[Dispatch=Park Hye-jin] H1-KEY has always sung about resilience. From chasing their dreams in Seoul ("Run"), to shining like a flame that never goes out ("Don't Turn Off the Light"), the group has steadily proven their strength.

They've embraced toughness ("Athletic Girl"), unwavering perseverance, and the will to bloom again ("Rose Blossom"). So when people think of H1-KEY, the word that comes to mind is "energy." With their punky melodies and hopeful lyrics, the group delivers music worth replaying.

This summer, that energy meets the season head-on. With straightforward messages and upbeat band sounds, H1-KEY invites listeners to relive radiant memories through their newest release.

The group met with Dispatch at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul, on June 20 to mark the release of their 4th mini album, Lovestruck.

🌞 Summer Energy in 'Lovestruck'

Lovestruck is H1-KEY's first comeback in a year since Love or Hate. While the previous album featured edgy hip-hop-rock, this one leans into freshness and youth.

"We've often shown powerful styles, but we also wanted to show a purer, softer side. This was the perfect opportunity to do so. We hope you enjoy it!" (Hwiseo)

The title track, "It Was Summer," is a fast-paced band song filled with cool vocals and electrifying guitar riffs. It recalls memories of youthful romance and dazzling moments.

"It's about the kind of summer where you fall deeply for someone. The fast tempo makes it sound cheerful, but there's also a bittersweet undertone," explained Yel.

The members went for a more natural look and toned-down vocals. "We were nervous about trying something new, but it shows a different side of H1-KEY," they said.

🕺 Pushing Their Limits with Choreography

The album took over six months to prepare. "We started recording in winter. I still remember wearing a padded coat while singing 'It Was Summer.' We worked on it step-by-step," shared Riina.

Practice was intense due to the high difficulty of the song. "It's fast and high-pitched, so I worried about being able to sing it live while dancing," said Yel.

H1-KEY trained using MR instead of AR, to focus on live performance. "We always prepare as if we'll be singing live without any backing vocals."

This comeback includes their most difficult choreography yet. "Both the vocals and dance were the toughest we've ever done. It was a real challenge for each of us," Riina confessed.

"We had a lot of internal battles—mentally, vocally, physically. We practiced choreography for 7 to 8 hours a day. When one of us got tired, we kept each other going." (Riina)

🌸 Will There Be Another 'Rose Blossom'?

H1-KEY rose to stardom with their 2023 hit "Rose Blossom," which climbed to #1 on Bugs Music Chart. Since then, each release carried pressure.

"We received so much love that I started to worry whether we could live up to it again," said Hwiseo.

"Though we were loved, our chart results didn't always reflect it. But that only made us want to do better. We never once thought of giving up." (Hwiseo)

"We're constantly thinking about how to connect with the audience. I believe that kind of process helps create deeper music," said Yel.

"We don't have time to be sad about low rankings. We just keep pushing forward. One day, our time will come." (Yel)

With "It Was Summer," they hope to score another representative hit. "After 'Rose Blossom,' we want a signature song that defines H1-KEY. We want to solidify our place."

🧳 Celebrating 3 Years with MIKEYs

This year marks the group's third anniversary. "Compared to debut, we now have more emotional depth," said Yel.

"In the beginning, we were just excited to have fans. Now we think about what we can do for them, how to move them emotionally. Our bond with MIKEYs has grown stronger." (Yel)

H1-KEY held their first fan concert Find My KEY in Seoul this past January. The group recalled how emotional they felt on stage.

"We'd always dreamed of a concert just for us and our fans. Making it real was so meaningful."

Yel added, "My dream was to invite my parents to a concert, and I finally did. Now I can proudly say, 'I'm a real singer.'"

Looking ahead, the group aims for bigger stages. "This comeback made us think deeply about what H1-KEY represents. We want to perform longer, for larger audiences. We're ready," said Riina.

🌈 H1-KEY's Brightest Moment Yet

H1-KEY's charm lies in upbeat sounds paired with uplifting lyrics. "Our music carries comfort and strength. The band sound lets us create real connection with the audience," said Yel.

They're also striving to improve: stronger performances, elevated choreography, and fresh style.

"Our new track is refreshing, vibrant, and full of energy. It has all three: vocals, dance, and stage presence," emphasized Hwiseo.

With the rest of the year ahead, H1-KEY is ready to give it their all. "We've recorded many songs and trained hard. Now it's time to show what we've got. We want all the love we can get," said Hwiseo.

"We hope this summer becomes a 'shining snapshot' for us and our fans," she concluded.

"MIKEYs! We've prepared songs you won't want to skip. Let's make 2025 a happy, unforgettable summer!" (Riina)