There’s a perennial question in the K-pop world about what actually holds girl groups together. It could be one breakout star, a concept strong enough to carry eight people, or something difficult to manufacture. SM Entertainment’s octet Hearts2Hearts is in its 16th month of career and is proof of a third option.
The structure of the group is built around what the group rejects. Instead of one designated center, Hearts2Hearts distributes the emphasis by arranging vocal lines, choreography, and camera time so that each individual moment serves the whole. This is a familiar sales pitch in K-pop marketing, but it’s rare that it actually works. What sets this group apart, in self-produced content where group dynamics are usually the first to break down, is that they remain balanced under scrutiny on stage and in live vocal takes.
The group’s most talked about moment also worked out this way. Stella’s English narration in “RUDE!” This song became a symbol of the song and encouraged fans to challenge it, but it never meant that one of the members would break away from the group. It is pronounced Hearts2Hearts. Released in February of this year, the house-leaning single peaked at No. 57 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 5 on the Billboard Korea Hot 100. Demand continued offstage, with the group selling out showcases in both New York and Los Angeles in March. For an artist who reached No. 102 on Billboard’s Global Excl. just one year after debuting, “The Chase” is a group that has found and surpassed its ceiling on the US charts.
The title song “Lemon Tang” of the group’s second mini-album, which will be released on June 22nd, transforms the momentum into a summery, bright dance-pop song. “Excuse Me!” Coming from a team of Western top liners, the next record is KENZIE, written by an in-house SM veteran whose credits range from Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World” to the label’s 20-year history of girl groups. The chorus leans toward a breezy, bossa-like swing, and the vocal arrangement follows the group’s usual logic. In other words, lines sung in pairs build all eight voices in unison. The central image of the lyrics, lemons that are sour on their own but sweet when combined, also aptly sums up the group’s approach, including its name.
That’s what Hearts2Hearts is about. Its appeal is cumulative rather than explosive, friendly without being light, bright without being simple, and consistent in a genre that strives for spectacle. In this interview with Billboard Korea, the eight members talk in their own words about the moment they first saw their names on the Billboard charts, the energy of their first sold-out American stage, the roots each member brings to the team, and what they hope people understand about Hearts2Hearts by the end of this summer.
SM Entertainment
16 months have already passed between “The Chase” and “RUDE!”. What do you think about the current status of Hearts2Hearts?
Jiwoo: I think we are still growing and learning, but looking at our current situation, I am most proud of the fact that Hearts2Hearts is starting to show its own unique colors. I’ve gained a lot of experience since my debut, and I think I’ve become more confident both as an individual and as a team. I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can grow from here.
Yeon: As Jiwoo unnie said, I think we are still growing as artists. But perhaps the biggest change is how comfortable I am now on stage. When she debuted, she was focused on finding the camera, but now she is confident in connecting with her fans and enjoying the moment.
Hearts2Hearts is SM’s first new girl group since aespa. Did that depiction ever feel heavy to you, or was it a quiet source of strength?
Yeon: Rather than feeling pressured, I think I felt motivated to work harder to meet everyone’s expectations. It felt more like positive encouragement pushing us to keep practicing and improving.
When you first heard “Lemon Tang”, why did you feel it was the next chapter of “RUDE!”?
YUHA: This song has the same confident energy as “RUDE!”! It gives a bright and refreshing impression that is perfect for summer. Where “Lemon Tang” was about breaking free from expectations and doing things our own way, “Lemon Tang” shows us the brighter side of ourselves and celebrates the beauty of being together. That’s why it felt like the perfect next chapter.
“Baby Steps” conveys the excitement of new beginnings, and “Secret Recipe” tells the story of building something together. Which track is closest to the team’s heart right now?
JUUN: I think “Baby Steps” is the closest to who we are now. As we begin this new chapter with “Lemon Tang,” I think the excitement and nervousness of trying something new reflects how we feel as a team. That’s why I relate to “Baby Steps” the most.
“Rude!” reached number 10 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart and also ranked on the Billboard Global 200. What did you think when you first saw Hearts2Hearts on the overseas charts?
Carmen: I’m really grateful to everyone who listened to S2U and “RUDE”! I’m so happy, and to be honest, it still feels like a dream. When I saw our song on the Billboard charts…I was just amazed. That was such a big moment for us! I really appreciate all the love and support. thank you very much!
Stella: When I saw “RUDE!” for the first time. We were really shocked that it made it onto the Billboard charts and we’re so grateful to all the fans who supported us. I realized that there are so many fans all over the world who love our music, and I felt motivated to work even harder for our next comeback.
Stella, your English narration has become one of the hallmarks of RUDE! And he took on the challenge. Did you expect that part to resonate with listeners?
Stella: When we first recorded the voiceover part of our song, we were hoping that listeners would relate to it. But we never expected so much love and attention. It’s been so much fun watching fans and listeners take on the challenge of narrating, and we really appreciate all the support.
In March, we sold out showcases in both New York and Los Angeles. What difference did you notice in the energy of the American fans compared to the crowds you met in Korea?
A-NA: All of our fans are incredibly passionate, but what stood out to me in America was how loudly everyone sang along and danced along. It was really refreshing and memorable for me to see the audience enjoying the music so freely and expressing themselves in that way.
IAN: The showcase was the moment I really felt the amazing energy of the American fans. Even the small things we did had a huge impact. I really felt everyone’s enthusiasm as I watched them sing, jump, and have fun together.
What did Ji-woo do with “RUDE!” as a leader? Over the course of the season, will we learn about members we weren’t fully aware of?
Jiwoo: When I did the promotion for “RUDE!”, I once again felt the strength and reliability of the members. It was very impressive to see everyone taking responsibility for their roles and always doing their best. Even when times were tough, the members always thought of each other first, which I was really grateful for. My trust in the team increased even more, and I realized how reliable everyone is.
Carmen, as SM’s first Indonesian member, what color do you think your roots will bring to Hearts2Hearts as the group connects with fans around the world?
Carmen: As the first Indonesian member of SM, I am really grateful to be able to share some of my culture and experiences with Hearts2Hearts. I think growing up with a different background has given me a broader perspective, which has helped our group naturally connect with fans all over the world. I am also happy to be able to introduce Indonesia and represent the many fans who dream of being on the world stage. Most of all, I hope that the warmth, sincerity, and positive energy that I have cultivated will be one of the unique colors that will make Hearts2Hearts even more special.
The name Hearts2Hearts has the meaning of connecting hearts. Since your debut, what was the moment when you most clearly felt a connection with your fans?
A-NA: One of the moments when I feel the most connected to our fans is when they see us perform on stage and see them smiling and having fun. When I see their happy faces, I feel like our hearts really connect with each other.
Rookie seasons often go by faster than people expect. Since Hearts2Hearts is still in its infancy, is there anything you think can only be done now?
IAN: I think it continues to show how we’re growing. All members are constantly giving feedback to each other and always want to improve, so I think you can see their growth through their performances and activities.
Do you want people to have a little more clarity about Hearts2Hearts by the time the “Lemon Tang” promotion ends?
YUHA: I hope everyone smiles or feels a little happy when they remember Hearts2Hearts, just like how I felt when I remembered “Lemon Tang.”
JUUN: I would be happy if you could feel the refreshing and uplifting energy with me, just like the lyrics of “Lemon Tang”. We hope that our songs will become your summer soundtrack and make this season even a little brighter and more fun.
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