There’s a new force entering the K-pop scene, and if their debut has proven anything, it’s that they’re a team you will want to “keep up” with. Five-member boy group, KEYVITUP, made their debut on April 8 with their self-titled EP. The team’s name represents their core motto that their “music is both the key that opens the doors to the world and a vital signal that awakens it.” First introduced through the pre-debut trainee team INTHE X Project, members TAEHWAN, HYUNMIN, SENA, JAEIN, and RUKIA are ready to unlock new possibilities within K-pop’s fifth-generation.
In one of KEYVITUP’s first global interviews, the quintet shared a conversation with EnVi about their artistic ethos and future aspirations. The team joined the near-midnight Zoom call dressed in casual wear and bright grins. KEYVITUP sat close together on a couch, the first indicator of their tight-knit friendship that EnVi would soon learn to be inseparable — just like their affinity to music.
Setting the Tone
Our conversation kicked off with each of the members introducing the member positioned to their left, in lieu of self-introductions. JAEIN, the team’s main dancer, began by introducing their sub-vocalist, SENA.
“First of all, our SENA is very handsome,” JAEIN said as he threw his arms around SENA, who cutely posed with a peace sign in satisfaction of the brief description.
SENA continued the relay of introductions while tapping a short rhythm on RUKIA’s shoulder, “Our youngest, RUKIA, dances well, raps coolly, and his low voice has the ability to charm everyone.”
Image courtesy of iNKODE Entertainment.
KEYVITUP’s main rapper, RUKIA (who is no stranger to playful antics with his older members), jumped at the opportunity to tease the team’s leader. RUKIA mischievously put his arms around HYUNMIN and said, “HYUNMIN has a great appetite and is so cute!” Exchanging a knowing glance to RUKIA, HYUNMIN laughed and thanked RUKIA for his unexpected answer.
The positive vibes persisted as HYUNMIN introduced the team’s main vocalist: “TAEHWAN is the eldest, but his cuteness makes him seem like a younger brother.”
HYUNMIN rested his head on TAEHWAN’s shoulder and embraced him tightly as the two shared a smile. It was an adorable exchange that seemed uncharacteristic between the eldest and the leader of a team — but it was a testament to KEYVITUP’s genuine camaraderie.
TAEHWAN was the last to share, and seemed to have unlimited compliments for JAEIN. “He looks so cool because his face is sharp and his physique is unbelievable,” TAEHWAN enthusiastically shared in English. JAEIN posed with his arms to flaunt his muscles and proudly echoed, “Unbelievable!”
TAEHWAN resumed after JAEIN’s humorous response, “He is the main dancer, but he can also sing and rap well — you look so cool, man!” The two exchanged a thumbs-up and both shouted out an elongated “Yeah!”
This wholesome introduction of the members set the tone for a conversation that was earnest and informative, but had just the right amount of charm and personality.
Unlocking KEYVITUP
Images courtesy of iNKODE Entertainment.
When it came to describing KEYVITUP’s identity as a team, TAEHWAN immediately responded with two words: “Freedom and harmony.”
“We each possess our own unique traits, but when we come together as a team, we fit right in with each other harmoniously,” he continued.
Not only is it the team name and debut EP, “KEYVITUP” is also the name of their first title track. “KEYVITUP” is a modern reinterpretation of boom bap — a hip-hop genre that dominated the ‘90s with producers like DJ Premier, and even first-generation K-pop hits such as H.O.T’s “Warrior’s Descendant.” The track is a confident anthem of resilience with lyrics like “We always keep running, run / Even if we’re scared, we wake up again” and “They always say I’m lucky / I fought and I got it.”
“All five of us participated in writing the lyrics,” HYUNMIN revealed. “We each worked on writing the full lyrics separately, then combined each of our lyrics to create the final version. We worked on the song as trainees, so it contains our strong ambitions as well as a little bit of nervousness in respect to making an impactful debut. ‘KEYVITUP’ clearly showcases our identity as a debut team, yet gives a glimpse into our past as trainees.”
The EP’s five tracks share a major common characteristic: they are all representative of the boy group’s artistic drive. When it came to KEYVITUP’s sonic structure, JAEIN emphasized the project’s strong hip-hop foundation. “KEYVITUP” features hard hitting bass that highlights low tone rapping and vocals in a lower key. Meanwhile, their pre-release single, “BEST ONE,” concentrates on more high tone rap and strong vocal deliveries to compliment the R&B-infused dance beat. KEYVITUP comes to a close with the upbeat, percussion-driven “SHOW ME SOMETHING,” and sentimental acoustic jam, “POLAROID.”
What It Means To Be “LEGENDARY”
Image courtesy of iNKODE Entertainment.
KEYVITUP’s second title-track, “LEGENDARY,” is a trap-based track that plays around with orchestral instruments like the organ and violin. This musical fusion represents the team — it pushes against the paradigm by paying homage to the classics while incorporating future-forward elements.
When asked what kind of legacy they would like to leave in K-pop, the members paused for a moment to reflect. It’s a deep question for fresh faces in the scene, but if anyone has the tenacity, KEYVITUP are more than ready to take on the challenge.
“Just like our song, ‘LEGENDARY,’ of course, we hopefully want to become legends,” HYUNMIN stepped up to share, “Leaving a mark in the K-pop industry that transcends different generations and being an icon that leaves a bold statement is not only our dream, but a great goal of ours.”
On the topic of legends, KEYVITUP was spearheaded by second-generation K-pop icon, Kim Jae-Joong. Before becoming CEO and founder of KEYVITUP’s company, iNKODE Entertainment, Kim Jae-Joong was an original member of the influential team TVXQ. He later became a member of the globally recognized unit, JYJ, in addition to kickstarting a major solo career as an actor and rock artist. Kim Jae-Joong’s long-standing, decorated career has been an instrumental force in KEYVITUP’s growth.
“I always look up his performance videos online to study his facial expressions and stage manners so I can learn how to best express myself onstage,” SENA said, “He also provides feedback directly to us, so thanks to his efforts, I was able to develop as an artist.”
Key to the World
Under the guidance of one of K-pop’s greats, it is no surprise that global critics and fans alike are singing praises for KEYVITUP. The group has already made steady waves in the global market with kudos from major media outlets and overseas performances lined up. They also just wrapped their first overseas appearance at KCON JAPAN, where they showcased their newest EP in addition to a special stage of BTS’s “I Need U.” This is only the start for KEYVITUP, who are also slated to perform at KCON LA in August.
“KCON commemorates our first global stages so we want to showcase the confidence and drive that is conveyed within our songs to these new audiences,” TAEHWAN beamed. “Our priorities are to not be nervous and to give it our all so that the fans can hopefully receive those messages when they see us perform.”
When EnVi reassured them that their fans must be more than excited for their upcoming global performances, TAEHWAN replied with an enthusiastic “I wanna see them too!”
Two of KEYVITUP’s members, SENA and RUKIA, hail from Japan. As foreign members, they understand and stress the importance of tapping into the global market. SENA shared: “Being a foreigner, I speak three different languages: Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. I have a strong ambition to showcase the best version of ourselves to fans all over the world as a global artist.”
“We’re the BEST ONE”
As our time to close out drew near, HYUNMIN sent a heartfelt message to EnVi’s readers: “Some of you may know KEYVITUP already, but for some of you — this interview might be the first time you’re getting to know us. The fact that you’ve already heard our name and are learning to recognize us is something we are very grateful for. We will do our best to return all of the love by working hard and becoming better artists. When you come across the name KEYVITUP in the future, we hope that you will please continue to show us interest!”
I took the last moments of the discussion to express how proud I was of KEYVITUP’s growth since INTHE X Project. KEYVITUP’s reaction was a mix of genuine surprise and happiness — some mouths agape, others widely smiling and applauding in gratitude.
TAEHWAN spared no moment to confidently assure EnVi, “We are gonna be the best artists!”
KEYVITUP doubled over in laughter, and so did I as I encouraged TAEHWAN’s goal.
Behind the statement’s humorous delivery is a sincerity emblematic of KEYVITUP’s identity. As the keyholders to K-pop’s future, KEYVITUP knows how to unlock audiences’ hearts everywhere — whether it’s through their commitment to artistry, or just sharing a good laugh.
Tune into KEYVITUP on your preferred music streaming service. Make sure to keep up with KEYVITUP on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Interested in more K-pop boy groups for your heavy rotation? Hear more about EVNNE’s latest single, “Backtalk,” in EnVi’s exclusive interview!
