Meet H1-KEY (하이키), the Korean pop group who specializes in “confident” and “healthy beauty” concepts. The group, formed by Grandline Group (also known as GLG) consists of former YG, JYP, WM Entertainment, and The Black Label trainees. GLG first announced they would debut a new girl group in November 2021 and their official debut was made on January 5, 2022, with the release of Athletic Girl.
H1-KEY has four members: Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, and Yel. Click their names to learn more about them individually!
Seoi
Leader, Vocalist
Riina
Vocalist
Hwiseo
Main Vocalist, Rapper
Yel
Main Dancer, Rapper, Vocalist, Maknae
H1-KEY History
Debuting with Athletic Girl on January 5, 2022, the original group lineup consisted of Sitala, Seoi, Riina, and Yel. Their first single was a colorful ode to outward health, the girls singing “like a work of art I craft myself“. Sitala, born in Thailand, faced backlash and criticism due to her father’s political history. She officially left the group in May 2022.
In June 2022 Hwiseo was revealed as a new member of the group, and they released their second single Run on July 6. Another song focused on outward health; it captures a fun carefree summer feeling. Fun fact: The Run music video was filmed in Los Angeles!
The groups third release, Rose Blossom, marks their departure from their previous outside health concepts. A visually darker styling accompanies the track, with lyrics by Day6’s Young K. The song is meant to promote inner/mental health, the Korean title translating to “roses blooming among the buildings” as a metaphor to overcoming hard times. A hit domestically, it reached #1 on Bugs Music Chart in March 2023.
In April of 2023 it was announced that members Riina and Hwiseo would compete on the Mnet survival show Queendom Puzzle. The show would be debuting a seven-member group consisting of already debuted idols. Members of Weeekly, Purple Kiss, Wooah, and more also participated. Riina ranked 18th and was eliminated in the semi-finale episode. Hwiseo ranked 1st in the final episode, confirming her spot in the group. The final seven debuted as EL7Z UP on September 14, 2023.
While Riina and Hwiseo competed on Queendom Puzzle, the group was busy preparing for their fourth release, Seoul Dreaming. They released two singles, Time to Shine and Seoul (Such a Beautiful City), in August 2023. Seoul, the main single, is their second song penned by Young K. It’s described as having a retro feel, the lyrics a love letter to Seoul, Korea. The members describe singing about not giving up on their dreams, reminiscing about when they first moved to Seoul to become idols. Seoul earned the girls their first music show win on SBS M The Show on September 5, 2023.
In January of 2024 the H1-KEYnote Project was announced. Through this project, they released two digital singles, Thinkin’ About You and Deeper. Both songs are pop-rock style ballads that showcase H1-KEY’s vocal talent. It’s unclear if the project will be continued in the future.
H1-KEY returned to their visually darker concept with Let It Burn, the title track to their third mini album LOVE or HATE, released on June 19, 2024. Inspired by a rock band aesthetic, the song is about giving it your all, even if things don’t work out. “I’d rather burn and turn to ash than be lukewarm” the girls sing.
On January 5, 2025, H1-KEY held their first official fan concert, called Find My KEY IN SEOUL. They performed live band versions of their songs, including Crown Jewel and ♥ Letter, songs that had previously not been performed live. The concert also celebrated the groups 3-year anniversary.
