In a year full of debuts in the world of K-pop, Titan Content’s first girl group, AtHeart, has made a strong first impression.
The group, formed and trained by veteran music executive Katie Kang, have released their first EP, Plot Twist, a deliciously catchy and melodic five-track pop album, which includes a lead single of the same name and a previously released single, “Good Girl (AtHeart).”
AtHeart – comprised of members Michi, Seohyeon, Aurora, Katelyn, Bome, Arin and Nahyun (Aurora is currently on hiatus due to health-related reasons and had limited participation in the group’s debut EP) – has been in the works for years, with members hailing from Korea, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S.
Michi, 18, was the first member of the group cast by Kang and Titan during a global audition in Hawaii. “When I saw her, I had that feeling that she was the one, and I can now finally start putting together a group around her,” Kang previously told The Hollywood Reporter. Kang focused on many aspects of training when preparing AtHeart for debut, including singing, dancing and mental training to deal with the outside-of-performing elements that come with a career in K-pop.
AtHeart spoke with THR about training for their debut, getting Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung to guest star in their music video teaser and which K-pop acts have inspired them.
Why did you feel that “Plot Twist” was the perfect single for your debut? Are you excited about it?
MICHI Our debut title track, “Plot Twist,” kind of exemplifies what people our age are going through — trying to figure themselves out, finding their own path and navigating that confusion of emotions you feel when something unexpected happens. I feel like it really showcases what we’re experiencing right now as we prepare to debut. Since we’re at that age ourselves, it feels like the perfect song to share as our first impression. I’m excited, and I really hope we can share something relatable with anyone who’s listening.
It’s very different from your pre-release “Good Girl (AtHeart),” which is fun. Does anyone have a favorite song on the EP?
BOME My favorite track of the EP is the 3rd track, “Dot dot dot…,” because I think it’s a story about AtHeart, about the members, and I feel like the R&B genre really suits us. I also think it showcases the true voice of each member well.
NAHYUN My favorite song is the second one, “Push Back.” I think this song fits summer perfectly, especially the vibe and the genre of the track – Amapiano – also makes this song special and easy to listen to. I also think this song captures the emotional state of teenagers – that feeling of being pushed and pulled.
What was it like shooting the music video for “Plot Twist?”
ARIN During the music video shoot, there was a scene where I was put on a wire to simulate flying. Before the shoot, I was extremely nervous, but once the filming actually started, I didn’t feel nervous at all. In fact, I really enjoyed it. That moment ended up being a very memorable experience to me.
You had Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung in your music video teaser. What was that experience like? Did you get any advice from her?
KATELYN Having Sooyoung sunbaenim [Korean honorific for a senior in one’s field] with us was such an honor, especially knowing that she took time out of her busy schedule to guest star in our music video [teaser]. It means so much to all of us. She’s a role model for everyone, along with her group Girls’ Generation. During the shoot, I was so nervous that I couldn’t speak and was almost frozen because seeing her in real life was truly unbelievable. Despite the nerves, it was also a lot of fun. She’s such a warm and kind person.
ARIN Sooyoung sunbaenim showed her support to us, and she told us to keep it up [and that] we are doing great. [She said] if you continue to do what you’re doing, you’ll find success soon.
What has the training for your debut been like? How do you feel it’s prepared you for this next step?
SEOHYEON We’ve been continuously practicing vocals and singing and dancing. It still hasn’t quite hit me yet that we’re debuting as members of AtHeart. The whole process feels surreal. During [our training], all I could do was focus on practicing, recording and choreography, often skipping other activities. I’m just incredibly excited. I’m really looking forward to the debut and eager to share our EP and talents with the world. I can’t wait to debut as soon as possible and am especially excited to meet fans in person.
I know you’ve been training under Katie [Kang], who’s quite a known figure in the K-pop industry. What has that been like?
KATELYN Working with Katie has been so much fun. Since she has so much experience in the K-pop industry, it makes all of us feel more comfortable and confident that we will be well taken care of. She’s always been there for us during every “first.” [She’s] always present and supportive. Even with her busy schedule, she makes an effort to attend our projects and photo shoots. Having her by our side means a lot, especially since this is our first time, and we’re still learning how everything works. Her presence makes me feel very comfortable.
Do you have any artists that have inspired you during this journey?
NAHYUN I’m particularly inspired by Jang Wonyoung of IVE. Wonyoung first caught my attention during her time on the Mnet survival competition show Produce 48, and from that point on, I’ve been deeply moved by her passion for her craft and her persistence. Those two qualities, her dedication and determination, really inspired me throughout my own trainee days.
ARIN For me, it was Jennie of Blackpink because I think Jennie knew what she wanted to do since she was young, and she kept challenging herself and keeps moving forward towards her goal. That really inspired me.
Do you have any hopes or goals for the coming year after your debut?
MICHI This year, we hope to experience many new things and explore different opportunities. As a newly debuted group, there’s still so much ahead of us. We’re in the process of discovering our own sound and identity. With this first album, we hope to capture people’s attention, but as we continue making music, our goal is to grow, define who we are as artists and create songs that truly resonate with listeners.
How do you want people to see AtHeart? How do you want to be known as group?
MICHI Our group is made up of so many different members who come from different places, have different backgrounds and different personalities. But when we all come together, we kind of have this harmonious relationship that produces a stronger outcome [for] our music and kind of how we’re perceived as a group. I think we all carry such different specialties and talents, so if we can show that it’d be great.
KATELYN I just hope that once we debut, people will notice us and, of course, hopefully support us and love us. More importantly, I hope they understand that who we are on camera is who we truly are in real life. We’re showing our real selves, and I really hope people will love us for exactly that, for being authentic.
