They’re coming straight for your heart.
Related: Katelyn Of Upcoming Girl Group AtHeart Is The Next Filipina K-pop Idol You’ll Want To Stan
For many young people, the concept of becoming a K-pop idol feels both far-fetched and attainable. On the one hand, it feels like only a select few seem to make it past the trainee period to become official idols. On the other hand, anyone can technically be an idol, as long as they have the talent, determination, and tenacity for it, not to mention the bravery to make that first step. So, the girls of the global K-pop girl group AtHeart are feeling quite ecstatic these days now that they have made their official debut. And as their name suggests, they are more than ready to speak from the heart as they make their entry into the K-pop scene.
HEART EYES
Composed of members Michi, Katelyn, Seohyeon, Aurora, Bome, Arin, and Nahyun, AtHeart is a seven-member K-pop girl group and the first-ever artist from TITAN CONTENT, the company spearheaded by former CEO of SM Entertainment Nikki Semin Han. The group was first announced in July 2024, with teasers and trailers following soon after, but they only made their debut this August. Even though they’ve been training for years, the moment still feels a little surreal for the members.
“Honestly speaking, it still doesn’t feel real yet,” says Seohyeon during the group’s interview with NYLON Manila. “Maybe that’s why I only feel excitement for now, but once we officially debut, I think I’ll feel a bit nervous — still, I am so happy and really looking forward to showing everyone AtHeart’s amazing performances.”
With member reveals, pre-debut performance videos, and even a pre-debut single titled Good Girl (AtHeart), the group laid the groundwork for their eventual debut, which came with the release of their first EP, Plot Twist, which left a charming, catchy, and bubbly impression with its five songs. Calling your debut album plot twist honestly feels appropriate, especially in how the members were chosen from different countries to form AtHeart.
“The biggest plot twist in my life was when I came to Korea to seriously pursue becoming a K-pop idol. It came as a shock even to those who knew about my passion for performing. It was a life-changing and unexpected decision that would completely turn my world around,” shares Michi, who hails from America. Adding to the hype of it all was how the girls were able to work with Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung, who made a cameo appearance in the teaser of Plot Twist’s music video. Call it one of the perks of having your company’s founder have an extensive history with SM’s biggest artists.
“When I heard she’ll be in our music video teaser, I felt so honored, but it didn’t really hit me until right before filming,” recalls Arin. “During the shoot, she showed such a professional side, and it was a really good learning experience for me. She made me want to work even harder and grow more, so I think that moment was super important for me.”
But connections and being the first artist in their company aren’t just what make up AtHeart. At the, well, heart of it all is a group of young girls who infuse Gen Z K-pop with sincerity, passion, and authenticity. These aren’t just idols, but teenagers who, like you, are making their way through life and weave that into their artistry. “I believe that being honest and open is what allows me to stand confidently on stage as an artist — and to love myself, as well as be loved by others. I want to share the music and performances I love by expressing them truthfully, just as I feel them,” comments Nahyun.
This journey of discovery and navigating life finds its first chapter in Plot Twist, and it doesn’t hurt when many of the members themselves are on actual journeys, as they came from different countries, namely South Korea, Japan, America, and the Philippines. It’s this global perspective they feel is one of their strengths.
As Bome puts it, “Our group is made up of members who differ not only in nationality, but also in culture — even down to the way we laugh. Despite all these differences, we were able to come together in harmony because we understood that being different doesn’t mean being wrong. I believe our cultural differences became a strength, allowing us to positively influence one another. I truly believe this diversity is what gives AtHeart its own unique charm.”
And speaking of global, the group’s only Filipino member, Katelyn, is particularly excited to be another voice for the Philippines in K-pop. “I am most excited about showing my talent as a Filipino representative of a K-pop idol to the world – it’s an honor to represent the Philippines! Also, I’ve really enjoyed learning about the other members’ cultures during our time together so far, and I’m excited to share even more of Filipino culture with both the team and our fans.”
Read the rest of our conversation with AtHeart below in one of their first international interviews.
Congratulations on your debut. What was it like preparing for your debut and was it the experience you thought it would be when you were trainees?
MICHI: During our trainee period, we worked hard every moment. The level of training process was intense, but we gave it our all to make the most of the time we had. That process is what shaped AtHeart into the passionate group we are today. As our debut approached, our excitement grew, and by then, we had developed a strong teamwork and a family-like chemistry. I don’t think you can ever be perfectly “ready for debut,” but we reached a point of confidence where we believed in what we could show as a team — and we’ll only keep growing from here. Please look forward to AtHeart!
You’ve had pre-debut activities over the past few months, but has it sunk in yet that you’re officially K-pop idols?
KATELYN: A little bit! I am starting to realize it more as I work with famous choreographers, music producers, photographers, and more people that I really admire.
SEOHYEON: Honestly speaking, it still doesn’t feel real yet. Maybe that’s why I only feel excitement for now, but once we officially debut, I think I’ll feel a bit nervous — still, I am so happy and really looking forward to showing everyone AtHeart’s amazing performances.
Have you ever faced a plot twist in your life? How did you deal with it?
MICHI: The biggest plot twist in my life was when I came to Korea to seriously pursue becoming a K-pop idol. It came as a shock even to those who knew about my passion for performing. It was a life-changing and unexpected decision that would completely turn my world around! Adjusting to a new country, language, culture, and people was definitely a challenge, but I took it on with a positive mindset. This unexpected turn in my life changed a lot of things, but I’m so grateful I took the opportunity. It feels quite fitting that our debut album is called “Plot Twist.”
SEOHYEON: Ever since I was young, I dreamed of becoming an idol. But when I was in middle school, I got into acting, and my dream shifted toward becoming an actress. At the time, I thought it was too late to start training to become an idol since I hadn’t been a trainee yet, so I focused even more on acting. But after being cast, I was given the chance to pursue my dream of becoming an idol again — and for me, that felt like an unexpected plot twist in my life.
Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung makes an appearance in the teaser video for ‘Plot Twist’. What was it like getting to work with the legendary idol?
ARIN: Honestly, I respect all the members of Girls’ Generation sunbaenim, but I really liked Sooyoung sunbaenim. When I heard she’ll be in our music video teaser, I felt so honored, but it didn’t really hit me until right before filming. During the shoot, she showed such a professional side, and it was a really good learning experience for me. She made me want to work even harder and grow more, so I think that moment was super important for me
NAHYUN: I grew up watching Girls’ Generation sunbaenim and dreaming of becoming an idol, and I spent a lot of my trainee days practicing their songs. So it was such an honor and truly a happy moment for me to work with Sooyoung sunbaenim, someone I respect and love so much. I was honestly so overwhelmed with joy that I even teared up during the shoot. Just like how Girls’ Generation helped shine a light on K-pop, I’ll work hard to become an idol and artist who can do the same. Please keep watching over me!
AtHeart is composed of members from different countries. How do you think your diverse and global background shapes your identity as a group?
MICHI: With members coming from across Korea, Philippines, Japan, and America, together, we proudly embody the “@” in our group’s name, AtHeart, which symbolizes connection. Our different cultures and upbringings are definitely some of our strengths. I really love the idea of being a global group because it allows us to reach and represent a wider range of people. Through our diversity and unique personalities, we hope to inspire others with similar backgrounds. We want them to feel more connected and truly seen through us.
BOME: Our group is made up of members who differ not only in nationality, but also in culture — even down to the way we laugh. Despite all these differences, we were able to come together in harmony because we understood that being different doesn’t mean being wrong. I believe our cultural differences became a strength, allowing us to positively influence one another. I truly believe this diversity is what gives AtHeart its own unique charm.
Now that you’re public figures, do you think that would make it more difficult to also live your lives as teenagers discovering yourselves and navigating the world?
BOME: First of all, I truly appreciate that we are receiving attention and interest from fans at such an early age. Although I am still young and learning about the world, I have a stronger desire to grow together with our fans as an artist. Rather than feeling burdened by these challenges, I want to enjoy them and be a singer who can be close to the fans.
MICHI: Being a public figure definitely alters how we experience our teenage years. Especially at this age, we’re still learning how to navigate the idol lifestyle and all the ups and downs that come with it. Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if I had a more “normal” path, but at the same time, I’m discovering so much about myself and life through this journey. I’m really glad I have my members by my side. Even though being in the spotlight comes with pressure, it’s shaping me into a stronger version of myself. Honestly, I’ve found myself relating a lot to one of the songs on our album called “Knew Me.” It’s about self-growth and knowing a new version of yourself. The title is a fun play on words, which I love! Please give it a listen.
Why do you think it’s important to be honest and open in not just your music, but in who you are as artists?
BOME: To me, what makes being an artist so special is the courage to show your true self — something people often shy away from. By being honest and open, I hope to touch people’s hearts and build a deeper emotional connection with the audience.
NAHYUN: I believe that being honest and open is what allows me to stand confidently on stage as an artist — and to love myself, as well as be loved by others. I want to share the music and performances I love by expressing them truthfully, just as I feel them. I’ll do my very best to show you that sincerity through everything I do
For Katelyn, what are you most excited to do as the newest Filipino K-pop idol on the scene?
KATELYN: I am most excited about showing my talent as a Filipino representative of K-pop idol to the world – it’s an honor to represent the Philippines! Also, I’ve really enjoyed learning about the other members’ cultures during our time together so far, and I’m excited to share even more of Filipino culture with both the team and our fans.
If you could manifest three things for AtHeart, what would those be?
MICHI: The future holds so much for us, I get excited just thinking about it!
If I had to pick just three things I want to manifest for AtHeart right now, it would be:
- A successful debut and a bright future
- Performing on big stages in front of many fans
- Collaborating with the artists who inspired us and whom we look up to.
SEOHYEON: I have so many dreams and goals I want to achieve, but these are my top 3:
- Hold concerts with many fans
- Perform amazing collaboration stages with other artists
- Succeed together as a global girl group
Why should people watch out for AtHeart?
ARIN: I think each of our AtHeart members has a unique charm and color that doesn’t overlap with one another, so you’ll be able to see something new from us every time! While our pre-debut song “Good Girl (AtHeart)” showed a bright and cute side, our first EP Plot Twist will let you experience a completely different charm. Please look forward to all the exciting things we have coming!
NAHYUN: I believe AtHeart is a unique group unlike anything you’ve seen before. Each of our individual charms and colors have come together to create a completely new color: AtHeart. If you listen to our first EP Plot Twist, you’ll hear how our distinct yet harmonious voices fill every track. Just like a rainbow, our first Plot Twist is full of vibrant energy, and we hope you’ll give it lots of love and attention!
Young people are sometimes afraid to follow their passions because they think that it’s not worth it. But as you prove, that’s not the case. What advice would you give to the youth who may feel discouraged to follow their dreams?
ARIN: Ever since I was young, I’ve always thought about what I truly like and what makes me happy, and I kept challenging myself along the way. That journey led me to debut today as Arin of AtHeart. Just like how I’ve worked hard to grow and reach where I am now, I want to continue giving my best and show you an even better version of myself. I believe that if you put your heart into any dream, you’ll grow and achieve so much. So don’t hesitate — I hope everyone can take on many new challenges and experiences too.
KATELYN: Just do it! I would just say to go for it and no one can make you happier than yourself. Have perseverance, respect, and lots of prayers.
Photos courtesy of TITAN Content
Continue Reading: Meet Baby DONT Cry, P NATION’s First-Ever Girl Group
