The Problem with Hearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts, SM Entertainment’s latest girl group, was one of the most anticipated debuts of the year. Yet, from brand-new concept teasers to controversies before and after their debut, they have found themselves mired in scandal. This has left many fans wondering whether SM Entertainment missed the mark with this group or if these stumbles are just growing pains.

Table of Contents

• 1. A Long-Awaited Debut and Mixed First Impressions
• 2. Ana’s Early MC Role and Backlash
• 3. The Issue of “SM Privilege”
• 4. Debut Single Album: “The Chase”
• 5. Ian’s Controversy: Serious Allegations of School Mistreatment
• 6. A History of SM Debut Rumors—From SHINee to aespa
• 7. Examining the Lack of Evidence
• 8. SM’s Response: Threats of Legal Action
• 9. Conclusion: What’s Next for Hearts2Hearts?

1. A Long-Awaited Debut and Mixed First Impressions

Following years of buildup, SM Entertainment finally introduced its newest girl group, Hearts2Hearts, on January 12th. The official reveal occurred at SMTOWN Live’s 30th-anniversary concert in Seoul, where fans were treated to a teaser announcing both the members and the debut date. Even though few details about the group were available at that stage, netizens were instantly struck by the members’ visuals, drawing parallels to idols such as aespa’s Karina, TWICE’s Nayeon, tripleS’ Haerin, and former APINK member Naeun.

Then, on January 30th, SM introduced the group’s Instagram account and unveiled teaser photos that offered a first glimpse of the group’s concept. These pictures featured an old-school, film-like style, leaning heavily into a schoolgirl aesthetic. While some fans liked the nostalgic vibe, many expressed disappointment. One camp deemed it “unoriginal” and felt the concept hardly matched what they typically expect from SM’s brand of girl groups. Others compared the vibe to that of groups conceptualized by Min Heejin, referencing NewJeans or even certain aspects of f(x). One particularly blunt netizen observed: “Is it so hard to bring something fresh? …When NewJeans debuted, it felt refreshing because it didn’t overlap with other groups.”

These mixed responses already hinted that Hearts2Hearts might have to work extra hard to prove themselves, especially with an audience that demands continual innovation from top-tier entertainment companies like SM. Nonetheless, fans maintained optimism, anticipating the group’s official debut and hoping for something more memorable down the line.

2. Ana’s Early MC Role and Backlash

The group’s first real controversy arrived on February 10th when it was announced that Ana—alongside ZEROBASEONE’s Gyuvin and TWS’s Dohoon—had been selected as new MCs for MBC’s Music Core. Generally, it’s not unusual for idols from major companies to secure MC slots, but eyebrows were raised because Ana had landed the job less than two weeks before she would officially debut.

Some fans found it suspicious, speculating that SM’s influence was the real catalyst behind Ana’s quick MC appointment rather than her own qualifications. A commenter wrote: “I’m happy for her, but how can they pick someone who hasn’t even debuted yet when so many other idols are waiting for such roles?” Others took a more neutral stance, arguing that this scenario wasn’t entirely unprecedented, pointing to how NCT’s Doyoung and Jaehyun became Show Champion MCs before their official debuts.

Additionally, a few netizens clarified that Ana’s hosting duties would only begin about a week after Hearts2Hearts’ debut. As a result, they felt the timing didn’t justify such strong backlash, seeing it as a typical case of “SM hooking their new idols up with bigger opportunities early on,” reminiscent of how big companies often cross-promote their idols from day one. Yet the debate about whether it was fair or earned lingered on social media.

3. The Issue of “SM Privilege”

Soon after, another discussion sparked when Hearts2Hearts embarked on brand partnerships, including ones with Musinsa, Mega Coffee, and the well-known character brand Hachuping. While idols forging brand tie-ups isn’t unusual—especially from a big agency—some netizens grumbled about the group’s early access to these deals, describing it as “too obvious a case of SM privilege.”

Interestingly, fans compared the reaction to how people once criticized pre-debut ILLIT from HYBE for attending Acne Studios’ Paris Fashion Week show.

At that time, many netizens claimed the event spot was “bought,” that the group “didn’t earn it,” or that it was pure label clout. However, when SM idols landed invites or brand partnerships, the uproar wasn’t as severe. Some fans called this out as “double standards,” emphasizing that large agencies inevitably open doors for their idols. They argued: “Either we criticize all big companies for leveraging star power or we accept it as the reality. You can’t cherry-pick.”

4. Debut Single Album: “The Chase”

Finally, on February 24th, Hearts2Hearts made their official debut with the single album The Chase. This release included a title track (also called “The Chase”) and a b-side titled “Butterflies.” The hype surrounding the group had been growing steadily, but when the music actually dropped, the reactions were decidedly mixed:

• Positive Views: Some fans and casual listeners genuinely liked “The Chase.” They felt the track matched Hearts2Hearts’ vibe—citing enjoyable harmonies, a coherent style, and an approachable sound. A subset of fans also praised SM for giving the group a distinct identity rather than copying aespa’s futuristic flair. Others pointed out that the choreography was strong, hinting at the group’s potential for memorable performances.
• Neutral/So-so Responses: Others found it “fine but not unforgettable,” lacking the big impact K-pop debuts sometimes have. A netizen commented, “The song is good but there’s not much that stands out. I can’t remember the hook.” They viewed it as an acceptable introduction but not a breakout track that’d instantly put them on the map.
• Critical Takes: Some felt it fell short of the typical SM girl group debut standard—citing examples like SNSD’s “Into The New World” or f(x)’s “LA chA TA” as songs that showcased bold creative directions. They described “The Chase” as too safe or reminiscent of a filler b-side from a more experienced group, lacking a signature punch. One fan wrote, “For an SM group, I expected a show of vocal power or at least a unique concept. This track is just…there.”

Still, many in the K-pop sphere pointed out that it’s only the group’s first release, and Hearts2Hearts’ real musical direction or strengths may not emerge until subsequent comebacks. Some praised the group’s strong performance ability and synergy, urging people to give them time.

5. Ian’s Controversy: Serious Allegations of School Mistreatment

While the public was busy weighing “The Chase,” a more serious scandal erupted involving Ian, one of Hearts2Hearts’ standout members. Already a fan favorite thanks to her visuals and confident stage presence, Ian found herself in the crosshairs when accusations of school mistreatment surfaced mere days after their official debut. The entire situation ignited when a commenter on YouTube posted a lengthy statement under the music video for “The Chase,” which was then circulated across social media and online forums.

According to the post, Ian had allegedly led a “trashy life” before debuting, frequently getting into physical fights in elementary school. The most shocking anecdote claimed that Ian threw a rock at a boy she disliked, broke the school’s water tank in the process, and ended up flooding an entire floor of the school building. Worse yet, the commenter accused Ian of playing the victim afterward and using her mother’s intervention to force the boy into apologizing. They wrote that the incident was so notorious, “students from other schools heard about it.”

The poster also claimed Ian and her friends were overall “delinquents,” known for mistreating teachers and making lewd jokes about them. Another alleged incident had Ian hitting a friend on camera, which was briefly uploaded to the classroom website before being swiftly deleted. They concluded with claims that her friend group included students who smoked or bullied younger kids, implying Ian would have followed the same path if she hadn’t become an idol. The user ended by stating they harbored malice but insisted “everything written is factual,” and if it affected Ian’s career, that was her own fault.

6. A History of SM Debut Rumors—From SHINee to aespa

As this explosive rumor gained traction, Twitter buzzed with debates over whether the allegations held any truth. However, many pointed out a familiar pattern: SM idols often face bizarre or scandalous rumors shortly after their debut. They cited the following examples:

• SHINee’s Alleged Pre-Debut Scandals: Jonghyun was rumored to be the son of a gang leader, Key supposedly joined a motorcycle gang, and Minho was alleged to have joined a gang to fulfill his grandmother’s final wish—stories widely considered baseless and outlandish.

• Girls’ Generation’s Early Gossip: Tiffany faced relentless hate for her blog posts, while Jessica was accused of dating multiple Super Junior members simultaneously. Many of these claims had no proof or were drastically exaggerated by netizens.

• Krystal (f(x)) and NCT’s Taeyong: Krystal was rumored to have tormented classmates, Taeyong faced accusations of misbehavior and scamming classmates. Over time, evidence was either non-existent or questionable.

• aespa’s Karina and Giselle: Karina was linked to bullying rumors and alleged disrespect for seniors; Giselle was rumored to be a school tormentor and underage drinker. Again, netizens found no substantial proof.

Given this history, fans quickly voiced skepticism about Ian’s alleged misdeeds, suggesting that “SM’s new group always stumbles into random rumors.” They believed that the ease with which random netizens accuse idols of bullying has grown, exacerbated by real cases of school mistreatment in the industry (like in other groups) but also spurred by opportunists hoping to attract attention with sensational claims.

7. Examining the Lack of Evidence

The user’s comment, despite being extensive, provided no tangible proof—no pictures of the broken water tank, no screenshots capturing her alleged taunts, no recordings of the alleged fights. Another netizen claiming to be Ian’s classmate tried to back up the story by sharing pre-debut pictures of Ian, but those photos alone hardly confirmed anything about the water tank incident or bullying.

Conversely, several individuals who said they attended the same school as Ian described her as a friendly, kind, and outgoing student. They acknowledged some type of fight involving a fish tank but insisted it had been hugely exaggerated and that it wasn’t about harassing anyone. Observers also noted the frequency with which these idol-bullying allegations arise, only to fade away without conclusive proof. “It’s become common for netizens to mimic a The Glory-style storyline with an idol cast as the bully,” one user pointed out, “but many remain wholly unsubstantiated.”

8. SM’s Response: Threats of Legal Action

SM Entertainment moved quickly to address the situation, releasing a statement that they would pursue legal action against anyone spreading baseless rumors about Ian or any other Hearts2Hearts member. They vowed there would be no settlements or leniency, promising to protect their artists. To some fans, this was reassuring, signifying that the company was not going to let falsehoods run rampant. Others, however, recalled times when SM pledged legal measures for their idols—like they did with NCT’s Taeyong or recently with Seunghan from RIIZE—only for the situation to remain murky, with no official follow-up. Fans from older SM fandoms advised Hearts2Hearts supporters to keep pressuring SM for actual legal updates instead of mere statements.

Regardless, it seems the rumor fizzled before it could do major damage, overshadowed by the group’s debut promotions. The chatter about The Chase overshadowed the allegations, and many netizens either forgot or dismissed them due to the standard pattern of “SM idol + rumor = nothing proven.” It’s likely the accusations did not gain the traction the accuser had hoped for, allowing Hearts2Hearts to focus on forging their reputation through music and variety show appearances.

9. Conclusion: What’s Next for Hearts2Hearts?

From an overused school concept to early brand collaborations some labeled as “SM privilege,” from Ana’s MC role pre-debut to Ian’s post-debut bullying accusations, it’s been a rough start for Hearts2Hearts. Even their single album The Chase drew polarized opinions—some seeing promise, others branding it as generic. Nonetheless, the group has potential, showing glimpses of strong performances and synergy.

In the high-stakes world of K-pop, none of these controversies automatically spell doom. Indeed, many famed idol groups overcame rocky beginnings or early rumors to eventually achieve mainstream or global success. Whether Hearts2Hearts can replicate that path depends on how they mature musically, how SM Entertainment backs them, and how effectively they quell or outlast controversies.

Over time, fans are likely to judge Hearts2Hearts more for their discography and live performances than for any brand deals or initial controversies—provided they deliver something truly memorable. Meanwhile, the accusations against Ian remain unproven. SM has pledged to protect them, but fans know they must keep an eye out for updates on any supposed legal steps. If the group’s management diligently stands by them and invests in unique conceptual work and high-quality music, Hearts2Hearts could still become a major player in the K-pop landscape.

Ultimately, the question is: Will these controversies define Hearts2Hearts, or will they surpass them and find a fresh identity in subsequent comebacks? For now, they hold enough promise—and share enough seeds of talent—that many K-pop watchers are willing to give them a chance. As the members continue to appear on music shows, variety programs, and hopefully release stronger follow-up tracks, they may well carve a niche for themselves and demonstrate they’re more than just hype and scandal. If not, they risk becoming a cautionary tale about an overhyped group overshadowed by controversies that overshadow their potential artistry.

For those eager to see Hearts2Hearts succeed, the best move is to follow their upcoming schedules and new releases closely. The K-pop industry is fast-paced—one impactful mini-album or unique concept can drastically change the public’s perception. While their first offering might not have shattered expectations, the group’s journey is far from over. Hearts2Hearts now embarks on a critical phase: proving they’re more than just a cluster of controversies and can, indeed, become the next notable SM girl group. Time will reveal whether they fade away or grow beyond these rocky beginnings into something truly special.