When JYP Entertainment announced that NMIXX would be collaborating with Brazilian pop superstar Pabllo Vittar on a single titled “TIC TIC,” dropping February 26, 2026, the K-pop world did a double-take.
NMIXX—the experimental girl group known for their genre-bending “MIXX-POP” sound—teaming up with one of Latin America’s most iconic LGBTQ+ voices? This wasn’t just a collaboration. It was a cultural statement.
And here’s why it matters.
NMIXX x Pabllo Vittar: The Collab Nobody Saw Coming (But Should Have)
NMIXX debuted in 2022 under JYP Entertainment with a reputation for doing things differently. Their signature “MIXX-POP” style—a term coined by JYP himself—combines multiple genres within a single track. Think trap, EDM, rock, and pop all colliding in three minutes.
Songs like “O.O,” “DICE,” and “DASH” polarized listeners. Some called it innovative. Others called it chaotic. But one thing was undeniable: NMIXX wasn’t playing it safe.
Enter Pabllo Vittar—a Brazilian drag queen, singer, and cultural icon who’s been breaking barriers since 2015. With over 30 million monthly Spotify listeners, Pabllo is one of the most-streamed drag artists in the world. Her music blends Brazilian pop, electronic dance, and Afrobeat influences, creating a sound that’s distinctly hers.
On paper, NMIXX and Pabllo Vittar shouldn’t work. One is a meticulously crafted K-pop girl group; the other is a solo artist who thrives on spontaneity and self-expression. But that’s exactly why this collaboration is brilliant.
How Did This Happen?
According to a press release from JYP Entertainment, the collaboration came about after Pabllo Vittar expressed interest in K-pop during a 2025 interview with Rolling Stone Brazil. She mentioned NMIXX specifically, praising their fearless approach to genre experimentation.
JYP Entertainment reached out, and the rest is history. “TIC TIC” was recorded over three months, with sessions split between Seoul and São Paulo. The result? A track that promises to blend K-pop’s precision with Latin pop’s infectious energy.
Who Is Pabllo Vittar? (And Why This Collaboration Is a Big Deal)
If you’re not familiar with Pabllo Vittar, here’s what you need to know:
The Stats
- 30+ million monthly listeners on Spotify
- Over 1 billion YouTube views across her music videos
- First drag queen to perform at Coachella (2019)
- Winner of multiple Latin Grammy nominations
The Impact
Pabllo Vittar isn’t just a pop star—she’s a cultural phenomenon. In a country where LGBTQ+ rights are constantly under threat, Pabllo has used her platform to advocate for visibility, acceptance, and equality.
Her music videos often feature queer narratives, and her performances are unapologetically bold. She’s not trying to fit into the mainstream—she’s redefining it.
Why K-pop Needs More Collaborations Like This
K-pop has made strides in global representation, but let’s be real: most international collaborations still cater to Western (read: American and British) markets. Artists like Dua Lipa, Halsey, and Charlie Puth have all collaborated with K-pop acts, but these partnerships often feel like box-checking exercises for radio play.
Pabllo Vittar represents something different:
- She’s not a household name in the U.S., so this isn’t about chasing Billboard Hot 100 clout
- She brings a non-Western perspective, expanding K-pop’s global reach beyond the usual markets
- She’s openly queer, which challenges K-pop’s often conservative image (more on this later)
This collaboration signals that K-pop is finally looking beyond the Anglosphere for creative partnerships. And that’s a big deal.
What to Expect from “TIC TIC”
As of now, JYP Entertainment has kept details under wraps. But based on teasers, interviews, and educated guesses, here’s what we can anticipate:
The Sound
“TIC TIC” will likely blend:
- NMIXX’s MIXX-POP chaos: Expect sudden tempo shifts, genre mash-ups, and high-energy production
- Pabllo’s Latin pop flair: Think reggaeton-inspired beats, Afrobeat percussion, and Portuguese-language verses
- A bilingual hook: Korean and Portuguese lyrics woven together (because why not?)
Early snippets from NMIXX’s official Instagram suggest a dance-heavy track with a pulsating bassline. If you liked NMIXX’s “DASH” but wished it had more Latin influence, this might be your new favorite song.
The Choreography
NMIXX is known for their complex, athletic choreography. Now add Pabllo Vittar’s voguing-inspired, high-fashion movement style? This performance is going to be iconic.
Expect:
- Sharp, synchronized group formations (NMIXX’s specialty)
- Solo moments for each member + Pabllo
- A finale that involves everyone vogueing (fingers crossed)
The Music Video
If there’s one thing JYP Entertainment does well, it’s visually stunning MVs. Combined with Pabllo Vittar’s larger-than-life aesthetic, “TIC TIC” is likely to deliver:
- Vibrant, neon-soaked sets
- Fashion-forward styling (expect bold colors, avant-garde outfits, and lots of sequins)
- Cultural nods to both Korean and Brazilian influences
Think: Blade Runner meets Rio Carnival. Chaotic, colorful, and unforgettable.
JYP’s Global Strategy: Beyond the West
JYP Entertainment has always been at the forefront of K-pop’s globalization. From TWICE’s Japanese dominance to Stray Kids’ Western fanbase, JYP knows how to tailor groups for specific markets.
But “TIC TIC” represents a new chapter in JYP’s strategy:
Targeting Latin America
Latin America is one of K-pop’s fastest-growing markets. Brazil alone has:
- 20+ million K-pop fans
- Massive streaming numbers (BTS and BLACKPINK consistently trend in Brazil)
- Sold-out concerts whenever K-pop groups tour São Paulo or Rio
By collaborating with Pabllo Vittar, JYP is directly appealing to this demographic. It’s not just about Western radio play anymore—it’s about building genuine connections with diverse audiences.
Embracing Diversity (Sort Of)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: K-pop has a complicated relationship with LGBTQ+ representation. While idols are often packaged in ways that appeal to queer audiences (think: gender-neutral styling, same-sex “ship” culture), very few openly queer figures exist within the industry.
Pabllo Vittar is unapologetically queer. Her entire brand is built on visibility and pride. By collaborating with her, NMIXX (and JYP) are making a statement—intentionally or not—that K-pop can embrace LGBTQ+ artists.
Is this performative allyship or genuine progress? Time will tell. But even if it’s a small step, it’s a step in the right direction.
Why “TIC TIC” Matters (Beyond the Music)
Here’s the thing: “TIC TIC” might not top the Billboard Hot 100. It might not break streaming records. But what it will do is expand the definition of what K-pop collaborations can be.
It Proves K-pop Isn’t Just for the West
For years, K-pop’s global strategy has been laser-focused on the U.S. and Europe. But the world is bigger than that. Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa—these regions have massive, passionate K-pop fanbases that deserve to be centered.
“TIC TIC” says: We see you. We value you. We’re making music for you, too.
It Challenges K-pop’s Conservative Image
K-pop has long been criticized for its lack of diversity—both in terms of race and LGBTQ+ representation. By partnering with Pabllo Vittar, NMIXX is (whether intentionally or not) pushing back against that narrative.
Will this lead to more queer representation in K-pop? Hard to say. But it’s a conversation starter, and that matters.
It’s Just Really Good for Music
At the end of the day, “TIC TIC” is about two incredibly talented artists—NMIXX and Pabllo Vittar—coming together to make something new. And in an industry that often feels formulaic, that’s exciting.
The Verdict: “TIC TIC” Could Be a Game-Changer
“TIC TIC” drops February 26, 2026, and it has the potential to be one of the year’s most talked-about releases—not because it’ll dominate the charts, but because it represents something bigger.
It’s K-pop saying: We’re not just a genre. We’re a global movement. And we’re ready to collaborate with anyone, anywhere, who shares our passion for pushing boundaries.
Pre-save “TIC TIC” on all platforms. Whether you’re a die-hard NSWER (NMIXX’s fandom), a Pabllo Vittar stan, or just someone who loves seeing music break down borders—this one’s for you.
Mark your calendars. February 26th is about to get very loud.