Hearts2Hearts debut with aim to continue SM Entertainment’s legacy

SM Entertainment’s new girl group Hearts2Hearts made their debut Monday, vowing to continue the legacy of the K-pop powerhouse and establish themselves as the future of the company.

“We will carry on the heritage built by our seniors at SM Entertainment and become ‘The Future’ of SM,” member Ian said during the group’s debut showcase in Seoul.

Hearts2Hearts mark SM Entertainment’s first new girl group since aespa in 2020 and the company’s first large-number girl group in 18 years since Girls’ Generation. The multinational act consists of eight members -- Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian and Ye-on.

Given their structure, the group looks to Girls’ Generation as their primary role model rather than their more recent SM predecessors, aespa or Red Velvet.

“Just like how Girls’ Generation created a synergy by bringing together members with different charms, we will also create a unique dynamic with our individuality,” Jiwoo said.

Carmen, SM’s first-ever Indonesian idol, shared her connection to the Girls' Generation.

“I’ve loved singing since I was young, and when I saw Girls’ Generation perform 'The Boys’ on TV, I was amazed. I wanted to be like them, so I auditioned, got in, and now I’m debuting at SM. It’s such an honor,” Carmen said.

Hearts2Hearts unveiled their debut physical single “The Chase” and performed the title track of the same name at Monday's showcase.

"The Chase," with a dreamlike soundscape and an intense bass synth, carries a bold message about forging one’s own path. The song was written by Kenzie, the producer behind Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World” and f(x)’s “La Cha Ta,” while British R&B girl group FLO contributed to the music production.

“It has a mysterious sound, almost as if it’s pulling you into another world,” Carmen said.

“There were several contenders for our title track, but this song’s unique vibe best fits Hearts2Hearts’ musical identity,” Ian added.

The group also introduced the B-side track “Butterflies,” a mid-tempo R&B song with warm melodies and sentimental lyrics.

“It compares our journey toward our dreams to butterflies flying toward flowers. It also showcases our vocal harmonies,” Ye-on said.

“It’s a song about longing and anticipation, and we poured our hearts into recording it,” A-na added.

As the first SM girl group to debut in the company’s 30th anniversary year, Hearts2Hearts acknowledged the significance of their launch.

“Just debuting itself is an incredible joy, but doing so in such a special year for SM makes it even more meaningful,” Ian said.

Looking ahead, the group has set its sights on winning rookie of the year in 2025.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime award, and we really hope to win it. We also dream of getting our first music show win,” Juun said.

Yeon echoed the ambition, saying, “We want to be remembered as the best rookie of 2025. We hope to make next year the year of Hearts2Hearts.”

Hearts2Hearts’ debut single “The Chase” was released Monday at 6 p.m.