SM Entertainment's New Girl Group Hearts2Hearts Makes Bold Debut with 'The Chase'

"We will be the 'Future' of SM."

SM Entertainment's latest girl group, Hearts2Hearts, has made a confident entrance into the music industry.

On the 24th, Hearts2Hearts held a debut showcase at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

Hearts2Hearts is SM's first large-member girl group in eight years since Girls' Generation. Member Yuha expressed confidence, saying, "Each of the eight members has a unique charm. The synergy when we come together is our team's greatest strength." She added, "If there's a downside, it's that it takes a bit longer to prepare."

Member Carmen, who hails from Indonesia, has been a topic of interest even before debuting, as she is the first Indonesian artist to debut under SM. Carmen shared her dream of becoming a K-pop idol after watching Girls' Generation. "I've loved singing since I was young. Watching 'The Boys' by Girls' Generation on TV made me want to emulate them," she explained. Carmen expressed her gratitude, saying, "I passed the global audition and debuted with SM. I'm thankful and honored." She added, "My family and friends have been very supportive and congratulatory. My older sister, who loves K-pop, was especially happy."

Jiwoo stated, "Girls' Generation is our role model. Each member's charm comes together to create a great synergy, and we want to emulate that."

This year marks SM's 30th anniversary. Ian expressed, "Just debuting is a joy and honor, and to do so in such a special year is even more so. We aim to create great music and a bright future, just like our predecessors and staff have done."

Thanks to their agency's backing, Hearts2Hearts has already begun collaborations with various brands. The members have been selected as models for the women's spring collection on the fashion platform Musinsa and are collaborating with brands like Hatchuping and Mega Coffee. Aina shared, "I'm happy and grateful to have diverse experiences even before debuting. I want to show more of our good side through various activities."

Notably, Aina has already become a music show MC before debuting. She said, "I'm honored and happy to have this opportunity. Watching senior artists on 'Music Core' inspired my dreams, and I'm grateful to be an MC. Though I have much to learn, I'm preparing diligently, so please watch over me kindly."

Debuting as the sister group to aespa, who achieved great success last year, Hearts2Hearts members shared, "Our manager told us that our seniors are cheering us on. We prepared diligently with gratitude. We want to take this opportunity to thank them again." They added, "We feel more gratitude than pressure. Many have shown interest and support even before our debut."

Hearts2Hearts debuted amidst a rivalry with Starship Entertainment's Kiki, who released a pre-debut track on the same day. Jiwoo commented on the natural competition, "Rather than feeling pressured, I think we can positively influence each other through our activities." She added, "Our charm lies in connecting with fans through our unique music, as our team name suggests."

Hearts2Hearts aims to win the Rookie of the Year award, surpassing their rivals. Jueun stated, "The Rookie of the Year award is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We've talked a lot about wanting to win it. We also want to achieve first place on music shows."

Hearts2Hearts is a team that aims to connect with global fans through their mystical and beautiful music world, filled with various emotions and sincere messages, and to grow into a larger 'us.' The group consists of eight members: Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Jueun, Aina, Ian, and Yeon.

Their debut album, the first single 'The Chase,' includes the title track 'The Chase' and the song 'Butterflies.' The title track 'The Chase' combines ethereal sound sources and vocal melodies to create a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere. The track is characterized by mood changes centered around a strong and unique bass synth, with lyrics expressing confidence in forging one's path and excitement and curiosity about the new world ahead.

Hearts2Hearts' debut single 'The Chase' will be released on various music platforms at 6 PM today.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr