When rookie group AtHeart made their debut in the K-pop scene on August 13th with their first EP ‘Plot Twist’, they were not just sharing a tracklist; they were beginning their narrative. This record distinguishes itself with its cinematic quality: harmonious melodies that blend into energetic EDM, a cappella segments that bookend the title track like a film, and an eagerness to challenge the typical sound associated with a debut.
Beneath the sleek production, seven young artists — KATELYN, MICHI, BOME, SEOHYEON, ARIN, NAHYUN, and AURORA (currently on hiatus for health reasons) — face the mix of nerves, joy, and excitement of performing live for the first time.
For months, their lives revolved around rehearsals, training, and preparation, creating a routine that felt almost familiar. However, once the day of the debut showcase arrived, everything changed. "During rehearsals, it felt like just another trainee day, but when we reached the venue and I stepped out of the car, a wave of emotions overwhelmed me. I was anxious, but mostly, I was eagerly anticipating our debut," KATELYN shares.
This blend of fear and excitement set the atmosphere for the evening, reminding everyone that this was not just another performance; it was the beginning of something significant.
AtHeart had already garnered a modest but intrigued following through YouTube vlogs and pre-debut content. With ‘Plot Twist’, the group aimed to transform that curiosity into a deeper connection.
"Until now, through our vlogs and introductory videos, people might think they know us, but as they watch us perform on stage, another side of us will emerge. We have so much more to reveal. It would be wonderful for them to see how each member shines while coming together in our performances," explains MICHI.
"We share an unforgettable energy that emanates from our genuine hearts. We want our debut album ‘Plot Twist’ to showcase our commitment to connecting with fans and discovering ourselves along the way. As we gain more attention, we hope people become curious about who we are so we can embark on this exciting new chapter together."
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It’s this balance of individuality and unity, spontaneity and refinement, that shapes the group's identity.
Every idol recalls their first live performance as a pivotal moment. For AtHeart, it was less about achieving perfection and more about learning to trust the energy reciprocated from the audience. "When I first stepped onto the debut stage, my nerves were high, but as the performance continued, my anxiety lessened, and my excitement escalated. Naturally, I was still nervous until the very end, but making eye contact with our fans and hearing their cheers eased my tension," BOME shares.
Though the nerves never fully dissipated, they transformed into something deeper: connection. "I genuinely felt a bond with the fans in front of me, receiving their support, making that moment feel incredibly special. I believe these feelings arise naturally, not due to conscious effort, but because of my authentic love for the stage. Moving forward, I want to continue revealing my true self and growing together with everyone."
From the outset, AtHeart aimed for their debut to make a memorable impression. This is why the title track opens and closes with a cappella—a daring choice for a rookie group.
"We start and end the song with a cappella harmonies, which sets us apart from typical K-pop. It's also a dance track mixing pop and EDM, challenging us to express the vibe we wish to convey," SEOHYEON explains.
Albums aren't merely collections of songs; they are experiences thoughtfully arranged to narrate a story. 'Plot Twist' is no exception. "The track order follows an emotional journey, from self-doubt and exploring feelings to gradually understanding and improving oneself," BOME shares.
The sequence reflects the members’ own paths, encapsulating the tumult of adolescence and the quest for identity central to their artistry.
Creating an EP as a seven-member team inevitably led to disagreements, but for ARIN, those moments became valuable opportunities: "When I first saw the choreography draft, it was different from my initial vision, which felt refreshing, but I appreciated its unique appeal. While learning the choreography, we suggested adjustments like, 'It might work better this way,' and it was gratifying to see our ideas incorporated into the final choreography. The concept shows a distinct twist compared to our pre-debut song ‘Good Girl (AtHeart)’ from May, making it an enriching learning experience for me in terms of performance."
The seven distinct personalities could easily lead to conflicting directions, but practice and perseverance forged stronger bonds, as SEOHYEON explains: "Each member brings unique talents and traits. Early rehearsals revealed mismatched elements and varying opinions. However, through consistent practice and dialogue, we gradually found harmony. We've also started to resemble one another more, with our thinking becoming more aligned
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When the rookie group AtHeart made their K-pop debut on August 13th with their first EP ‘Plot Twist’, they were not merely unveiling a list of tracks,