What does ‘debut peer’ KiiiKiii mean to Hearts2Hearts? “We want us to inspire each other in a positive way”
On Feb 24th at 6 PM KST, Hearts2Hearts officially debuted in the music industry by releasing their first single “The Chase” on various music platforms. Prior to the album release, the group shared their thoughts on their debut at a media showcase held at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
When asked about a potential rivalry with Starship Entertainment’s new girl group KiiiKiii, who released their pre-debut track “I Do Me” on the same day, member Jiwoo responded, “Rather than feeling pressured, I want us to inspire each other in a positive way.” She added, “We will continue to develop our own musical color and show the best of ourselves.”
KiiiKiii is Starship Entertainment’s first girl group in four years since IVE, consisting of five elite members: Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum and Kya. The group aims to introduce a new direction in K-pop by combining sensory and original music with a visual creative approach optimized for the multi-platform era.
KiiiKiii has been generating continuous buzz among K-pop fans by unveiling uniquely Gen Z-inspired promotional content that differs from conventional idol group styles. Their concept blends raw, unrefined street aesthetics, lovable charm and distinctive artwork, offering both musical and visual excitement. With their innovative approach, KiiiKiii is expected to set a new cultural trend in the K-pop industry.
Hearts2Hearts members chose BoA and Girls’ Generation as their role models. Since Hearts2Hearts is the first large-scale girl group from SM Entertainment in 18 years since Girls’ Generation, they said, “Girls’ Generation seniors are our role models. We want to emulate the synergy that comes from each member coming together as one.”
As for their goals, they stated, “We want to be recognized as ‘The Best Rookie of 2025’. We also want to win first place on a music show.“
Meanwhile, Hearts2Hearts’ debut album “The Chase” includes two tracks: the title track “The Chase” and the B-side “Butterflies”. The album, which marks their grand debut, revolves around the themes of dreams and new beginnings, capturing the various emotions experienced while chasing one’s dreams.
