H1-Key

H1-Key
H1-KEY In July 2022 (L-R: Yel, Hwiseo, Seoi, and Riina)
Background information
Origin	Seoul, South Korea
Genres	K-pop
Years active	2022 (2022)–present
Labels	GLG Sony Music Korea
Members	Seoi Riina Yel Hwiseo
Past members	Sitala

H1-Key (/haɪ-kiː/; Korean: 하이키; RR: Haiki; read as High-key; stylized as H1-KEY) is a South Korean girl group. Formed and managed by Grandline Group (GLG) and Sony Music Korea, the group is composed of four members: Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo, and Yel. Sitala left the group on May 25, 2022, and Hwiseo was introduced as a new member on June 14, 2022. They made their debut with the release of their first single album, Athletic Girl, on January 5, 2022.

Name

Their group name H1-Key is pronounced and inspired by the word "High Key" and the aim for "confident" and "healthy beauty".^[1]

History

Pre-debut activities and introductions

Yel was a trainee under JYP Entertainment.^[2] Riina was previously training under WM Entertainment.^[3] Sitala, daughter of the late Thai actor, singer and producer Sarunyoo Wongkrachang, was a trainee under Lionheart Entertainment.^[4] Seoi was a trainee under YG Entertainment.^[5]

On November 18, 2021, Naver News revealed that Grandline Group (GLG), the newly-established sub-label of the now defunct hip-hop based label Grandline Entertainment (GRDL), were planning to debut a new girl group on January 5, 2022. On November 20, 2021, the group opened their official social media accounts.^[6]

On November 23, 2021, Yel was announced as the group's first member through a self-choreographed cover video of "Bad Habits" by Ed Sheeran.^[7] On November 26, 2021, Seoi was introduced as the group's second member. On November 29, Riina, a former Produce 48 contestant and WM Ggumnamu member,^{[citation needed]} was revealed as the third member. On November 30, Sitala was introduced as the group's fourth member. Later the members made their first full group appearance in a dance cover video for the song "Me So Bad".^[8]

Controversy around Sitala

When GLG unveiled the group's Thai member Sitala in November 2021, various K-pop fans in Thailand called for her removal, as her late father was a known supporter of the People's Alliance for Democracy, a military tyranny that ousted two democratic-elected civilian governments in the 2006 and 2014 military coup d'états. In response to the backlash, GLG issued a statement on December 8 saying that Sitala cannot be held responsible for her father's actions, which do not reflect her individual merits or political views.^[9]

2021–2022: Debut with Athletic Girl, Sitala's departure and Run

On December 21, 2021, it was announced via social media that the group make their debut with their first single album, Athletic Girl, with the title track of the same name. Prior to the release, it was announced that the group would be partnering with Sony Music for international promotions.^[10][11]

The album was released on January 5, 2022. They held a press showcase for the album on the same day.^[12] H1-Key made their broadcast debut on January 7, at KBS2's Music Bank.^[13][14]

On May 25, GLG announced that Sitala had left the group due to personal circumstances.^[15][16]

On June 7, it was announced that the quartet would be releasing their first maxi single album titled Run on July 6, with the addition of a new member, Hwiseo.^[17][18] On December 6, H1-Key confirmed their comeback on January 5, 2023, the anniversary of their debut.^[19]

2023–present: Rose Blossom, Seoul Dreaming, H1-Keynote Project and Love or Hate

On January 5, the quartet released their first extended play titled Rose Blossom, with the title track of the same name.^[19]

In June 2023, members Riina and Hwiseo were participants in the Mnet girl group survival show Queendom Puzzle.^[20] Riina was eliminated in the second elimination round in episode 9,^[21] while Hwiseo finished in first place, debuting in the female supergroup El7z Up.^[22]

The group released their second extended play Seoul Dreaming on August 30, led by the title track "Seoul (Such a Beautiful City)".^[23] The single "Time to Shine", a pre-release of the EP, was released on August 23.^[24] The group subsequently took their first music show win on The Show on September 5.^[25]

The group would launch a music project titled H1-Keynote, beginning with the release of the digital single "Thinkin' About You" on January 19, 2024,^[26] followed by the second digital single of the project "Deeper" on February 27.^[27]

The group released their third extended play Love or Hate on June 19, 2024.^[28]

Members

Current

• Seoi (서이) – leader, vocalist^[29]
• Riina (리이나) – vocalist^[29]
• Yel (옐) – vocalist, rapper^[29]
• Hwiseo (휘서) – vocalist, rapper^[29]

Former

• Sitala (시탈라) – rapper, vocalist^[29]

Timeline

Discography

Extended plays

List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures

Title	Details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR [30]
Rose Blossom	Released: January 5, 2023 Label: GLG, Sony Music Korea Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Ring the Alarm" "Rose Blossom" (건물 사이에 피어난 장미) "Crown Jewel" (feat. Tachaya) "You Are My Key" (for M1-Key) "Dream Trip" "Rose Blossom" (건물 사이에 피어난 장미) (instrumental) "Athletic Girl" (2023 Remaster)	19	KOR: 41,153[31]
Seoul Dreaming	Released: August 30, 2023 Label: GLG, Sony Music Korea Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Intro : Seoul Dreaming" "SEOUL (Such a Beautiful City)" "Time to Shine" (불빛을 꺼뜨리지 마) "Low-key Scared But H1-KEY Ready" "Magical Dream" "SEOUL (Such a Beautiful City)" (Instrumental) "Time to Shine" (Instrumental)	3	KOR: 77,524[32]
Love or Hate	Released: June 19, 2024 Label: GLG, Sony Music Korea Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Let It Burn" (뜨거워지자) "Love Letter" (♥ 레터) "Iconic" (나를 위한, 나에 의한, 나만의 이야기) "Rainfalls" (국지성호우)	21	KOR: 14,132[33]

Single albums

List of single albums, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures

Title	Details	Peak chart positions	Sales
		KOR [34]
Athletic Girl	Released: January 5, 2022 Labels: GLG, Sony Music Korea Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Athletic Girl" "Athletic Girl" (Peejay Remix) (CD only) "Athletic Girl" (instrumental)	70	—
Run[A]	Released: July 6, 2022 Labels: GLG, Sony Music Korea Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Run" "Catch 'n' Release" "Heart Light" "Run" (instrumental) "Catch 'n' Release" (instrumental) "Heart Light" (instrumental) "H1-KEY Voice Letter for M1-KEY" (CD only)	47	KOR: 2,867[35]

Singles

List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album

Title	Year	Peak chart positions		Album
		KOR [36]	KOR Songs [37]
"Athletic Girl"	2022	—[B]	—	Athletic Girl
"Run"		—[C]	—	Run
"Rose Blossom" (건물 사이에 피어난 장미)	2023	14	12	Rose Blossom
"Time to Shine" (불빛을 꺼뜨리지 마)		—[D]	—	Seoul Dreaming
"Seoul (Such a Beautiful City)"		—[E]	—
"Thinkin' About You"	2024	135	—	H1-Keynote #1 (Thinkin' About You)
"Deeper"		—[F]	—	H1-Keynote #2 [기뻐 (Deeper)]
"Let It Burn" (뜨거워지자)		—[G]	—	Love or Hate

Other charted songs

List of songs, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album

Title	Year	Peak chart positions	Album
		KOR Down. [44]
"♥ Letter"	2024	103	Love or Hate
"Iconic" (나를 위한, 나에 의한, 나만의 이야기)		100
"Rainfalls" (국지성호우)		96

Videography

Music video

Year	Title	Director(s)	Length	Ref.
2022	"Athletic Girl"	Kim Young-jo, Yoo Seung-woo (Naive Creative Productions)	3:45	[45]
	"Run"	Jimmy (VIA)	3:44	[46]
2023	"Rose Blossom"	Na Seung-gwon (Studio L'Extreme)	4:49	[47]
	"Time to Shine"	Kim Sung-jae	3:37	[48]
	"SEOUL (Such a Beautiful City)	Na Seung-gwon (Studio L'Extreme)	3:26	[49]
2024	"Thinkin' About You"	Chung Ki Youl (Postpattern)	3:26	[50][51]
	"Deeper"		3:48	[52][53]
	"뜨거워지자(Let It Burn)"	Hong Joo-yeon (HIGHQUALITYFISH)	3:38	[54]

Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee of the award and the result of the nomination

Award ceremony	Year	Category	Nominee(s)	Result	Ref.
Brand of the Year Awards	2023	Rising Star Female Idol	H1-Key	Won	[55]
Korean Music Awards	2024	Song of the Year	"Rose Blossom"	Nominated	[56]
		Best K-pop Song		Nominated
		Rookie of the Year	H1-Key	Nominated
Seoul Music Awards	2022	New Female Artist Award		Nominated	[57]
	2024	Hallyu Special Award		Nominated	[58]
		Popularity Award		Nominated

Notes

1. Titled as the first Maxi Single.
2. "Athletic Girl" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 117 on the component Download Chart.^[38]
3. "Run" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 136 on the component Download Chart.^[39]
4. "Time to Shine" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 41 on the component Download Chart.^[40]
5. "Seoul (Such a Beautiful City)" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 42 on the component Download Chart.^[41]
6. "Deeper" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 47 on the component Download Chart.^[42]
7. "Let It Burn" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 24 on the component Download Chart.^[43]

References

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2. Ji-eun, Jang (2021-11-25). "[인터뷰] 하이키 옐 "롤모델은 이효리 선배님, 무대를 장악하는 모습이 멋있다"" [[Interview] High-key Yel "Your role model is Lee Hyori-sunbaenim, it's cool to see you dominate the stage"]. KBS Entertainment (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-27 – via Naver.
3. Na-yul, Kim (2021-11-29). "하이키 리이나, 프로필 공개.."롤모델은 아이유, 나만의 필살기 준비"" [H1-KEY Riina, Profile Revealed.."Role Model IU, Prepares My Own Special Move"]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
4. Ji-min, Kyung (2021-11-30). "하이키, 마지막 멤버는 시탈라.."'태국의 별'로 불리고파" [일문일답]" [H1-KEY, the last member is Sitala.."I want to be called the 'Star of Thailand'" [Q&A]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-27 – via Naver.
5. 지, 민경 (2021-11-26). "하이키 서이 "롤모델은 현아, 무대 장악력과 끼 닮고파" [일문일답]" [H1-KEY Seoi "My role model is Hyuna, I want to resemble her stage control and talent" [Q&A]]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-27 – via Naver.
6. Byung-gil, Ahn (2021-11-18). "GLG 첫 걸그룹 하이키, 내년 1월5일 뜬다 [공식]" [GLG's first girl group H1-Key to be released on January 5th next year [Official]]. Sports Khan (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-01-09 – via Naver.
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10. Ahn, Byung-gil (2022-01-02). "'GLG X 소니뮤직' 하이키, 해외시장 뜬다" ['GLG X Sony Music' Hi-Key, Overseas Market]. Sports Khan (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-27 – via Naver.
11. Kyung, Ji-min (2022-01-02). "GLG, 소니뮤직과 손잡았다..신예 하이키 해외 시장 진출" [GLG and Sony Music join hands.. H1-KEY entering overseas markets]. Osen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-27 – via Naver.
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14. Shim, Min-kyung (2022-01-07). "[뮤직뱅크] '당당돌' 하이키(H1-KEY) 당당하고 자신감 넘치는 4인 4색 매력 ♪애슬레틱 걸" [[Music Bank] 'Dangdang Idol' H1-KEY Four-members, four-color charms ♪ Athletic Girl]. KBS Entertainment (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2022-06-27. Retrieved 2022-06-27 – via Naver.
15. Oh, Yoon-joo (2022-05-25). "하이키, 태국인 멤버 시탈라 팀 탈퇴 "개인 사정" [공식]" [H1-KEY, Thai member Sitala leave team "personal circumstances" [Official]]. Naver News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-05-25.
16. Kang, Kyung-yun (May 25, 2022). "그룹 하이키 측, '부친 논란' 태국인 멤버 시탈라 탈퇴 발표" [Group H1-Key announces departure from Thai member Sitala over 'father controversy'] (in Korean). SBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2022 – via Naver.
17. Lee, Seul (2022-06-07). "하이키, 시탈라 탈퇴→새 멤버 영입..7월 6일 컴백 확정 [공식입장]" [Sitala leaves H1-KEY→ Recruitment of new members... Confirmed comeback on July 6th [Official position]]. Daum News/Xports News (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-06-07 – via Daum.
18. Ahn, Ha-na (June 7, 2022). "하이키, 새 멤버와 7월 6일 컴백 확정…독보적 운동 콘셉트 ing" [High-key, a comeback with a new member confirmed on July 6th... Unique exercise concept ing] (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2022 – via Naver.
19. Jeong, Ga-young (December 6, 2022). "하이키, '데뷔 1주년' 맞아 2023년 1월 5일 컴백" [Highkey to make a comeback on January 5, 2023 to mark the ‘1st anniversary of their debut’] (in Korean). Sports World. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via Naver.
20. Yeo, Gladys (June 7, 2023). "Here's everything we know about 'Queendom Puzzle'". NME. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
21. Lee, Soo-hyun (August 9, 2023). "'퀸덤 퍼즐', 나나→휘서 14인 파이널 진출…파이→보라 7인 탈락" ['Queendom Puzzle', Nana → Huiseo advances to the 14-member final... Fye → Bora 7 eliminated]. Top Star News (in Korean). Retrieved August 9, 2023.
22. Cho, Yong-jun (August 16, 2023). "'Queendom Puzzle' reveals lineup for project girl group EL7Z UP". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved August 23, 2023.
23. Lee, Min-ji (August 1, 2023). "하이키, 30일 미니 2집 발매…'건사피장' 인기 잇는다 [공식]" [H1-Key, to release 2nd mini album on (August) 30... trickled public interest with "Rose Blossom" [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen. Retrieved August 1, 2023 – via Naver.
24. Go, In-hye (August 23, 2023). "'중소돌의 기적' 하이키, 오늘 '불꺼마' 선공개" ['Small-Medium Idols' Miracle' H1-Key, to pre-release 'Time to Shine' today] (in Korean). Newsis. Retrieved August 23, 2023 – via Naver.
25. Lee, Seul (September 6, 2023). "하이키, 초동 10배 상승·음악방송 첫 1위…'커리어 하이' 달성" [H1-Key, first week orders increased by 10 times·first music show win... 'career high'] (in Korean). XportsNews. Retrieved September 6, 2023 – via Naver.
26. Ji, Seung-hoon (January 11, 2024). "'역주행 신화' 하이키, 새해 첫 출격 '띵킨 어바웃 유' 19일 발매" ['Chart Reversal' H1-Key, first release of the new year 'Thinkin' About You' on January 19] (in Korean). Maeil Kyungje. Retrieved January 15, 2024 – via Naver.
27. Jeon, Hyo-jin (February 20, 2024). "하이키, 27일 '기뻐' 발매…흑백 포스터 공개" [H1-Key, to release 'Deeper' on 27 (February)... reveals black and white poster] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Retrieved February 20, 2024 – via Naver.
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29. "H1-KEY: 네이버 통합검색" [H1-KEY: Naver Integrated Search]. m.search.naver.com (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2021-12-04. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
30. Peaks on the Circle Album Chart:
    • "Rose Blossom". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 1, 2023.
    • "Seoul Dreaming". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 7, 2023.
    • "Love or Hate". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 27, 2024.
31. Cumulative sales of Rose Blossom on Circle Chart:
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 1, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 12, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 2, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 19, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 3, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved January 26, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 4, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 2, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 7, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved February 23, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 8, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 2, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 10, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2023.
32. Cumulative Sales of Seoul Dreaming:
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 35, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 7, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 36, 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 14, 2023.
    • "Circle Album Chart – September 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 12, 2023.
33. Cumulative Sales of Love or Hate:
    • "Circle Album Chart – June, 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
    • "Circle Album Chart – Week 25, 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 11, 2024.
34. Peak chart positions on Gaon Album Chart:
    • "Athletic Girl" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association – via Gaon Chart.
    • "Run" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association – via Circle Chart.
35. "Circle Album Chart – Week 28, 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 14, 2022.
36. Peaks on the Circle Digital Chart:
    • "Rose Blossom": "Digital Chart – Week 11 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 23, 2023.
    • "Thinkin' About You": "Digital Chart – Week 9 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved March 7, 2024.
37. Peaks on the South Korea Songs Chart:
    • "Rose Blossom": "South Korea Songs - Week of March 18, 2023". Billboard Charts. Retrieved March 18, 2023.
38. "Download Chart – Week 2 of 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 27, 2024.
39. "Download Chart – Week 28 of 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved July 14, 2022.
40. "Download Chart – Week 34 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 4, 2023.
41. "Download Chart – Week 35 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 7, 2023.
42. "Download Chart – Week 9 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 27, 2024.
43. "Download Chart – Week 25 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 27, 2024.
44. Peaks on the Circle Download Chart:
    • "♥ Letter" and other songs from Love or Hate: "Download Chart – Week 25 of 2024". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 27, 2024.
45. "H1-KEY(하이키) - ATHLETIC GIRL". January 12, 2022.
46. "H1-KEY(하이키) 'RUN' M/V". YouTube. July 6, 2022.
47. "건물 사이에 피어난 장미". January 5, 2023.
48. "H1-KEY(하이키) '불빛을 꺼뜨리지 마 (Time to Shine)' M/V". YouTube. August 23, 2023.
49. "SEOUL (Such a Beautiful City)". August 30, 2023.
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55. 세상을 바꿀 수 있는 힘 브랜드에 있다. Naver (in Korean). September 3, 2023. Archived from the original on September 4, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
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