AtHeart

2023–present: Formation and introduction

Nikki Semin-Han, who was the former chief executive officer (CEO) of SM Entertainment, co-founded entertainment agency Titan Content on November 28, 2023.^[1] They had planned in launching two girl groups with global auditions occurring the next year.^[2] After scouting locations,^[3] the agency announced on July 16, 2024, that Michi and Sorin were the first members for upcoming South Korean girl group AtHeart.^[4] The group name simply indicates their "genuine nature" to have the connection and love between them and their fans, to ensure the empowerment of being authentic.^[5]

Maeil Business Newspaper were perplexed for this decision, because individuals and their social media accounts are kept confidential until the group is finalized. Revealing their identities simultaneously was unconventional.^[7] Three members were introduced as Katelyn, Seohyeon, and Aurora on November 12 for AtHeart.^[8] Although the group became a five-piece ensemble, the agency had more members to recruit their debut.^[9] Three months later, the seven-member group was established, unveiling Nahyun, Arin, and Bome on February 21, 2025. Teen Vogue interviewed them showcasing their influences and strengths; Sorin was later removed from publication as she is no longer debuting with AtHeart.^[10]

Titan Content subsequently partnered with Imperial Music, a division from Republic Records, that "makes them the ideal partner for this venture."^[11] AtHeart started to upload teasers showcasing their pre-debut song and uploaded a music video titled "Good Girl (AtHeart)" through video sharing platform YouTube on March 14.^[12] It was soon released worldwide digitally for music download and streaming on May 29 at 1 p.m. (KST).^[13] The same day, Dreamus announced they will exclusively distribute any music release from AtHeart, along with merchandising in South Korea.^[14]

A month later, AtHeart confirmed on July 10 they would release their debut extended play (EP) in the upcoming month.^[15] While promoting the project, the next day it was announced that Aurora was excluded due to health problems.^[16] Plot Twist was later released globally on August 13 at 6 p.m. (KST), which includes five songs in its tracklist.^[17] A teaser trailer for its title track was uploaded, with singer Choi Soo-young (of Girls' Generation) appearing as a mentor.^[18] The same day, they made their first showcase at Blue Square, located in the Yongsan District.^[19] AtHeart soon would make their first televised performances through M Countdown,^[20] Show! Music Core,^[21] and Inkigayo.^[22]

Kwon Saebom of Billboard Korea named the group as Rookie of the Month, where she sees them understanding each other's "cultural and linguistic backgrounds" marking their traits as a "defining strength."^[23] AtHeart then released an English-language rendition of "Plot Twist" on October 10,^[24] along with two remixed versions from Cat Dealers and Tsu Nami at the end of the month.^[25] Titan Content launched them a promotional tour in the United States, in order to accelerate the group onto the global market.^[26] AtHeart later performed and were interviewed by Good Day New York on November 21,^[27] becoming one of the first K-pop group to debut early on U.S. television.^[28]

Extended plays

Singles