Meet Taehwan, Hyunmin, Sena, Jaein and Rukia, who together make up KEYVITUP, the newest group from Sony Music Korea.
The five-member K-pop boy group made their debut with their self-titled EP last week on April 8, immediately impressing audiences with their irresistible performances and a bold sound, energetic sound rooted in hip-hop. It features the focus track “KEYVITUP” plus “LEGENDARY,” “BEST ONE,” “SHOW ME SOMETHING” and “POLAROID,” with all five songs highlighting the members’ individuality while also showcasing their evolution and teamwork as a unit. They’re a next-generation K-pop act who feel posted to be the next big thing, and we had the pleasure of speaking with them just as they’re getting started. Read our full interview with KEYVITUP below.
Sweety High: Can you each introduce yourselves and your individual roles within KEYVITUP?
Taehwan: Hi, I’m Taehwan, the oldest member and main vocalist of the group.
Hyunmin: Hello, I’m Hyunmin, the leader, and I handle both vocals and dance.
Sena: Hi, I’m Sena. I’m a vocalist, and I can speak three languages.
Jaein: Hello, I’m Jaein, the main dancer and rapper of the team.
Rukia: Hi, I’m Rukia, the youngest member and the main rapper.
(Photo credit: Sony Music Korea)
SH: What does the group name KEYVITUP mean to you all? What sets you apart from other groups right now?
Hyunmin: To me, KEYVITUP feels like a color that represents who I am.
Jaein: I see it as something I’m really grateful for—it brought five very different individuals together as one team.
Taehwan: If I had to point out what makes us different, I’d say it’s the wide range of musical styles and influences each member brings.
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SH: How would you describe the group’s sound? Why were these songs on the EP the perfect way to introduce yourself musically to the world?
Taehwan: We’re a K-pop group rooted in hip-hop. Some people have even described us as “the essence of K-pop,” and I think this EP really captures who we are. It highlights our hip-hop identity while also showing that we can confidently take on contrasting styles.
Hyunmin: All five tracks reflect our confidence, our identity, and our unique team color, along with a fun and free-spirited energy.
Sena: I think this EP best represents the beginning of KEYVITUP. Beyond the powerful performances, we reinterpret old-school hip-hop in our own way. You can really feel our voices, emotions, and even a glimpse of our future potential. Each track has its own charm, so I believe this EP clearly expresses our color and the direction we’re heading in.
SH: What are each of the members’ favorite tracks on the EP? Why?
Taehwan: I’d pick “LEGENDARY.” The mix of powerful, dynamic instrumentation gives me chills every time I listen to it.
Jaein: For me, it’s “KEYVITUP.” I love the beat, and the low-tone rap really aligns with the direction I want to explore.
Rukia: My favorite is “Polaroid.” It reminds me of the memories I’ve shared with the members, especially the moments when we overcame challenges together.
SH: What was the inspiration behind the music video for your title track “KEYVITUP”? Do you have any favorite memories from the filming experience?
Hyunmin: The concept was inspired by our team name, and the most memorable moment for me was filming our very first music video.
Taehwan: Shooting in such elaborate sets and in places I’d never normally get to visit, made the whole experience really unforgettable.
Sena: There’s a scene where our logo appears like a meteor. When we filmed it, it was actually just a large square light, so it was amazing to see how it was transformed into our logo in the final video.
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SH: What’s next for KEYVITUP?
Jaein: I hope we can win Rookie of the Year.
Rukia: I want people to look at us and think, “That team is really cool.”
Hyunmin: I hope we’ll be recognized by the public not just for our skills, but also for our character.
(Photo credit: Sony Music Korea)
SH: Are there any messages you’d like to share with your new fans?
Sena: We’re a group that becomes more charming the more you get to know us, so we hope you’ll continue to support us for a long time.
Taehwan: To all the fans who support us even though we still have a lot to improve, I just want to say I love you. Your love gives us strength and motivation every day. Thank you, we love you!
For even more on our favorite new music from iconic K-pop artists, click HERE to read our interview with AMPERS&ONE on their new EP, DEFINITION.
