to tell, and why?

LILY: Every story is special in its own way, but Fe3O4: FORWARD feels particularly meaningful because it reflects our artistic growth. We’ve worked hard to explore new sounds and styles, and I think this album truly showcases our evolution as musicians.

JIWOO: “High Horse” is a great example of how we push ourselves artistically. Unlike traditional K-pop choreography, it incorporates elements of contemporary dance, focusing more on fluidity and precision rather than intense formations. I think that approach helped us create something truly unique.

The Knockturnal: NMIXX, your vulnerability in ‘The Journey of Fe3O4‘ commentary was so powerful. Where do you draw the emotional depth for your storytelling, from the concept videos to the lyrical elements?

HAEWON: We had many heartfelt discussions as a team while preparing this album. We wanted our music to carry genuine emotions rather than just follow trends. I think that sincerity is what makes our storytelling feel so real.

BAE: “Papillon” was particularly emotional for me. The moment I heard the demo, my heart raced, and I imagined how our voices would blend into it. It was a song that challenged me, and I worked extra hard to make sure I could convey its depth.

In line with storytelling and vulnerability, this EP is strapped with both! We asked the members to highlight specific tracks from the six-song lineup, diving deeper into the emotions and messages behind them. Of course, we couldn’t resist weaving in a few lyrical references along the way! 

The Knockturnal: This EP features six tracks, including the pre-release “High Horse,” which showcases an artistic, mature, and sophisticated vibe with stunning choreography. Among all the songs, which one stands out as each member’s favorite, and why?

SULLYOON: I personally love “Ocean.” I’ve always been drawn to dreamy and calming songs, and “Ocean” perfectly captures that feeling. Listening to it makes me feel as if I’m floating on gentle waves.

BAE: I have a deep attachment to  “Papillon.” The first time I heard the demo, my heart raced with excitement. I imagined how our voices would blend into the song, and I was eager to bring it to life. It was a challenging song for me, but that only made me work harder, and I’m really proud of how it turned out.

Speaking of  “Papillon” and”Ocean,” members Bae and Sullyoon shared their thoughts on these standout tracks.

 “Papillon”—which means butterfly in French—immediately hooks you with its interesting yet addictive intro. The chorus? It’s like getting completely looped in, from your ears to your whole body feeling the song. The butterfly is also a powerful symbol of transformation and moving forward—a connection that, as Bae revealed, wasn’t originally planned.

“Honestly, it was a happy coincidence!” Bae shared. “But when we realized how well the meaning of “PAPILLON” aligned with our concept, it made the song feel even more special. Butterflies symbolize transformation and growth, just like how we are continuously evolving as artists.”

On the other hand, “Ocean” takes a completely different approach. Soulful and immersive, the track feels as if you are the ocean itself. 

The Knockturnal: A fun one – This concept is so beautifully tied to the ocean. Given that, and your song “Ocean,” do you have any personal connections or fun memories related to the sea?

SULLYOON: The sea has always been a place of comfort for me. I have so many fond memories of visiting the beach with the members, just relaxing and enjoying the sound of the waves. Those moments of peace definitely inspired my connection to “Ocean.”

The pre-release for Fe3O4: FORWARD kicked off with “High Horse,” a track that instantly captivated fans with its enticing choreography and a softer, more melodic beat—something we haven’t seen from an NMIXX pre-release before.

But the EP rollout wasn’t just about the music—NMIXX also teased the release with cinematic story concepts that highlighted their acting skills! TheseFe3O4: FORWARD story films blended live-action and animation, bringing a whole new dimension to their storytelling.

You can watch them HERE and read all about how the members felt stepping into these acting roles.

The Knockturnal: The ‘Fe3O4: FORWARD‘ story films showcased your acting skills, as always! Kyujin and Sullyoon, especially, were central to ‘The Confession of Midas Girl,’ both in animation and live-action. What was the acting experience like for all of you?

KYUJIN: Acting was a completely new challenge for me. It required me to deeply understand the emotions behind the story and express them authentically. Though it was difficult, I enjoyed the process and learned a lot.

SULLYOON: At first, I was nervous, but I gradually got used to immersing myself in the character. Expressing emotions through acting is different from singing or performing, and I found that really interesting. I’d love to challenge myself more in the future!

Consistency, consistency… NMIXX nails it! Their track “Golden Recipe,” produced by Dem Jointz, is a perfect example of that. 

We couldn’t help but ask NMIXX: What’s the “Golden Recipe” for your consistency? What key elements do you focus on to ensure each release is a success?

LILY: We always strive to stay true to our identity while continuously evolving. It’s important for us to challenge ourselves with fresh sounds and styles, but at the same time, we want to ensure that every song carries the essence of NMIXX.

JIWOO: Attention to detail is key. From vocals to choreography, we make sure that every aspect of our performance is polished and unique. I think that dedication is what makes each comeback special.

And dedication is something NMIXX has in abundance! As they continue making big moves, they’re set to take the stage at Wango Tango in Los Angeles. Even more fitting? They’ll be performing near the ocean itself, right on Huntington Beach! 

The Knockturnal: We recently found out we will be seeing NMIXX in Los Angeles soon at Wango Tango. As first-time performers there, how are we feeling?

HAEWON: It’s truly an honor to perform at Wango Tango! Standing on the same stage as so many amazing artists is a dream come true. We’ve always wanted to share our music with a global audience, and this is such an incredible opportunity to do so. We’re beyond excited!

LILY: It still feels surreal! We’ve watched legendary performances from this festival before, and now knowing that we’ll be part of it is just unbelievable. We can’t wait to meet new fans and show them what NMIXX is all about!

The Knockturnal: The title “KNOW ABOUT ME” has us thinking about what we want to know about NMIXX! What’s one thing you ‘know’ or have hopes to accomplish this year that you’re excited to share with NSWERs?

HAEWON: This year, we want to grow even closer to our fans! Whether through new music, performances, or special events, we’re always looking for ways to connect with NSWERs on a deeper level.

LILY: I hope we can perform in even more places around the world! Meeting NSWERs from different countries and seeing how they connect with our music is one of the most rewarding experiences. So we’ll keep working hard to make that happen!

The Knockturnal: NMIXX, we’re reaching the end of this incredible era. What’s one thing you want NSWERs to know, a final message to readers?

HAEWON: Thank you so much for always believing in us and supporting us. Your love and energy inspire us every day to keep pushing forward and creating better music. We promise to keep growing and showing you the best of NMIXX!

LILY: I think NMIXX is in a great place right now—we have an amazing fan community and so many achievements to be proud of. But we know this is just the beginning! We want to keep moving forward, meeting more NSWERs, and performing in even bigger venues. Thank you for always being with us on this journey!

Photo Credit: JYP Entertainment

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