KiiiKiii's '404 (New Era)': The Hidden Story Behind Their Breakout Single

KiiiKiii delivers a stunning 90s-influenced club sound with their breakout single "404 (New Era)." Released on January 26, 2026, this track showcases the production expertise of LDN Noise, the team responsible for some of K-pop's greatest mid-2010s dance hits.

The song appears on the K-pop group's second EP titled "Delulu Pack", giving the members a strutting beat to vogue over that perfectly complements their artistic evolution. With impressive scores across hooks (8/10), production (9/10), longevity (7/10), and bias (8/10), the single earns an overall rating of 8/10, certainly establishing KiiiKiii as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. This article explores the hidden story behind "404 (New Era)" and what makes it such a defining moment in the group's career.

The release that changed everything

On January 26, 2026, KiiiKiii unveiled their ambitious title track "404 (New Era)" along with their second EP album "Delulu Pack," marking a pivotal moment in their musical journey. The release came approximately five months after their digital single "Dancing Alone" and ten months following their debut EP, showing their rapid artistic evolution within a relatively short time frame.

When and how '404 (New Era)' was released

The buildup to the release began on January 1, when STARSHIP Entertainment officially announced the group's comeback plans for late January. Subsequently, KiiiKiii revealed a highlight medley on January 18 through their official social media channels, offering fans a preview of all six tracks on the upcoming EP. The grand unveiling took place at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, where the five-member K-pop group electrified audiences with their first live performance of the new title track.

The role of the 'Delulu Pack' EP

"Delulu Pack" served as a comprehensive showcase of KiiiKiii's artistic range, featuring six diverse tracks including "Delulu," "Underdogs," "Mungnyang," "Dizzy," and "To Me From Me" — the latter produced by Epik High's Tablo and pre-released on November 4, 2025. The EP's name cleverly references the internet slang term "delulu" (meaning delusional), reflecting the album's concept of rewriting one's own story and embracing self-expression. Furthermore, the release came in three distinct versions: Calendar, Crystal Ball, and Headphone editions, each containing unique collectible items.

Why this track stood out in KiiiKiii's discography

"404 (New Era)" represented a bold sonic departure for the group with its UK house/garage foundation featuring bouncing chords, weighty basslines, and modern club sounds. Additionally, the track cleverly reimagines the familiar "404 Not Found" error message as a metaphor for freedom and identity without boundaries. The production showcases signature garage swing combined with contemporary sound design, layered effects, and atmospheric reverb—elements that KiiiKiii had not previously explored. Most importantly, the song reinforces their identity as a "Gen Z-core" group while maintaining their core message of self-confidence and individuality.

Unpacking the lyrics and message

Behind the catchy beats of "404 (New Era)" lies a thoughtful message that resonates with KiiiKiii's core audience. The track cleverly transforms a digital error code into an anthem of liberation and self-expression.

Themes of identity and digital disconnection

The lyrics boldly embrace disconnection as liberation rather than failure. "Catch me if you can, off the Wi-Fi" and "Always riding low, getting no signal" celebrate escaping constant connectivity. Moreover, the repeated invitation to "Put down your phone, look me in my eyes" emphasizes authentic human connection over digital interaction. Indeed, this deliberate disconnection becomes a form of freedom as the members declare, "I'll leave all burdens behind".

Symbolism behind '404' in the title

KiiiKiii ingeniously reimagines the familiar "404 Not Found" error message as "a symbol of freedom without coordinates". Instead of representing a technical failure, the error becomes a metaphor for existing outside societal expectations. The chorus reinforces this concept with lines like "404, not found in the system" and "404, somewhere outside the coordinates".

How the lyrics reflect Gen Z anxieties

The song captures Gen Z's complex relationship with technology and identity. Lines such as "404, our signal is question" and "404, nothing on the radar" express both the liberation and anxiety of being untraceable. Nevertheless, this uncertainty transforms into empowerment with assertions like "one hundred percent even if we hand in a blank test", highlighting KiiiKiii's message about finding freedom beyond societal validation.

Visual storytelling in the music video

The glitchy visual feast of KiiiKiii's "404 (New Era)" music video serves as the perfect companion to the song's boundary-breaking message, creating a multisensory experience that amplifies its themes.

Key scenes and their meanings

Throughout the video, the boundaries between fantasy and reality deliberately blur as the members bring their childhood diva fantasies to life. This dreamlike quality creates a visual representation of escaping digital constraints. Specifically, scenes of carefree play amid glitchy transitions represent freedom from societal expectations, perfectly mirroring the song's lyrical message.

Styling and concept choices

The members showcase a variety of colorful outfits while sharing their wishes for 2026, creating a visually stimulating experience. Their styling intentionally blends kitsch, lovely, and retro sensibilities, establishing them as time-traveling divas whose aesthetic transcends any single era or trend.

How the MV complements the song's message

The video's constant visual shifts parallel the track's themes of digital disconnection and freedom. As a result, the glitchy, dazzling trip into KiiiKiii's inner world reinforces their message about existing outside conventional systems. The kinetic transitions between scenes effectively visualize what it means to be "404: not found."

Fan theories and hidden easter eggs

Enthusiasts have noted how the surreal, time-hopping visuals might represent different facets of the members' personalities. Plus, the playful fantasies spilling into reality have sparked discussions about the hidden meanings behind specific set pieces and costume choices in this visually rich production.

KiiiKiii’s evolution and member highlights

Each member of KiiiKiii brings a distinctive element to "404 (New Era)," showcasing their individual talents while strengthening the group's collective identity.

Line distribution and vocal moments

The track features remarkable balance in line distribution, with each member receiving between 18-23% of total lines. Due to this equitable approach, fans praise the song for highlighting everyone's unique vocal colors. Throughout the bridge, their harmonies create an ethereal texture that perfectly complements the UK garage production.

Growth from debut to '404 (New Era)'

Since their debut EP "Fantasy World," KiiiKiii has evolved from bright bubblegum pop toward a more sophisticated sound. In relation to their earlier releases, "404 (New Era)" demonstrates substantially improved vocal technique and performance confidence.

What this means for the future of the K-pop group

This breakthrough track positions KiiiKiii as trendsetters rather than followers in the industry. Beyond commercial success, their artistic development suggests they're poised to establish a distinctive musical identity within K-pop's competitive landscape.