Hearts2Hearts zeroes in on identity with 1st mini-album ‘FOCUS’
Members of the K-pop girl group Hearts2Hearts pose during a media showcase at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
K-pop girl group Hearts2Hearts returns with its first mini-album “FOCUS,” marking a new chapter just eight months after their debut.
At a media showcase held at Blue Square’s SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday, the members — Ye-on, Stella, Yuha, Ian, A-na, Juun, Carmen and Jiwoo — reflected on how much they have grown since their debut single “The Chase.”
“It’s made up of six tracks that show how much we’ve grown,” A-na said. “I think people will see the direction Hearts2Hearts is heading more clearly this time.”
Jiwoo added that the title itself encapsulates the group’s mindset. “This album captures our true color. We want to grab everyone’s attention and keep it.”
The album’s title track, “FOCUS,” was produced by renowned K-pop hitmaker KENZIE, who also penned the group’s earlier singles “The Chase” and “STYLE.” Built around a looping piano riff and a sleek, rhythmic bass line, the deep house number highlights Hearts2Hearts’ versatility and maturity.
“The song’s message is about being drawn completely to someone,” Yuha explained. “We wanted to express that moment when your attention is completely captured — and we hope people feel that same pull toward us.”
In both sound and concept, “FOCUS” builds on the group’s musical evolution. While their previous track “STYLE” showcased their playful and bubbly side, the new track leans into a sharper, more alluring mood.
“The producer told us that subtle control was the key,” Stella said. “Instead of just showing power, we focused on making our expressions more deliberate and connected to the music.”
Performance has always been at the heart of Hearts2Hearts’ appeal, and this comeback is no exception. The choreography for the title track was directed by Jo Nain, the choreographer behind the viral hit “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters.”
K-pop girl group Hearts2Hearts performs its title track, "FOCUS" during a media showcase at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
“We talked a lot with the choreographer about how energy matters most,” Ian said. “She told us to keep building energy throughout the song, and that became our focus.”
The music video takes the concept a step further by translating the idea of focus into a cinematic story set in a school. Dreamy visuals meet bursts of action, creating a surreal contrast between innocence and intensity.
“We even did wire stunts for some of the scenes,” A-na said. “It was my first time, and I was nervous, but was satisfied with the results.”
Ye-on recalled one of the most challenging moments on set. “There’s a fireworks scene, and the fireworks were real, not CGI,” she said. “We had to get it perfect in just a few takes, so everyone needed to be extra focused.”
Eight months after debut, Hearts2Hearts say they feel more confident and in sync. “At first, I was busy finding the camera,” Stella said. “Now I can connect more with the audience.”
Jiwoo added, “We’re more relaxed and comfortable now. You can see more of our individual personalities coming through.”
When asked what distinguishes Hearts2Hearts from other fifth-generation acts, A-na pointed to the group’s size and synergy.
“Being eight members allows us to create dynamic formations and tight synchronization. Our precision comes from years of practicing and living together.”
As the members look ahead, they hope “FOCUS” will serve as both a milestone and a message.
“Our name means ‘from heart to heart,’” Jiwoo said. “That’s what we want our music to do — to connect people, to make them feel what we feel. No matter how trends change, that will always be what we focus on.”
Youn Ye-jin is a Korea Times intern.