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INTERVIEW H1-KEY chases summer queen status with new release 'Lovestruck'
K-pop girl group H1-KEY / Courtesy of GLG Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
While many are packing for vacations or curating their ultimate summer playlists, K-pop girl group H1-KEY is welcoming the season a little differently — by dropping a new, summer-themed album and aiming straight for the crown.
The group's new project, "Lovestruck," marks its first comeback in a year, and according to its four members — Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo and Yel — it sets the tone for what they hope will be their most vibrant chapter yet.
"This is a comeback we've all been looking forward to," said Seoi, the group's leader and eldest member, during an interview Friday with The Korea Times at a cafe in southern Seoul. "It's exciting, and we're all hoping this summer song will really connect with more people."
Packed with energy, emotion and a splash of bittersweet charm, the five-track release, set to drop Thursday afternoon, depicts young love and fleeting summers.
In particular, the lead single, "Summer Was You," taps into something a little deeper than K-pop's typical summer anthems, which are usually full of sweltering party vibes.
From left are K-pop girl group H1-KEY members Hwiseo, Seoi, Yel and Riina. Courtesy of GLG Entertainment
"The lead single is not just about the fun parts of summer," Seoi explained. "It's about remembering a passionate love that made that one summer truly unforgettable, even if it's long gone. That's why the title is in the past tense."
For Hwiseo, working on "Summer Was You" felt like reuniting with the group's own memories.
"We've always promoted during the summer, so those moments naturally came to mind while working on the song," she said.
"All the events we performed at together — those memories came together and helped shape our own version of summer in the track," Yel, the band's youngest member, added.
In the music video, retro visuals and older actors help reimagine a summer love story, blurring the line between memory and present day. It's a creative touch that mirrors the group's own reflections of how far they've come, and how much further they want to go.
Promotional image for K-pop girl group H1-KEY's new album "Lovestruck" / Courtesy of GLG Entertainment
H1-KEY's 2023 single "Rose Blossom" marked a breakout moment for the group, earning praise for its heartfelt lyrics and band sound. According to the members, living up to that success was no small task.
"We know how much 'Rose Blossom' resonated," said Seoi. "With this new release, we're aiming to deliver that same emotional depth — just in a different shade."
While H1-KEY has steadily built a loyal fan base through its signature blend of nostalgic band instrumentals and emotionally charged Korean lyrics, some fans have voiced frustration that the group's songs haven't always received the chart recognition they deserve.
The members admitted it hasn't been easy, but said they've kept their eyes on the bigger picture.
"We've never been the type to settle," Riina said. "Even when things didn't rise the way we hoped, we kept working. We didn't make this album thinking about numbers. We made it with sincerity, and I think that's what people will connect with."
From left, K-pop girl group H1-KEY members Yel, Hwiseo, Seoi and Riina / Courtesy of GLG Entertainment
Looking back on their three-year journey under industry newcomer GLG Entertainment, the H1-KEY members say their music has grown — but so has their bond.
"We've grown really close," said Seoi. "At this point, the members are such a big part of each other's lives, and I honestly can't imagine doing this without them."
While the group was briefly swept up in rumors last week about a possible move to Choi Creative Lab Entertainment, the members clarified during the Friday interview that nothing has been confirmed.
Instead, the members were more focused on what lies ahead.
"We want 'Lovestruck' to earn us the title of the next-generation K-pop summer queens," said Riina. "We haven't seen anyone else with quite the same concept this season, so I'd like to think this album can make the summer feel uniquely ours."
And how do they want this comeback to be remembered?
"A shining snapshot of our summer," Riina said. "That's what we're going for — something bright, a little nostalgic and completely us."