[OSENWORLD] Rising girl group AtHeart has been named Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for August, a major honor from one of the world’s most influential music outlets.
On Aug. 22 (local time), Billboard spotlighted AtHeart under the headline “AtHeart Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for August,” praising their unique origins and rapid global impact. The group is the first girl group to debut under Titan Content, the first U.S.-based global K-pop agency founded by industry heavyweights. The article also highlighted the powerhouse international producers who worked on AtHeart’s debut album.
Billboard described the group as “an Avengers-level team created by leaders of the K-pop industry,” noting their multicultural lineup and polished artistry: “AtHeart’s strength lies in their diversity across cultures and languages, combined with the high-level music and performance fans expect from idols. Where teenage honesty meets a global vision, K-pop once again opens new possibilities.”
The piece also included an interview with the group. Reflecting on being named one of Billboard’s “K-Pop Girl Groups to Watch in 2025” even before debut, AtHeart said: “It was huge motivation during our preparation. It gave us confidence that we were on the right track. We want to live up to that expectation by showing consistent growth and become a group that stands out even more this year.”
As for future goals, the members added: “Since we all come from different countries — the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines — we often talk about touring in our hometowns. Meeting fans in our roots would be a truly meaningful moment.”
The group’s international rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Alongside their debut EP Plot Twist, AtHeart has drawn coverage from The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, and the U.K.’s NME, an unusual level of attention for a rookie act.
Their first EP, Plot Twist, serves as their opening flight toward the world. Like a small wingbeat that sparks a powerful gust, the group signals their intent to bring a new paradigm to the K-pop scene. Even pre-debut, AtHeart was tapped as a global beverage brand ambassador, and with fashion and advertising offers already piling in, they are proving themselves as a “next-generation global icon.”
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
