[Herald POP | Reporter Ji-hye Kim] The wait is almost over—H1-KEY is making a highly anticipated comeback with a fresh, nostalgic twist just in time for summer.
At midnight on June 9, the rising K-pop group dropped a set of concept photos for their new title track “It Was Summer,” part of their upcoming 4th mini album, Lovestruck, via their official social media accounts.
The visuals are a breath of vintage air. In a soft, retro-inspired setting, the members of H1-KEY exude a mellow charm—lounging by windows, leaning into each other, and inviting fans into a quiet, cinematic moment. It’s the kind of imagery that feels like flipping through an old photo album on a warm, sleepy afternoon.
This carefully crafted concept doesn’t just showcase aesthetics—it taps into emotion. The wistful mood, paired with timeless fashion and film-like textures, evokes the kind of youthful daydreams that define a golden summer. It’s clear: H1-KEY isn’t just dropping new music—they’re telling a story.
Fans have even more reason to be excited. Lovestruck marks their first release in nearly a year, following their 2023 mini-album LOVE or HATE. And the group is promising something even bolder and more refreshing—both sonically and visually.
H1-KEY has been steadily climbing the K-pop ranks. Their breakout hit “A Rose Bloomed Between Buildings” turned heads in 2023, and their follow-up single “SEOUL” earned them their first music show win, signaling a new chapter in their career. Recognition from international outlets like NME only confirmed what fans already knew—H1-KEY is a girl group to watch.
Mark your calendars: the Lovestruck EP officially drops on June 26 at 6 p.m. KST across all major music platforms worldwide. With “It Was Summer” as its title track, H1-KEY is ready to deliver a soundtrack to your season—and possibly their strongest era yet.
