H1-KEY introduces new EP 'Run' along with new member

Girl group H1-KEY introduced its new EP "Run" during Wednesday's showcase at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. Dressed in pink sportswear-themed outfits, members Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo and Yel revealed their new title track "Run" ..

Girl group H1-KEY poses during Wednesday’s showcase for its new EP “Run” at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [GLG]

Girl group H1-KEY introduced its new EP “Run” during Wednesday’s showcase at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

Dressed in pink sportswear-themed outfits, members Seoi, Riina, Hwiseo and Yel revealed their new title track “Run” and its music video. The track features a tropical whistle and guitar riffs meant to be a breeze in the hot Korean summer. Its music video was filmed in California and shows off the scenery as well as H1-KEY’s bubbly teen spirit.

H1-KEY poses during Wednesday’s showcase. [GLG]

“Our new EP ‘Run’ contains H1-KEY’s signature healthy image and also a refreshing vibe this time for the summer season,” said Seoi. “The choreography and outfits are all full of sportiness.”

“We prepared with all our might because we wanted to repay everyone for the love we received for our first single ‘Athletic Girl,’” Riina added.

Pronounced high-key, the girl group debuted with the single “Athletic Girl” in January. One of the original quartet, Thai member Sitala, left the team in May due to personal reasons, but H1-KEY is back with a continuation of its sporty concept with new member Hwiseo, who joined in June.

New member Hwiseo joined H1-KEY in June. [GLG]

For Hwiseo, H1-KEY’s comeback was her long-awaited debut showcase after nine years of debuting.

“Now I’m proud of the long years I spent as a trainee,” she said. She shared that she previously had debuts scheduled several times, but the plans were canceled last minute.

“Being here brings back old memories for me. I’m going to work even harder from now on and make people remember be as an all-rounder.”

“The members took such good care of me,” Hwiseo continued. “We got along from day one of practice. Preparing for a new song together was so exciting.”

“If I had to say what changed after Hwiseo joined us, it’s that she and Yel get along so well that our practice room has gotten much noisier ever since,” Riina laughed.

H1-KEY poses during Wednesday’s showcase. [GLG]

H1-KEY poses during Wednesday’s showcase. [GLG]

“Hwiseo might seem shy right now, but she’s an extremely positive and energetic person with a lot of spunk,” said Seoi. “She blended into our energy the moment she became a member of H1-KEY.”

The new EP consists of seven tracks: “Run,” “Catch ‘n’ Release,” “Heart Light,” instrumental versions of the three songs, and a special CD-only track for the group’s fandom M1-KEY titled "H1-KEY Voice Letter for M1-KEY."

“It contains our voice messages not just in English, but also in many different languages for our fans,” said Riina.

The tracks will be available on music streaming websites from Wednesday at 6 p.m.

BY HALEY YANG [yang.hyunjoo@joongang.co.kr]