In a historic milestone for the global expansion of K-pop, JYP Entertainment’s powerhouse girl group NMIXX became the first-ever K-pop act to perform at the iconic Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile.
On the night of February 24, 2026, the six-member group- Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, BAE, Jiwoo, and Kyujin- took the stage at the Quinta Vergara Outdoor Theater, marking a definitive moment in their career and for the South American K-pop fandom.
Known as one of the oldest and most prestigious music festivals in Latin America, Viña del Mar has hosted legends like Shakira and Ricky Martin, and NMIXX’s inclusion signals the genre’s rising dominance in the region.
A Masterclass in Performance and Versatility
NMIXX delivered a high-energy set that spanned over an hour, showcasing their signature “Mixx Pop” style and unparalleled vocal stability.
The group performed a diverse 15-song setlist, including their debut hit “O.O”, the fan-favorite “DASH”, and the soulful “Run For Roses.”
A major highlight of the night was the first-ever live performance of their new single, “TIC TIC (Feat. Pabllo Vittar),” a fast-paced track that leans into Latin pop influences.
The group’s effort to connect with the local audience was palpable. Not only did they perform a Spanish version of their song “Soñar,” but they also surprised the crowd with a cover of “Ponte Lokita” by Katteyes and Kidd Voodoo, which turned into a live collaboration with Kidd Voodoo himself.
During a break in the set, the audience and members even sang a traditional Korean version of “Happy Birthday” to leader Haewon, whose birthday coincided with the festival week.
“Last year, we were invited as guests and enjoyed the festival from the audience, but this time, it was an honor to perform on stage as artists,” the group shared during their press event, reflecting on their journey from guest jurors in 2025 to headliners in 2026.
Winning the “Monstruo” and the Gaviota Awards
The Viña del Mar audience, famously known as “El Monstruo” (The Monster) for its habit of booing off acts they dislike, was completely won over by NMIXX’s “all-rounder” talent.
In a rare feat for a debut performer at the festival, NMIXX was awarded both the Gaviota de Plata (Silver Seagull) and the Gaviota de Oro (Gold Seagull).
These awards are purely audience-based, triggered by the decibel level and duration of the crowd’s applause and cheers.
Witnesses at the event noted that the chants for NMIXX began hours before they even took the stage at 2:25 AM.
Fans expressed their awe on social media, with many Chilean NSWERs (the group’s fandom) noting the emotional weight of the moment. One fan shared,
“K-pop isn’t as popular or accepted here as it is in the US, so this is a big win for us LATAM K-pop girlies… Hopefully, this is just the first K-pop act out of many that will come to the festival.”
The group’s ability to maintain high-octane choreography while delivering pitch-perfect live vocals solidified their reputation as one of the most technically skilled groups of their generation.
Future Horizons: A Global Expansion
NMIXX’s success in Chile follows their groundbreaking appearance at the São Paulo Carnival in Brazil just a week prior, where they performed for an estimated two million people.
These back-to-back achievements in Latin America serve as a launchpad for their upcoming 2026 world tour, “Episode 1: Zero Frontier,” which will take them through 12 cities in eight countries starting next month.
The group is also seeing significant critical success back home, having recently received nominations for the Korean Music Awards.
As they celebrate their 4th anniversary, NMIXX is no longer just a rising act; they are pioneers.
By embracing the Latin American market through collaborations with artists like Pabllo Vittar and performing at traditional venues like the Quinta Vergara, NMIXX is rewriting the playbook for global K-pop success. As one attendee put it,
“The scale and passion of the festival combined with NMIXX were fantastic. It’s proud to see them expanding globally.”
With a full-length album, Blue Valentine, already a hit and more global stages on the horizon, the “Mixx Pop” revolution is only just beginning.
