K-pop novices, Hearts2Hearts and KiiiKiii, square off in a summer-themed competition
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In the bustling world of K-pop, two new groups have recently made their mark - Hearts2Hearts and KiiiKiii. Both groups, launched by industry giants SM Entertainment and Starship Entertainment respectively, have been garnering attention for their unique sounds and styles.
Hearts2Hearts, SM Entertainment's first large-ensemble girl group in 18 years since Girls' Generation, debuted with their album "The Chase" on Feb. 24. The album, which sold over 400,000 copies in its first week, set a record for the highest first-week sales of any girl group debut album. Their debut single, "I Do Me," made a surprise entrance at No. 13 on Melon's Hot 100 chart and continued to hold ground at No. 70 the day after its release. However, music critic Lim Hee-yoon noted that the group's debut track lacked a strong hook that appeals to the broader public.
Hearts2Hearts' musical style, reminiscent of third-generation K-pop, has been a hit with fans. Their nostalgic vibe is evident in their songs, such as "Style," which was released on June 18 and marked a shift in their musical style from their debut album. "Style" is a fun and catchy song that has been well-received by fans.
On the other hand, KiiiKiii, from Starship Entertainment, debuted on the same day as Hearts2Hearts with the release of "I Do Me." KiiiKiii's initial hype faded relatively quickly, unlike NewJeans, who immediately rose to stardom with their retro vibes. KiiiKiii returned with the digital single "Dancing Alone" on Aug. 6. However, there is no explicit information available in the search results regarding their sales figures, chart performance, or critical reception.
As for awards, the nominees for the 2025 K-pop Rookie of the Year award at upcoming music awards include groups such as ILLIT, TWS, PLAVE, BxB, tripleS, KISS OF LIFE, DXMON, POW, ARTMS, Kep1er, and BABYMONSTER based on the KCrush Awards nomination list. There is no mention of Hearts2Hearts or KiiiKiii among these rookie nominee lists from major award sources.
In conclusion, both Hearts2Hearts and KiiiKiii have shown promise in the K-pop scene, with Hearts2Hearts achieving commercial success and KiiiKiii continuing to release new music. However, more specific sales or critical reviews data are needed to fully understand their current standing in the industry. As the year progresses, it will be interesting to see how these two groups continue to evolve and compete in the K-pop landscape.
Hearts2Hearts' music, a blend of third-generation K-pop and a nostalgic vibe, has caught the attention of fans, leading to impressive first-week album sales.
KiiiKiii, while continuing to release new music, hasn't yet received the same level of commercial success or critical acclaim as Hearts2Hearts, with their sales figures and chart performance remaining unclear.
