Rookie group KEYVITUP officially debuted on April 8, under iNKODE Entertainment. Composed of members Hyunmin, Taehwan, Sena, Jaein, and Rukia, the five-member act steps into the industry with a clear identity rooted in hip-hop influences and performance-driven storytelling. Produced by singer and iNKODE Entertainment’s founder, Kim Jaejoong, the group debuted with a strong creative foundation.
Following early buzz generated through pre-debut content and the release of their pre-single “BEST ONE,” KEYVITUP quickly began drawing attention ahead of their official debut. Serving as the group’s first official introduction to the public, “BEST ONE” marked a defining step in establishing their identity, built on a confident sound that blends hip-hop influences with a polished, modern edge. The track highlights both individuality and cohesion within the group, while its lyrics center on themes of self-assurance and ambition, reflecting the mindset of stepping into the industry with conviction.
KEYVITUP combines vocals, rap, dance, and visual performance, with a strong focus on stage presence. True to their name, a fusion of “key,” “vital,” and “up,” symbolizing growth, momentum, and new possibilities, KEYVITUP aims to create a sound and artistic identity that continuously evolves while connecting with audiences worldwide from the very beginning of their career. The group’s core message is reflected in their slogan: music that acts as both a key opening doors to the world and a vital signal that awakens it.
Their five-track debut EP brings together the title track “KEYVITUP” alongside “LEGENDARY,” pre-release single “BEST ONE,” “SHOW ME SOMETHING,” and “POLAROID.” At its core, “KEYVITUP” reinterprets old-school hip-hop and boom bap through a modern lens, blending nostalgic grooves with a fresh, high-energy edge that defines the group’s sonic identity. In contrast, “LEGENDARY” leans into a more cinematic, trap-driven sound, while “SHOW ME SOMETHING” and “POLAROID” stand out with heavy basslines and a bold, performance-focused structure that reinforces themes of ambition, confidence, and legacy. The EP arrives alongside the official music video for “KEYVITUP,” visually bringing the project’s aesthetic and narrative to life and setting the tone for the group’s direction.
Following their debut, KEYVITUP is now gearing up for promotions in Seoul and an international stage at KCON LA this August as they continue introducing themselves to a global audience
We caught up with KEYVITUP to talk about their debut, creative identity, and the vision they’re bringing to the global stage.
KPC: Can you introduce yourselves individually and share one thing fans should know about each of you?
TAEHWAN: Hi, I’m Taehwan, the main vocalist of the team. I have three beauty marks on my ear!
HYUNMIN: Hello, I’m Hyunmin, the leader. My charm points are my chubby cheeks and dimples that appear when I smile.
SENA: Hi, I’m Sena, a sub-vocalist. My unique feature is the mole on my forehead hairline!
JAEIN: Hello, I’m Jaein, the main dancer. I might look cold when I’m not smiling, but I have an “unexpected charm ” because my vibe changes completely when I smile.
RUKIA: Hi, I’m Rukia, the main rapper. I show a cool charisma on stage, but off-stage, I show the ”mischievous maknae energy” of the youngest member.
KPC: Congratulations on your debut! What were your first reactions when you all found out you would be debuting together?
KEYVITUP: All five of us were so happy to know that we would be together for a long time. We felt a strong desire to run toward the same goal as one team, all looking in the same direction.
KPC: Looking back at your journey, what were the most challenging parts of preparing for your debut, and what did they teach you?
KEYVITUP: The process of running toward debut wasn’t always just happy. Since the five of us have different personalities, the hardest part was the process of adjusting to each other. Even though we were heading toward the same goal, our ways of thinking were different, so we sometimes clashed.
KPC: How do you all personally connect to your group name, KEYVITUP
KEYVITUP: It feels like the most important medium that brought the five of us together. Just like the meaning of the name itself, having this name gives us the confidence to stand strong.
KPC: KEYVITUP was produced by Kim Jaejoong, a renowned vocalist in the industry and the founder of your label, iNKODE Entertainment. What was the most valuable piece of advice Kim Jaejoong gave you during the preparation for this debut, and how did his mentorship shape the way you approached your music and live performances?
KEYVITUP: The words “Don’t be nervous on stage; just enjoy it” really stuck with us. He also always tells us, “The results will return as much as the effort and time you put in.” Because of those words, even if we don’t see immediate results, we can keep going without breaking down, believing that hard work will eventually lead to something great.
KPC: One of your title tracks, “KEYVITUP,” is described as a “reinterpretation of old-school hip hop and boom bap sounds.” What was the inspiration behind that? Were there any particular artists or dance styles that you studied to ensure that authentic feel?
KEYVITUP: Rather than getting inspiration from one specific place, we built it by talking a lot among the members about the concept and style. When the company played the old-school beat for us and asked, “Do you want to try writing the lyrics?”, we discussed how to interpret that beat in our own unique way.
KPC: All members are credited as lyricists for “KEYVITUP.” How did you all collaborate on the lyrics to ensure they captured the group’s collective identity?
KEYVITUP: Since we were still trainees preparing for debut at the time, we wanted to capture our emotions, will, and ambition. Each of us wrote down the stories we wanted to tell, and we gathered those ideas to melt them into the song with the help of the writer. It was fascinating to see the lyrics I wrote actually become a song.
KPC: What message does your debut EP convey about who you are as artists, and if you could describe that overall feeling in just one word, what would it be?
HYUNMIN: If I had to express it in one word, I’d say “Confidence.” As shown in the lyrics of the songs, it contains confidence in “me,” confidence in “us,” and the ambition to rise even higher.
KPC: What kind of first impression did you want to make with this debut?
KEYVITUP: We want to leave the impression of being “Monster Rookies.” Since we debuted during a time when many amazing senior artists were making comebacks, we worried a lot about how to promote ourselves. However, it turned out to be a great opportunity to watch and learn from them directly. Seeing positive feedback gave us the confidence that we can do well, too.
KPC: After your Seoul promotions, you will be heading to Los Angeles to perform at KCON LA, the largest fan festival in North America. How does it feel to meet international fans on such a large stage this early in your careers?
JAEIN: It’s a place I’ve never been to in my life, so just the fact that I’m performing at KCON there makes me very nervous and excited. I want to prepare perfectly and show everyone how cool our group is. I want to make a lasting impression on international fans.
KPC: What are your goals as a group for your first year in the industry?
KEYVITUP: Our current goal is to win the “Rookie of the Year” award, which is something you can only receive during your debut year.
KPC: Thank you for your time. Are there any final words you would like to say to our readers?
KEYVITUP: We will continue to be a KEYVITUP that grows constantly. Please give us a lot of interest and love, and we hope you feel positive energy and confidence through our performances.
