GN: Congratulations on your new single, "Say It." Sampling The Cardigans' iconic "Lovefool" introduces a familiar melody to a new generation. What was your approach honoring a beloved classic while making it unmistakably AtHeart unique?

KATELYN: I think it was when we tried to keep the chorus as close as possible to the original song while still adding some of AtHeart's own color to it! 

ARIN: Since this was our first promotion as a complete group with AURORA, it felt like a fresh new experience. To bring out our own color, we spent a lot of time talking together about the mindset we wanted to have when performing this song on stage, so we could present it in a way that truly felt like us. 

GN: The music video radiates with the carefree optimism of summer, yet every frame is meticulously choreographed. What moments during filming best capture the atmosphere that viewers wouldn’t get to see?

SEOHYEON: There was a scene where the members were lined up facing forward as NAHYUN’'s crush collapsed and was carried away, and it required a lot of facial acting. We talked together about how to express the scene better, made adjustments along the way, and also tried out different poses until we found the ones that worked best. 

NAHYUN:  First of all, we made our comeback with a completely new concept that AtHeart hadn't shown before. Up until now, we've mainly shown dreamy, signature AtHeart concepts, but this time, to match the early summer season, we came back with a bright and lovely concept. To make the music video feel even more unique, we challenged ourselves with a fresh and unconventional storyline, and for the first time, we also got to try acting. Even though it was the first time acting for most of the AtHeart members, everyone did a great job, and I think the final result turned out beautifully. 

GN: The choreography for "Say It," featuring exercise balls looks like one of the most inventive performances of the year. How do unusual physical challenges influence the emotional confidence you bring to the stage?

AURORA: To be truly honest, the first time I heard that we were going to use a gym ball for our choreography, I was very worried and wasn't 100% sure if it was a good idea, especially since I'd never seen any other K-pop artist use gym balls in their choreography. It made me even more scared and worried about whether the audience would like it or not. At the start, it was very hard to get the hang of using the gym ball, and we all got quite a number of bruises. But through practice, we grew more confident and felt that using the gym ball was meant to be! Not only our fans, but the overall reactions and comments from the audience were generally very positive, which made us grow even more confident!

GN: Since the band’s debut, your music has evolved quickly from "Butterfly Doors" to "Shut Up" and now "Say It." Looking back, what do you think has changed most in your artistry and in your understanding of AtHeart’s direction?

BOME:  Since the beginning, we've built our albums around the idea of "unexpected twists." Rather than moving between extreme concepts like powerful or innocent, we've focused on expressing one core theme through a variety of emotions. We've explored both challenging and more mainstream genres, showing that we can express ourselves in many different ways and adapt to different styles. Through that process, I think we've become much more mature in how we interpret and express our music, and we've also become quicker at understanding each concept. I think that's been our biggest growth.

MICHI: I'd say that as we continue discovering what suits our voices, we also discover new sides of ourselves to share with our fans. With each release, our confidence has continued to grow. Songs like "Butterfly Doors" and "Shut Up" showcased our bolder side, while "Say It" allowed us to naturally show a more fun and refreshing side of AtHeart. Going forward, we want to keep experimenting with new styles and let the music naturally take us in new directions. No matter the concept or genre, I always enjoy seeing AtHeart's sincerity shine through. 

GN: AtHeart is a name that suggests sincerity before spectacle. In an industry often built on carefully constructed images, what does authenticity mean to each of you today, and has that definition changed since AtHeart’s debut?

ARIN:  When we're preparing for or working on something, I think we focus less on expecting something in return and more on showing people who we truly are. 

AURORA: I personally try to stay authentic and true to myself and to our fans at all times. I think, as a group, we all try to stay honest and open in the way we present our music! 

GN: Your songs often balance confidence with vulnerability. Do you believe audiences connect more deeply with artists who reveal uncertainty rather than always viewed through perfection?

BOME:  I think everyone has their own worries, and especially when you're in love, it's natural to show your imperfect side. If we want people to truly relate to our music and feel a genuine connection with us, I think it's important not to hide those vulnerable parts of ourselves. 

NAHYUN: Since our debut, one of my dreams has been to comfort people through our music, whether they're emotionally hurting or physically exhausted, and to bring them happiness. I've always believed that if I want to make others happy, I first have to be happy myself. That's why I try to share my heart with our fans more openly and express my feelings more honestly. 

GN: Millions of people have now watched your performances online. Does knowing that every expression and movement can be replayed endlessly change the way you experience a live performance in the moment?

KATELYN: For me personally, I don't think it changes the way I experience it because I kind of get lost in the performances we do and just enjoy the moment! 

SEOHYEON: Before every performance, I usually think about the expressions and gestures I want to use. I think that preparation actually helps me perform even better on stage and allows me to enjoy the live moment more confidently. 

GN: Memorable artists often create worlds reflecting their songs. If AtHeart were a place rather than a group, what kind of world would fans discover when they arrived there?

MICHI: AtHeart's world would be a dreamlike, whimsical place overflowing with love and music. Heartbeats can expect to arrive at a place that feels like home and allows them to truly be themselves. We always say that our goal is to connect with fans all over the world and create a world of our own together, so I hope this world can cater to everyone's needs and be a place where everyone feels welcome. For each of our songs, I imagine there being a designated area. I immediately thought of the “Islands of Personality” from Inside Out, “Neverland” from Peter Pan, or even the different planets from The Little Prince. Each area would have its own unique atmosphere, allowing fans to explore different sides of AtHeart with every visit. 

GN: Every new project tends to introduce a new visual language. When preparing for a new era, do you begin by imagining the music, the choreography, the fashion, or the emotional story you want audiences to feel?

ARIN: This song reminds me of a lovely, dreamy pastel world with soft baby pink colors. I think the outfits and the cute choreography are some of the biggest highlights. 

GN: Success in K-pop often arrives at remarkable speed. How do you preserve your curiosity and joy while living within an industry that moves so quickly?

AURORA: I personally don’t think fast recognition and results always lead to success. I think it’s hard to define what success is, but even in an industry that moves fast and changes rapidly, I think we are able to keep moving forward and maintain our joy in life because of our fans. 

GN: The word "goodnight" seems simple, yet it marks the moment when performance ends and private life begins. What does saying goodnight mean to each of you, and what rituals help you return to yourselves at the end of your day?

BOME: Before I go to sleep, I always listen to music to reconnect with myself. I choose songs that match how I'm feeling that day, spend some quiet time alone, and use that moment to reflect and recenter myself.

SEOHYEON: To me, "goodnight" means more than just wishing someone a good night's sleep. It's also a way of telling myself, "You did well today. You made it through." Before bed, I like to take a refreshing shower, talk with my family, or watch YouTube videos to unwind and let go of the stress and fatigue from the day.

GN: After saying "goodnight" to the world, where do your dreams take you? 

MICHI: While lying in bed, I often find myself reflecting on what I did that day as well as my upcoming schedules. By doing this, it feels like I’m organizing my thoughts so that I can have a fresh start the next day. Sometimes, before dozing off, I also think about artists who inspire me and the dreams I have of performing in front of thousands of ‘heartbeat’s. They remind me why I’m so passionate about what I do. When I dream, the people and places around me often make appearances, almost like a reflection of my everyday life. Last night, our manager, NAHYUN, and AURORA all appeared in my dream. And even my recent obsession, sweet potatoes! During our music show promotions, I also dreamed about many staff members and new ‘heartbeat’s. I always wonder if my dreams have meanings and have fun sharing them with the members. 

NAHYUN: I often fall asleep dreaming of AtHeart’s success and imagining what our future will look like. It makes me happy and excited to think about the journey we will continue to create together. 

GN: Beyond awards or chart success, what dream literal or metaphorical has quietly remained with you throughout your journey?

BOME:  I chose this career because I truly love performing on stage. My greatest hope is that people feel joy when they watch us, that their sadness becomes a little lighter, and that they find comfort and happiness through our performances. That's my ultimate dream and goal. 

GN: Every “goodnight” is followed by another morning. What does the first hour of your day reveal that fans would like to know?

AURORA: The first hour of my day is nothing fun or special. I wake up, check my phone, wash my face, brush my teeth, etc. I think checking my phone and scrolling through Instagram is something I absolutely have to do to wake myself up and fully get out of bed. On my days off, when I have time in the morning, I can spend an hour just scrolling through my phone without even realizing it!! 

GN: When the rehearsals are finished, the cameras are gone, and you've wished everyone “goodnight”, what thoughts or questions tend to stay with you in those final quiet moments before sleep?

KATELYN: I guess it’s the moments when I think about how I could do better, or how it would look if I had done something differently. I just think about how I can improve and do certain parts differently the next time we perform. 

SEOHYEON: I spend a lot of time thinking about what tomorrow will be like and what the future has in store for me.

GN: Your generation has grown up documenting life almost continuously through social media. Do you think constant visibility changes the way memories are formed, or can the most meaningful moments only exist when no one else is watching?

BOME:  I actually think our generation has an advantage when it comes to preserving memories. Even moments I don't clearly remember can become meaningful again when I look back at photos or videos, and they often turn into special memories. 

NAHYUN: I love creating and sharing memories with our fans, but I think the moments that stay with me the longest are the ones you can only experience in person, like making eye contact with our fans while we're on stage. 

GN: If someone were to discover AtHeart twenty years from now without knowing anything about today's K-pop landscape, what would you hope they would understand about this era of your lives through your music?

ARIN: I hope people will see that AtHeart brings our own unique color to every song and expresses each one in a way that's truly our own. 

KATELYN: I hope that they would understand that we try to show ourselves through our songs as much as possible while also thinking about what our fans can relate to. And that we’re just seven girls from very different backgrounds who came together to make our dreams come true! 

GN: Many artists speak about finding their voice, but very few speak about finding their silence. Where do each of you go physically or emotionally when you take time to hear your own inner thoughts?

MICHI: To clear my mind, I like going on walks, especially along the Han River or even just on my way to the office. When I’m not listening to music, it becomes a chance to be alone with my thoughts. I think it’s important to let your mind wander once in a while and take in what’s around you instead of always filling the silence. If you ever feel like you’re experiencing a creative block, I recommend using silence to your advantage! Personally, that’s when my mind comes up with the most ideas! 

GN: Your fans are called ‘heartbeat’s, a name that suggests life, rhythm, and connection. What have your fans taught you about yourselves that you might never have discovered alone?

KATELYN: They have taught me that someone will love me no matter what! They have taught me that there’s someone I can always count on, too, and that it’s okay to make mistakes because we’re human, and humans make mistakes! 

SEOHYEON: I think our fans have helped me discover sides of myself that I never noticed before. They'll tell me things like, "You made this expression today," or, "That little gesture was so cute," or even, "At first I thought you were cold, but you're actually really affectionate." Hearing those kinds of comments has made me want to understand myself better and pay more attention to who I am. 

GN: Imagine meeting yourselves ten years from now. What question would today's AtHeart ask your future selves, and what answer do you hope to hear?

AURORA: I would ask myself if I’m doing what I want to do and if I’m having fun. I hope my future self has gained more experience in this industry and overcome the problems and feelings that I’m struggling with right now. I hope that in 10 years, I’ll be doing all the things I hope I can do now! 

NAHYUN: I'd ask my future self if I've achieved the dreams I had when I debuted and whether I've been able to bring happiness, strength, and positive energy to people. I hope I'd hear, "Yes, you're giving people hope and positivity, and your music is making a lot of people happy." 

Photographer - Sunburnkids @sunburnkids 

Stylist - Jong Hyun Lee @jongddee

Make-up Artist - Dasom Jung @jungdasomi

Hair Stylist - Kyoung Mee Shin @memee.shin