K-pop Group KEYVITUP Brings Precision and Personality to Their Rookie Era
KEYVITUP made its official debut on April 8, 2026, under iNKODE Entertainment with a self-titled EP that already gives the five-member group a clearly developed sense of direction. As the first boy group produced by Kim Jae-joong of JYJ, formerly of TVXQ, their arrival comes with an understandable level of anticipation, though the project is equally focused on introducing a sound and identity that feel distinctly their own.
Their name brings together “KEY,” “VITAL,” and “UP,” reflecting ideas of opening new doors, awakening energy, and moving toward growth. Those themes run through the EP’s five tracks too, including pre-release single “BEST ONE” and double title tracks “KEYVITUP” and “LEGENDARY.” Rooted in hip-hop but shaped by modern trap, dance-pop, and smooth R&B, the project creates room for polished performance, vocal color, and the individual strengths each member brings to the group.
That mix of personal presence and collective precision is definitely central to KEYVITUP’s appeal. TAEHWAN brings a commanding vocal tone and emotional weight to the lineup, while HYUNMIN offers polished vocals, sharp dance skills, and a steady onstage presence. Japanese member SENA stands out through his versatility, combining a striking performance style with fluency in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. Then there's JAEIN, who fuels the group’s dance-forward energy with explosive movement and rap-driven confidence, while RUKIA, the maknae, completes the lineup with crisp delivery, strong dance instincts, and magnetic charisma.
With those strengths in place, Kim Jae-joong’s guidance and the chemistry already emerging between the members, KEYVITUP has proven to have a strong foundation. And if that’s not enough, their debut also establishes a performance-led sound and a defined creative point of view, while still leaving room for that identity to grow. Now, in conversation with Stardust, KEYVITUP reflects on its self-titled EP, the meaning behind its name, and the ambitions guiding this first chapter.
Your group name KEYVITUP combines “KEY,” “VITAL,” and “UP,” symbolizing a key that opens doors to the world and awakens vitality for growth. How does this philosophy appear in your self-titled debut EP?
HYUNMIN: We heavily incorporated the meaning behind our group name into our music videos. The three music videos each represent 'KEY,' 'VITAL,' and 'UP.' In our pre-release track “BEST ONE,” we used scenes symbolizing a key to express our beginning and our ambition to open new doors and step into a wider world. For our title track “KEYVITUP,” we integrated elements that evoke 'VITAL,' such as vital signs and vital sounds, alongside a visual concept that shifts colors based on an 'ON/OFF' theme.
Lastly, “LEGENDARY” captures the image of 'UP'—climbing all the way from the underground to the absolute top. Through these three music videos, we wanted to fully express the core philosophy of KEYVITUP.
Your debut EP features a bold, hip-hop-rooted, performance-heavy sound across five tracks, including the pre-release “BEST ONE.” How did each member contribute their individual colors throughout the project?
HYUNMIN: Whenever we step on stage, I put a lot of effort into channeling the "confidence" that defines this album. Although I was quite nervous, I tried my best to perform with a relaxed and bold attitude.
JAEIN: I really wanted to show the world who we truly are. Instead of putting on a fabricated persona, I aimed to express my authentic self, and I spent a lot of time thinking about how to showcase the real "me" on stage.
RUKIA: Whether I was in the recording booth or performing on stage, I wanted my playful and mischievous personality to shine through naturally. I constantly thought about how to better project that side of myself, both during practice and in my daily life.
SENA: While preparing for the album and performing on stage, I discovered a side of myself that I didn't even know existed—someone who genuinely enjoys being on stage. I felt that this was my unique color and identity, so I worked hard to bring out that charm as much as possible.
TAEHWAN: As a vocalist, I wanted to showcase my distinct color across all five tracks. I put a lot of effort into creating a unique vocal tone for myself, and I paid close attention to the smallest details, thinking about what specific elements I could add to each song.
While every song on the EP has its own distinct charm and selling point, is there one track that carries a particularly special meaning for you so far, and what makes it meaningful?
TAEHWAN: For me, it’s “LEGENDARY.” Personally, I think it’s a really fun song to listen to because of its diverse sounds and intense bass lines. More than anything, the song's message—about growing, rising to the top, and becoming legendary—deeply resonates with me. It reflects my own journey of never giving up and pushing forward all the way from my days on the survival show to our debut, which makes it incredibly special.
HYUNMIN: My choice is “BEST ONE.” Since it was our pre-release track, I poured so much affection into it, and it's the song I personally prepared the hardest for. It’s my absolute favorite track among our promotion songs, and the music video turned out so amazing, which makes me even more attached to it.
JAEIN: I’d choose “KEYVITUP.” It contains many of my favorite musical elements. Plus, since it shares the same name as our group, I believe it’s the track that best showcases our identity and future direction.
RUKIA: For me, it’s also “KEYVITUP.” Every single member participated in writing the lyrics for this song. Because it carries the message we wanted to convey in our own words, it holds a much deeper meaning for us.
SENA: My pick is “SHOW ME SOMETHING.” It’s a song that perfectly captures the excitement and butterflies we felt right before our debut. The lyrics are filled with anticipation for the new world that is about to unfold before us, making it feel very special.
In terms of cohesiveness, what’s something outside of your passion for music, like a specific skill, personality trait, or shared value, that unifies you as a group?
HYUNMIN: Because all of our members have such distinct personalities, there are times when we clash or don't see eye to eye. However, we believe that each person plays a clear and vital role within the team. Above all, whenever an issue arises, we make it a point to gather together, talk things through with absolute honesty, and work towards a solution. In particular, our leader does a wonderful job of acting as a bridge between us, which helps us understand one another better and ultimately unifies us as one.
As the first boy group produced by Kim Jae-joong under iNKODE, you entered the K-pop scene with high expectations. How has his guidance influenced your sound, performance style, or mindset during preparation?
RUKIA: Our producer and mentor Mr. Kim Jae-joong told us, "While you are up on that stage, it is entirely your stage, so show everyone everything you want to do." Although he is the head of our agency, he is also our senior as an artist, so he shares a wealth of advice and energy drawn from his long career and experience. In particular, his live performances are incredibly flawless and high-caliber, so we are constantly striving to learn from him and follow in his footsteps.
You were formed through the INTHE X Project. What was the most challenging or memorable moment during training and selection, and how did it prepare you for debuting with a full EP right away?
TAEHWAN: The most memorable moment has to be the very first day we all gathered for our official introduction. Since we had been practicing in separate debut potential groups, we had no idea that another team was being prepared alongside us. I still remember the immense shock we felt when we faced the other team for the first time.
Also, while preparing for the INTHE X Project, we had the opportunity for 11 trainees to practice together. Working alongside trainees we hadn't usually trained with forced us to think deeply about how we communicate. Through that process, we once again realized the importance of understanding one another and learning how to build teamwork, which has been an incredible help to our group promotions since debuting.
As rookie artists, what’s one key piece of advice you’ve been given from a peer that has stuck with you?
TAEHWAN: The advice that sticks with me the most is what Dino from SEVENTEEN told us when we filmed a challenge together. He said, "Meeting like this feels like destiny and a special connection. I hope you can just focus on having fun while shooting challenges." Thanks to his words, I was able to shake off my nerves and truly enjoy the moment.
HYUNMIN: While promoting on music shows, we’ve filmed challenges with many senior artists. Watching them master the choreography in such a short time and deliver a high-quality result made a huge impression on me, showcasing their sheer professionalism and fast learning abilities. It served as a powerful motivation for us to work even harder.
SENA: The music show rehearsals, in particular, were the most memorable. There were so many senior artists who commanded the stage with incredible immersion and aura, and their deep understanding of the music and performance was fully evident. Seeing that inspired us to think deeply about how we should interpret and deliver a song on stage, and even now, every time we perform, we put a lot of thought into our depth of immersion and expressiveness.
