HITGS on Identity, Growth, and the Beginning of Their Story
By. Alicia Zamora
In their conversation with Alicia’s Studio, HITGS returns at a moment that feels both fragile and defining. Their debut has already introduced them to the world through Things we love : H, but this interview reveals something more layered: a group still learning how to exist inside their own story while it is actively being written.
HITGS—short for Hip, Innocent, Teenager, Girls, and Story—is not presented here as a fully formed concept, but as something in motion. Across the conversation, each member interprets the group identity differently, not as fixed roles, but as personal reflections of who they are becoming.
What emerges is a portrait of five individuals learning how to grow together while still figuring themselves out separately—balancing school, performance, pressure, and the quiet emotional weight of debuting in real time.
For HITGS, debut is not described as a destination; it is described as exposure. A shift from private practice rooms to public perception.
Seojin reflects on that transition with sincerity:
“We’re so happy that we can now share songs with everyone that were once just for us. Seeing people enjoy them makes all our practice and effort feel truly rewarding!”
That idea of something once private becoming public sits at the core of HITGS’ debut identity. Their music is not framed as perfected finality, but as something carried from rehearsal spaces into the world.
The group name itself becomes a lens rather than a label. Each member is asked to connect themselves to one of its five words, and what stands out is how differently they approach the same identity.
VV reflects on her journey from China to Korea with visible honesty:
“Preparing for my debut after coming from China wasn’t easy, and I think the word ‘Story’ really reflects my journey. I’m working hard on dancing these days, and as I continue to grow and discover new sides of myself, I feel that ‘Hip’ is the word I’m still developing into.”
Seojin connects more softly:
“I think ‘Innocent’ suits me well, as it captures my soft and pure image. And since our story has just begun, I want to continue building the ‘Story’ part of HITGS.”
For Seohee, identity is something actively shaped through effort:
“ ‘Innocent’ is the word I chose, because I think I have the purest charm in the team. Since we just debuted, I’m putting in a lot of effort to express ‘Hip’ better—through my expressions, movements, and presence on stage.”
Hyerin grounds herself in her age and reality:
“I’m still a teenager, so ‘Teenager’ definitely fits me best. And as a rookie, I’m working hard to grow into the ‘Hip’ side of our identity.”
And Iyoo focuses on performance and energy:
“I’m most confident in dancing, so I think ‘Hip’ describes me well. Since I’m still young, I also relate to the word ‘Girls’ and want to embody it more fully.”
What becomes clear is that HITGS is not built on uniformity. It is built on interpretation.
Things we love : H — finding meaning in everyday emotions
HITGS’ debut single centers on something intentionally simple: everyday love and small emotional moments. But within that simplicity lies the foundation of their identity.
Seojin explains:
“This debut album is full of the things teenagers love. It’s honest, youthful, and captures our emotions in a very real way. Just like the theme of our album, we aimed to visually express the sweetness of being a teenager.”
Rather than aiming for grand narratives, HITGS leans into emotional relatability—moments that feel ordinary but deeply recognizable.
When asked about personal “small loves,” the members reveal glimpses of their individual worlds.
VV immediately responds with warmth:
“Hotpot! I feel so much joy when I eat hotpot. I absolutely love it.”
Seojin highlights a quieter detail from the album itself:
“In our debut album, there are tiny stickers and lucky charms that the members of HITGS personally designed. I thought our fans would really love discovering those. I hope they keep them close and think of HITGS when they see them.”
Seohee connects joy to comfort:
“Watching my favorite dramas while eating delicious food always makes me so happy!”
Hyerin finds value in rest:
“I love resting. I really enjoy taking time to recharge.”
And Iyoo keeps it simple:
“Chocolate is my favorite snack! I’m the happiest when I’m eating it.”
Together, these answers build a portrait of a group grounded not in abstraction, but in everyday emotional reality.
If debut represents introduction, recording represents adjustment. For HITGS, SOURPATCH becomes a moment of technical and emotional learning.
Seohee describes a shift in her understanding of performance:
“During recording, the director told me to sing in a lighter tone. As I practiced singing that way, I realized that sometimes singing lightly fits the song better than pouring all my strength into it. That was when I learned a new vocal technique, and I think it helped me grow.”
Rather than relying on intensity, she begins learning control.
Hyerin recalls the moment everything came together:
“When I heard the finished track after all of us had recorded our parts, and our voices were layered together—it really moved me. That moment is unforgettable.”
Seohee also acknowledges pressure:
“I had a lot of vocal lines, so it felt like a lot of pressure at first. But I’m proud of how much I grew through the recording process.”
Even within pressure, there is progression.
“We want people to feel the atmosphere, not just hear the song”
Throughout the conversation, HITGS consistently returns to emotional intention. Their goal is not just visibility—it is resonance.
Seohee explains:
“I hope they feel warmth and emotion in my voice. More than anything, I want them to feel the atmosphere of the song and the message I’m trying to share—softly and sincerely.”
Seojin expands this idea beyond control:
“We aim to sing lyrics that can relate to everyone listening. Even if they weren’t written from a personal experience, we want to make sure it’s relatable for our fans.”
Iyoo adds a reflection on interpretation:
“I find the way our fans cheer for us so enthusiastically incredibly moving!”
And later:
“I hope people can take their own meaning from our songs. That’s what makes it special.”
The group does not attempt to dictate emotion—they allow space for it.
Behind the polished debut visuals, HITGS describes a process still in motion. Their chemistry is not presented as complete—it is actively forming.
Seojin reflects on their dynamic:
“We have this fun, high school girl vibe among us. It helps us strike a happy balance between being artists and teenagers. It’s always a good time.”
VV adds:
“I balance my life as an artist and a teenager by having fun with the members like we’re in school—it makes everything so much more joyful.”
Hyerin emphasizes duality:
“I do my best to follow our schedules as an artist, and as a teenager, I focus on attending school diligently.”
Rather than separating identities, HITGS lives inside both simultaneously.
As the conversation moves toward the future, HITGS resists pressure to define what comes next too rigidly.
Seojin says:
“We’ve shown you our lovable teenage sides and things we enjoy, but we’ll be showing you so much more—please stay with us!”
Hyerin adds:
“I’m looking forward to growing with my fellow members and communicating with fans through different stages and performances.”
There is no rush in their vision—only continuation.
If there is one shared understanding across HITGS, it is that nothing here is final.
They are not presenting themselves as complete. They are presenting themselves as beginning.
And in that beginning, between identity, emotion, and growth. HITGS becomes less about definition, and more about story still unfolding.
