Rookie K-pop girl group AtHeart enters scene with big name-backing, global roots
Rookie K-pop girl group AtHeart performs "Plot Twist," the lead single from the group's debut EP, during a press event at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Global K-pop startup TITAN CONTENT officially introduced its first girl group, AtHeart, Wednesday, marking the seven-member act's debut with the release of its first EP, "Plot Twist."
The rookie group — Michi from Hawaii, Katelyn from the Philippines and Korean members Arin, Bome, Seohyeon and Nahyun — held a media showcase at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Seoul, just hours before the 6 p.m. release of their debut EP.
"I've waited so long for this, and it's such an honor," Nahyun said. "I'm happy to finally be on stage, and I'll work hard so people can watch me grow."
Japanese member Aurora, currently recovering from health issues, was not able to join the event, with the group performing as a six-piece for now.
Bome added, "Aurora is diligent and hardworking. I know she'll show something great when she joins us in our next album."
The group's label, TITAN CONTENT, may be young, but its leadership team includes some of the most influential names in the field — chairperson Han Se-min, former CEO of SM Entertainment; CEO Katie Kang, former SM casting director; chief performance officer Lia Kim, one of the industry's best-known dancers; and chief visual officer Lee Guiom, publisher of Dazed Korea.
Members of K-pop girl group AtHeart, from left Bome, Katelyn, Nahyeon, Michi, Seohyeon and Arin, perform "Plot Twist," the lead single from the group's debut EP of the same name, during a press event at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Guided by these K-pop luminaries, AtHeart's seven members, all still in high school, take their name from a blend of "Heart," symbolizing emotion and love, and "At," representing a connection with fans around the world.
The band's debut EP, "Plot Twist" delivers on its name with five songs that shift between moods and genres. The agency describes it as "capturing the inner world of girls who face themselves honestly, even in unpredictable moments."
"The album's key word is 'butterfly effect,'" said Bome. "Just as small wings can cause big ripples, we want to become artists who introduce a new paradigm to K-pop."
The EP's eponymous title track blends pop and EDM into an easy-listening dance groove. It opens with airy a cappella harmonies from the members, a motif that returns at the outro, and jumps between dreamy verses and high-energy EDM drops. The looping phrases in the chorus build into an addictive hook.
To create it, the label tapped a production team with global credentials. Jonah Shy, who has worked with singers like Chappell Roan, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, produced and co-wrote the song. Mixing was handled by Rob Kinelski, best known for his work with Billie Eilish, to highlight the contrast between the track's ethereal and electronic textures.
Rookie K-pop girl group AtHeart performs "Plot Twist," the lead single from the group's debut EP, during a press event at Blue Square's SOL Travel Hall in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
"When I first heard 'Plot Twist,' I loved it immediately," Michi said. "The dream-like vibe and lyrics really capture the meaning of the title, so I was thrilled when it became our debut track."
Performance is also a defining element. With Lia Kim in-house, the choreography was shaped directly by one of K-pop's most innovative stage minds.
"She created choreography that fits our music perfectly, and learning from her taught me so much," Arin said.
"She always tells us not to be confined to a mold, but to perform like artists really listening to and expressing the music onstage," Bome added.
The members knew the expectations were high with all the big name backing, but at the end of their debut day, they sounded more energized and hopeful than intimidated.
"Our strength is that we're all teenagers, showing things only possible at this age," Seohyeon said. "Combined with our skills and good music, we're still shaping who we are and I hope people recognize our freshness and originality."