Nearly three years since their debut, H1-KEY continue to bloom gracefully.

Since emerging onto the K-pop scene in early 2022, the rising girl group has been on an eventful and promising journey. A year since their debut, the quartet — composed of SEOI, RIINA, HWISEO, and YEL — came out with its first mini-album Rose Blossom, spawning their breakout single of the same name, and skyrocketing them to viral stardom in South Korea. 

With lyrics written by renowned songwriter and DAY6 bassist Young K, the inspirational “Rose Blossom” mirrors H1-KEY’s journey as they continue to beautifully thrive even in the face of whatever adversity they must face as an up-and-coming unit.

H1-KEY: courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Korea and Amplified Entertainment

In 2024, H1-KEY would see themselves taken to greater heights, achieving a stellar year that they gratefully describe as “a time of growth.” From new songs released — including enlisting SB19’s Josh Cullen to reimagine their ballad “Thinkin’ About You” — to numerous local and overseas shows, the group has gained much-needed momentum going into 2025, especially as the quartet continues to attain more recognition beyond South Korea.

In the spirit of getting to know them, Billboard Philippines caught up with the members of H1-KEY earlier this month. We discussed how outstanding their 2024 was, how they feel about gaining more fans and listeners outside of their homeland, what it was like working with Josh Cullen, their goals for the coming year, and more.

Billboard Philippines: 2024 was a busy and successful year for you. You performed at a lot of shows, both in South Korea and overseas. You released new songs through your H1-KEYnote music project and your third mini-album Love or Hate. How would you describe H1-KEY’s journey this past year?

RIINA: For me, I would say, it was like a train ride with a lot of stops. 

We took on a lot of new projects like the H1-KEYnote project. It was very new [to us]. We also made a comeback with Love or Hate [where] we tried a new concept. That was very fun as well! 

We also had a lot of performances abroad compared to last year so we were very busy but it was also a time of growth for us!

Speaking of growth, It’s been nearly two years since you released your first mini album Rose Blossom. Since then, its title track “Rose Blossom” became the way for many international listeners to discover H1-KEY for the very first time. 

In the present, how does it feel knowing that more and more people outside of South Korea are beginning to discover H1-KEY and your music?

SEOI: There is a bit of pressure. We’re constantly thinking about how we can better spread our charm to our fans abroad. So, we are studying diverse languages to be able to communicate with our fans and we are working very hard!

Okay, so in order for these people to get to know you even better, what is one fun fact about each member that your fans probably do not know about yet?

SEOI: Actually, I’m a big fan of getting my nails done. So, I spend a lot of time finding new nail designs!

YEL: Since Seoi mentioned that she liked to get her nails done, I actually like doing my own nails. So, I would do them before the events we would go to and I would show them to all of our fans!

HWISEO: For me, I like to discover unique items such as bags, clothes, accessories — anything that’s unique!

RIINA: I’m low-key a fan of Christmas! Recently, I bought an advent calendar with chocolate where there are up to 25 days [until] Christmas and you eat one chocolate [a day] as you approach Christmas. Since it’s December, I actually already ate some!

YEL: You’re more serious about Christmas than I thought! (Laughs)

RIINA, HWISEO, SEOI: (Laughs)

On that note, Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing more about yourselves!

H1-KEY: Merry Christmas! (Laughs)

Now, on the topic of releasing new songs, you just released a new version of “Thinkin’ About You” with Josh Cullen of SB19. Notably, it has introduced you to a lot of new fans in the Philippines. Before its release, you even performed the song together at the ROUND Festival in Busan last July.

So, tell us, what was it like working with Josh Cullen on recording this new version of “Thinkin’ About You”?

SEOI: Josh took time out of his busy schedule [to record] and we had a lot of fun discussions! We talked about what we’re up to these days and our choreography as well. And since Josh is a senior, he gave us a lot of advice!

Speaking of the Philippines, you have a lot of Filipino fans, both old and new, who are patiently waiting to see H1-KEY perform in the Philippines. What message do you have for your Filipino M1-KEY?

YEL: We haven’t actually had much chance [to spend time] with our M1-KEY in the Philippines yet. However, the new year is approaching and we hope to have a lot more time to spend with them next year!

That’s definitely something they look forward to in the coming year!

Speaking of the new year, we would like to know, what goals do the members of H1-KEY want to achieve together this 2025?

HWISEO: We really want to have a world tour! So, to our Filipino fans, let’s definitely meet at our world tour!

YEL: We’ll also work hard to prepare a song that tops “Rose Blossom” and we’ll show you much more achievements and improvements in the future!

H1-KEY: We’ll do our best!

Listen to H1-KEY’s new version of “Thinkin’ About You” featuring Josh Cullen below: